Tom Vater President of the Bethel Park Soccer Association (BPSA) called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM in the Caucus Room of the Bethel Park Municipal Building. Also present were Dave Conely, Jim Rhoades, Matt Scott, Tony Bruno, Don Snyder, Jim Huber, Donna Orsini,  Brian Gorges, Kathleen Tischler, Bill Wolf, Matt Yee, Bill Boehner and Larry Shaw.

Secretary’s Report: Jim Huber passed out the meeting minutes and notes they were posted on the website.  Jim noted that Bob Monte was listed twice in the attendance, then eliminated one of the occurrences.  Brian Gorges updated the spelling of his last name.  The updates were agreed upon.  Motion was made to approve the updated minutes by Dave Conely and seconded by Jim Rhoades. The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report: Jim Rhoades stated we have a balance totaling $35,747.64. Jim also noted we waiting on a check from Huntingdon Bank.  Brian stated he has $20 of referee money.  Matt Yee has $50 of referee money.

President’s Report: 

·        Tom Vater advises there will be an indoor soccer session in the winter.  There is a Shoot-to-Score team training available January to March.  More detailed to come.

·        Tom stated he enjoyed being the BPSA President for the last two years, he thanks the board members, commissioners, travel coaches and assistants that really made the program work.  He believed the BPSA had several successful years and hoped he helped move the group forward in terms of organizational structure, finances, membership, player and coaches development.  He hoped the kids have learned a lot about soccer as he had during this time.  He knows not everyone had agreed, but he kept the group moving forward and has given a strong foundation for the next several years.      Financially, we did well over the last two years despite some unforeseen expenses and learned it it's harder to earn the money than to spend it.  So, please spend it wisely for the next President.  We started a lot of new programs during the past years, some started by Bill Harvey, Russ Spiccuza, Mark Vescovi and some started by us, and we found there are many people out there that want soccer programs.  Soccer can thrive in a community surrounded by baseball, football and lacrosse. Please focus our energy on the association as a whole and not just one team, one group nor one individual.  We are not going to please everyone, so let's not worry about it.  Tom knew at times we wrestled with the goals of the organization or to field the best teams, to get as many kids as possible interested in soccer.  He did not have all the answers but was comfortable with the path chosen the past two years.  He hopes the new board has the same success choosing the path in the future.   Please don't forget  we need to balance the needs of the parents with the desire of the players.  It's a tightrope but both need to be watched to get the best results.   Finally, Tom thanked again Bob Monte for his two years as vice President, Jim Huber as secretary,  Jim Rhoades as secretary and treasurer and Jack Kun as treasurer for their help as officers.  Thanks to Don Snyder for being his assistant and always being solid support.  Thanks to Tom's wife Carol for her constant help and knowing he could count on her to sign up the the next event without hesitation.  And thanks to everyone for pitching in to make these two great years for our group.

Committees:

Registration -

§         No Update

Communications –

• Donna Orsini advised the next newsletter is coming out.

Referees –

• Tom Vater updated that there was a good recertification course with 45 referees.  We replenished the grade 8 referees.
• February 2 and 3 is the new referees course for any U12 interested as well as any U13 or U14 who has interest.  Once the number is confirmed, BPSA will check wit the Rec Center to obtain a location for the course and then advise PA West.
• Donna Orsini asked if the course  could be held on a weekend instead of a week day.  Tom advised that a referee can get recertified at any course location.

Travel Commissioner & Registrar –

• No report.

PR/Fundraising –

• No Update.

Player/Coach Development –

• The Thanksgiving goalie clinic was not good.  Not enough time was spent with all the kids.

Flights –

• No Update.

Fields –

• No Update.

Equipment –

• No Update.

Community Liaison –

• No Report

Website -

• Jim Huber has updated the site with the 2008 ballot and the Spring 2008 registration.

Old Business –

• none discussed.

New Business –

• Matt Scott asked if BPSA can develop e-class license for those interested.  Tom advised we need 12 or more for PA West to sponsor a class at no charge and will need a location for the class to apply with PA West.
• Jim Huber motioned to suspend Article 7 by-law for 2008, this by-law states the board will be comprised of 3 - 15 members.  Donna Orsini 2nd the motion and it passed unanimously.
• Jim Huber made a motion to accept all the nominees listed on the 2008 ballot.  Matt Scott 2nd the motion.  It passed unanimously.
• Appointment of the officers for 2008.  Bill Wolf was nominated for President.  There were no other nominees.  Tony Bruno made a motion to elect Bill Wolf.  Dave Conely 2nd the motion.  Bill Wolf was elected unanimously.  Bill Boehner was nominated for Vice President.  There were no other nominees.  Bill Wolf made a motion to elect Bill Boehner.  Dave Conely 2nd the motion.  It passed unanimously.  Jim Rhoades was nominated for Treasurer.  There were no other nominees.  Jim Huber made a motion to elect Jim Rhoades.  Tony Bruno 2nd the motion.  It passed unanimously.  Dave Conely was nominated for secretary.  There were no other nominees.  Jim Rhoades made a motion to elect Dave Conely.  Tony Bruno 2nd the motion.  It passed unanimously.
• Bill Wolf advised he looks forward to develop the BPSA going forward and appreciates the efforts in the past.
• Dave Conely wanted to thank Tom Vater for his two years and he did the right things for BPSA.

Larry Shaw motioned to adjourn the meeting and Matt Scott seconded, all in favor, the meeting adjourned 7:52 PM.

Upcoming Dates -

• January 8, 2008 Board Meeting/ Planning Session for 2008.
• January 16, 2008 In person Registration 7:00 - 8:30 PM Council Chambers
• February 14, 2008 Final Travel Registration
• March 2, 2008 Final Flights Registration

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