Minutes of Nov 7th, 2001 LISC Board Meeting

 Present: Mike Wingo, Seamus Reilly, Robert Baird, Joe Seeley, Jon Foreman, Trey Bradberry and Jan Weyhenmeyer

 Absent: Kent Williamson

 Guest: Matt Kirkpatrick

Matt came to discuss the fee structure for the high school age teams.  These players pay $200.00 a season, which is the same fee as all other players in the club pay.  He expressed a belief that this fee structure is unfair to the older players.  He also seemed to want a higher stipend than is granted by the club and wanted this assessed to the players by the club.  He stated he wanted to consider other options for the team he is coaching such as not participating in the league.  Mike, who was supported by the other board members, told him, that league play is considered mandatory by the board.  The league is getting better and participation allows a team to play in the State Cup.  The Board believes playing in the State Cup is a positive and rewarding experience.  Last year this team was allowed to register as a tournament only team and the cost which was considerably more than a team registered with the league.  The club paid this cost when the team should have paid it.  Since that time the board has discussed this issue and changed the requirement.  Matt was reminded that the team does benefit from the winter program, fitness program, indoor program, training and the cost of 2 tournaments.  The team also does not help at Fall Cup, the only club fund raiser.  Jon remarked that we must be consistent with all teams or we will create a feeling of unfairness.  The board does not object if Matt wants to assess his players a fee for his coaching.  However the Board will not do it for him. 

Joe discussed the parent rep meeting. See the meeting summary distributed by email and at this meeting for details.  Joe stated the meeting and the newsletter from Mike were a success.  The parent reps requested more newsletters with answers to frequently asked questions.  They also requested a survey for parents and players in the spring.  The parents seemed committed to the club and most were satisfied with the answers to questions.  Minutes of Board meetings and jobs for parents will be posted on the Website.  A club wide get together will be planned for the early spring.  Some parents still have issues with the club finances but all parent reps will get an annual budget in the spring.  Seamus would like to plan a program to educate parents on soccer. This would include the rules of play and spectator behavior. 

Terry has contacted the U of I twice about a date for the tournament next year.  However, the U of I will not commit yet.  There is a concern about the Bears playing in Champaign and using the U of I facilities.  We need a date quickly because the application to host a tournament will be due in December.  There was a question about hosting a spring 2003 tournament but the condition of the grass on the U of I fields is a concern and permission to use the fields could be denied.   A summary of the wrap up meeting held 10/11/2001 was distributed.  Jon suggested borrowing an idea from the Morton tournament.  They have a telephone number to call in case of inclement weather that gives information and instructions about games changes etc. 

There were no treasury or coaching reports. 

The Board needs to develop a policy concerning sponsorship and fund raising.  There should not be team fund raising.  The club needs a major sponsor and should approach companies in Champaign/Urbana.  Some parents want to donate because it is tax free or because of the advertising but often the donation is cited for a specific team.  This is a major problem from an accounting standpoint.  There was a long discussion on the legalities of fund raising, the use of the money and the use of the club’s name.  This is a long-standing issue and the Board needs to have a strategy for dealing with this issue.  There needs to be a committee, with a specified Board member, to oversee the use of the funds and there needs to be specific guidelines for raising money. 

The last three years there have been elections for new Board members in December.  However, the election should be in March or April, the start of a new fiscal year.  There will be a nominating meeting consisting of the coaches, parent reps and the current board.  A date in March will be chosen. 

The $500.00 stipend for non-parent coaches was briefly discussed.  Most agree that this is not enough but additional money for the coach should be assessed to the players.  However, a concern was raised that a bidding war among teams could ensue especially if the parents were willing to pay significantly more.  The club needs to formally handle these situations. 

Robert discussed the U8 team.  He specifically wanted to know if they should play in the league in the spring.  They only practiced in the fall. 

Trey does not think they are ready for league play and suggested that they scrimmage Park District teams. 

Next Meeting: November 28, 2001 at 7:30 at Mike Wingo’s house.