Seattle United Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2015
Seattle United Headquarters, 605 S. Orcas St.
Name
Title/Function
Attendance
Warren Ratliff
President
Absent
Dori Karjian
Vice President
Absent
David Hennes
Treasurer
Present
Steven Caplow
Secretary
Present
David Bowerman
Director-at-Large
Absent
Vance Clipson
West ROC
Present
Amy Gaffney
Director-at-Large
Present
Kurt Hanson
Director-at-Large
Present
Alex Johnston
SYSA Representative
Present
Amy Marsh
Director-at-Large
Present
Cyndy Masada
Shoreline ROC/Compliance
Officer
Present
Stephen Morrissey
Director-at-Large
Present
Jennifer Price
Director-at-Large
Present (by telephone)
Cam Ragen
Director-at-Large
Present
Board Members
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Robert Sheppard
Director-at-Large
Absent
Theresa Tanoury
NE ROC
Present
Debra Webb
Director-at-Large
Present
Ben Wilson
South ROC
Present
Kevin Long
Executive Director
Present
Jimmy McAlister
Director of Coaching
Absent
Other Participants
I.
Call to Order
A quorum of the members of the voting Board being present, a regular meeting of the Seattle United
Board of Directors was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
II.
Regular Business
Secretary Steven Caplow made some introductory remarks.
III.
Regular Business
The FIRST order of business was a report on the Development Committee by Debra Webb. Ms.
Webb reported on participation in a grant proposal to expand the Soccer in Schools program that
introduces public school children to the game of soccer. Amy Marsh and Theresa Tanoury
discussed sponsorship opportunities. Kevin Long provided an update on the raffle. Members of
the committee and the board then discussed the annual gala.
The SECOND order of business was approval of the July 2015 minutes.
The THIRD order of business was a report on the Medical Advisory Committee by Cam
Regan. Mr. Regan discussed an upcoming injury prevention night at the University of
Washington. Mr. Regan also addressed the Club’s participation in an observational study of
sleep and other symptoms associated with sports-related concussion (SRC) of adolescents aged
11-18, and a survey study of parents of youth and adolescent soccer players about SRC. Player
and parent participation in both studies will be voluntary. After a general discussion, the board
unanimously approved the Club’s participation in both studies.
The FOURTH order of business was a report on the Uniform Committee by Steve Morrissey.
Mr. Morrissey reported on negotiation of terms and conditions with the Club’s uniform vendor.
Mr. Morrissey also reported on uniform distribution. There was then general discussion among
the board regarding issues related to uniforms.
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The FIFTH order of business was report on the Communications Committee by Vance
Clipson. Mr. Clipson reported on communications to explain the upcoming transition to
calendar-year based teams, the Club’s website, follow-up on issues identified through the survey,
development of an emergency crisis plan and the Club’s code of conduct. Jennifer Price reported
on the strategic plan. Amy Marsh reported on preparation of a family fact sheet and
communications calendar. There was general discussion among the board about these projects.
The SIXTH order of business was a report on Seattle Youth Soccer Association (SYSA) by
Ben Wilson with input from Alex Johnston. Mr. Wilson reported on SYSA’s discussion of
sideline behavior, the transition to calendar-year based teams, coaches for recreational level
teams, clinics, and marketing projects.
The SEVENTH order of business was a report on the Soccer Operations Committee by Steve
Morrissey with input from Kurt Hanson. Mr. Morrissey reported on the nationwide transition to
calendar-year based teams in 2015/16 and related adjustments to field size and player numbers in
2016/17. Mr. Morrissey also reported on the Club’s decision not to renew its participation
Crossfire’s ECNL program, and development of its own girl’s elite program. There was then
questions and general discussion among the board about implementation and communication of
these initiatives.
The EIGHTH order of business was a report by Kevin Long on the budget update based on
player registration and Dave Hennes regarding the August 2015 financials.
The NINTH order of business was a report on the 2015 audit by Kevin Long, David Hennes
and Steven Caplow. There was a review of the audit findings and the Club’s adoption of a
written policy to formalize and enhance financial control procedures. Mr. Long answered
questions from members of the board about the implementation of these procedures and whether
they were impacting Club operations.
The TENTH order of business was a report by Jennifer price on the Financial Aid
Subcommittee. Ms. Price reported that the committee awarded financial aid for 137 players and
team fee subsidies to 14 teams. Ms. Price reviewed the financial aid policies under discussion
for the upcoming season.
The ELEVENTH order of business was a report on the Governance Committee by Steven
Caplow. Mr. Caplow discussed the committee’s nomination of at large board members and the
selection of regional committee members for the 2015/2016 term. Mr. Caplow noted the board
members whose term of service was ending -- Vance Clipson, Dave Hennes, Dori Karjian,
Cyndy Masada, and Robert Sheppard -- and there was a general discussion acknowledging the
service and contribution of these board members.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9.14 p.m.
Minutes taken by Steven Caplow, Secretary.
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