Wilton Soccer Association
Monthly Board Meeting
AUGUST 18, 2014
Comstock Community Center
7:30pm-10:00pm
Board Member Attendees: Pete Connelly, Michael Walden, Jenn Felipe,
Matthew Allen, Ed Bergen, Prasad Iyer, Jim Lucas, Russ Schmidt, Tracy Scarfi,
Manny Rodrigues, Bryce Brichkowski, Prasad Iyer, David Silvia
Absent: Tracy Scarfi, Gabe Tully
Non-Member Attendees: John Salvatore, Mickey Kydes
7:31pm Pete Connelly, President called the meeting to order
Motions Approved:
 Minutes from August Board Meeting
 Tony Palumbo as Treasurer
 Karen Pearsall increase in payment to $1,000 for coordination of referees
 Graeme Lloyd increase in payment to $2,000 for additional responsibility
with Academy Program
Voting Items (Academy fees for SE, Pearsall Raise, New Treasurer) Connolly
Michael made a motion for Tony Palumbo to be voted in as the new treasurer
Board Voted - Unanimous approval.
Russ made a motion to raise the amount we pay Karen Pearsall to $1, 000 due
to the increase in work finding referees for Rush Games, as well as referees for
all of the academy, grade 2 rec and travel games.
Board Voted - Unanimous approval
Prasad made the motion for increasing Graeme Lloyd’s payment to $2,000 to
take on more of a lead role with the Academy Program.
Board Voted - Unanimous approval
Hosting of playoffs for U12 boys and girls
Pete shared that the WSA will be hosting the playoffs for U12 boys and
girls. The date will be confirmed at this week’s district meeting.
Uniform Process - how did process go? - Iyer
Prasad shared that Soccer and Rugby was not able to handle the large
order. Pete went in to discuss this issue with Soccer and Rugby. Many parents
did not place their order on time and some people requested more practice
jerseys once they got to the store, but the number was not confirmed with the on
line order. People were frustrated with not being able to get their orders on time
even if they did place the on-line order by the deadline.
November Elections - Explain process, discuss open positions - Connolly
Pete will send out an email to all WSA members who are registered on the
website about open positions, as well as board elections. The Proxy is sent out
30 days prior to an election. Any proxies that are sent in will be brought to the
November meeting. The WSA members vote for board members. Then the board
votes for the officers.
Pete needs to know over the next few days if board members will not be
returning. The only board member who will not be returning at this time will be
Jenn Felipe.
BOARD UPDATES Director of Coaching Report - John Salvatore
John shared that the managers meeting for travel was well attended. Ben Weiss
has been working on the rainy day schedule, as well as weekly parent education
via email.
All of the Rush teams are up and running. It was clarified that all U11 and under
players have to play on the Travel team in addition to their practice and games
with the RUSH team, since at this level RUSH is meant to be an add on. This
only affected 3-4 players and John has contacted these players with the
clarification.
John shared that plans are underway for the Columbus Day Premier
Tournament. At this time 50 teams have registered. There are a few age groups
that need to be filled. It was requested the Bryce reaches out to other town
associations to help fill spots.
President's Report - Pete Connolly
Pete shared that there are still three parent Academy coaches that still need to
complete the parent volunteer background check. Manny need to give Pete the
list of K-2 Parent Volunteers so that he can confirm that those parents have
completed the proper paperwork.
Pete reminded the directors that they do not need to copy Pete on all emails.
Pete also shared that we need to communicate better with parents, especially
when we are delaying announcements: i.e. teams for travel.
Pete also reminded the board that he is the only one who should be emailing the
CJSA President. VP’s can email the league commissioner.
Pete requested that job descriptions be emailed to him as soon as possible if you
haven’t already done so.
Treasurer's Report - Connolly
Pete shared that enrollment in all programs is up, but requests for financial
assistance has also increased.
Pre-K and K-2 Intramural Rodrigues/Kydes
Manny reported that there are 433 players registered for the K-2 program. Pre-K
enrollment is around 36 players. Manny will be doing a jersey inventory, and
requested more team bags. New bags will need to be purchased since many are
in bad shape and are unable to be used.
Manny has suggested that there be a description on the website of what the K-2
and Pre-k program are all about for parents new to the area, as well as first time
parents with the WSA soccer program.
Academy (Registration/program discussion)- Iyer/Salvatore
Iyer shared that there are currently 190+ players registered for the fall Academy
program. He noted that is was helpful to parents to tell what the description of
the program and the tentative practice and game time schedule.
Late registrations continue to be an issue when trying to make teams. Iyer
suggested that maybe an increase in the late fee might deter parents from
registering late.
David shared his ideas about being having a meeting for the academy coaching
so that they understand what they have to do for their team (communicate
schedule weekly, having parents RSVP to let coaches know who is coming to
games, etc.). The consistent communication might help make the program
stronger. It was also discussed that maybe the Academy game schedule might
be integrated with league athletics to have ease with game reminders and
RSVPs.
Travel - Lucas/Scarfi/Salvatore
Jim shared that addition clarification needs to be made about Rush practices in
conjunction with travel.
Fundraising - Walden
Michael shared that the community fundraiser with Witon Pizza and Scoops had
a great response. He is going to try another local business fundraiser with
Marley’s for next month.
Tournaments/Brichkowski
Bryce shared that we are short junior referees especially at the second grade
games. On-line training should have been completed. Referees who are left to
referee by themselves will be paid $30.00. Bryce suggested that Lisa Smith
send out reminders and pointers to the Jr. Referees. It was requested that
coaches let the League Directors know if their referees are a no show so that
they do not get paid.
Tryouts-Schmidt
No Report
Fields - Tully
No Report
Operations - Allen
Matt reached out to Addidas and found out that we are unable to get any
equipment through Addidas. He shared that we need corner flag bags, sand
bags, coaching bas for the K-2 program etc.
Matt also reported that he did not get go ahead for field set up in a timely manner
which made it very difficult to get volunteers to help.
Web - Bergin
Pete requested that at the time for registration that there is only one drop down
box when people register to be volunteers.
Legal - Silvia
David reported that he is working on the paper work for a player who was injured
last spring. Parents are looking for a secondary insurer through CJSA.
David wants to remind managers that they need to report injuries to the WSA
right when it happens, so that we can reach out to the families with the
information.
Secretary - Felipe
No Report
9:05pm meeting adjourned. Minutes submitted by Jenn Felipe.