Minutes of the Annual General
Meeting January 13, 2013
Vicksburg Convention Center
Vicksburg, Mississippi
The Mississippi Soccer Association began its Annual General Meeting Sunday
Morning, January 13, 2013, with its Annual General Business Meeting.
Executive Director Kay Bouler was the Master of Ceremonies for the Meeting.
President Doug Kitchens presented the opening statements and welcomed the
delegates and guests of Mississippi Soccer. He thanked the State sponsors, Score
American Soccer, Kohl’s, and Pullen Insurance. Various other vendors for the state
were noted as well.
President Kitchens asked that cell phones be silenced.
Credentials
Roll Call was conducted by Secretary Ed Goyette
Members not present: Brookhaven Youth Soccer Org., Byram Soccer Assn,
Chickasaw County Soccer Assn, Clarksdale Kicks, Copiah County Soccer Org.,
Flowood YMCS Soccer Assn, Indianola Youth Soccer Org., Laurel Jones County
Soccer Assn., Natchez Youth Soccer Assn., New Albany Soccer Club, Pontotoc Park
Commission, Saltillo Futbol Club, Senatobia Youth Soccer, Singing River Soccer
Club
Gene Phillips announced the results of the roll Call. There are 45 members
eligible, and present. There is a quorum of the membership present. A two thirds
majority is 30 votes; a simple majority is 24 votes. The meeting was called to
order at 9:48 AM.
Officer/Program Director Reports
Kim Quarles, Recreational Vice President stated that her report was in the book and
reported that the Kohls American Cup is scheduled for Clinton, MS. She also
discussed the U8 State Cup. It will be played in Jamboree and competitive formats
at Pearl Youth Soccer on April 13-14, 2013.
Tom Velek, Division 2 Vice President stated report was in the book. He reported
that the D2 reps have been identified and there is a D2 contact list on the MSA
website. He reported that HYSA held the tournament last year and will be held at
TYSA this year. He explained that the Regional Presidents Cup is being held in
Decatur, AL. Per MSA policy, all D2 tournaments will be required to use GotSoccer
for the coming season as the tournament software.
Jeff Martella, Division I Vice President, stated that his report was in the book but
reported that the Division I program continues to grow. He reminded everyone
that league games will be held in March.
Lane Smith, Adult Vice President, reported on the rebate program being offered by
the USASA for the upcoming fall & spring seasons. More information on this is
listed on the MSA website.
Gene Phillips presented the Treasurers report. He explained that his report is in the
book as well. Also, we received our certificate from the Secretary of State's office
this year.
Alex Farned, Northern District Director. His report is in the book, he is working on
coaching clinics for the spring. The district tournament will be in Tupelo this year.
networking is so important, if you're having any troubles or have questions, please
reach out to anyone in this room, we're all here to hlep. All-in-all the associations
are doing well.
Barbara Brent, MSA Registrar, her report is in the book. She discussed that District
Registrars were available to assist. Urged club registrars to follow the appropriate
policies for age balance and to make sure a player is not already in the system
before adding to a roster - this is very important. Also a reminder that U8's are not
Division II eligible - they may play up on a U9 team but U8 teams cannot be
sanctioned as Division II teams.
Gerald Self, Western District Director. His report is in the book. He thanked John
Turner and Beth banks for there assistance in the Western District Tournament. His
district tournament will be in Greenwood this year.
In absence of Michele Tharp, Central District Director, Kim Quarles reported that the
Central District has held many ref and coaching clinics. The Tournament will be at
NWRAA.
Tom Paschal, Southern District Director reported that his tournament will be
in Gulfport this year.
Kay Bouler, Executive Director, reported that this report is a tag-team report and
publicly thanked Kim Quarles for all of her work as interim director. Our plan is to
visit each organization over the course of the next couple of years - we want to
know how we can help you. That's our role and we look forward to the challenge.
Shirley Griffin, Kidsafe Committee Chair reported that seven coaches have been
denied so far this season. Shirley reminded the organizations that they are
responsible for each volunteer, no matter what their role is.
State Discipline Chair, Ron King reported that he only had two discipline cases to
hear this year. There were a couple of others that he was able to offer some
technical advice to and they were resolved before the committee needed to act.
Technical Director, Dr. Terry Eguaoje, his report is in the book. A book has been
written as a manual for coaches. He is working on a grant to provide one copy of
this book to each organization. Also, the National C license clinic will be held in
New Orleans. National Youth License was held last year on the gulf coast. Many
thanks to Steve Huckabee and SMSC for all their help. The Region III Coach of
The Year is from Mississippi, Dr. Tom Velek. We're very excited about this and
hope he will win the National award. We had less than 400 coaches licensed in
2012. Announced Anthony Bynoe as the new ODP administrator. Shea Carter will
be the girls administrator. We had 320 players in ODP last year, the '95 girls won
nationals - a first for Mississippi.
Tim Clements, State Referee Administrator, stated that his report in the book. Tim
stated that the referee program continues to grow and strengthen. For the past 3
years MS has sent referees to naitonal competitions and that speaks volumes. This
year at Regionals, MS had more top referees and top assistan referees than the
state of Florida. That's a huge accomplishment. Tim introduced members of the
State Referee Committee members that were present. There were some changes
on the committee that were not noted in the report.
Tawni Osborne stated that the office report was in the book.
Motion: To accept the reports as presented and read – Steve Huckabee - SMSC
Second - Amanda Tootle, D'Iberville
Motion Carried unopposed
Motion: To accept the minutes of the Previous Meeting – Paul Roblin - HYSA
Second – Kim Quarles
Motion Carried unopposed
Awards Recognition
George Hoff Award
Tim Clements explained this award is for our adult referees - George Heoff was a
founding member of MSA and sat as SRA for many years. The person being
recognized has been involved for 28 years. He is a mentor, advisor, organizer and
works tirelessly. This year's winner is John Turner.
Referees of the Year
Doug Irby introduced the Youth Referees of the Year for the District and State.
District Winners NorthCentral - Logan Reeves and Kelli Green
South - Nick Goyette
West – Ryker Lackey and Raven Lawrence
Kelli Green and Nick Goyette were the State Winners.
Coach of the Year
Dr Terry Eguaoje recognized the District and State Winners for Coaches of the Year
North District - Merrill Bush
West – Kevin Steed
Central – Mark Walker
South - Kendall Carraway
State Winners – Girls Rec Scot Ehrgott, Girls Competitive Mark Walker, Boys Rec Dr. Tom Velek, Boys Competitive - Merill Bush. Region III Boys Recreational Coach
of the Year - Dr. Tom Velek.
Administrator of the Year Administrator of the year (Suzanne Brown Award)
Deanna Carlock, Tupelo
Special Award - Doug Kitchens presented a special recognition award to Kim
Quarles for stepping in as interim-director when Brent Clements resigned. Her
willingness to take on this responsibility is greatly appreciated.
100% Club – Doug Kitchens recognized the 100% club members for the
2011-2012 season. They are DeSoto County, Oxford Park Commission, Pontotoc
Park Commission, Saltillo Futbol Club, Greenville Youth Soccer, Grenada Youth
Soccer, Southwest Jackson Soccer League, South Madison County Soccer,
Richland City Soccer, Laurel/Jones County Soccer (not present), Meridian Youth
Soccer, Jackson Futbol Club, Bay Area Youth Soccer, D'Iberville Youth Soccer,
East Central Soccer Club, George-Greene County Soccer, Ocean Springs Soccer,
Mississippi Coast Special Needs Soccer, Pearl River Futbol Club, Poplarville Soccer,
Singing River Soccer Club, South Mississippi SOccer Club, Stone County Soccer,
West Jackson County Soccer, West River Soccer Club.
Provisional Members: Kay Bouler noted that we have 2 provisional members
now: Hernando Youth Soccer and Corinth Sportsplex Soccer. There are no
delegates from either organization so they will remain a provisional member for
one more year. Kay Bouler also noted that the MSA Council approved Gulf Coast
United Futbol Club as an Associate Member under the BAYS organization This
was approved on December 8th and went into effect immediately.
President Kitchens suggested that a 10 minute break taken @ 10:52 a.m.
When the meeting re-convened, Ed Goyettee took roll call and a quorum was
established.
President Kitchens asked Kay Bouler to run the Proposal portion of the meeting as
he chaired from the side.
Kay asked for Unanimous consent to be allowed to make all numbering changes
and typographical corrections. There being no objection, unanimous consent was
given.
Kay also explained the countdown timer for discussion and the process where a
member in favor of the proposal and then a member against the proposal will
alternate. Ed Goyetee will be the time keeper. A member that has already spoken
to the matter may not speak again until all that wish to speak have done so.
President Kitchens may extend time if he chooses and will be the Chair in matters
of form and order. Also, any amendments must be submitted in writing. The forms
are on your tables and there are extras at the table where Sherry, our reporter, is
sitting.
Greg Lewis was the chairperson of the R&R Committee and he explained the
process by which each proposal was handled with committee members from each
district offering input and thoughts.
Proposals
Proposal #1
Motion – to place Proposal 1 on the floor for vote – Steve Huckabee, SMSC;
Second – Tony Cox, BSL
Motion carried
Tom Paschal spoke to the proposal as the author of the proposal. He spoke to
maintaining the integrity of the U19 age division by requiring them to have player
passes. There have been a few instances in the past where players have pretended
to be someone else and teams were disqualified. Specifically one team because the
player put it on Facebook that he cheated.
Kay asked Greg Lewis to present the Rules and Revisions Committee comments to
the proposal. The committe recommends this proposal with the modification that
the player pass should not cost more than $10 per player. After much discussion
it was decided that the MSA Council would set the fee for the U19 player pass.
A simple majority was needed & obtained - the policy change passed.
Proposal #2
Motion – to place Proposal 2 on the floor for vote – Amanda Tootle, D'Iberville YS
Second – Kevin Steed, Grenada YS
Motion carried
Barbara Brent spoke to the proposal as the author of the proposal. The proposal is
designed to eliminate boundaries, making soccer available to players without
impediment. It also helps evaluate whether a full member is servicing its players,
coaches, referees, and officials. We're taking out a statement of its territorial
boundaries and changing it to geographical area.
Most of the time transfer/release requests are not denied so there's really no
purpose in having territorial boundaries if the players are going to be allowed to
leave regardless. There were 144 release to home forms approved this fall. We
should let the kids play wherever they want. The parents are extremely frustrated
by having to complete these forms and most of the time, they do them incorrectly
and have to re-submit.
Kay asked Greg Lewis to present the Rules and Revisions Committee comments to
the proposal. The committe believes the establishment of a protected player bas
as defined is part of the full member's charter and an asset of the member. This
also assists the smaller full members to maintain a sufficient player base.
Kay then asked if anyone would like to speak for or against the proposal:
Kim Quarles - As a former club president of a small club I understand the
concerns. However, if the players are allowed to move anyway, where is the
purpose of the territorial boundary. The club's geographical boundary won't
change, that's not what this is about. I'm in support of this change.
Against - Dorian Allen, SWJSL - stated that Byram Soccer was allowed to take part
of their terriroty eventhough they opposed it. The only thing SWJSL is against is
allowing these type of actions to take place.
For - Tom Velek - it is important that players are allowed to play wherever they
choose and we don't hinder that process with boundaries. If you offer a quality
program, it won't matter whether the boundaries exist or not.
Against - Alden Brooks - I disagree with the statement that because of the
boundaries you are doomed to not grow. We need to be able to service the areas
that we have. So from that vantage point, we are definitely and adamantly opposed
to it
There was more discussion on this proposal - Kim Quarles Called The Question.
Vote was taken- the motion did not received a 2/3 majority and failed to
pass.
Proposal #3 - Because proposal #2 did not pass, this proposal will not be brought to
the floor.
Kay Bouler noted that it was lunch time and asked the will of the membership to
break for lunch or to continue. The membership wished to continue.
Proposal #4
Motion – to place Proposal 4 on the floor for vote – Steve Huckabee, SMSC
Second – Dorian Allen, SJWSL
Motion carried
Steve Huckabee spoke on behalf of Jeff Bruni, the maker of the proposal. He agreed
with the R&R Committee to reduce the # of D1 teams back to 3 for an associate
member. We would like to also add that the full member's organization name or club
logo be included on the associate member's uniform.
Greg Lewis stated that the committee felt this proposal was not in the best interest of
the administration of MSA and does not support it.
After more discussion a vote was taken. Vote was taken- the motion did not
received a 2/3 majority and failed to pass.
Proposal #5
Motion – to place Proposal 4 on the floor for vote – Steve Huckabee, SMSC
Second – Terry Hall, Poplarville SC
Motion carried
Steve Huckabee spoke on behalf of Jeff Bruni, the maker of the proposal. He explained
that this is an effort to protect their own area for Division I players. This would prevent
them from taking an organizations players. The proposal was amended to remove the
u13 age group as they fall under the National Championship Rules now.
Greg Lewis stated that the committee felt that the current way the policies and bylaws
are written is sufficient and does not support the proposal.
Trip Shook, Florence Youth Soccer - spoke to the face that all he is hearing in these
discussions is "my organization or my club" and nothing about the kids. "You want to
protect your organization, your money, your thing, not the kids. That bothers me."
Ed Goyette called the question.
Vote was taken- the motion did not received a 2/3 majority and failed to pass.
Proposal #6 - because Proposal #5 did not pass, this proposal will not be brought
forward.
Proposal #7 Motion – to place Proposal 7 on the floor for vote – Steve Huckabee,SMSC
Second – Greg Lewis, CLRA
Motion carried
Steve Huckabee spoke on behalf of Jeff Bruni, the maker of the proposal. To change
the date of the Letter of Intent from April 1st to September 1st so that league games
can be completed.
Greg Lewis said the the R&R committee would like to yield to Jeff Martell, Division I VP
to point out a couple of things the R&R committee wasn't aware of in this proposal.
Steve Huckabee also spoke that he had talked w/ Jeff and upon clarification would like
to have the proposal read that the Letter of Intent is due April 1st for the upcoming
season.
A friendly amendment was offered to read: This letter must be received by the MSA
state office by April 1st for the following soccer season.
This will be effective September 1st.
Vote taken - as this is policy a simple majority is needed and the proposal is
approved as amended.
Election of Officers
Registrar – Doug Kitchens stated that Barbara Brent is the only candidate for this
position unless there are any nominations from the floor. There being none Barbara
Brent was re-elected by acclamation.
Division II Vice President - Doug Kitchens stated that Tom Velek is the only
candidate for this position unless there are any nominations from the floor. There
being none Tom Velek was re-elected by acclamation.
Division III Vice President - Doug Kitchens stated that Kim Quarles is the only
candidate for this position unless there are any nominations from the floor. There
being none Kim Quarles was re-elected by acclamation.
Also announced were: Western District Director, Gerald Self - re-elected by the
western district members. Central District Director, Michele Tharp - re-elected by the
central district members.
Good of the Game
Tony Cox, BSL announed the 3rd annual Pierce Allan Helsm benefit fundraise. It's for
the pediatric unit at Batson Children's Hospital. The fee is $12 per player. You can
find the information on Facebook and on the Branson Soccer League website.
Tom Velek spoke on Soccer Across America and encouraged each organization to get
involved with this. There is grant money out there to be used to help start up
programs in inter-city areas. He also commented that as we talk about growing
programs, etc, to keep in mind that the playes are our customers, they don't belong to
anyone.
More door prizes were given away.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:03 pm.