HOUSTON WOMEN'S SOCCER ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF MEETING

May 7, 2003

 

 

The meeting was called to order by Ben Sharpe, HWSA Vice-president, at Saengerbund Hall at 8:03 p.m.

 

ROLL CALL

Women's teams absent: Footloose 2, Katy Kicks, Red Hot Chicks, Shooting Stars, Synergy, Trademark United, Wildcats

Coed teams absent: Bunker Hill Bruisers, Buffalo Wild Wings, El Tri, Fireballs, Marathon Madness, North Shore, Olympia, Pumas, Revolucion, Southwest United, Synergy, and Team Thunder

Board members absent: Stephen Jump, Coed Commissioner

 

MINUTES:

Minutes of the March 5, 2003 meeting were posted on the website and emailed to all team reps.  Minutes of the March 5, 2003 meeting were approved as presented.

OFFICER REPORTS

President:

1.         WUSA exhibition

-          The WUSA was pleased even though attendance decreased from the game in October

-          HWSA lost approximately $21,000 due to low attendance.  Part of this loss will be recouped through WUSA merchandise sales.

-          A Profit & Loss statement for both the October 2002 and March 2003 games are available for anyone who is interested and an independent accountant has been asked to review the accounting books.

-          Houston could be selected to host a Women’s World Cup game in the Fall.

2.        Budget

-          Player fees have increased at the state level, which means that player fees will likely increase in the Fall, at least $3, maybe $5.  HWSA would like to remain a low-cost league.

-          The Treasurer needs help with the 2003-2004 budget.  If you are interested in helping and providing input, please let the President or Treasurer know.

3.        HWSA growth - As our league continues to grow, the registration process is becoming a burden.  HWSA is exploring other registration options such as combining with HFA or hiring a part-time financial person.  HFA has a paid position with an office and a drop box at Bear Creek.  HWSA is meeting with HFA next week to discuss our options.

 

Vice president:

1.        In the past year, HWSA has initiated a registration bonus for any teams that remained card-free during the previous season.  This will continue with the summer season.

2.        One team this season has 12 cards to date.

  

Secretary:

1.        If you missed roll call, be sure to see the Secretary after the meeting, as there is a $10 fine for missing league meetings.

2.        Summer registration packets for coed teams are available.  Please pick them up after the meeting.  Also, player registration forms in Spanish are available on the league’s website.

 

Registrar:

1.        Registrar needs to see team rep for Stingers.

2.        ID cards are available for pickup after the meeting.  Please see the Registrar.

3.        Registration materials may be dropped off at the Registrar’s home.  No call is necessary if you are just dropping materials off.  The best time to reach the Registrar is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday days, or other days before 11am.

4.        To avoid confusion, the Registrar will generally not respond to emails from players other than the team rep.

5.        Team rosters were not included in the registration packets.  Please email the Registrar to request one.

6.        Limited blank player cards are available tonight.  Additional blank player cards may be requested by emailing the Registrar.

 

Treasurer:

1.        The league currently has $35,600 in its Wells Fargo account and $1,589 in its money market account.

2.        The following teams need to see the Treasurer regarding NSF checks: Alliance (Coed), Bunker Hill Bruisers, Fireballs, Shooting Stars, and Wildcats.

3.        Only 3 teams have paid field fees.  If this trend continues, the league may consider instituting a new rule that would require that any teams that have not paid field fees by their second game, will not be allowed to play again until payment is rendered.

4.        Please include checks with your registration materials provided to the Registrar.  Due to the receipt of registration information by the Registrar and checks by the Treasurer, players that had not paid were being registered.  Therefore, all registration materials must now be accompanied by a check.  The Registrar will give the checks to the Treasurer for deposit at his earliest convenience.

 

Women's Commissioner:

1.        Current standings – only one division is complete.  Rox has secured 1st place in Division 4.  Division 2 should be complete by the end of the week.

2.        Concessions help is needed for the Quickfoot tournament on May 17.  See Women’s Commissioner after the meeting if you are available to volunteer.

 

Coed Commissioner:

1.        No report.

 

Field Coordinator

1.        HWSA is in discussions with the commissioner for Independence Park regarding lights

2.        HWSA is attempting to secure the approval to install a timer on the lights at Alief.

3.        HWSA continues to investigate new field options.  Remember, the city does not generally support adult soccer and is reluctant to provide assistance.  Please be patient.

4.        Rasmus field conditions were too poor for HWSA use.

5.        Scholarship recipients should be announced on the website soon.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership

1.        Coed: player roundup on Monday, May 26 at 7p at Kelvin Arms in Rice Village

2.        Women: no report 

 

Tournaments

1.        Quickfoot - May 17, deadline extended to Friday, May 9.

2.        Metro – Memorial Day, deadline is May 21.

3.        Beaumont – June, coed

 

Webmeister

Please be sure you are using a valid email address when you are submitting on line game reports.

 

OLD BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

Elections were held for Vice-president, Treasurer and Registrar.  The slate consisted of existing officers and the slate was elected as presented.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.        Women’s skills clinic scheduled for Saturday, May 17.

2.        Summer team registration is tonight, and player registration is Wednesday, May 28.

3.        Passback program: The Passback program collects used but still playable gear and sends it to teams/organizations who are otherwise unable to afford even the most basic soccer equipment. From a small school in Zimbabwe to an after-school program in inner-city New York, Passback gear has found its way to all corners of the globe. It has grown from one box sent to a family friend to a program that donated some 30,000 pieces of gear last year.  HWSA will be collecting items for the Passback program at Player registration on Wednesday, May 28.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:48 pm.