BOZEMAN BLITZZ FC BOARD MEETING

January 3, 2007

7:00pm First Interstate Bank

Present:  Bill Locke, Andy Hansen, Jen Gummer, Kerry Hatcher, Dick Prugh, Mark Clawson, Chris Beausoleil, Bruce Cole, Britt Bodtker

I.        CALL TO ORDER AT 7:05PM

II.     AVALANCHE

Issue:  Last summer Bill Locke asked MYSA to address the issue of handpicked teams at the U-11/U-12 developmental level.  Instead, MYSA decided to wait and “see what happens.”

In the fall, Jen Gummer pointed out to MYSA that the Avalanche had formed a second handpicked team at the U-12 level, recruiting players from the Blitzz fall program.

MYSA considered this a formal complaint and formed a committee to look into the issue.  The committee concluded that what the Avalanche did was “not right” and suggested that the Blitzz and Avalanche hold a common draft of players.

Gummer, Locke and Kerry Hatcher met with Scott Johnson of the Avalanche as well as Mike Phillips and Jordan Werner (parents from each of the Avalanche teams).

Locke pointed out that the Blitzz did not file a formal complaint.  He did express concern about whether the Avalanche did “endeavor to form equal strength teams” as written in MYSA guidelines.

Both coaches for the Avalanche teams have attested that they are equal strength and contend that there is evidence that shows this:  results from Jackson Hole tournament in the fall, recent scrimmages between Avalanche teams, etc.

MYSA wants to know if the Blitzz want to continue with complaint or withdraw it.  Their hope is that we will go forward considering the efforts of MYSA to come to a resolution.

Does the Blitzz Board consider our concern an official complaint?

Locke suggested that an independent arbiter be recruited to determine whether the two Avalanche teams are equal strength.  This would need to be done by someone without bias.  Ric Plante was approached but he declined.

Locke advised the Blitzz Board to go forward with the complaint with the intent that MYSA changes rules to require open registration and open tryouts.

Kerry Hatcher proposed a compromise: bring the 2 Avalanche teams into the Blitzz organization as is (keep current rosters and coaches) for the spring season with the promise that Scott Johnson agrees to fold the Avalanche organization.

Question:  Does this solve the problem of equal teams?  No, but it ensures that this problem won’t happen in future seasons.

Question:  Coaching?  Any team can hire an independent trainer to work with their team and pay them accordingly.

Question:  Fees?  Would we expect Avalanche parents to pay registration fees equal to Blitzz parents?  If not, would Blitzz parents be upset about the difference?  The coach of one of the Avalanche teams is unpaid, and when you factor that in the difference in fees is negligible. 

Question:  Would MYSA accept this as an acceptable solution considering it doesn’t address the issue of equal strength teams?  Hopefully yes, as it solves the problem for future seasons.  Blitzz Board would still want a commitment from MYSA to change rules to require open registration and open tryouts.

Question:  Team formation?  Chris Beausoleil pointed out that as is the Blitzz has 18 players, Avalanche team #1 has 10 and Avalanche team #2 has 14 (numbers to be verified.)  In fairness, he would want to transfer 4 of the 18 Blitzz to Avalanche team #1 to create 3 equal teams of 14.

Requirements for this to proceed:  Avalanche charter must lapse, and MYSA must clarify rules requiring open registration and tryouts.

Kerry Hatcher motioned that the Blitzz draft a letter along the lines discussed and present to the Avalanche and MYSA.  Clawson and Locke both seconded.  Passed unanimously.

III.  TUITION REFUNDS

Emily Aitken, U-14 player, has requested a refund after not being placed on AA team.  Reason:  Did not understand Blitzz policy that states no refunds once tryouts have been held.  Blitzz has issued one refund this year, for a similar reason.  Clawson motioned to approve Aitken refund, Cole seconded.  Passed unanimously.

IV.  REGIONALS

 Should the Blitzz consider fundraising for strong Montana teams to be able to attend Regionals in Hawaii in 2008?  Proposed that MYSA should consider subsidizing trips to regionals.

V.     HEAD COACH REPORT

A.     Meeting with MLS to set up summer camp for the competitive level, similar to Challenger camps for Micro.

B.     Aaron Sears talked with Virginia Tech coach about possibility of coming here for a long weekend to meet with High School age boys regarding college expectations, etc.  Would be an equal venture with BHS and the Blitzz, with BHS donating space and Blitzz covering costs (approx $1500).  Could make this a yearly event.  Locke suggested that it include girls – alternate yearly between girls and boys coaches.  Chris will work on setting this up.

C.     Still needs 4 coaches for spring.

VI.   APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 29, 2006 MINUTES – passed unanimously

MEETING ADJOURNED 8:40PM