|
Minutes of 12/10/07 Falmouth Football Boosters Meeting
Present: Anna Geary, Don Geary, Steve Dunwoody, John Fitzsimmons, Dave Ciraulo, Mark Soule, Beth Goodrich, Mark Anderson, Peggy McGehee Horton, Melissa Kane, Zareh DerHagopian, Jody Duran, acting secretary. Meeting called to order at 7:06pm.
1. Financial report: Zareh gave the Treasurer’s report which included a review of the end of year balances. Presently have $22,995 in our account, which was very close to the projected budget. A financial summary is attached to these minutes for inclusion in the record.
2. Budgeting: The deadline for coaching staff to submit 2008 budgets is March 10, 2008 at our monthly meeting.
3. Coaching staffs: There was a problem with a coach’s behavior this season. The behavior was not acceptable and in keeping with the organization’s philosophy. In response, Zareh raised the issue and asked if the matter should be dealt with at the Board level or as a personnel matter at the coaching level. Since the incident did not involve either the High School or Middle School level, the FHS Athletic Director has not jurisdiction over the matter and, therefore, up to the Board’s discretion on how to best handle the situation. After discussion is was decided that the in general the Vice President at that level would work with coach to resolve the matter. In this particular instance there is a vacancy at the Vice Present level. John Fitzsimmons suggested that the head coach meet with the coach involved on an individual basis to handle the matter at the team level. If necessary, the Board would mediate.
Going forward it was decided that the head coaches and the Board draft set criteria for coaching behaviors and coaching applications would be aware of the criteria prior to accepting the position with the understanding that they would be held accountable for any violation of the criteria and their performance during the season would be reviewed at the end of the season and judged by that standard. On a motion by Mark Soule it was unanimously voted and approved to begin this practice for the 2008 season.
4. Team discussions: High School Team: John Fitzsimmons stated that Riddell has a significant discount to purchase new uniforms if ordered by December 31, 2007. In order to take advantage of this, John presented two options for replacing the team uniforms. The first is to establish a 5 year rotating replacement program wherein a specified number of uniforms (this year 12) would be replaced each year. This would include home and away jerseys but one set of pants. The second option is to replace the uniforms only as needed.
In addition to the 12 uniforms slated to be replaced, seniors were given the option to purchase their jerseys. Six seniors did so therefore, 6 additional jerseys will have to be replaced, but at no coast to the program. After discussion Mark Soule made motion to adopt the 5 year replacement cycle. Motion carried by unanimous consent. Under this arrangement 6 sets and 6 senior replacement jerseys will be purchased for a total of $2130, representing a savings of $1400 by ordering the jerseys by December 31st.
Middle School: Coach Ridge was not in attendance. John Fitzsimons did mention that the had spoken with Coach Ridge, with respect to ordering uniforms for the Middle School to take advantage of the Riddell promotion. John stated that the Middle School team did not need to order uniforms at this time.
Youth: Dave Ciraulo present and reported that he is loosing some coaches due to moving up with their players. He will recruit replacements.
Pee Wee: No Vice President and no other representation at the meeting.
5. Miscellaneous topics: Zareh noted that the budget includes a $300 donation to FEF in support of the Spelling Bee. Also, we make a donation to the Friends of Falmouth Basketball (boosters) for a program ad in the amount of $75 as a good will gesture. It is hoped that future reciprocal donations will be received at some point in the future. Zareh also noted that historically the Board makes a donation to the Falmouth Fire and Police for the rescue service and police attendance at all home games, which was $400 per department this year and included in the budget.
Zareh led a discussion on how to fill board openings focused on whether or not we need the Vice Present level positions for which we can’t seem to retain incumbents or could the position be filled by team parents. After discussion it was recommend by those present that Vice Presidents who are voting members serve a viable function on the board and it was decided to retain those positions as is. We will look to fill those vacancies in the spring so that we have a full board as we gear up for the 2008 season.
It was also decided that the most successful approach is to make direct contact with individuals on a one on one basis and invite them to fill a particular position, particularly at the Youth and Pee Wee levels where there is not school administration involved with the selection process. This would allow the coaches more flexibility in the selection process.
Further discussion centered on whether or not to require paid head coaches (high and middle school levels) to attend board meetings. No decision was made.
Beth Goodrich volunteered to fill the treasurer vacancy. She will work with Zareh to transition into that office.
6. High School Spirit Committee: It was announced this is if now a formal subcommittee of the Board. The committee is headed by Chryssia Baker with several enthused volunteers. They are meeting with the Todd Livingston, the Athletic Director to plan specific events for next season. Zareh noted that next years budget will include a line item for the committee based on their plans for 2008.
There has been a request from Patty Webber of the HS spirit store for football merchandise. Mark Soule will meet with Patty to determine inventory needs.
7. Fundraising: Zareh reported that Bill Ryan Sr. will be retiring from TD Banknorth and the Patriots tickets donated for the raffle may not be available next year. If that happens we would seek a new source for the donation. Zareh has a lead on a possible donor if necessary.
Bill Ryan approached the Board about taking on the game programs and the related ad sales.
Zareh raised the question of possibly investing a portion of our cash reserve in a 6 month CD to generate income. He will investigate and report back.
9. Turf field update: Zareh reported via Game On that the group has raised $185,000 to date. However, the turf filed project is in limbo because the stadium field is now being considered as a possible site for the future elementary school. Due to this development, Game On is sitting tight to see what develops.
10. Open discussion: John Fitzsimmons announced that the will be resigning from Maine Youth Football board as Falmouth’s representative. He stressed the importance of having a Falmouth representative on the MYF board, we are allotted 2 representatives. Due to the vested interest of our youth level teams, it was discussed that we may wish to make participation on this board a requirement for our youth level coaches. Dave Ciraulo volunteered for one the positions.
Peggy McGehee led a discussion about team jackets for the team players. An order is being placed for “varsity letterman” jackets. Due to the expense of the jackets she asked the Board to consider establishing a fund (paid for by donations or budgeted for by the Board) to purchase jacket(s) for those plays who might not otherwise be able to purchase a jacket. Nothing was decided at this meeting and Peggy will submit a proposal at the March budget meeting.
Mark Soule stated that the equipment container at the Middle School is leaking and need immediate attention now that winter is upon us. The Board approved purchase of repair supplies (tarps, etc.) to rectify the situation. Don Geary and Mark will assess the situation and figure out a solution.
Mark also mentioned that we are in need of new youth equipment, particularly shoulder pads and helmets. He has the number of units in need of replacing and will investigate the cost of replacement and submit this with his March budget.
Dave Ciraulo opened discussion regarding evaluation forms for coaching staff at Youth and Pee Wee levels. At present we do not use evaluation forms. John Fitzsimmons stated that before evaluations are used, it is best to outline the Board philosophy for its coaching staff and make the staff aware of the philosophy and let the coaches know that standard will be employed to evaluate them at the end of the season. Under this approach it may take some time to develop the evaluation form because we would first have to articulate our philosophy. If we do use evaluation forms, we will post them online for accessibility and convenience.
Next meeting – Monday January 14th – 7pm FHS Library
Meeting adjourned 8:15pm
|
