Danvers Youth Football, Inc.

 

Minutes of the Monthly Board Meeting of September 10, 2003

 

 

The monthly board meeting of Danvers Youth Football, Inc. was held on September 10, 2003 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Danvers, MA.

 

Attendance:      Paul Fitch, Ron Hennessey, Gary Jones, Tom Ladd, Debbie LeBlanc,             Tom Marden, Bob Marraffa, Tom Opie, Mike Skiotis, Rich Smith,                Duke St. Pierre, Lyn Torrance, Sam Valenti

 

The meeting was called to order by Sam Valenti, President at 8:22 PM.

 

I.                    Secretary’s Report (Tom Ladd)

·         Approval of 8/13/2003 meeting minutes.  Copies of the minutes were distributed for the review of all members present.  A motion to accept the minutes as written was made by Bob Marraffa, seconded by Tom Marden, and unanimously PASSED.

 

II.         Treasurer’s Report (Tom Opie)

·         Tom reported that the league currently has approximately $35K in our account.  Registration is now closed and we do not expect to receive any more yearbook revenue (final total of about $5,900).  A few outstanding bills remain (e.g. $800 due on blocking sled).

 

III.               Snack Bar Schedule (Mike Skiotis)

·         Mike distributed the snack bar coverage schedule for the season.  Due to the league’s heavy “away” schedule, football teams will be assigned only one day apiece, while cheering squads will not be required to work at all.  We will not open the snack bar on days when only a single game is scheduled (e.g. October 4th).

·         Mike advised that each team staff the snack bar with at least three adults at all times.  Volunteers should arrive early enough such that the snack bar is open for business 30 minutes prior to the start of the first game.

 

IV.              Year End Banquet Planning (Bob Marraffa)

·         Bob discussed the various considerations for planning this year’s banquet with the group, specifically:

o        Banquet date.  Ideally, the banquet would take place the week immediately following the season.  Bob will check with the Danversport Yacht Club on availability for 11/12 or 11/13.  Given the length of the program, we will try to begin earlier.

o        Menu.  Apparently, the chicken fingers were not overwhelmingly popular last year.  Bob will evaluate other menu options.

o        Video.  Bob Sweeney, who has produced the video the last two seasons, does not have a child participating in DYF this year.  Perhaps he might consider producing the 2003 video for a fee.  Duke St. Pierre suggested that students involved with the A/V program at DHS might be interested in the project.

o        Program.  Bob will leverage last year’s format (stored on his PC).

o        Guest speaker(s).  The group briefly brainstormed possibilities.  Ron Hennessey suggested contacting Nicholas Lopardo (owner of North Shore Spirit).  Others suggested contacting the Touchdown Club and the Patriots PR office for ideas.

o        Tickets.  Bob indicated that not all tickets were collected last year (and in some cases even issued).  He will consider other options for collecting and admission this year.

o        We will also look into raffling off prizes or a 50/50 raffle.

o        Presentations were too long last year.  We need to find a way to shorten the program.

o        The issue of whether to charge coaches admission for the banquet was briefly discussed, but no conclusion was reached.

 

V.                 Web Site/Team Page Tutorial (Gary Jones)

·         Gary urged all coaches to send him rosters, game reports, etc. to post on the web site during the season.

·         Some coaches have already updated their coach’s pages.  Gary will conduct a short tutorial for any interested coaches immediately following the meeting.

 

VI.              Other Department Updates

·         Administration (Ron Hennessey).  All team pictures are scheduled for this Saturday (9/13).  In the event of rain, Ron will make arrangements to move them inside (e.g. field house).  Ron also advised coaches that all injuries (player or cheerleader) should be reported to him immediately.

·         Operations (Paul Fitch).  Paul indicated that EMT’s are looking for $50 per game ($5 increase from last year).  After a brief discussion, the request was approved.  All coaches were reminded that the first team is responsible for set up (field markers, chains, etc.) and the last team for break down at all home games.  In the event of a scheduling change, coaches must inform Sam as well as the appropriate cheering coach.  Mike Skiotis emphasized the need to contact opposing coaches to confirm games a week in advance.  Sam will distribute the CAYFL contact list to all coaches.

·         Equipment (Tom Marden).  Coaches reported that a few helmets are losing air even after frequent pumping.  These should be returned to Tom for repair/recertification.  Ron Hennessey reported that the league should purchase a few neck braces for players with soreness or injury in that area.  As he has already bought a couple for members of his team, it was agreed that he would be reimbursed.

 

VII.            New Business

·         Tom Marden reported that all pictures, articles, etc. for the yearbook must be turned in to him by the end of the month.  He also needs a numbered roster for each team.  Debbie LeBlanc reported that she is seeking permission from the Bauvais family for the yearbook dedication to Liza.  The goal is to have the yearbook available for distribution at the banquet.

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Tom Marden, seconded by Ron Hennessey, and unanimously PASSED at 9:26 PM.

 

NEXT MEETING:  Wednesday, October 8, 2003 @ 8:15 PM, Knights of Columbus Hall.

 

Submitted to Board for approval by:

 

Thomas W. Ladd

Secretary