East Bay Bristol County Lacrosse Association
Meeting Minutes
November 28, 2011
7:00 p.m., Barrington Public Library
In attendance: Peter Ramsden, Molly Lacerte, John Gaffney, Julie Gaffney, Dee Walton, Brad Vaughn, Mike Curry, Mel Bride, Sean Kegelman, Nina Robertson
By Proxy: Ted Broomhead, Peter Plumb, John Berkery, Lou Varrichione, Scott Lisle, Alex Robertson, Matt Hayes, Josh Davis, Parish Lentz, Chris Feeney, Elizabeth Welshman
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes from September and October Meetings
John Gaffney made a motion to approve the September 26th meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Michael Curry and passed by a unanimous vote.
Mike Curry made a motion to approve the October 24th minutes going live online November 29th. The motion was seconded by Brad Vaughn and passed by a unanimous vote.
Election of New Board Members
• Nominating Committee: Elizabeth Welshman, Josh Davis, Chris Feeney
• Julie Gaffney excused herself while votes being cast
• Peter Ramsden presented the slate to the Board:
- Barrington Middle School Member-at-Large - Julie Gaffney
- Member-at-Large - Erica Faulkner
• 20 votes were cast and tabulated by Nina Robertson and Peter Ramsden
• All 20 votes approved the new board members with no write-ins
• Julie Gaffney rejoined meeting and welcomed as new board member
New Board Introductions
Peter Ramsden led board in introductions as there are several new members for this year
Treasurer’s Report - John Gaffney
• A profit and loss statement for for January through October 2011 was distributed, outlining income and expenses
• EBBCLA is financially very stable
• The association has roughly $48,000 in cash reserves through conservative management
• We take in approximately $75,000 in revenue, $50,000 of which comes from core registration fees. There are additional registration fees for tournaments and fall ball which are tracked separately.
• Other expenses include Dee Walton’s salary, specialty/goalie clinics and end-of-the year Jamboree
• For past several years we have operated at a surplus, with gross revenue being approximately $75,000 and expenses totaling $71,000
• EBBCLA now registered as a non-profit so not a problem to have surplus in the bank
• An unforeseen expense going forward could be paying more for field space. We currently pay $10 per child but that could increase if we max out available field space and have to look elsewhere.
• There may be a new field at Chianese used for soccer which could free up space elsewhere for lacrosse.
• A question was raised about whether EBBCLA provides scholarships. The association gave 5 or 6 scholarships out of approximately 500 kids in the program last year. They are given by request and have never been denied. EBBCLA does have “financial assistance available” published on marketing materials.
• Peter Ramsden asked if John could put together the 2012 budget for the next meeting.
• Dee Walton pointed out that we have some additional expenses this year in the form of new equipment and nets.
Old Business
EBBCLA and BMS Final Program Structure - Peter Ramsden, Mel Bride & Julie Gaffney
• Idea behind merger of two programs is to simplify and streamline spring lacrosse offerings for middle school girls. Programs will now fall under one name and face. Practices, games, uniforms will all be coordinated.
• In the past, there was no cohesiveness - too much choppiness and redundancy between the programs.
• BMS teams had gotten too strong for in-state competition so were traveling out of state. Wanted to come back to in-state competition last year but when did so, 7/8 A team still too dominant for competition.
• Solution is to mix the A and B teams, historically made up of just 7/8 graders, into 2 even A teams. The B team will now be comprised of 6th graders. Each 7/8 grade A team will play a split schedule of 4 games. The 6th-grade B team will play a full schedule of 8 games. BMS schedule will be handled by EBBCLA.
• Discussion ensued about the level of teams within East Bay program. Want to make sure teams have success
• Peter, Dee, Julie and Mel to finalize slide show for presentation scheduled for December 5th at Barrington Middle School, explaining lacrosse options for middle school girls being offered this spring
New Business - Peter Ramsden
• Program fees for EBBCLA spring league are now $120 which includes fee for field usage
• Fees for BMS program will be $150 for 7/8 grade teams and $200 for 6th-grade team which should cover all costs
A motion was made by Molly Lacerte to approve these costs. Mel Bride seconded the motion and it was approved by a unanimous vote.
• EBBCLA boys’ fees are currently $195 for the competitive program and $120 for the house program
Dee Walton made a request for a motion to approve these costs and give pinnies to the boys’ house teams. The motion was made by Julie Gaffney and seconded by Mike Curry and it was approved by a unanimous vote.
• Dee Walton brought up the Positive Coaching Alliance that EBBCLA is part of this year. Alliance trains parents and coaches and tries to create a positive culture. Board needs to set dates for training.
• Board also needs to publicize Level l and ll coaching clinics. Need to encourage coaches to attend and let them know that one child participates in EBBCLA free of charge with certification.
• Peter Ramsden asked Brad Vaughn and Molly Lacerte to get a list of how many of last year’s coaches will be coming back this year. Depending on results, board may need to start recruiting coaches for upcoming season.
• Dee Walton reported that majority of board voted to move meetings to Wednesdays moving forward. Peter Ramsden set date of January 4, 2012 for next meeting, with meetings scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month moving forward.
Adjournment
John Gaffney made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Peter Ramsden and after a unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., January 4, 2012 at the Barrington Public Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Nina Robertson
EBBCLA Secretary, 2012
