Executive Committee Meeting
Present: President Kris Kabza; Treasurer David Chapman; MARFU/USARFU Rep. Reyn Kinzey; Women's Coord. Kambeth Kelly; College Men's Coord. Carl Schmitt; College Women's Coord. Jon Blatt; High School Coord. Lynne Stefanik; Newsletter editor, Jeffrey Anderson
Absent: Vice-president Jay Borkowski; Secretary Bob Underwood; Men's Coord. Reid McClure; Disciplinary Chair (position vacant); RSV Rep. John Andrews
Guest: Jim Collum of Blackwater RFC.
Agenda
1998 and 1999 Budget Budget and balance sheets were presented, as well as the proposed 1999 budget; the group provided some additional money for 1999 to the Newsletter and subtracted a like amount from the proposed Coaching Coordinator line item.
Motion was made by Reyn and 2nd by David, with subsequent majority approval, stating
"The majority of the VRU Executive
Committee has accepted the proposed 1999 budget, as revised during our Executive Committee
of 1/9/99."
Investment of contribution. Discussed what we should do with the $10K from the donation. The EC decided to invest it in a mutual fund; the Treasurer will execute this.
Tax-Exempt Status. The Treasurer discussed the problem of a non-charitable, but tax-exempt status. There may be a loophole, but the long term solution is to apply for 501(c)(3) status.
Don Bridges Fund (Ed Lee Cup contribution from Roanoke) &
investment. The DB Fund has just slightly less than $7K. The EC discussed the nature of
the fund and the possible need for immediacy of the funds (in the event of an emergency).
The EC
decided to invest it in a mutual fund; the Treasurer will execute this.
USARFU report. Reyn provided an informative report (that he will provide at the AGM) concerning the current goings-on at USA Rugby.
Men's All-star Staff. Several volunteers (David, Carl and Tom Oxenham)
wish to revive the moribund Men's All-star team. At the AGM, a call for an application for
a coach will go out; a 30-day window will be given.
In relation to this, it was decided that for ANY future coaching vacancies the following
people would be automatically chosen as members of the selection panel (the panel will
make recommendations to the Executive Committee for final approval of
a selectee):
Minimum Field sizes. Discussed new MARFU guidelines (and they're in the new VRU Handbook). Although these aren't VRU guidelines, they're important if a team wishes to bid for a MARFU Championship event or a MARFU 7s Qualifier.
CIPP and Insurance. Discussed the new system and the new fees.
Tournament Applications. Reiterated that these are required.
1999 Men's Senior All-Stars (7s). Mentioned that part of the proposed
MARFU 7s plan includes LAU All-Star 7s teams. These will not conflict with Qualifiers.
MARFU Div II-S League System. Discussed current difficulty in dealing
with Chairman of MARFU Competitions Committee, the problems of the VRU Div III clubs in
scheduling matches (amongst themselves and with Div II-S teams). This item is being worked
by David.
College Men and Womens League System. Mentioned that the new systems are in the handbook and on-line.
Web Site Discussion. Mentioned that suggestions for additional stuff are always welcome.
Who's running for office again:
President (Kris) yes
VP (Jay) unknown
Sec (Bob) yes
Treas (David) yes
MARFU Rep (Reyn) yes
Men's Coord (Reid) unknown
Women's Coord (Kam) yes
CM Coord (Carl) yes
CW Coord (Jon) no
HS Coord (Lynne) yes
Disc Chair (vacant)
Newsletter (Jeff) yes
RSV rep (John) (appointed by RSV)
VRU AGM. A motion was made by Jon with a 2nd by Reyn: "Provide 20 minute caucuses at the VRU AGM to each Coordinator and their clubs." Passed.
High School/Youth. Lynne discussed her trip to the Age Grade Symposium and said it was very worthwhile (and passed around the "Play the Game" book she received. We also discussed the fact that Rappahannock HS was not the recipient of any of the donated money; there was quite a bit of discussion about whether the VRU should provide a certain sum from the residual money or from the VRU carryover money. Additionally, Lynne mentioned a French HS team that was coming over in early April (Friday and Saturday of Easter Weekend). Lynne will provide two proposals: (1) a proposal for funds for RHS and (2) a proposal for funding of HS efforts.
Blackwater RFC, RMWC RFC, and Blackwater W RFC. Discussed the problem with the dues with the RMWC team (and the fact that they had never paid dues) and the charitable donation. A new club (Blackwater Women) may form from the remaining RMWC players, as well as women from Lynchburg College and the general community. With a dual problem (a new club, but one formed from an old problem), David suggested a way that the Blackwater Women could enter the VRU as full members, while providing the VRU some assurance we won't go through the same problems. The following motion was passed by the majority of the EC: "The Executive Committee recommends to the Board of Directors at the AGM that we accept the Blackwater Women as a Full Member contingent upon a payment of full Spring dues prior to their first Spring match."
Meeting ended at approx. 3:00 p.m.
Minutes submitted by VRU Treasurer and posted by the Secretary.