Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

January 27, 2002

 

            President Christine Lussier Lyon called the 2002 Annual General Meeting of the Great Lakes Women’s Soccer League to Order at 11:19 am at the MSA Southfield Office.

            The president advised the Meeting that the Mid-Michigan Bucks were planning to play several of their home games locally this year, and that this was intended to sample local support for a professional Men’s or Women’s soccer team. She recommended that everyone show his or her support for this endeavor. Gerhart Mendel, President of the MSA, echoed her sentiments.

            Mr. Mendel also offered his congratulations to the GLWSL for a successful 2001 season, and complimented the Board for the League’s smooth functioning. He reported that the MSA was contemplating changes in the method of registration, moving from team to player registration, to align Michigan with most of the rest of the country. There will be a meeting in November to make a final decision, and any changes would take effect in 2003.

            Harold Kirkwood advised the Meeting that the City of Ferndale was attempting to form an adult co-ed soccer league. Ferndale has built 10 new soccer fields, and plan on having their co-ed league play at the recreational level.

            Treasurer Nancy Soisson reported that despite a decline in revenues, the League was able to donate $500 to the Karmanos Cancer Institute. There was also an increase in travel expenses due to a larger number of teams attending tournaments. The fall season brought an unexpected windfall. She conveyed thanks to Ed Dudek for managing the League’s Website.

            Vice President Becky Widlak reported that the fall season in Canton was a major success, which everyone seemed to enjoy. She reported her efforts to place the “Intent to Register” and other forms on the League’s Website (www.glwsl.com) , which would greatly streamline the registration process. Ed Dudek will do will do the League scheduling this year replacing Pat Mathieu. She reminded the Meeting of the League’s email address glwsl@yahoo.com for anyone wishing to contact the Board by email.

            League Registrar Ruth Tiplady reported that last year’s registration went very well, and reported there were 628 players in the League last year. Anyone needing player ID cards should contact her (rtiplady@earthlink.net). She also reminded the meeting that teams need a minimum of 11 players in order to register.

            Member-at-Large Cindy Dillon reported that she was in charge of League advertising. She requested anyone wishing to help distribute posters and flyers to contact her (glwsl@DillonEnterprises.com). The President advised the meeting that this was a very important function this year, in particular, since the League has been losing teams over the last few years, and would benefit from an increase in membership.

            The President advised the Meeting that teams had to have paperwork for a new player to the Registrar at least 5 days before the player begins playing. She also assured the Meeting that the Roster was in preliminary form and welcomed any corrections.

            Harold Kirkwood, speaking on behalf of the MSA Board, advised the Meeting that the MSA was anticipating revising the game reports, which would help detect illegal players. He solicited any suggestions the membership might have.

            The President spoke about Soccerfest, and entertained a discussion about changes including whether to cancel the event permanently. She appointed three members (Lisa Webber, Richard Henderson, and Tim Dey) to form a Committee to investigate interest and plan any such event this year. Managers should contact Mr. Henderson (248-674-9083) with their preference and ideas: teams should advise him by March 1st of their interest in participating.

            Kathy Coyne advised the Meeting that a tournament was planned for Midland in the Summer, which would provide a venue for both Men’s and Women’s teams.

            Mr. Dudek moved to amend the Rules to permit teams to field and play up to the 25-player limit at their games. The question being called upon, the motion passed.

            By unanimous vote, the Membership approved a plan to have a spring season, along the lines of the Canton League the previous fall, but opened up to all ages.

            Pat Mathieu moved that any team suffering a forfeit during the season due to illegal players, or failing to field a team on game day, would receive a (-1) point in the standings, in addition to any existing sanctions. The question being called, the vote passed by unanimous vote.

 

            Kathy Coyne advised the Meeting that WUSA had decide against expanding this year, but that Chicago and Detroit were at the top of the list in the event that the League does plan to expand. She reported that the League might try to put some exhibition games in the area, to gauge local support. She recommended trying to get as much participation from our teams and families as possible.

            The Membership unanimously re-elected Christine Lussier Lyon as President and Nancy Soisson as Treasurer. The Membership also unanimously elected Ed Dudek as Member-at-Large, replacing Pat Mathieu. She is stepping down to concentrate on her duties of scheduling referees.

            The Meeting adjourned at 1:43 pm

                                   

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                Nonie Caminsky (Secretary)