The meeting began at 1210 on 09/24/00 at Nigel Willis' conference room in Alexandria, VA.
Roll call:
Officers present: President (Reyn Kinzey), Secretary (David Chapman), Treasurer (Jamie Jisa), Director-at-Large (Nigel Willis). LAU Reps present: VRU (2): Kinzey, Kris Kabza. PRU (2): Jisa, Tom Walsh. EPRU (3): Dana Bateman, Elaine Recchiuti, Carl Ostermann. Non-Voting Member present: Mark Koiwai (MARR). Absent: Vice President/LAU Rep (PRU) Eric Pittelkau, LAU Rep (VRU) Carl Schmitt.
Minutes of the February Meeting.
Still not available from Eric (who had done them in the place of David C who was absent at the 2/2000 meeting), so no action to approve.
Minutes of the May Meeting.
Minutes approved.
Treasurer's Report.
No questions on the report.
Nigel asked to redirect some of the High School budget to supplement the local USA Youth Development Officers (YDOs); group discussed YDOs asking for specific items from available pools.
Review MARFU strawman budget for 2001
Jamie presented the strawman 2001 budget; no discussion. This will go to a vote at the 12/09/00 AGM.
Sanctions against Univ. Penn Women for bounced check to MARFU U-23 program
UPenn had bounced a check for $140 and Sheara Williams had dropped one for $170. By voice vote (unanimous), it was agreed that UPenn and Ms. Williams would have 2 weeks to pay these sums or they would be suspended.
Request by MARR for 2000 Budget Supplement
Mark Koiwai discussed a request for an additional $2000 (in 2000) that he had detailed to BOD members in an earlier Email; MARR's total planned allocation for the year from MARFU was $7000. Mark went over tables of expenses and income and MARR's requirements. Reyn/Kris asked if there were any new events that needed to be supplemented that were not known previously given the current funding constraints; the answer was no.
Nigel made a motion (seconded by Jamie) to approve the request. Questions were asked about expenses for the USA Conference on the Game (COG), the jersey sponsorship shortfall, the USA Superleague, and exchanges. MARR had run overbudget due to training expenses for the COG and 2-day championships (cost more than expected). By a voice vote, the motion was denied.
Confirmation of Alan Matas as Chair of the MARFU Collegiate Women's Committee
By unanimous voice vote, Alan was approved as the Chair of the MARFU Collegiate Women's Committee; as chair, he is a non-voting member; voting members are Jamie Jisa (PRU), Debbie Yates (EPRU) and Julie Comer (VRU).
Inter-LAU Cancellation of Matches
Kris stated a concern about what processes are used when matches are canceled in inter-LAU competition. Currently, the home LAU of the guilty party handles the problem. The PRU has a $50 fine for first offenders while the VRU and EPRU have $100 fines. Discussed if an ad hoc committee should examine this topic. The BOD decided that the MARFU Disciplinary Committee (John Dyduck (EPRU), Mike Graul (PRU), Rodney Hall (VRU)) and Kris would take action and report at the December meeting.
Remaining 2000 Events Approvals
11/18-19 - Men's Club All-Star event - Still being discussed; Reyn will discuss with Carl Schmitt.
11/18-19 - Collegiate All-Star events - Tentatively at St Mary's for College Men and College Women. Jamie will confirm venue by 9/30/00.
Sponsorship Proposal
BALLS OUT provided the MARFU BOD with an unsolicited proposal for sponsorship, given certain considerations. The board discussed the philosophical issue of sole sources, the BALLS OUT proposal and our other long-term suppliers. There was a concern about forcing folks out of our market and whether it was a good "corporate" decision. We also mulled over whether we should just bid for our wares. The group consensus was that an action to go with a sole source would/could leave a negative impression with other vendors that would negate any short-term savings. The BOD felt that we needed to spread the (limited) business around. Tom moved to table with Reyn seconding; approved by voice vote.
The MARFU BOD was agreeable to allowing certain rugby vendors to sell MARFU "stuff"; Reyn will be contacting Matt Godek and David C will be contacting BALLS OUT.
Trophies at all events - MVP, Plate
David C made a motion to allow for trophies for a MVP and a Plate winner at all events. The motion was carried by voice vote.
Men's Club Division I B- or C-sides playing in Division II or III
While the USA directors will be free to vote their conscience, the consensus among the USA/MARFU directors in attendance was that we were against the concept of Men's Club Division I B- or C-sides playing in Division II or III.
Men's ITTs
Discussed the current state of ITTs (15s and 7s). There is a current problem with interest and costs. What are the benefits to the players? Do they have a (real) shot at the national team? Does this help improve standard of play? May need subsidies by USAR if these things are required and are to continue.
USA Reorganization
USAR has a study underway that will consider a reorganization of the TUs and LAUs and USAR BOD composition. They are looking at how rugby is being administered around the country.
Superleague
Discussed what (little) was known about the recent absorption of the USA Rugby Superleague by USAR.
Women's 7s in 2001
Will probably have a club event; it is not clear if there will be a Women's 7s ITT.
2002 USA Conference on the Game
Mark mentioned that this will be hosted by the PSRFR in the DC area. More details will follow.
Nominations for Elections
The group nominated: President - Reyn Kinzey, Vice President - Eric Pittelkau, Secretary - David Chapman, Treasurer - Kris Kabza, Director-at-Large - Nigel Willis.
Other nominations are due 30 days prior to the 12/00 AGM; these will be posted on the web site as received and approved.