Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union
Meeting Minutes for May 5, 2002
The Sportsplex, Virginia Beach, Virginia

In Attendance:
Reyn Kinzey
David Chapman
Kris Kabza
Elaine Recchiuti
Pat Costello
Eric Pittelkau
Rusty Cross
Carl Schmitt

Absent:
Sean Conroy
Carl Ostermann
Kristin McCarthy

Call to Order at 10:30 AM

12/8/2001 Meeting Minutes

Reviewed and approved

Treasurers Report

Given verbally by Pat Costello. Hard copies will be distributed in the near future. Pat reports that by the end of March 2002, we had (approximately) $17,000 in the bank, and all debts that he was aware of were paid.

Conference on the Game Aug 24 & 25 in DC

The date for the COG has been changed to August 24 & 25 (from the 16, 17, 18) due to scheduling problems during planning by USA. The MARFU Board meeting originally scheduled for that weekend has been moved to Saturday, August 3, 2002, in Northern Virginia.

Mark Koiwai gave a brief overview of the CoG content, and noted that more information could be found on line at the USA website. Mark, on behalf of the CoG, requested that MARFU sponsor the tote bags that will be given to CoG participants. Cost would be about $2.50 x 300 tote bags. (After Mark left, the Board discussed the request and decided not to be a sponsor. Reyn was to inform Mark of our decision)

MARFU Men's Club: League Schedules

Chapman and Pittelkau informed the Board that final details were being worked out, but that the league format would look something like

An 8 Club Premier and Division I League, playing in the fall

A split Division II, North (EPRU Div II clubs) and South (VRU/PRU Division II Clubs) playing an extended season, either a long fall or a fall spring league season.

LAU Division III's

The difficulty with Division II is that in the south there will be 11 clubs requiring 12 weekends (10 matches, 1 open weekend and the Ed Lee for VRU clubs) Men's All-stars was not a considered a significant concern.

Requirement for Certified Trainers at MARFU Collegiate Events

TABLED

Coaches Code of Conduct

TABLED

Review of Referees' Performance

Discussion centered on the referees' performance in a particular match. It was agreed that the Board could not intervene, but that Board members, in their capacity as officers of the Union, could and should contact MARR in writing with their concerns (and copy the Board), especially if they were present at the match or were representing a club from their LAU. Further discussion about a referee's evaluation by clubs and coaches, nothing concrete decided

Re-scheduling/Re-formatting Collegiate Championships

After some limited discussion, the Collegiate Men's Committee was charged with formulating a written recommendation for the restructuring of the Collegiate Men's MARFU Championships. The Secretary will also contact the Women's Collegiate Committee about reviewing their structure at the same time. This review was prompted by the admission of IUP into the PRU and MARFU.

Changes to MARFU Bylaws on Apparel

TOPIC DROPPED

Philly-Whitemarsh Appeal of the 7's Fine (United Qualifier)

P-W proposed a compromise to pay one team entry fee to United 2001 Qualifier. Carl Schmitt accepted on behalf of United. P-W's disqualification from the 2002 7's competition will be lifted when United receives a check from P-W. Carl Schmitt to let P-W know what the fee was, and report to the Board and 7's Committee when the check is received

Keystone Women's RFC - TOPIC DROPPED

MARFU Jerseys stored Matt Godek Rugby Supply

MARFU has no jerseys at Godek. The Secretary will contact all All-star Staff Personnel and request a list of what jerseys are where, and their condition, and any requests for new jerseys for 2002.

New Business

The Blacksburg RFC has declined to accept their berth to the USARFU Division III Championships. The slot was offered to the # 2 finisher, who also declined. VP Pat Costello has offered the slot to Happy Valley.

Motion Schmitt, 2nd Costello: If Happy Valley declines the slot; MARFU will return the seed to USARFU. Motion passed

Pat Costello has been covering the duties of Treasurer since Don Jefferis' resignation.

Motion: Schmitt, 2nd Kinzey. Pat Costello, from his position as VP, will assume the duties and responsibilities of Treasurer until the next regular election. The Treasurers position will not have a vote until the MARFU Board elects a new treasurer. Motion passed.