News from the ASA District Commissioner from North Alabama

.. a brief report on what went on at the ASA Board Meeting Sunday, January 26th, 2003

      In the regular board meeting we heard a presentation from a Vance Williamson, a member of the Shelby County Parks and Recreation Authority. He told of his county's support for soccer which includes building the Heardmont Park fields and the '96 fields. They also now own and lease Soccer Blast and are planning on a major upgrade of the Polo fields.
     They recognize the economic impact of soccer and of hosting soccer tournaments. They wanted to bid on the 03 Div I/II tournaments. The Division I tournament is obligated to Huntsville for 03 but can be bid after that. The Division II tournament is up for grabs and the state will issue a bid spec sheet in the near future. The main point of the bid was the offer to underwrite up to $20,000 of the state's tournament expenses and up to $5000 for other soccer related expenses in return for hosting the combined tournament.

      The treasurer discussed the progress we are making in our accounting systems and how for next budget cycle, all committee chairs will have managed budgets that will guide their actions and activities. For now, ODP operates that way.

      The AGM will have to be shifted from the earlier date that was set in order to meet our By-Laws requirements. The date now picked is May 17th, in Birmingham, at a location not announced. We expected an official announcement soon that the Women's National Team match vs. Canada will take place at Legion field that afternoon so the meeting will follow it.

      March 16th has been picked for the next Board meeting. The focus will be discussions of the extension of short sided soccer and is open to the membership.

      The LOC reported that the spring scheduling meeting will be February 8th with the league opening for a 6 game season on March 15 and will end May 18th.

      Tryouts for the Fall '03 season can begin May 27th and run through June 15th. The Qualification Tournament will be held August 9/10, location TBA. The intent is to play U13,14, and 15 on Sat and U16,17, and 18 on Sun. The scheduling meeting will be the next weekend with the league running from 6 September to October 26th. All teams who want to play in Division I will have to qualify, even state cup winners.

      Governor Cup is planned for the Division III championship, 25/26 October 2003 in Montgomery

     The Division II championship (all age-groups) is seeking a sponsor and is planned for November 8/9.

     The Division I championship is planned for November 1/2, 2003 in Huntsville.

     All Div I age-groups are being limited to at most 7 teams during league play. League results will be used to seed the teams. Only 6 teams will advance to Snickers, no prelim round, and the 7th team will be allowed to play in the Division II championships.

    Adult State Cup will be in Montgomery, November 15/16, 2003.

    ODP girls event is scheduled for Huntsville Feb 1/2. Additional training opportunities to look at players for team consideration are planned for many of the boys teams during Feb. It was mentioned that teams going to ODP camp need 3 shirts, 2 for game wear and one to attend meetings.

     If you have any questions about any of the items above please contact me at eaton@hiwaay.net. Thanks.

Marty Eaton
North Alabama District Commissioner

Created: 12/20/99
Last Updated: 02/07/03

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