News from the ASA District Commissioner from North Alabama

.. a brief report on what went on at the ASA Board meeting Sunday, September 8th, 2002.

Financial

     Treasurer reported about his work to set up the accounts and pull the books in order. A full file review is underway and the board authorized him to use a CPA firm to conduct a review, then to monthly review the records and accounts to insure proper accounting. The fee for this service is well worth the peace of mind it will bring to many. Also, he is going to use a payroll tax service to assure proper payment of and accounting for all payroll taxes.

       There is a question of whether teams who did not submit their player registrations on a disk using the proper software will be charged an additional $1 for the required manual entry. No decision was made.

Referees

      Dave Stevenson reported that the numbers of referees are still a "challenge" especially in smaller, outlying communities but he thought they were getting it more under control. The opening of the State League appeared to be fairly problem free.

Kellogg's Cup

      Next item was a shift to enlarge the newly formed Kellogg's Cup planned for Huntsville alongside the Snicker's State Cup. Division II teams can enter Kellogg's Cup in all ages now.

      As I understand it,
The schedule is Division I -State Cup, Division II - State Cup or Kellogg's Cup or Governor's Cup, Division III - Governors Cup.   The entry deadlines will be the same for all three tournaments and a team can only take part in one of the three.

Regionals

Regional Planning Meeting will take place October 10-13th on the site of next year's Regional Tournament at Greensboro, North Carolina.

ASA Website

ASA needs a new webmaster, an ad-hoc committee was appointed and empowered to select a new company to handle the website.

ODP

      There was a good deal of discussion on ODP and on how the State DOC and the ODP committee will interface and who will make what decisions. In keeping with the national model and past practice, the board decided that to task the State DOC with overall responsibility for ODP, especially in the selection, assignment, and evaluation of both coaches and players. The ODP committee, consisting of a committee chair, Boys administrator, Girls administrator, and committee secretary will work with and support the DOC to carry out the program. Marlin sited a number of conflicts and resigned as the chair. Neither Terri or Roz were in attendance but it is hoped that they will remain on the committee. Christie Clark will serve as interim committee chair and Marty Eaton will serve as temporary committee secretary.

      ODP this year will run a bit differently from last year. District tryouts have been conducted in our (North Alabama) area already and will soon conclude around the state. The tryout fee of $35 (up from $30 last year) is intended to defray costs in the selection phase. Unlike last year, there will not be a state level tryout, rather, players will now be scouted in league games, perhaps looked at by the State DOC, the assigned ODP coach, or by another coach who is assisting the ODP coaches in reviewing players.

      By mid October, the intent is to have the review complete and players who are asked to join the ODP pool will be contacted. The first time the pool players will be required to meet and train together will be at the Border Festivals planned for January/February 2003 in Huntsville where our ODP pools will train and play matches against ODP teams from Tennessee. There will be an additional cost for that event and players who join the pool and participate will be required to pay that cost. Again, the target is to cover costs out of fees paid.

      After the winter event the state team in each age-group will be named. Those players, when they have accepted a slot on the team will attend training sessions throughout the spring, a mini-camp projected for June, and Regional Camp in July. Again, the bulk of this cost will again be paid by those involved, however corporate sponsorship may also kick in.

       Also, fitness will be a much greater point of emphasis and players can expect to be fitness tested at the opening of the winter event, at mini camp, and at Regional camp.

Marty Eaton
North Alabama District Commissioner

Created: 12/20/99
Last Updated: 01/13/03

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