6/22/15 UpSCRC AGM

Location: Conference Call Attendance

Attendees: Bill Krecker (Commissioner), Richard Worden (Treasurer),

Mark Buckley (Director 15’s), John Joseph (Hamilton), Christian Thiim (Hobart),

Pat Romeo (Paul Smith’s), Dave Mathews (Potsdam), Trevor Horgan (Fisher), John Grasso (U.B.), Colton Kells (U.B.), Mike Holcomb (U of Roch.)

Not Represent: Sean Morgan (Director 7’s), Conference Secretary (Vacant), Alfred, Canisius, Clarkson, Plattsburgh, St. Lawrence

Moderator: Bill KreckerMinutes: Bill Krecker

Call to Order: 7:06 PM

  1. Self Introduction of all Team Members and E-Board members
  2. Commissioner’s Comments:
  3. Introduction of John Joseph, Coach of Hamilton College
  4. Thank You to E-Board and all Teams for a productive and positive UpSCRC Inaugural Year
  5. Congratulations to our 3 NSCRO Nationally ranked Teams (U of Roch. # 37, Plattsburgh # 40 and Potsdam Challenge Cup # 13).
  6. 2015 NSCRO Playoffs: Steve Cohen, NSCRO President has asked us to again host the N.E. Championship Regional Qualifier as well as the Challenge Cup N.E Qualifier (v. NRFU). We will be looking at returning the venue to Saratoga.
  7. Team Contacts Updates: Please update & forward to Bill Krecker, if you have not done so yet
  8. Submit Team &/or Action Photos to Bill Krecker for the Website, if you have not done so yet
  9. Rich Worden asked for an explanation of the Challenge Cup, for the new Teams.
  10. Kurt Westcott has agreed to continue to represent the Referee Society on our Disciplinary Committee
  1. Hamilton Membership Vote - Unanimously Approved (welcome to Hamilton, along with Hobart who was approved at the last meeting). Hamilton will fill the Bye week in the North Region schedule and Hobart will fill RIT slot in the West Region schedule.
  1. E-Board and Committee Reports

• Bill Krecker for Sean Murray (Secretary): This position is currently Vacant due to Sean/RIT’s move to D2. Bill requested teams to submit any Coach’s Code of Conduct &/or Membership forms that were not previously submitted.

• Mark Buckley (Director 15’s Competition) Mark just found out about the meeting. His e-mail changed to: No new info to report. Teams asked to review schedule for potential conflicts and report them to Mark and Bill Krecker immediately.

• Sean Morgan / Designee (Director 7’s Competition) - Sean not in attendance. Bill Krecker Reports that Sean is working with Union College to create a Men’s/Women’s NSCRo Qualifier Tournament for the Spring 2016. Late Spring weather limited competition for any teams ability to play many matches.

• Rich Worden (Treasurer) Year End and Projected Budgets. Rich reports that according to First Niagara Bank we have $2000. He explained the issue of the bank intermingling his personal accounts with our account, along with recent account audits. We estimate that there should be a few hundred dollars more, Rich will work further with the bank to straighten this out. Rich has not yet re-paid himself for $700 of out-of-pocket expenses he covered. Rich presented the possibility of switching banks - no feedback received from members. Only Key Bank is in both the North and West regions, but they have higher/more fees.

Dues will remain $500 for the fiscal year. Invoices & Employer ID forms to be e-mailed to school officials early July,. Payment required by the first or second match of the Fall season. Colton Kells reminded Rich that a hard copy is required by U.B.’s Administration.

5. E-Board Elections: The Secretary position needs to be filled due to Sean Murray’s (RIT) move to D2. Duties of the Secretary position were explained. No Nominations or Volunteers were made, so the position remains Vacant. Members were urged to consider filing the position and if interested contact Bill Krecker.

All other current E-Board members are seeking re-election, no further nominations made. The full Slate was then re-elected unanimously.

6. 2015 Schedules: As promised last year, the schedule will rotate one week with a Home/Away reversal. This is expected to continue year to year and should help future planning. Hamilton/ Hobart to be inserted as previously explained.

7. Any Teams needing Certified Coaches? Both Potsdam and Hobart report they are seeking Coaches. E-Board will spread the word for possible candidates. Potsdam to check again with Sean Morgan for suggestions. U of R may possibly be looking also.

Need for Coaching Clinic discussed, as well as last Summer’s financial impact (lost money due to only 11 attendees). Ten attendees are required to hold a Clinic, 20 should cover cost. Rich Worden explained the County Sports Authorities ability to assist, but they would look for a collaborative effort such as a Rugby Clinic for the public - with representatives from all schools. Members were asked for feedback wether it is worth hosting again - no feedback given.

8. Member Feedback / Questions / Additional Items:

• Rich Worden explained last year’s Team eligibility issue involving an MCC student. Discussion on NSCRO requirement for pre-approval of any such player, as well as the impact of a Team recruiting players from other schools (per NSCRO - both school’s male population would be combined for eligibility purposes). Teams should check NSCRO policies for further information.

• Discussion regarding need for Referees, especially in the North where some Canadian refs have had delays crossing the border. Percy (Ref Society assigner) will be reminded of our concern.

• Rich Worden indicated concerns regarding field conditions. U of R aware of concern regarding the size of their pitch and the softball infield. Suggestions made regarding use of Turf field, Mendon Ponds Park, Colonials or Aardvark fields - recommended they start looking now. Mark Buckley has concerns regarding both St. Lawrence (room available to increase size) and Clarkson pitches. Suggest team’s contact their Grounds Dept. to discuss set up and lining requirements. Pitch dimensions available on-line. Potsdam reports their new pitch has been set up and they are purchasing new goalposts.

9. Set GM Dates: Bill Krecker suggested (barring Holiday conflicts) we set up for the

7:00 pm on the third Sunday of every third month. Dates to be posted shortly.

Adjourn: 8:19 PM