To all Club members,
Since my last letter, a lot has happened. Among other things, both a great session with some coaches and a six-plus hour board ‘retreat’ were productive in the BOD being able to be more focused on mid to long term issues versus day-to-day ones. This will be an attempt to update you while not rambling on about all the details. So here I go...
Technical Director position:
It was decided to change the position title to ‘Club Director’. This was based upon input from members and staff to make a clear and easy statement about this position being the ‘face of the club’, the person in charge of day-to-day operations. Applications from some very qualified candidates have already been received and we are keeping the posting open ‘until filled’.
The process of short listing and interviewing candidates will commence in November. The BOD has enlisted the help of a small group of BOD members, staff, parents and players for this process. The BOD will then convene to review the results with the goal of filling the position by mid-December.
Volunteer Committees:
The BOD establishedthe following committees during our retreat and will provide them with basic direction and goals to achieve:
- Public Relations/Marketing/Communication
The Club has a multitude of incredibly valuable resources in our membership. These resources need to be effectively tapped so that the bright future of this Club can become a reality sooner rather than later. Now is the chance for members to become truly involved in shaping this future. Any interested parties should e-mail the BOD at spokaneshadowbod@yahoo.com to expedite the formation and impact of these committees.
BOD changes:
Due to an unforeseen clause in the Club By-Laws, Sean Bushey had to resign from his position. His involvement with the Regional ODP in a paid coaching position is not allowed according to an SYSAS-mandated clause. Sean’s input as a BOD member was, and will still be (as a parent), greatly appreciated. The BOD invited and voted in Loreen McFaul to fill this vacancy. Welcome aboard Loreen!
Just recently, Terri Sloyer submitted her resignation. Terri’s involvement with the Ad Hoc committee, the interim BOD and the elected BOD was extremely instrumental to this Club surviving the last year and setting the stage for a bright future. We would not be where we are now without her efforts. The BOD invited and voted in Katie Gantz to this vacancy. Welcome aboard Katie!
Staff Resignations:
The BOD is truly saddened by the recent resignations of two staff members, Jeff Robbins (effective immediately) and Katie Carpenter (effective at the end of the season). Both of them provided the Club with incredible energy and dedication during their stay with the Club. Jeff was an invaluable asset as a coach plus being Executive Director during the establishment/development of theClub. Katie is agreat coach and an inspiration to many of our past and current players. Both of them simply bled Shadow BLUE and will be missed. The BOD wishes them the very best in their future endeavors.
The No Pay/No Play Policy:
This policy has been instituted to address a bad trend in late or non-payment of outstanding club dues. These dues simply pay your coaches’ salaries and fund the overall operations of YOUR CLUB. Without timely payment, cash flow becomes a serious issue just like with any other organization or business. Thus, a hard but fair stance had to be taken by the BOD. Notices have been sent out to members and coaches indicating those affected by this policy. Your immediate attention to your account status is greatly appreciated.
Wow, that is a lot of information but a lot has been going on in our first year of true Club membership. Through this all, we simply need to always remember that all Club-related efforts are for the players, current and future. The BOD has been focused on this simple but often difficult task. The BOD is glad that we are at a point where we can now welcome others into the fold of volunteering their time and energy for the good of the Club. This is an exciting time. Let’s continue to move forward together in a simple but productive way, attracting new members along the way.
Mike Keenan
President, Board of Directors
Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club
