2008 Michigan AAU

Meeting Minutes

August 31, 2008

I.      Call to order

Jerome Collins called to order the regular meeting of the Michigan AAU Youth Football at 4:25pm on August 31, 2008 in West Bloomfield @ the Jewish Community Center Room 205.

II.      Roll call

Stac’ye Horn Collins conducted a roll call. The following persons were present:

Mark Buchan   - Lake Area Hawks

Fred Stitley       - Commerce Chargers

Garey Flewellyn - N. W. Cougars

Chrissy Lacanaria – Farmington Rockets

Dwayne Lacanaria – Farmington Rockets

Joseph Simpson – West Side Steelers

Rick Zeitor – Clawson Mavericks

Philip Johnson – Huntington Woods Bulldogs

Brian Vieaux - Walled Lake Braves

III.      Approval of minutes from last meeting

Ava Jackson read the minutes from the last meeting. Mark Buchan of the Lake Area Hawks made motion to accept.  Dwayne Lacanaria 2nd.  The minutes were approved as read. 

IV.      Discussions

a)      Jerome Collins – Sports Director of Michigan AAU Football.  Opened with welcome back statement and thank you to all participants & National Champs. 

b)      He stated we had 28 teams last year 5 teams in 8U, 7 teams in 10U, 8 teams in 12U and 7 teams in 14U. 

c)      He advised this year we will have a two game minimum, two divisions with 32 teams and a maximum 45 player roster.  That would be 8 teams in each class with the following weight restrictions.

 

1.      The Divisions:

 

a.       8 and under (maximum weight 120-125 lbs.)

b.      10 and under (maximum weight 130 lbs.)

c.       12 and under (maximum weight 150 lbs.)

d.      14 and under (maximum weight 185 lbs.)

 

This discussion brought on a motion to increase 12u weight to 155lbs. by Joseph Simpson with the West Side Steelers, 2nd by Garey Flewellyn of the North West Cougars.  Each participant is to speak with their respective organizations and be ready to vote at next meeting.

 

Registration will be explained by the registrar.  No spots will be held. 8 teams in each bracket; Division I and Division II, 2 Champions.  All rules & structure of the tournament will be discussed @ Sept. 08 Meeting.  We want to balance out the competition.  You will not be going up against a team from the same league for the first game.

 

b) Stac’ye Horn-Collins – Registrar of Michigan AAU Football.  Began with an apology from the Governor who was unable to be here due to the schedule change of today’s meeting.  She stressed that 2007 AAU Football State Championship was a huge success and reaching out to other communities is a necessity.  This is not a Metro-Detroit championship it is a State-wide Championship.  She informed all attendees, this year we have additional teams that are interested and some will be participating.  For this reason teams need to be mindful of time and paperwork.  This year there will be no holding of spots.  Forms were mailed in advance to last years participants and are expected to be turned in with deposit of all participating teams by the due date with fees. 

 

1.      Registration is $330 per team which includes a $30 club fee.

a.       Which can be sent in prior to each player registration

2.      There is a $14.00 AAU membership fee per player.

3.      There is a $16.00 AAU membership fee per coach (non-participant)

4.      Cheerleader participants are free and highly suggested to attend.

 

 

Last years participants were given the option to participate first, so far two teams have opted out.  Then additional teams will have the ability to participate on a first registered with payment basis.  From now on, NO personal checks will be accepted.  We will accept CERTIFIED FUNDS ONLY.  There are numerous payments still to be satisfied.

 

This year we will have Sponsorships;

            Radio – Spots will run from October thru tournament in November

            Wireless Giant – Activities have not been confirmed.

 

Referees – AMP Certified

            They are certified, honest, uniformed and very professional individuals.

 

Suggestions are welcomed.  Question posed, “If you know of a venue for video taping or facility that will be able to accommodate us, please let me know.”  Facilities in Livonia and the Lakes Area were mentioned but stated they only have one field.  We are still open to suggestions.

 

In each division, the top three teams will receive awards.  Participation awards will be given to all participants.  It is important for us to support all teams.  Have your players stay for the other games, network with other coaches and meet other players.  The bigger picture is putting Michigan on the map.  May the best teams win and represent at the Nationals.  Although players should not be approached until the 11th Grade, this is where they may have an opportunity to be seen by scouts and placed in the notebooks to watch for future college enrollments.

 

AAU insurance – The insurance for AAU will kick in immediately after your season ends and all documents and payments received.  Medics will be on sight.  However, you may bring your own.

 

V.      Remarks

League Director asked that the National Championship winners tell us about their experience.

         Both organizations advised they would not change a thing.  Hotels & restaurants were within a 4 mile radius.  The tournament was very well ran.  They had decent break times.  Check-in was a piece of cake.  They had the badges, books, t-shirts ready upon arrival.  The meet and greet with the rules and regulations was well organized.  It was a great experience and they look forward to returning.

Motion placed on the floor by Jerome Collins to appoint Ava Jackson as the Treasurer/Co-Secretary of Michigan AAU Football. 2nd by Mark Buchan.  All for no opposed.

Motion placed on the floor by Stac’ye Horn-Collins for Jerome Collins to be the Sports Director of Michigan AAU Football for four additional years. 2nd by Dwayne Lacanaria.  Written vote with name, represented organization and signature on file.

Minutes of today’s meeting will be forwarded to the Governor.

A.     Ava Jackson – Question posed on teams. How many organizations have games on Sunday’s?  Four teams that were present have games on Sunday.  It was stated to have the September meeting on Monday because no teams will be practicing or participating in a game.  Meeting set for September 29th 7pm @ Harrison High School located off 12Mile Rd. between Orchard Lake and Middlebelt in Farmington Hills .

VI.      Adjournment

Jerome Collins adjourned the meeting at 6:35pm .

Minutes submitted by:  Ava Jackson