Becker Big Lake Youth Hockey and Ice Association Minutes Annual Mandatory Parent Meeting
Thursday, October 7, 2004
7 pm - Becker Community Center Meeting Room

Board Members Present: Jill Downs, Brice Green, Cheryl Hurt, Chris Noponen, Lisa Ramerth, Brenda Graber, Dave Ellingson. Not available: Kim Muench, Chelle Nelson.
Approximately 75 individuals from the general membership were present.

Call to Order - 7:07 pm by Chris Noponen.

Agenda - Informational meeting for all regarding policies, procedures and other information for the upcoming skating year.

Policies and Procedures Manual
Billing Process: Season fees divided in thirds and will be billed October 1, November 1, and December 1. A $30 late fee will be added and/or skater could be bared from practices, games, etc. Chelle Nelson's father has been ill so she has not been able to get the bills out as of yet. The due dates were stated on the registration material so payments are still expected by October 15. Season fees for the year are: MiniMites: $150 ($50 each due date); Sr. Mites $400 ($134 each due date); Squirts, PeeWees, Bantams $600 ($200 each due date).

Discipline: This information, which can be found on pages 8-10, was reviewed. Coaches are responsible of informing players of the rules and consequences. Coach Coordinator is responsible for informing the coaches.

Fundraising:
1) Mini Chopper - Cheryl Hurt reported that a drawing for a Mini Chopper will be held at the association's year end banquet. Tickets are $5 and will be available throughout the season through Cheryl Hurt or at association and high school games and events. Each family will receive tickets at Picture Day.

2) Wreaths - Jill will still accept orders for wreaths and Christmas trees until Thursday, October 14. A sign up sheet was passed around to get volunteers to make phone calls and sort the wreaths upon arrival.

3) Calendars - Cheryl Hurt reported on this year's mandatory calendar fundraiser. Each family is responsible to sell 10 copies of the $20 calendars. They will be distributed at Picture Day on October 27. Money for the sales will be due by December 10. Drawing for prices will be held December 28 at the Big Lake American Legion.

4) Pictures - Held on Wednesday, October 27. Times and location to be announced. A percentage of the sales will be given to the association. Using Sunshine Photography.

5) Applebees, Elk River - they are offering a promotion from November 1-7 that for each Margarita sold BBL will receive 25¢. They will also be selling paper pucks for $1. These proceeds will be split with Elk River and BBL.

Grievance Procedures: Since the printing of the manual, Dave Ramsdell, listed as the Executive Board Officer responsible for any grievances filed, has resigned. Send any complaints and/or grievances to the association post office box in Becker. When the BBL Board receives the form, they will review it and then act accordingly. If you don't receive a response in two days, call Chris Noponen at his office number. Reassurance given that no formal complaint will go unnoticed but reminder given that everyone is to try and resolve any issues personally. If not successful, then file a formal complaint for Board's review.

Newsletter: Lisa Ramerth reported that the monthly association newsletter can be seen at the association website approximately the 25th of each month. Anyone not able to access the internet should contact Brenda Graber or Lisa to request that a copy be mailed to them.

Player Achievement: BBLYHA endorses and participates in the SKATE (Skaters Keep Achieving Through Education) Program of Minnesota Hockey. Skaters need a gpa of 3.0 or higher (those students in lower grades need "satisfactory" or "s" grades). Turn in grades to Team Managers. Wendy Green is the association's SKATE Coordinator.

Residency: Lisa Ramerth reported that BBL will comply with Minnesota Hockey policies. BBL defines residency as the school district for Becker and Big Lake. A player's primary place of residence (where the skater lives most of the time) must be within such boundaries. Anyone violating this policy places BBL at risk of being sanctioned by District 10, which we then would not be allowed to skate all year.

Registration: Lisa reported that anyone wishing to register with BBL can still do so until December 27. They should contact her so she can supply them with the necessary forms to be completed along with a $50 late fee.

Tournaments: BBLYHA expects all teams--squirt level and above--to participate in two Minnesota Hockey sanctioned tournaments each season. Any team participating in an unsanctioned tournament may be suspended from Minnesota Hockey activities for the balance of the season and the following season. It could result in our entire association being suspended from league play.

Volunteer Hours: Tammie Ellingson reported that each Team Manager will keep track of the volunteer hours completed in a log book. Volunteer Fee of $50 for this season runs through April of 2005. Beginning next April we will begin our new "volunteer year" of April to March to help the association procure volunteers for the various spring and summer fundraisers and to give the membership the opportunity to fulfill their volunteer hours before the start of the next hockey season. If fee was paid this year and the required hours are put in, a refund will be given. Working the penalty box and/or time clocks during games does count for volunteer hours (at rate of 1/2 hr).

Zero Tolerance: The Board has been discussing issues that have been happening that are in direct violation of our Zero Tolerance and/or Parent/Player/Coach Code of Conduct. The Board has decided to take a firmer approach to infractions. They will issue one warning and then will expect the individual(s) to come before the Board for a disciplinary hearing.

Sign-off Page: Each member/household is required to sign-off on the last page of the manual indicating that they have read it and agree to its terms.

Questions from the Membership

Refund of Pre-Payment: If a skater doesn't play after all, then a refund of the pre-payment would be given. If the pre-payment is more than the cost to skate this year, the balance will carry over to next year.

Calendars: Concern was raised as to it being mandatory. Because of our small numbers in our association, it is necessary that everyone participates. There is no "buy out" clause for participation.

Game & Practice Schedule: All games have to be scheduled and then practice times can be determined and distributed.

Arena/Land: Expect approximately 2 weeks before the final plat is done. The agreement is to purchase 5.2 acres at $80,000, which does not include any water or road assessment. That is expected to be approximately $40,000.

Jerseys: Team Managers will receive the jerseys from Johna Nelson, Equipment Manager.

Team Needs: Coaches are asked to contact Johna Nelson will any team needs (ie. First Aid kids, water bottles, pucks, etc.)

Appreciation: A "thank you" was expressed to the Board members for all the volunteer hours put in.

Board Comments: Chris Noponen stated that there have been issues this year from and regarding parents, coaches, Board members. The Board is doing the best job they are able to do--doing the best for all concerned. Attempting to not have any "knee jerk" reactions but ask that the membership cut the Board some slack so we don't make as many mistakes. He asked that the membership put their trust in the Board and give them their confidence in their abilities. Reminded everyone that their input is valuable but again asked that each individual attempt to resolve any conflicts themselves with other teams or coaches. Reminder to all that "the kids come first--that's our only focus."

Meeting adjourned at 8:01 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Graber, BBLYHA Secretary