Recreation Advisory Board

CITY OF NORWICH RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD SPECIAL MEETING August 11, 2015 5:00 PM Human Services Building, Norwich, CT Present: John Iovino, Victoria Daniels, Lee-Ann Gomes, Alderman Mark Bettencourt, Alderman Bill Nash (left at 6:18 pm), Gary Evans, Sean Ryan Absent: Angela Duhaime and Ray Stewart 1. Call to Order Meeting was called to order by Chairman Iovino at 5:08 pm. 2. Discuss Fall Basketball Program Chairman Iovino stated that the Board will discuss the financial and behavioral issues that have been a problem with the Basketball Program in the past. Vicky distributed a handout created by Monique listing problems that she encountered with the program that included coaching issues, practice issues, game issues, and her suggestions for improvement. The Board discussed this handout in depth. The main issues discussed were inappropriate conduct of coaches (poor sportsmanship), cancellations, coaches not showing up for practices, food being brought into the gym, unsupervised children (not in the program) attending practices, and inappropriate conduct from parents (poor sportsmanship, vulgarity, fighting). The Board discussed the need for a code of conduct / guidelines for parents that outlines expectations and lists consequences for violations (if you violate you and your child will not be able to participate). The Board also discussed the need for a parent meeting night and a coaches meeting. The Board discussed the possibility of recruiting volunteers from the local Fire and Police Departments (and other community groups) to man the door at practices and games versus hiring to save costs. It was noted that the Board will need to come up with a plan for how to seek replacements when a volunteer cancels. The Board also discussed background checks on volunteers. Vicky discussed the practice schedule and noted that by eliminating Saturday practices it saves a few thousand dollars. She noted that she has reserved Kelly for games and Moriarty and Huntington for practices. The Board discussed not being able to hold 3 practices a night; they will only be able to have 2 practices a night. Chairman Iovino noted that the gym at NFA may be available for practices on Saturdays from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, but he has to investigate further. The Board discussed sponsorships and what was included for a company who sponsored a team. The Board also discussed possibly raising the sponsorship from $200 to $250 for a single team. Vicky was asked to research the total dollars brought in from sponsorships (in 13-14) and what level of sponsorship was purchased. She was also asked to bring a list of her sponsors for review to the next meeting. The Board discussed soliciting sponsorships and assisting Vicky with this.  Chairman Iovino outlined tasks that need to be worked on. He stated that he will work on Coach expectations and Parent/athlete expectations. Bill Nash and Mark Bettencourt will speak with the local Fire and Police Departments regarding volunteering at practices/games. Bill Nash agreed to assist Vicky with sponsorships, but this will be after the next meeting when the sponsorship information is reviewed by the Board. Vicky has revised registration forms and schedules, but they need further revision. Next meeting will be August 18, 2015 at 5:00 pm at the Recreation Department. 3. Adjournment MOTION: To adjourn at 6:29 pm Made: John Iovino, 2nd Alderman Mark Bettencourt, motion unanimously approved. Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Kayser, Recording Secretary.