On January 1 of 2010, I began my term as president of MYAA.   I have been on the MYAA board as the Basketball Commissioner for almost six years. Although I will have many new duties as the President, I will continue to serve as the Basketball Commissioner. 

The MYAA board is comprised of directors, most of whom

are also sports commissioners.  The commissioners are each charged with providing a quality sports programs for their respective sports.  Currently, we offer 10 sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Field Hockey, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field and Wrestling.  The other directors are in place to help the commissioners.  They provide help with Fundraising, Insurance and Registration.  In addition to these directors, we have the normal corporate structure of a President, Executive Vice President, Athletic Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  The President, Vice President and Athletic Vice Present form an informal executive board of MYAA.  The executive board helps to resolve issues, acts as the catalyst to many of the organization’s initiatives and helps to manage the field and gym resources of the organization. 

While the Directors are in place to serve the commissioner, the whole board (commissioner and directors) are in place to oversee the commissioners.  Strict financial controls are in place.  All funds are controlled by the treasurer and president.  Each commissioner submits a budget to the board for review.  The goal of the budget is to have expected revenue cover expected costs.  Once approved, the treasurer and president use the approved budget to validate requests for payments from the commissioners. 

The mission of MYAA is to create quality athletic programs that teach fundamentals, techniques, teamwork and sportsmanship to all children of Medford who wish to participate.  While we offer advanced levels of competition, the focus of our programs in to make sure all children are included.  To this end, MYAA will not turn away any child due to financial hardship. 

One of the key fundamental that we teach to our kids is teamwork.  Teamwork is very critical in the long term success of any team.  MYAA considers itself part of the overall team in Medford to promote youth sports.  We work very closely with the Medford Recreation Department, the Medford School District and the Lenape Regional School District.  Within the Lenape Regional School District we work closely with the various Varsity coaches from Shawnee High School since many of our athletes continue on to play high school sports.

Examples of the teamwork between the Medford Recreation Program and MYAA are the Rutgers Safety Coaching Clinic and the Coach’s Background checks.  The Rutgers Safety program is a 3 hour course given by a Rutgers Safety Course Certified Instructor.  All coaches are required to take this course.   Both organizations coordinate the courses, Medford Recreation oversees the certification process and MYAA provides the funding @ $25 per person and $150 per session.  Additionally, coaches must undergo a background check by the NJ State Police.  Again, both organizations help to organize the checks, the Medford Recreation Department oversees the certification process and, beginning in 2010, MYAA funds the background check @ $26.50 per MYAA coach. 

The last 3 years have been very successful for the MYAA Organization.  I would like to recognize Hank Pizoli for leading the MYAA Organization during this time period.  Under his direction and passion we accomplished the following:

1.   Added two sports - Boys Lacrosse and Field Hockey

2.   Re-vamped the Web Site and added a powerful and easy to use on-line registration system

3.   Developed a email blast capability which allows us to reach all of the MYAA community for important notices.

4.   Reduced advertising costs by working with the Medford Recreation Department and coordinating publications

5.   Worked cooperatively with the Medford Township Recreation Department and Council to enact and implement the coach’s background check and Rutgers Safety Course requirements to help ensure the safety of our children

6.   Stream-lined the monthly MYAA directors meetings

7.   Strengthened working relationship with the Medford Recreation Department, Medford School Board and Lenape Regional High School Districts.

8.   Resolved, swiftly and equitably, all issues which surfaced during his term.

I am pleased that Hank will continue to serve MYAA and its participants as a coach and as our VP of Athletics. 

We are looking forward to another successful year of providing valuable athletic experiences to the children of Medford.  If you have any suggestions for improvement or any concerns, please contact me @ president@myaa.net.  

Thanks,

Marty Dunleavy