Meeting Minutes - Wednesday, December 7

Executive Board - IN Attendance
Rick Duquette, Pres
Rob Goodell, VP
David Kochman, Tres
Jason Fish, UIC
Gordie Daniels, Sec.
Paul Wilcox, Advisor

Minutes from previous meeting were submitted by then Secretary David Kochman, and reviewed.

Discussion on the ball debate
Reviewed the discussion at the last meeting on the ball, which was to continue to use the current green balls, or change back to the Worth Gold dot.   The board decided that the popular consensus from the last league meeting was to go back to the Gold dot.    The board also discussed the pros and cons about where/who to purchase the balls from, considering price and quality.   Two places that were mentioned for the purchase of the balls were Extra Innings in Walpole, and RJ Sports in Gilsum.   The Executive board decided that the decision needs to be made by the entire Board, and postponed the decision until such a time the entire board will meet.

The bat issue was also debated, and Rick brought up the fact that the awards were of poor quality last season.

By-Laws meeting was set for January 5 for a review and revision of the by-laws, league constitution and Budget.   Also, other meeting dates were set.

Discussion was also brought up about the league creating a new fund raiser, through a poker tournament.   Rick and David will check out the viability and legality, as well as the demographics of such an event.   It was also discussed if the GKMSA could host such an event because of tax status.  The board will review this further.

Discussion was also on the one player on two teams system.   The add-ons may have to be relocated, as Paul will not be at the concession stand this season.   A possibility may be to post a schedule to where the add-ons and payments will go.

Rick brought up his idea on the Make-up game scheduling for the 2006 season.   The idea is schedule three weekends through the season specifically for make-ups, and inform the teams that if they have any games to be made up, plan on doing it on the next scheduled make up weekend.   All concurred this was a good idea.

Rick also informed the board that he was told by Rec Rep Andy Bohannon that the city would like the League to be finished with the season earlier than in the past, before Sept 8 if possible.

Discussions ended, meeting was adjourned.

Meeting Minutes - Thursday, January 5, 2006   CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAW REVIEW

In Attendance
Rick Duquette, Pres
Rob Goodell, VP
David Kochman, Tres
Thomas Little, Sr. League Rep
Gordie Daniels, Sec.
Paul Wilcox, Advisor

It was decided that the next meeting will be at 5:30, January 12, 2006, with the entire board to vote on the changes and amendments to the by-laws and constitution of the GKMSA.   Changes made were as follows:

Review of the Constitution, as lead by Paul Wilcox;

Article 3, Section 3 -- Players fees will become $35 for ALL players in the GKMSA, regardless of being a Keene resident or Non-Keene resident.

Article 3, Section 4 -- Officers pay will remain the same, except for the Vice President.   Discussion both for and against changing of the officers pay, possible reductions or salary caps.  Only motion made was to increase the VP from $500 to $750.   No other officers increased or reduced at this time.   Change in the duties of the Secretary, who will now be responsible for properly maintaining the league website (this is in Article 5, section 7).

Article 3, Section 6 -- Motion to increase Umpires fees to $30 per game proposed.  

Article 9, Section 2 -- Change of the word "must" to "shall"

Article 9, Section 3 -- Executive Board shall meet twice a month during the regular season, on nights to be determined by the Executive Board, prior to when the schedule is released.

Review of the By-laws, as lead by Paul Wilcox;

Article 1, Section 2, # 3f -- change rule to be the same as # 3e, stating the vacant position in the batting order is a declared out, instead of a game forfeit.

Article 1, Section 3, bats -- The following text will be added;  "with the exception of the B Division, which will use the ASA Restricted Bat list.

Article 2, Section 3, fees -- delete "out of town fees"

Article 2, Section 4, fees -- eliminate "out of town" reference, move Section 5 to Section 4

Article 4, Section 6 -- Change the fine from $25 to $50, and the minimum number of representatives to four.   This rule is to be re-enforced on the front of the schedule and website for the 2006 season.

Article 7, Section 1 -- Change from 10 minute grace period to 15 minute grace period.

Article 7, Section 8 -- Change the amount of the fine from $50 per game to $60 per game.

Article 7, Section 11 -- Take this section out entirely, and move all remaining sections up one.

Article 10, Section 1b -- Eliminate 1b, move all other remaining sections up one.   This will change any 7 team division to include 5 teams in the playoffs, instead of four.

Motion was made to switch from the colored Optima ball back to the Worth Gold Dot, with a lower compression than previously used two seasons ago.   The board will make attempts to contact vendors in the area for prices and availability.

Motion was made to appoint Paul Wilcox to set up playoff brackets for all divisions for 2006.

The Non-Profit report that is required by the state was submitted by Paul Wilcox, with Paul and Rick Duquette (President) as the contacts on the report.

In both the Constitution and By-Laws, the word "League" will be changed to "Division", when the text is referring to a division, to make these rules "politically correct".

Meeting Adjourned.

Meeting Minutes - Thursday, January 12, 2006   

In attendance:
Rick Duquette, Pres
David Kochman, Tres
Thomas Little, Sr. League Rep
Gordie Daniels, Sec.
Jason Fish, UIC
Paul Wilcox, Advisor
Scott Goulet, board member
Nick Hugel, board member

Motion to vote on the rule changes to By-Laws and Constitution made, changes passed by 6-2 vote.

Discussion opened on Ball choice.  Comparisons made with last years ball to previous years' balls.
Final decision was last years ball vs. switching to Worth Gold Dot, 47 core and .375 compression.
Decision was made to get bids on ball prices, between RJ Sports, Extra Innings and Dick's Sports, for the Gold Dot.

The by-laws and constitution will be brought to the Sentinel to be printed when revisions are complete.

Other discussion included calling and recruiting teams for the league.

Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Minutes - Thursday, January 19, 2006  

Rick Duquette, Pres
David Kochman, Tres
Rob Goodell, VP
Gordie Daniels, Sec.
Paul Wilcox, Advisor
Doc Little, Sr. Advisor

Registered 7 more teams into the league bringing the number of teams to 33 total.   Discussion and phone calls were made to do more recruiting of teams.   Reviewed the 2005 list of teams to find out about the teams not heard from yet.

Also, preliminary discussions about what teams might be in what league, and possibilities if certain leagues were to have a small amount of teams.

Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Minutes - Thursday, February 28, 2006    FINAL FEE NIGHT

In attendance:
Rick Duquette, Pres
David Kochman, Tres
Gordie Daniels, Sec.
Paul Wilcox, Advisor
Doc Little, Sr. Advisor

Accepted team fees and players fees from teams

Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Minutes - Thursday, March 9, 2006    PLACEMENT NIGHT

In attendance:
Rick Duquette, Pres
Rob Goodell, VP
David Kochman, Tres
Gordie Daniels, Sec.
Paul Wilcox, Advisor
Doc Little, Sr. Advisor
Jason Fish, UIC
Joe Gibson, Umpire rep
Kyle Ryder, league rep
Nick Hugel, league rep

Teams were placed into divisions;   questionable teams were reviewed based on where they requested to play, previous two seasons placement in standings, previous seasons Runs scored, Runs allowed ratios, and roster changes (additions/deletions).   

Also, discussion on the possibility of C1 playing C2 teams in crossover games, because of the lack of C1 teams (3 at this time).    Discussed and decided that no team in C2 was strong enough to make a 4th team in C1, with Hamshaw or Rountree Kia being the only real candidates.   It was voted on and passed that C1 would play C2 in crossover games.

Also, by board discussion and vote, 5 teams were chosen from C2 to remain in C2 as the stronger teams, and the rest of the teams would form a C3 division to play separately from C2.   B Division teams would continue to play each other with no crossover.

D1, D2 and D3 would remain as separate divisions, and play games only against other opponents within the division.

Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Minutes - Thursday, March 16, 2006    COMPLAINT (BITCH) NIGHT

In attendance:
Rick Duquette, Pres
David Kochman, Tres
Gordie Daniels, Sec.
Paul Wilcox, Advisor
Doc Little, Sr. Advisor
Jason Fish, UIC

First team -- Appliance Pro
Requesting to move from C2 down to C3
Main argument was lacking in experienced players, have a couple older players, and only one bonafide pitcher.   New Sponsor was present, and made the argument of a new sponsorship coming into the league did not want to get negative publicity by getting blow out every game, etc.

Voted 4-0 to move Appliance Pro down to C3

Second team -- Crockett Log Homes
Requesting to move from D1 down to D2
Main argument was same basic team from 2 years ago, only finished in the middle of the division and felt the teams may be stronger now.   Also that players would be missing throughout the season, and also that they didn't have a bonafide pitcher.    League board expressed concern that the team had several decent, and a small number of super caliber type players, which would enable them to compete in this (D1) division.   Also, it is a bowling pitcher division, and thus the team should be able to find a pitcher among themselves or from another division.   Coach Scott Giza agreed to keep Crockett in D1 for the upcoming season.


Third team -- Vonderhorst
Requesting to move from D1 down to D2
Main argument, several players missing, gone to another team, along with aging and suspect players.  Coach Ron Johnson turned in the roster and League board reviewed.   Concerns made by Paul Wilcox that team has been competitive past couple of seasons, based on win loss record.  
Voted to move Vonderhorst down to D2 was passed.


Fourth team -- Worldwide Computer Solutions
Requesting to move from C1 down to C2
Worldwide represented by Billy Smith and Bruce Summers.   Argued that they did not have competitive enough team to play against Natural Healing and Servpro all season long.   All board members agreed, and voted to allow Worldwide to move from C1 to C2.

Domino's Pizza was called, and via phone it was decided to move Domino's Pizza from D2 down to D3 based on the roster and competitive level.

Also discussed and decided was C1 teams will play TWO crossover games against C2 teams, meaning C1 teams will have 10 games against C2 teams and 8 against each other.   C2 teams will play each C1 team twice for 4 games each, and then play two teams within their division 3 times for 6 games, and play the other two teams 4 times each for 8 games.  This brings the total number of games for C2 teams to 18.   

Meeting adjourned.

Arbitration Meeting & Executive Board Meeting - May 9, 2006

In attendance:
Rick Duquette, Pres
David Kochman, Tres
Gordie Daniels, Sec.
Paul Wilcox, Advisor
Nick Hugel, D3 Rep
Tom Maynard, C1 Rep
Matt Bemis
Derek Paul, Servpro coach
Josh Coughlin
Joe Parrott
Matt Greeley
Darrell Sheldon, Ump Rep.

Meeting began with a reading of a letter submitted by Umpires Don Delpha and Joe Gibson.   The letters discussed an incident with Josh Coughlin in a game on May 3, at Hanna Field, between Servpro and Hamshaw in the C1 Division.

The letters summarized a play at home, in which Umpire Delpha had to make a close call of which Josh Coughlin did not agree with.   Mr. Coughlin stated his objections laced with profanity, and also apparently "bumped" home plate umpire Delpha during the discussion.   Mr. Coughlin was promptly ejected, and not having any substitutes left, Servpro ended up forfeiting the game.   

Mr. Coughlin issued a verbal statement, of which did not deny the facts presented.   

Although not present at the meeting, Rob Goodell submitted a brief statement via Rick Duquette.

Mr. Coughlin was asked what he felt should be appropriate punishment for his actions, he stated "a couple of games".

Matt Bemis and Derek Paul also issued statements in regards to the incident.

The parties involved were momentarily dismissed while the board discussed the matter, and the board came up with the following conditions to Mr. Coughlin:

        1)    Four game suspension, per team that Mr. Coughlin plays for (Servpro and Amer)
        2)    Probation period (12 months, with indefinite suspension pending any further incidents)
        3)    2 Letters of apology to each umpire for Mr. Coughlin's actions
        4)    Return to play pending the letters of apology being submitted to each umpire.

Mr. Coughlin was informed of these conditions and accepted them.

2nd order of business brought forth was another letter submitted by Darrell Sheldon in regards to recent conduct of Umpire Matt Greeley, in regards to another game on May 8, 8pm, between Mullett Electric and Mickey's Pub.   The letter was read, and stated that Matt Greeley's conduct when umpiring the game was not within the standards of ASA umpiring, specifically his temperament and conduct in handling adverse situations with aggressive and abusive players.   Mr. Sheldon stated that Mr. Greeley continuously engaged in arguments and shouting matches with players that were berating him, and in turn antagonizing the players to continue.   Mr. Sheldon, a veteran umpire of over 10 years, questioned in Mr. Greeley had the temperament to handle being an umpire.

The board spoke to Mr. Greeley, and it was agreed to allow Mr. Greeley to continue to umpire at this time.

Discussions were also made about finding an temporary interim UIC in leau of current UIC Jason Fish's absence.   Paul Wilcox has been "acting" UIC during this time.

Meeting Minutes - October 3, 2006

ANNUAL MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Meeting began 6pm with Introduction of Officers
Opening comments were made by President Rick Duquette
Financial Report was given by Treasurer David Kochman  (Treasurers report - click here)

Bat and Ball Rules were discussed by VP Rob Goodell
    Discussions centered around switching the ball to Diamond, to save on bat destruction
Playing for Two teams was discussed by Pres Rick Duquette
    There was much discussion among those in attendance over the rules, and the board
    acknowledged that tweaking of the rule was going to be necessary
Make-ups and Playoff games were discussed by Rick Duquette
    Board acknowledged the need for another make-up weekend
Paul's Time - Paul Wilcox discussed keeping the 9024 phone in the snack stand at $300/year
Website - discussed by Secretary Gordie Daniels
    Secretary hopes to provide more info regarding make-ups and playoff situations

Question & Answer session followed
    The New Board is to have the Diamond Ball Rep come in and discuss using the Diamonds
    Job Descriptions - redefined by Paul Wilcox, subject for Board approval
    Field Duty for Playoffs discussed, that would cover raking, scoreboards, general errands, etc
    Playoffs - Weekend for p/o becomes the make-up and mini playoff weekend
            Then the playoffs would run by division each evening to follow
    League Reps will be needed, and should be utilized more this season, all divisions represented
    Andy Bohannon mentioned tournament fees for league teams, $75 2 fields, $300 for 4 + lights

ELECTION RESULTS
PRESIDENT -  Rick Duquette re-elected over Rob Goodell
VICE PRESIDENT - Rob Goodell re-elected over Nick Hugel
TREASURER - David Kochman elected unopposed
SECRETARY - Gordie Daniels elected unopposed
UIC election to be decided at the annual Umpires meeting, UIC elect pending approval by board

Meeting adjourned 7:30pm

Meeting Minutes - November 30, 2006

All 4 remaining executive board members present, with Paul Wilcox.

Meeting began with a review of possible replacements for Jason Fish.   Candidates were discussed, and no decision was made at this time.    Paul Wilcox to work on this issue and report at the next meeting.

Meeting Dates were set, and will be posted on the website.   David Lanier will be informed several days ahead to post in the Keene Sentinel, and hopefully under an upcoming events listing.

Gordon Daniels to work on finding temporary representatives for C2, D1, and D2 divisions.

Discussion also on raising sponsor fees, and giving teams who register early the discount to previous rate.

Meeting adjourned 7:30 pm.

Meeting Minutes - December 19, 2006

In Attendance - Rick Duquette, Dave Kochman, League Reps Ron Johnson, Don Patch, Mike Wellington, & Goup

Balls were discussed, and decided that the 44 core, 375 compression balls would remain as the ball for all divisions.

Bats were discussed, and wooden bats were suggested by Mike Wellington.   Dave Kochman would investigate the possibility of wooden bats vs. aluminum.   For now, the league kept the current status quo, to allow all single walls only.

Rosters were discussed, and Rick Duquette recommended only one higher league player be allowed as a pickup after original rosters are turned in.  Board was in favor, but there was no vote on it as of this time.   Also discussed was the rule addition, no pickups allowed for the playoffs - period.   Only rostered players would be allowed to participate in the playoffs.  This was not voted on yet either.

Next meeting on Jan 9, 2007 would decide the above issues, as well as amend any constitutional and by-law issues.   Jan 11, 2007 will be the binder fee night. 

Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2007

In attendance - Paul Wilcox, Gordie Daniels, Rick Duquette, David Kochman, Don Patch, and Mike Wellington

Paul Wilcox questions $100 rebate to teams, added to 3B of the constitution.

No Ball of Fame nominees for this coming season - was voted on by Ball of Fame committee in September.

Thank You card from the Kochman family was read for League donation to Kochman Foundation.

Flowers/donation request were sent to recent funerals, bills were brought forth from Paul Wilcox.   Funerals included Bob Van Blarcom, Jason Fish.

Bat Questions brought up again by Mike Wellington, David Kochman reported investigation on Metal vs. Wood bats.   Discussions ensued, decision was made that it would take at least one season to grandfather out metal bats if a decision to switch was approved.   Discussion also brought up that Paul Wilcox did a survey in 2000 or 2001, and found approximately 75% of teams wanted to switch at that time to wooden bats.   Discussion also involved the argument that if wooden bats were approved, how many teams would elect not to participate.   

League voted to not change in 2007, but to do another survey and poll the teams on wooden bats becoming mandatory in 2008 or 2009.   

Paul Wilcox was appointed and approved as Umpire Representative on the League Board, pending the naming of an Umpire-in-Chief.   

Discussion on enforcement of fees and fines for late league payments.   

Discussion on Paul Wilcox as possible UIC for the mens league.   Womens league already has their own UIC which will mean mens UIC will focus on mens league games only.

Paul Wilcox to research a raffle held last April, as the City of Keene requests a list of the winners.

Meeting Adjourned.

April 5, 2007 -- Package Night

Executive Board prevailed over meeting.

Agenda was as follows:
    Introduction of Officers
    Welcome Message from President
    Scheduling & Re-Scheduling discussion
    Bats & Ball discussion, Moneys Owed
    Umpires / Rule Changes, Clarifications
    Website -- Schedule, Makeups, Results
    Walt Tourney
    Players looking for Teams
    Questions & Answers
    Division Rep Elections
    Hand out of Packages, Balls

Sunday, April 29, 2007 --  Bat Debate Issues

In attendance - Paul Wilcox, Gordie Daniels, Rick Duquette, Rob Goodell, Kyle Ryder (ump rep), Don Patch, Tom Maynard, and Mike Wellington;   several players were in attendance in the area.

This meeting was called to clarify and resolve the bat debate issues which have plagued the league since the start of the season.   The bats and bat issues pertaining to each division were discussed, and Rick Duquette proposed the following solution;

    Craig Terrill found an a website for a company that does research on bats and balls involved with
    softball leagues throughout the country.  He presented a 2004 bat study that showed lists of multi
    wall and single wall bats.   Rick proposed that the league adapt this list as the official league bat list
    for the remainder of the 2007, and then address the bat issue again in October at the end of the
    season League Meeting.  Other Board members suggested going to the research company's
    website, getting the updated 2007 list.   The research company was B&N Softball, now renamed
    Bomani Sports Research, Inc.

It was put to a vote, and passed 9-0 (David Kochman by proxy over the phone was in favor).    It was also agreed that the League would reimburse the cost of this, as there is a fee to register on this site and gain the 2007 Bat List.

Some pitching issues were also discussed, as it related to C Division teams and pitching, but nothing was voted on.   Main point to the discussion was, teams were placed in lower divisions with the understanding that certain players would be allowed to play for those teams but would NOT be allowed to pitch, therefore maintaining a fair balance of competitiveness among all teams within all the divisions.   This was agreed upon during placement night, with most reps present.

Meeting was adjourned.

ANNUAL OFFICER ELECTIONS MEETING -- October 4, 2007

All 5 Board members present, along with 17 representatives of the league

Discussions on players fees, reductions, assessing penalty if player adds late
Also better policing of players jumping from team to team

   BATS/BALLS Discussion
        Idea brought up about a possible "wooden bat" division, comprising of 6 teams @ Brown
        Discussed a possible pre-season "wooden bat" tournament
        Informal vote, 1/3 in favor of a wooden bat division

BAT LIST -- Discussion, of a bat list comprising of 5-6 bats only.
         Two votes taken, first vote 1/2 in favor
         After more discussion, a Second vote was taken, well over majority in favor

PLAYERS PLAYING FOR 2 OR MORE TEAMS
         Long period of discussion, nothing changed or resolved, board conceded to add/drop issues
         & the facts that the add/drop issues need to be addressed

UMPIRE'S REPORT
         2009, Umpires will be asking for a raise, probably to the low 30's.
         2008, Umpires are needed desperately, Wilcox states a severe shortage this season

LEGION -- Discussion on the trees at the Legion

FIELD DUTIES 
         Discussion on doubling up the number of teams for field duties on tournaments, to assure
         field duties will be covered.   Idea put forth about including the field duty fines within the team 
         sponsorship fee, and the team could recover upon completing their field duties.

SCHEDULE
         Discussion on John Reinchert not doing the schedule for 2008 season, and possible
         replacements.   Gordon Daniels volunteered if no other alternatives were found.

ELECTIONS
         PRESIDENT -- Rick Duquette (12) elected over Rob Goodell (9)
         VICE PRES -- Rob Goodell (10) elected over Tom Little (7), and Scott Goulet (1)
         TREASURER -- David Kochman un-opposed
         SECRETARY -- Gordie Daniels (20) elected over Tim Santaw (1)
         UIC -- Kyle Ryder was elected by the Umpires in a seperate vote in October.   The
                     Executive Board unanimously approves.

         BOARD REPS -- Chuck Beauregard, Ron Johnson, Jeff Castor, Scott Goulet, Kevin Kouivenen, Martin Sheldon, Joe Parrott

MEETING ADJOURNED

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING - DECEMBER 2007

Discussion on writing a letter to ASA about the increase in team fees of 75%

Discussed B Division Teams, and how to structure a B Division, including recruiting out of town teams

Discussed Placement of upper league players in a lower division

Discussed cleaning up the by-law and constitution wording, and payment records on teams

BAT LIST - 6 to 8 bats, to include DeMarini weapon (or compritable), White Steel, Worth Powercell, Louisville TPS, Easton Havoc, rest TBA, and will include wording that the board reserves the right to modify at ANY TIME

Set nights for meetings for the upcoming season.
    Constitution & By Laws, Jan 3
    Binder Fee night, Jan 10
    Final Fee night, Feb 12
    Placement night, Feb 21
    Bitch night, Mar 6
    Packet night, April 3
    Opening night, April 19  (tentative on snow melt, etc.)

Meeting for January 3, 2007

    Revisions for the 2008 By-Laws and Constitution, will include a page to hand out on Binder Fee night.   Also discussed potential bats for the 2008 Bat List.

Also, officers attempted to call past and potential teams for the upcoming season.

Meeting for October 14, 2008

ELECTION RESULTS
PRESIDENT -  Rick Duquette re-elected over Rob Goodell
VICE PRESIDENT - Scott Goulet elected over Rob Goodell
TREASURER - David Kochman re-elected unopposed
SECRETARY - Paul Cullity elected over Gordie Daniels

UMPIRE IN CHIEF - Tim Lepisto, who had previously been elected at the Umpires annual meeting, was approved by the newly appointed Board.

Paul Wilcox will continue to serve as a League Advisor.

Meeting for December 9, 2008

In attendance: Rick Duquette, Scott Goulet, David Kochman, Paul Cullity

Meeting began at 6PM

Discussion on changing from current League format ( A, B, C, D-1, D-2) to a "division" format (Division 1, Division 2 etc).  The thought process was that some teams/players may be against playing up because of an aura around a league name.  It was decided that this would not change things for most teams, and the league structure will remain as is.

Rick Duquette introduced a "B" League discussion.  Specifically, the problems/difficulties with only having 3 teams last year.  The league strongly supports having an elite league for the top tier players to compete in, and will do everything possible to ensure that a 4th team is entered in 2009.  This will include discussion with many of the B league players, and input on how this can best be achieved.

Scott Goulet presented a preliminary "approved bat" list from research that he had conducted.  All four present board members approved this list of 8 bats, with the agreement that 1 or two more will be added. 

Bat list will consist of:

DeMarini -  Vexxum, White Steel, Ultimate Weapon, Bruiser, Raw

TPS - Warrior, Gold

Easton - Reflex

Plus the one or two more to be added.

2009 Meeting Dates were discussed and agreed upon.  Paul Cullity to reserve the following rooms/dates with the Rec Center:

Finally, Scott Goulet informed the other board members that the ASA had changed a rule for 2009, concerning dented bats.  Basically, the ASA now deems that even a single dent will constitute a bat to be illegal.  Due to the early season play in the GKMSA, and cold weather at other times as well, the board voted unanimously to NOT adopt the ASA "No dent" rule, and to continue to allow judgement of seriously de-formed bats by the umpire prior to each game.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:30 PM

Meeting for January 14, 2009

In attendance: Scott Goulet, David Kochman, Paul Cullity, Tim Lepisto, Paul Wilcox, Jeff Castor

Meeting began at 6PM

Paul Wilcox and Jeff Castor separately suggested changes to By-Laws and Constitution

Discussion centered around changes or clarifications of many of the rules, to remove gray areas

Suggestion made by Paul Wilcox to increase Vice President pay from $750 to $1000, since game re-scheduling duties were added last year to the duties of the VP.  All agreed this was a valid increase.

Jeff Castor suggested changes to umpire evaluation form, to be taken under consideration by UIC

All suggested changes were noted, Paul Cullity to update official By-Law and Constitution documents and schedule a follow up meeting on February 3rd to vote on these changes.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30PM

Meeting for February 3, 2009

In attendance: Scott Goulet, David Kochman, Paul Cullity, Tim Lepisto, Paul Wilcox, Brian Ward

Meeting began at 6PM

Paul Cullity presented the changes as discussed at prior meeting, with changes and votes as follows:

Constitution Changes:

Art. 3, Sec. 4 - The Vice President will be paid $1000. (was previously $750).  Approved 5-0, Scott G. abstained.

Art. 5, Sec. 1.e.a ADDITION- Section concerns UIC's authority, now reads (addition in bold):

Art. 6, Sec 1.2 - an Addition to this section to show that association members also elect Division Reps. :

                        2. The election of Divisional Representatives Approved 6-0

Art.6, Sec 5.  This Section added to now mandate voting by paper ballot as follows:

Sec. 5  All voting will be done by paper ballot. Approved 5-1 (Brian W dissenting vote)

 Art. 7, Sec. 1 - section concerning Board of Directors, clarified line two to specify that there will be one rep per GKMSA division, as follows:

Divisional Representatives-one rep per GKMSA division Approved (6-0)

Article 9, Sec. 1 - MEETINGS - clarified wording (previously stated election of officers) as reflected in bold:

Sec. 1  The annual meeting of this association shall be held sometime in October of each year for the election of the Board of Directors. Approved 6-0

By-Law Changes:

Art. 1, Sec 2.2 and 2.3 re-worked to show that only top division must now be 9 man, and that all other division (rather than D only) have option to be 10 man divisions.  Also clarified rule regarding minimum players to remove ambiguity.  Changes to section are in bold.

Sec. 2            2.      9-Man Divisions:

1. The top division of the GKMSA must be a 9-Man division.
2. Teams may begin play with 8 rostered players but must list 9^th player in the batting order.  When 9^th player is due to bat, an out is declared.
3. Teams may play 9 and bat 10.
4. A team may finish a game with 8 players for medical or emergency reasons only.
   

3.      10-Man Divisions:

 a.  A 10 man optional division will be allowed for all divisions except the top division (See Section 2.a above).  This simply allows teams to play 10 men defensively, if desired.  The only effect on the free substitution rule will be as stated in Section 3.c below.

b.  Teams may begin play with 8 rostered players but must list 9^th player in the batting order.  When 9^th player is due to bat, an out is declared.Teams may play 10 and bat either 9 or 10 players.

c.  A team may finish a game with 8 or 9 players for medical or emergency reasons only.

d.  Penalty: 10 players to 9.  Penalty will be: vacant position in batting order is a declared out.

2.a and 3.a approved 6-0. 2.b and 3.b approved 5-1, Paul W. dissenting. 

Article 7-Games Sec. 4 and 6 removed "out of town" and "weekend" language respectively. Approved 6-0.

Article 8-Umpires, Sec. 9 added "Start time of Game" to game slip requirements for umpires. Approved 6-0

Article 11-Awards, Sec. 11B Revised playoff awards, so 2-3 team playoffs get 1st place trophy 4 team playoffs and up get 1st and 2nd place trophy. Approved 6-0.

Meeting Adjourned 7 PM

Meeting for February 24, 2009

"Placement Night"

In attendance: Rick Duquette, Scott Goulet, David Kochman, Paul Cullity, Paul Wilcox, Brian Ward, Ron Johnson, Nate Johnson

Meeting began at 6PM

The 48 regular division teams were placed in divisions C1 through D3, with 6 teams in the Senior League.

Teams per division as follows:

C1 (6), C2 (6), D1 (10), D2 (12), D3 (14), Sr (6)

All final division alignments were agreed to unanimously by the Board.

Meeting adjourned at 7 PM

Meeting for February 24, 2009

"Complaint Night"

In attendance: Rick Duquette, Scott Goulet, David Kochman, Paul Cullity, Paul Wilcox, Brian Ward, Ron Johnson

First team contesting their placement was Branch Rd. Brewers, which had been placed in C1.  JP Cavolo represented the team and argued that the team was Colonial Coin last year, a D1 team, and had not made significant additions to their roster, had actually lost two solid players and, did not have pitching to compete in C1.

MacDougall's Tavern, represented by Chris Davis also contested their placement in C1.

The Board reviewed both placements, and decided unanimously to move both teams back to C2, and leave C1 as a 4 team division. C2 now becomes an 8 team division. 

Next, Jake's 5 Star, represented by Gordie Daniels, contested their placement in D1, requesting to be moved to D2.  The issue was that the Jake's team had undergone serious change since the year before, and had added players that were much older, and some who had not played recently.

The Board convened, and decided that the pitching and players that Jake's had on its current roster would allow it to be competitive in D1, and voted unanimously for Jake's 5 Star to remain in D1.

Finally, Athen's Pizza, represented by Rob Goodell, contested their placement in C2, requesting to be moved to D1.  Athen's felt that they did not have the pitching to compete in C2.

The Board convened and felt that the team was much too strong to move to D1, and could be competitive in C2.  The Board voted unanimously for Athen's Pizza to remain in C2.

After the division had been finalized, the Board discussed the bat list, and the need to keep the list manageable.  It was decided that the current Bat List shown on the website will be final, and no other bats will be added for 2009.

Meeting adjourned 7:30PM