Olde Tymers Softball of Delmarva

Minutes: OTS Board/Manager Meeting Dagsboro Church of God Activity Room Wednesday January 25, 2006 Attendees: Tom Harvey (President),Sal Corrallo (VP), Bill Neyen (Treas.), Archie Alexander, Bo Wood, John Bokop, John Walker, Don Clements, Mike Carta, Gary Meredith, Neil Fleming, and Ed Sternberg. Treasurers Report Current Balance $4,741.56 [Includes 39 registrations for 2006] Comments: Buck Starkey, the groundskeeper at the COG fields declined our $300 gift. The money was given to him in appreciation for time and work he put into the OTS infield resurfacing project. As an alternative, it was suggested that he may appreciate the league donating the $300, in his [Buck’s] name, to a youth organization. John Walker will discuss the suggestion with Buck and report his response at the next board meeting. Old Business Church of God Contract & Ball Field Improvements · The league will have exclusive use of the ball fields, for league play, Tuesday and Friday mornings from April through October. · The league will have access to the ball fields on Wednesday mornings for practices. · Funds permitting, the league will construct a bleacher at the West Field. · Funds permitting, the league will consider erecting shade covers over the player benches. 2006 Registration · 2006 registration forms have been mailed to all players on the 2005 rooster, and other interested players · 2006 registration forms also are available for download at http//eteamz.active.com/delmarvaots Annual Meeting Date: April 3, 2006 Time: 7:00 PM Location : Bethany Beach Town Hall 2006 By Laws & Rules Revisions The 2006 [revised] By Laws and Rules will be available in March at http//eteamz.active.com/delmarvaots. Highlights of a few of the new By Laws and Rules include: · Expanded training and authority for league umpires · Tough new penalties for player misconduct · Creation of a Rules Committee responsible for: ü Resolving player and manager protests ü Rules interpretations ü Implementing disciplinary action · New base running rules ü Elimination of the run-by rule at 2nd and 3rd. · New Courtesy runner rules New Business Sponsorship and Publicity Plans for 2006 – Archie Alexander Archie outlined publicity plans for promoting player recruiting and the acquisition of additional team sponsors. They are as follows: · A new [8”x11”] player recruiting poster has been designed and is being placed at locations throughout our area. · A new sponsor solicitation letter has been developed and is being mailed to potential sponsors throughout our area. At this time it is expected that four of the 2005 sponsors will renew. 2006 Sponsor fees will remain at $350.00, Patron Fees at $100.00 League members are urged to contact Archie [302] 226-8381, or a League Officer if they are aware of any: · Potential new team sponsors or players · Locations where a Player Recruiting Poster could be placed, but isn’t Archie also has made some in-roads with politicians who are responsible for “State of Delaware, walking around money" grants. These financial grants are potentially available to needy individuals, or public service organizations such as OTS. Ideas suggested at the meeting included: [1] construction of bleachers; and, [2] construction of roofs over the player benches. The board was encouraged to identify additional project ideas for discussion at the March meeting. Once a suitable project, or projects, are identified and agreed to, Archie and Tom Harvey will prepare and submit a detailed proposal, to those in a position to authorize a grant. The competition for these grants is intense. Managers and Assistants - 2006 Managers and [Assistant Managers] committed or [pending] for 2006 Tom Farrah [Tom Copp} Bo Wood [John Bokup] Neil Fleming [Ed Sternberg] John Walker [Don Clements] Gary Meredith [Bill Neyen] Mike Carta Roger Howard [John Mancuso] Tournament Participation 2006 Discussion centered on how OTS might improve our leagues performance in tournament competition and whether we should consider participating in additional tournaments. Currently we regularly participate in two tournaments, the Senior Olympics, September – [Mike Carta Coordinates] and the Olney, Maryland Tournament, July – [Gary Meredith Coordinates]. It was agreed to revisit this topic and develop a specific plan of action at the March meeting. Below are highlights of some of the discussion at today’s meeting. Suggestions for improving performance included: ü Forming teams earlier and regularly playing exhibition/practice games throughout the season. The games might be played against our other tournament teams, OTS league teams, or perhaps teams in other area leagues. ü Several tournament team managers and [assistants] were tentatively recommended as well. They include; 60+ Bo Wood [Ed Sternberg] 65+ Gary Meredith 70+ Mike Carta 75+ Jim Stradley ü Player selection practices were also discussed including how to handle the occasional need to recruit players from outside our league Suggestions for other tournaments included one in suburban Washington DC [Virginia]. Consideration also will be given to other tournaments for the younger teams 55+ and 60+. Shirts and Hats for 2006 The league is exploring options for 2006. Uniforms used by the night league are popular, but are much higher priced than those currently in use by most OTS teams. Bill Neyen priced the shirts locally @ $13.25 and the hats @6.65 including the silk screening. John Walker will price out alternatives. Sal Corrallo will consult with the night league regarding their supplier. It was suggested and agreed that in 2006 the name of the sponsor will be on the front of the shirt, the number on the back, and OTS in small script on the sleeve. It also was suggested that the league inventory its tournament uniforms and hats and reorder as necessary. (Note: Once player has been given a tournament hat and they are expected to have it available if selected for future teams. If provided a second hat, the players will be expected to pay for it. It was noted that if the OTS does not have a sufficient number of sponsors, it would consider using excess, “sponsor uniforms” from the night league. Insurance 2006 The insurance is paid for, but the local Delaware ASA representative has failed to return numerous telephone calls concerning the ASA fee. The insurance carrier has assured Tom Harvey that they will contact, and nudge him into action. Other Business It was also voted to give John Walker [Ocean View Family Restaurant] a 2006 membership voucher for one player. This action was initiated in recognition of John’s outstanding contribution [work, time and equipment] in the construction of the OTS ball fields and the infield resurfacing. Tom Harvey urged that we continually remind players to patronize our sponsors. Sponsors are a significant source of income to the league and deserve our support. Without these revenues league fees would be much higher. Among other ideas, it was suggested that the league create a sponsor’s board to be displayed on each field on game days. Bo Wood also suggested that we look into purchasing a batting machine. No action was taken, but comments are welcomed Adjournment Minutes compiled by Sal Corrallo Corrections 302 945 2457 Salmarcorrallo@mchsi.com Post Meeting Announcement. OTS will open a silent auction at the annual players meeting. Ed Sternberg donated several items. Other donations will be accepted. Notify Sal or Tom if you have an item to be donated for the auction. A listing of items will be posted before the meeting begins.