Olde Tymers Softball of Delmarva

ALL HANDS MEETING

December 4, 2018

Approximately 60 members, including all Executive Officers, were in attendance.

• The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Steve Unger. Steve introduced the Executive Committee officers and announced several housekeeping issues.
• Tom Wendorf recognized 3 new players in attendance – Dean Enslein, Lance O’Connell and Joe Howe.
• Jesse Bare presented the Treasurer’s report.
  • Current bank balance is more than $17,000. Jesse listed all expenses he has covered to date. He requested that all receipts be legitimate receipts (i.e., from a company) instead of handwritten.
  • Jesse also noted that grass-cutting fees will be paid monthly based on bids yet to be decided.
  • The cost for fence-top padding will be $1082. Jesse noted that volunteers will be needed for installation and asked those that could help to see him.
  • It is important to note, Jesse stated, that there will more distinct divisions of duty to allow for less confusion in handling of monies. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, he will write all checks and the secretary will make all bank deposits.
  • For the purpose of more accurate record keeping, the fiscal year for OTS will run from November 1 through October 31.
• Steve U. reviewed the status of the irrigation system which works well with only a couple minor glitches to be solved. Lord’s will have a contract to engage and disengage the system in the appropriate seasons.
• Steve U. advised that a financial review of OTS income, expenses and procedures was completed by Joe Oswald and Paul Litwin. Several minor issues were identified and new procedures are being put in place to correct these deficiencies. Joe Oswald advised the group that the review was not for misappropriation of funds but rather for more efficient ways to operate.
• Carl Pierce reported that currently 80 players have registered for the 2019 season and reminded members that the deadline for a guaranteed spot is January 15, 2019. (Post-meeting update: several more players registered right after the meeting.)
• Steve Carey reported that last year he started with 22 on the Umpire Crew which decreased rapidly to 15 due to injuries or personal reasons. A request for more volunteers was sent out mid-season, which added 12 to the crew. Scheduling of the umpires was at times difficult due to some not wanting to umpire before they played a game or not enough umpires being available to ump at 9:00 or noon due to their team’s schedule.(Note: you don’t have to be an OTS player to be an umpire. Former players as well as non-players are welcome to umpire.)
• Steve U. reminded the attendees that this is a volunteer organization and more volunteers are needed. Sign-up sheets were set out for the Umpire Crew, Grounds Crew and a new Repair Crew. Several new volunteers signed up, but more help is always needed. (Post-meeting note: if you want to volunteer for one of these groups, contact Carl Pierce or Tom Wendorf and we’ll add your name.)
• Steve U. noted a desire for OTS to be more visible in the local press. He asked for a volunteer to help in this area. Mike Ohr volunteered to serve as our Public Relations Guru.
• Steve U. reported that he, Tom Wendorf and Russ Bufflap met with American Legion Post #28 officers regarding the possible conversion of their rugby field to a third softball field for the league. Steve, Tom and Russ had previously walked the area, discussed possible layouts and potential problems. Discussions with Post #28 will continue, but no decisions were made. Don’t get excited, boys…this is all just an idea for now!
• Steve U. started the open discussion portion of the meeting by noting there were 4 topics on the agenda and that more could be added by the attendees.
  • Steve U. began with a discussion on the possibility of making 2 divisions in the league. He assured the attendees that this will not happen for the 2019 season. Several options for how to create the divisions were discussed (age, skills, player choice, multiple drafts, one draft but the split into 2 similar divisions that would have some interdivisional play, etc.) Much discussion ensued. Dick Mullins suggested an ad hoc committee be appointed to investigate the issue, devise a plan and then present it. No action was taken on this suggestion. It was agreed that discussion would continue.
  • The issue of pitch height was discussed especially in relation to the 12’ high limit. It was noted that umpires are fairly good at calling low pitches (below 6’) but there was inconsistency when calling illegal high pitches. It was noted that 12’ is higher than what most people realize. A frame will be constructed with a 6’ low bar and a 12’ high bar that can be place between the pitcher’s mound and home plate during batting practice so everyone can get an idea of what the limits actually are.
  • The idea of moving the 165’ line to 175’ was discussed with both pros and cons being noted. This will be an item on the agenda for the 12/11 Board of Directors meeting.
  • A request was made to reduce the registration fees for managers, assistant managers and possibly other volunteers. It was noted that this is a volunteer organization and by definition, volunteers give freely of their time. It was also noted that depending on how much the fees were reduced, it might be necessary to raise the registration fee for everyone else to make up the difference. It was noted by the Executive Committee that if someone is financially unable to afford the registration fee, that person should let an executive officer know.
  • A suggestion was made that the home plate mats be buried to allow for safer footing. Jesse noted that plans are in place to have this done prior to next season.
  • A suggestion was made to change the starting pitch count from 1 – 1 with a courtesy foul to 0 – 0 with no courtesy foul. The option of 1 – 1 with no courtesy was also brought up. This will be another item at next week’s Board of Directors meeting.
  • A request was made to force each team to keep a scorebook during the game. It was noted that this requirement is already in the By-Laws.
  • The issue of the inequity of running ratings arose, but debate on it faded.
  • Although a heat policy was on the agenda, the largest part of a discussion about it was related to the length of games and the starting pitch count issue, particularly on exceptionally warm days. This is another item at next week’s BoD meeting.
  • Other items were brought up with minimal discussion and will be addressed at the BoD meeting:
    • Substitute pitcher rule
    • Hi-Lo substitution rule
    • No substitution allowed if only missing one player
• Several other items were noted:
  • Installation of cement floors in the dugouts is being considered. Currently, runoff from the fields during rainstorms floods the dugouts.
  • The possibility of needing additional dirt for the infield and volunteers to mix it in with the existing dirt was noted.
  • It was noted that both fields need to be realigned. This will be accomplished before the start of next season.
  • Dick Mullins assured members that a CPR refresher/training course will be available this summer to those interested. This will be an informal course and will not result in certification, but will provide instruction in the proper administration of CPR and the use of AEDs.
  • It was announced that the Golf Tournament earned $3119 for OTS. Dick Mullins, who has been the Golf Tournament chairman since it started, asked for a volunteer to be co-chairman with him this coming year, and take over the tournament starting next year.
• Steve Unger then reminded members of upcoming events:
  • Toys for Tots, December5 at Fox’s Pizza, 1130 am, Selbyville
  • Shark Tank Holiday Event, December 13, 12:00, Dewey Beach
  • Bowling Tournament, March 29, 2019, Millsboro Lanes, 11:00
  • Golf Tournament, Bear Trap Dunes, October 23, 2019

The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

C. Pierce, Secretary