News and Announcements
OTS ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
Bethany Town Hall, April 1, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Bo Wood called the meeting to order at 7 pm. An agenda was passed out to those present. His first remarks were to thank the Church of God in Dagsboro, Delaware and John Walker for the use of the fields over the past few years. Improvements to the fields have been made by OTS, and more are to come. He stated the average age of our league is about 67 years old, we have 5 players who are 80 or more this year.
1) A "manager's recognition game" that Hal Alpiar arranged is being held on April 25, rain date is May 2, at 11:00 am at our fields against a team from New Jersey. Next time we play them will be at their field, as we hope to make this an annual event. The players will include managers and assistants from 2008 and 2009, as well as the OTS officers from both years.
2) Bo then introduced the league officers and managers for this year. They are Bo Wood, President; Tom Farrah, Vice President and Director of Umpires, Archie Alexander, Treasurer; and Dick Mullins, Secretary. Managers and assistants are: Bo Wood and John Bokop; Jesse Bare and Butch Taras; John Mancuso and George Tavenner; George Hunt and Mike Carta; Terry Tomas and Hal Alpiar; Roger Howard and Jack Daly; Pat Sherry and Johnny Allen; Sal Corrallo and Eddie Sternberg; Grayden Meredith and Neil Fleming; and Tom Harvey with his ass't to be named later. If we go from 10 to 12 teams we will need more managers and assistants.
3) Discussion took place concerning the number of players per team and when we would go to 12 teams. We are not there yet with players paid, but it looks likely we will have over 150, which means we will likely go to 12 teams. If we do, the league players will decide how we split the players. Do we divide into 2 groups by age, with the older players in one group and the younger in another, or do we divide by ability, or do we stay the same? This will be decided by a league wide vote if we do go to 12 teams.
4) Only those players who are paid as of May 1 will be included in the draft. After the draft is completed, any players who want to join the league will be put into a pool of players who will be assigned to a team by the league, as space is available. Therefore, if anyone want to ensure themselves a spot on a team this year, they need to get their money in to the Treasurer no later than April 30. The draft will take place at 10 am on May 1, so any monies arriving on that day may not be collected from the Post Office box until after the draft is over. Players are encouraged to contact those who they know are playing to get their registration forms in now.
5) Treasurer Report: Archie Alexander presented the Treasurer's Report, anyone with questions can contact him. His report showed all income and expenses, and he made the point that we will be a transparent organization as far as our finances are concerned. We lost 4 sponsors from last year, they are Pepper Creek, Bayside Homes, Vickie York and Grotto Pizza. The remaining 6 are committed this year, as well as the American Legion Post #24 in Dagsboro thanks to Pat Sherry. There are 3 other pending sponsors, the managers and sponsors will be finalized by the May 1 draft. If anyone knows someone who would like to be a supporter, they will be listed on our webpage and letterhead, the cost to be a supported is $100.
6) Bo discussed field maintenance. Last year, John Bokop and he arrived early and prepared the fields each day for the games. This year, the responsibility for field maintenance will be assigned to each team on a weekly basis. This includes dragging, rolling (if needed), lining, etc. Also getting the first aid equipment out of the shed and take to the field. The home team of the last game will put away the mats, home plate, the first aid kit and other equipment.
7) Equipment for 2009: Bats must be ASA approved; Balls will be 44, 375 ASA yellow; new shirts and hats will be given to each team. Discussion as to using a hard home plate, such as plywood or metal, so when the ball hits it there is a clear indication if the pitch is a strike or a ball, by sound. Takes away controvery.
8) Umpires: Tom Farrah is scheduling an umpires meeting/training session on April 27 at 10 am at the fields. He hopes to pair umpires to work together all season. We will be providing striped (zebra) shirts for the umps for use during the games to make them stand out more from previous years.
9) First Aid/Player Safety/Weather Line: Dick Mullins went over plans to train some players in CPR and how to use an AED (defibrillator) which we will have at the fields on game days. Those who expressed an interest will be contacted to set up a training date. We are also putting together two stocked first aid kits to be taken to each field for use if needed. If any items are removed, notify Dick Mullins. The weather line will be activated on April 1, number is 1-877-839-0500.
10) Bo Wood went over some schedule issues. They are:
April 2 - first practice day, 10:30 and 12:00 noon. New players report at 10:30. Report to old team
April 27 - managers recognition game
April 29 - new player "intramural" game
May 1 - Player Draft at 10 am at the Ocean View Town Hall
May 5 & 7 - Practice games with new teams
May 12 - League Play begins.
11) Open Discussion
Sal stated that Open Practices would be moved to Friday, not Mondays as previously stated.
Sal proposed that a substitution rule be enacted that states that before a player sits more than one inning, all players on a team must have been replaced for at least one inning. This will allow everyone to play a maximum amount of innings. Did not appear to be enough interest to cause a vote. Also, it was brought up that the Board had already considered a substitution rule, and that is stated that all players must play as close to 1/2 the game as possible, which means 3 innings for a 7 inning game and 4 for a 9 inning game.
Bases are to be set at 65', we may have to replace them through mid May, the fields are used by the church youth leagues and the bases may be set for them.
ADJOURNMENT: Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Bo Wood.
MANAGER'S MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 25, 2009
The meeting took place at the Ocean View Town Hall starting at 10 am. Those present included Bo Wood, Tom Farrah, Dick Mullins and the managers/assistant managers for the 2009 season. A variety of issues were discussed, as follows:
1) Player Draft: The player draft will take place on May 1st. Only those players paid as of May 1 will be included in the player draft. Those who pay after May 1 will be placed on a team by the Board, as needed.
2) Managers/Teams: There will be 10 teams this season, with approximately 14 players per team. We lost 4 sponsors (Grotto Pizza, Bayside Homes, Pepper Creek and Vickie York). We gained one back, the American Legion Post #24 in Dagsboro, and have 3 more prospects that look promising. Bo Wood will handle assigning managers and team sponsors to each other.
3) Tueday-Thursday Play: The day change was discussed. It was voted on by the league, then confirmed by the officers and managers last year. Sal Corrallo's practices will move to Mondays.
4) Draft Procedures: How the draft will be handled this year was discussed. The goal is parity within the league to enhance good, quality, competitive games. The combined scores of the manager and his/her assistant will be added to determine the order in which the draft will start the first round. Bo went over the details, which will be restated at the draft meeting. Basically the team with the lowest overall score (skill level of all players to that point) will begin that round, moving toward the team with the highest rating. Each round will start that way. New players will be rated in April, as well as those from last year who may have had a medical situation that could affect the ability to play. To assist the rating process in April, managers and ass't managers are asked to take note of new players and write down their observations. Practices will be held at 10:30 am and 12:00 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays on both fields, and will consist of 45 minutes of practice, such as infield, batting, outfielders shagging flies, etc., the a 45 minute game. Returning players will practice with their teams from last year. The Rookie game will be held on April 29th.
5) Substitution Rules: Several substitution situations were discussed as follows.
Game Substitution- For those with a skill level from 18 to 20, there are no limitation on substitutions, any player can sub regardless of their skill level. For players 12 to 17, only a player with your skill level or lower may substitute for you. For players with a skill lever from 4 to 11, any player with a skill level from 4 to 11 can substitute for any other player in that group. For example, if a player is an 8, the manager may replace him/her with any player with a rating of 11 and below.
Runner substitution- Those who cannot run and always have a substitute runner from home or on any base will have their ratings adjusted to reflect a 3 as a runner rather than a 1 as in the past. This is because they always have a substitute runner who is at least a 3. The rules for running are as they were at the start of last year, which means (a) at the start of an inning when there are 0 outs, anyone may be called upon to be a substitute runner; (b) after there is an out, the player making the last out must run if they are able, if not if moves to the previouse out; (c) anybody can run from a base for another player, but no player can be a substitute runner more than once per inning.
Team Players- Discussion took place about replacing absent players, even when a team has the minimum number of players to field (11). The vote of the managers was to NOT allow any substitute players if a team has the minimum number needed to field a team, which is 11. Regardless of what skill level or position is missing, a team must field it's own team if possible without subs. A sub can only be used if a team drops below 11 players that are able to play. Players must play as close to half the game as possible, which means if it is a 9 inning game, each player must play 4 innings, if a 7 inning game, each player must play at least 3 innings. This is contingent on each player being physically able to play.
6) Innings per Game: Games will be 9 innings, unless due to weather/heat/humidity it warrants shortening, then a 7 inning game will be played. Both managers must make the decision prior to the game starting. If the managers cannot agree on the length of the game, the umpire will make the decision.
7) Team Responsibilities: Last year, John Bokop and Bo Wood did most of the work on the fields each game day. This year the responsibilities will be assigned to the teams, with each team assigned one week. Jobs to do each week include dragging, rolling and lining the fields, cutting the 150' line in the outfield and getting the first aid kit that will be kept in the shed to the field. The home team of the last game on the field is responsible to put everything away, including the first aid kits into the shed. More will be discussed at the general meeting next week.
8) Courtesy Foul: Ed Sternberg represented Sal and asked about the possibility of allowing for a courtesy foul. The managers voted to keep it the way it is, with a starting 1 and 1 count with no courtesy foul.
9) Season Practices: The practices that Sal Corrallo held on Wednesday will move to Mondays.
10) Pitching Screen: A pitching screen will be available for each field for the pitcher's use, if he/she wants to use it. This is optional. If a screeen is used and a batted ball hits it, the ball is dead, the at bat does not count and all runners go back to their base. A thrown ball that hits the screen will be live, and play will continue.
11) Short Fielders: Discussion took place on having the short fielders play no farther in than the outfield grass. The problem with this is that each field is set up different, with one field having a much larger infield than the other. The managers decided to not impose any restrictions on where the short fielder plays.
12) Meeting Dates: There are two upcoming meetings. Next week is the general meeting, to be held on April 1, 2009 at the Bethany Town Hall (intersection of Rt. 1 and Rt. 26 adjacent the totem pole) at 7 pm. The other meeting will be the player draft, to take place at the Ocean View Town Hall on May 1 at noon.
13) Weather Line: The weather line will be activated on April 1, 2009.
14) CPR/AED Training: About 16 people have requested to be trained in CPR and how to use the AED (defibrillator) that will be at the fields. I will contact those interested and set up a training session, to last about 3 hours. We also currently have 3 or 4 who already have the CPR training that may only need the AED part of the program. Also, Bo has directed me to make up 2 first aid kits for use at the fields, they will be kept in the shed to avoid damage to them in the boxes behind home plate.
MEETING MINUTES for October 7, 2008 The newly elected officers of the Old Timers Softball League met today for an informal meeting to get acquainted with each other and discuss issues that will or may come up for the next season, as well as budget issues that need to be addressed between now and when we begin collecting revenue next season.
The League officers for the 2009 season are: President: Bo Wood, Vice President: Tom Farrah, Treasurer: Archie Alexander, Secretary: Dick Mullins
The main purpose of this meeting was to update everyone on the financial aspects of the league, where the money goes and how much is collected, league rules and regulations, where the league has been and where we hope to take it. Archie will have the ability to issue a financial report in the near future, but at this time the league is in good financial condition. Bo stated there were several items he thought should be included in next year’s budget. They include the acquisition/purchase of a shed (minimum 10’x12’) to house a tractor that is being donated by the COG (approx. $2,000), a roller ($200), backstop screens ($400), and other implements to maintain the fields. Also discussed was the annual maintenance fee of $295 to maintain an AED (defibrillator) on the field during games. This is in addition to the uniforms/balls/etc. required to play ball during the season.
Everyone agreed with Bo’s items as presented in principle, based on cost, feasibility, etc. For example, the shed to house the tractor may be a pre-constructed plastic shed or we may opt to build our own, depending on cost, labor, materials, etc. We need to meet with the COG to determine location, appearance and other issues. Archie presented a projected budget sheet for 2009. It is based upon 150 players paying $40 per person, sponsors for 12 teams based on projections that we can increase the pool of players, and funds from Sussex County. We have adequate funds to accomplish our goals for next season. The insurance is due January 1, and we have continuous expenses such as the weather line and web site. Routine expenses include uniforms, balls, equipment, insurance, telephone, the picnic, field maintenance and other expenses. We all agreed with Archie’s approach to the budget and what was projected. Archie has already scheduled to meet with several home owners’ associations to advertise our league and solicit players. All players are encouraged to advertise our league and solicit new players.
The registration letters will be mailed to all players, as well as being sent by e-mail and on the web site. The letters will include the option of each player including any health issue they want to disclose to the league in the event of an episode on the field. In addition, we will ask if any player has a skill, such as nurse, EMT, first responder who wants to declare it and help out at games. These are voluntary.
The schedule for next year, based on a league wide vote, is to play on Tuesday and Thursday (not Fri.). Practices that Sal conducts now on Wednesday will most likely move to Monday. More to follow.
Rules: Two issues that will likely need addressing next spring include substitution of players and mid season players joining teams (and how to rate them).
Field Maintenance: This year, Bo Wood and John Bokop basically maintained both fields, and as all will agree, they did a great job. However, we do not think it is fair to place this burden solely on these two individuals. Therefore, next year we are considering assigning each team a week, during which it is their responsibility to maintain both fields, including cutting grass, lining, field prep., etc. This is something that will be discussed and voted on by the team managers whether it is done day by day or by the week.
Player input: It is our feeling that when major issues surface that affect the league and its’ players, a league wide vote may be called for. Obviously, we cannot run the league on the day to day operations in this manner, but significant issues may require everyone’s input. The weather line will be discontinued as of November 1. It will be re-activated April 1, 2009. Player Safety: This is a major concern, and to that end we have agreed to accept the donation of an AED from Rescue One for Life. This will require an annual maintenance fee of $295, which will include replacement pads, battery, medical oversight and all documentation required for the State or Delaware.We will ask the umpires and team managers to become certified in CPR and AED (defibrillator). This would be voluntary. Also, we will look to upgrade our first aid supplies, and may offer an informational class on first aid, to include the common injuries/medical conditions we may see on the field.
