GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

 November 6, 2002

 Recreation Complex

Present: 38 of 52 teams.

A2, A6, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C4, C5, C6, C7, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6,

E1, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, F1, F4, G1, G2, G3, G4, G6, G7, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5.

Note: A4 arrived prior to the start of the meeting, took a copy of the financial statements,  and left prior to the start of the meeting.

1. Financial Report – Moved by Jeff Martell, Seconded by Tom Park to accept 2002 financial report as presented.             Carried (for, 38;  against, 0)

2. New Diamonds – Al and Eric explained that they attended meetings with a new group   (Multi-Use Recreational Facility Alliance – MURFA) that was formed in order to pursue new recreational facilities in Pickering. The group will be attempting to put together a business plan in order to make a presentation to Janet Ecker in the hope of obtaining land from the province that would be suitable for a multi use facility. In order to assist in obtaining a professional design for the facility, the following motion was put forth in order to assist in this endeavour. Moved by Eric, seconded by Alex, that the PMSPL donate up to $2000.00 to assist in obtaining a professional design for a new facility in Pickering.

3. Team Fees – In order to continue raising funds for a new facility, the following motion was put forth. Moved by David Hunter, seconded by Eric Bell, that the PMSPL continue raising $150.00 per team per year towards new diamonds.

Moved by Dave Hunter, Seconded by Eric Bell.  Carried (for, 38;  against, 0).

2003 Team Fees and Rosters – The membership was advised that the 2003 dues would be collected in mid March. Convenors will be responsible for obtaining “soft” copies of their teams rosters prior to the start of the season.

4. Reporting Scores – The league will continue to take scores via the web site and by telephone. All teams were advised that when using telephones to report scores, do not call from noisy locations (bars) and make sure all pertinent information is given. It was reiterated that the website is the preferred method of reporting scores.

5. 2003 Divisions – It was decided, if all teams return, to realign the open divisions from 5 divisions to 4. This would eliminate E division. A tentative realignment, based on all teams returning, and reducing the open divisions from 5 to 4, was posted for all to see.

6. Umpires – The membership was advised that discussions had taken place between the executive and Brian Sharples regarding complaints about umpires. Brian has agreed to provide the names and schedule of umpires next year and will use his time to monitor the other umpires on an ongoing basis rather than umpiring games himself. He will also hold a mandatory clinic in the spring and advise all umpires of our concerns especially in regards to rainouts and the importance of getting tournament and playoff games in.

Junior Umpire Development – It was also stated that Brian had made a presentation regarding this subject and explained that the idea was to have older teens attend a development clinic in order to ready them for adult leagues. They would work some of our games with established umpires after attending the clinic. The cost is $130.00 per person. The executive, at it’s last meeting, carried a motion by Jeff Martell, seconded by Alex Reagan, to donate up to $1300.00 to the junior umpire clinic for up to 10 attendees.

7. Website – All indications are that the web site is working well. Anyone with new ideas were asked to advise their convenor. Any sponsors wanting to get on our site should be advised that we will do so for a price to be determined.

9. Rules – Moved by David, seconded by Eric, that the Tournament and Playoff Rules, Prize Money, be amended to say that if there are 5 teams or less in a tournament, only 2 teams will be awarded prize money.

Moved by Dave Hunter,  Seconded by Eric Bell.  Carried (for, 38;  against, 0).

10. 2003 Schedule – The membership was advised that no team generated changes to the schedule will be allowed. In the case of an emergency the convenor must give the okay.

11. Low Core Balls – There was substantial discussion regarding the background and current use of the core 40 balls, with an emphasis on Centennial park and H division. Eventually the following motion was put forward, “One standard ball for the entire league”. Motioned by Ekkehard Zorn,  Seconded by Tyler Cartier. 

Carried (for, 23; against, 15).

13. Elections – Openings as follows

President – There were no nominations nor volunteers

Registrar – There were no nominations nor volunteers

New Business

Items discussed: No motions were put forward.

H division requested fewer night games.

Suggested use of wooden home plates at all diamonds.

Suggested squeegees be put in all equipment bunkers.

When is it appropriate for a specific “division only” vote.

S.P.O. has banned some bats, even though labelled as 1.20bpf.

Diamond repairs. Advise convenor, or message to website, if repairs needed.

Defaults and fines.