MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 3, 2024
WELCOME
Present: Pat Hirtle (President), Steve Nauss (Renegades), Matt Smith (VP), Travis Vaughn (Mariners – by phone), Amy Rawding (Freaks), Chris McCarthy (Misfits), Andy Smith (LeadingEdge), Jeremy Church (Outlaws), Mark Smith (Sluggers), Erin Hirtle (Alers)
Absent: Gina Walsh (Bullshitters), Kris Frausell (VP).
AGENDA
Women’s Bats 2024
Discussion was opened. There was discussion about the differentiation of gender and how folks identify and how this impacts equipment, rules, gameplay, etc. and the importance of providing an inclusive environment for all players.
Erin moved that female identifying players can swing any non-banned bat, composite, wood, or metal. Travis seconds. Approved 7-1.
Erin moved that discussion around gender, league rules and structure, and the future of the mixed league as a mixed league be tabled until the fall of 2024. Amy seconds. Approved 8-0.
Schedule/Teams Update:
– No applications for expansion were received
– Nine teams for 2024 season confirmed
– Schedule will see everyone play everyone twice + two bye weeks
– Pending field availability, season starts May 10
– Opening Tournament planned for May 18-19
– Year-End Tournament planned for September 14-15 (three RR games; 9 seed plays extra game)
Sunset Play starts August 16: Games go to 6 innings; interest in also going to 1-1 count? Moved by Steve, seconded by Travis to include 1-1 count play during the Sunset Weeks. Approved 7-1.
Pitching Equipment I: With the league going to wooden bat, do we wish to make pitching gear recommended instead of mandatory? (Proposed by Kris pre-meeting.) Moved by Travis, seconded by Andy. Approved 8-0.
Pitching Equipment II: Pitchers who wear equipment in addition to a face mask (such as shin pads, chest gear, etc) are able to get a free runner from any base when there are two outs to allow them to get their gear back on in a timely fashion for when they take the field. (Proposed by Kris pre-meeting) Moved by Erin, seconded by Mark. Approved 8-0.
Dues: Set at $600/team. Teams purchase their balls. Dues are due by Saturday, April 27.
HARD DEADLINE.
Rosters: Rosters must be submitted by Wednesday, May 8. Online form will be circulated for that.
Appointment of new league treasurer: With Jamie Lilly giving notice she will not be returning as Treasurer, we still need to point a new one for 2024. Jamie has said she will help for a little, but we need a new signee on the bank account as soon as possible. Mark will reach out to one person who may be interested. We may need to do a call on the league Facebook page for interested persons. Failing that, a Captain will need to be appointed as a third signee (in addition to the two VPs) on the account.
Facebook: Some concerns were expressed about comments on the league Facebook page, but in particular about comments made on shares of the page. Amy moved to have the comments turned off on the league Facebook page. Seconded by Steve. Approved by a margin of 5-3.
Motion to adjourn by Steve at 1:58 p.m.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
2024 Bridgewater & Area Mixed Softball League
Annual General Meeting & Rules Review
January 21, 2024 – Call to order at 11:04 a.m.
WELCOME
Present:
Chris McCarthy(Misfits), Mark Smith (Naturals), Erin Hirtle (Alers), Andy Smith (Leading Edge), Steve Nauss (Renegades), Amy Rawding (Freaks), Pat Hirtle (President), Kris Frausell (Vice-President), Calvin Laffin (Outlaws), Jamie Lilly (Treasurer), Matt Smith and Travis Vaughn (by phone) (Mariners), Gina Walsh (Bullshitters).
Absent: None.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Andy nominates Pat for president; there were no other nominations for president. Pat accepts.
Matt nominates Kris; Kris nominates Matt; for the two vice-president positions. No other nominations. Both positions are acclaimed.
Jamie will continue to serve as treasurer as a bridge until a new treasurer is appointed. Pat encouraged teams to think about players they have with accounting experience who may be willing to step up into this role. Target is to appoint a new Treasurer in February.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
– Jamie reviewed current bank account balance. Our current balance is $2,595.97 in the bank. the Captains will determine how to allocate some of that surplus (lower dues, year-end social event, opening tournament, etc) at a future date.
Jamie departed the meeting following the conclusion of her report.
DEVAN NAUGLER PRESENTATION
– Request for letter of support re: proposal to manage fields at the MARC
Devan gave his presentation re: taking over the fields. Devan has registered a non-profit society with Registry of Joint Stocks in preparation for the potential. “Provide a safe, clean, enjoyable environment for all users of the complex.” Would include an online booking platform. Flat rate charged for fields, not hourly, would be roughly half of what the league pays now. Maintenance will include mowing and weekly redoing of lines on the field. A number of questions were asked following the presentation.
DIRECTION ON WRITING LETTER OF SUPPORT
Amy and Erin both noted that emergency access needs to happen. There were other notes: no defib on site; no running water; no power.
Matt moved that BAMS write a letter of support for the proposal. Seconded by Steve. Vote = 9-0 in favour. Motion approved.
RULES REVIEW
– Future Night of the Week
Gina said she thinks that Friday presents a challenge to field a team, especially for folks who travel for ball. Erin noted that moving off Friday nights would be struggle for us. Chris noted he had problems with finding female players last year. Steve noted he, too, would be in a tough spot to field a team. Freaks and Mariners support staying on Fridays too. No motion brought forward on this matter.
– Wooden Bat v Composite Bat for men
Lots of healthy discussion about the pros and cons of wooden bat versus composite happened. Steve moved that BAMS goes to wooden bat for men first (the 2022 rules). Travis seconded. Vote = 7-2 in favour. Motion approved.
Steve moved that women be required to swing wooden bat as well. Seconded by Amy. Vote = 5-4 in favour. Motion approved. Teams will confer with their players regarding women swinging wooden bats and will reconvene to discuss further and confirm at the February meeting.
– Big ball/small ball
Gina moved that we go to one ball (12″) for expense reasons. There was no seconder. The motion was unsupported and therefore considered was defeated. League agreed to continue using Hotdots.
– 1-1 Count
There was a brief discussion around this. Now that there is a return to wood, there is no interest in this.
– Home Run Rule
Tabled to February.
– Opening tournament
Steve moved his proposal for an opening tournament; three round robin games on Saturday, and a single-elimination on Sunday. Amy seconded it. Vote = 8-1 in favour. Motion to plan opening tournament as part of 2024 schedule approved. Random draw to determine teams.
– MALE BATTER/FEMALE BEHIND WALK
Amy proposed that we return to “any walk to a male batter, the female batting immediately behind gets to walk to first base if she chooses to do so; or she may hit — it’s her option.” Mark seconds the motion. Vote = 9-0 in favour. Motion approved.
RETURNING TEAMS
– 24Karat is not coming back
– Do we wish to open expansion?
Discussion ensued. Direction was given – having an even number of teams is preferable. Captains have asked to issue an expression of interest call to anyone interested in potentially applying for an expansion team. Standard league procedures for this process will be followed (general call; interested parties must submit a draft roster; Captains will review any submissions and may or may not choose to approve a new team at their discretion.)
FIELDS
Steve moved we use the MARC and LAHAVE STREET as our primary four core fields. Chris seconded the motion. Vote = 8-1 in favour. Motion approved. The 5th field question (if required) will be tabled.
VOTING
Matt moved that we vote by show of hands on these agenda items (no longer using yes/no voting cards). Seconded by Gina. Vote = 9-0 in favour. Motion approved.
>>> END OF RULES REVIEW
UMPING
The group gave Pat H. direction to speak to Pat Duffney about umpiring the Saturday of the weekend tournament on September 14 and 15.
YEAR START DATE
Projected season start, pending field availability, will be Friday, May 10.
YEAR-END EVENT
Year-End Social Event > Kris and Amy will pursue this. Tentative date in October.
Motion to adjourn by Steve.
Adjourned at 12:34 p.m.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bridgewater & Area Mixed Softball League
2023 AGM and Rules Review Meeting
January 8, 2023
AGENDA
WELCOME
Present: Pat Hirtle (Presiding), Erin Carr (Alers), Kris Frausell (representing Bullshitters for Gina), Mark Smith (Sluggers), Travis Vaughn(Mariners), Steve Nauss (Renegades), Calvin Laffin (Outlaws), Andy Smith (Leading Edge), Jamie-Lea Lilly (24Karat), Alishia McCarthy (Misfits).
Absent: None.
Call to order 1:05.
ELECTION OF 2023 EXECUTIVE
Election of President
Nominations for President — Steve nominates Pat. Seconded by Calvin. There are no other nominations for President. Pat is acclaimed President.
Election of Vice-Presidents
Nominations for Vice-President — Steve nominates Kris. Travis nominatees Matt Smith. Calvin seconds both nominations. There are no other nominations. Kris and Matt are acclaimed as Vice-Presidents.
Appointment of Treasurer
Motion to appoint Jamie-Lea as Treasurer by Kris, seconded by Steve. There are no other nominations. Jamie-Lea is appointed Treasurer.
Confirmation of Returning Teams
All nine teams are back.
RULES REVIEW
Voting by ballot at Rules Review Meetings
Motion for secret ballot by Steve. Seconded by Erin. Approved 8-1.
>>>
Review of Existing Bat Rule (Men Wood/Women Open)
There was a variety of discussion around the room. Calvin asked if everyone has spoken with their team and they all had. Steve moves that we keep the existing bat rule from 2022. Calvin seconds the motion. The motion was DEFEATED by a 5-4 vote.
There was additional discussion following the defeat of the motion. Travis moved that we use composite bats at all fields, with no wood and no aluminum to be permitted. Alishia seconds. Motion is APPROVED by a 5-4 count.
>>>
Review of Existing Ball Rule (Small Ball/Big Ball)
Calvin moves that we keep the balls the same as 2022. Seconded by Jamie. Passes 8-1.
>>>
Review of Number of Teams in the League (Expansion or Stay the Same). With the vote on going to composite bats, the Freaks will have the option to re-enter and they have so accepted. League will go to 10 teams in 2023.
>>>
Review of Home Run Rule
(a) – Max 2 Rule / Versus HR per game cap – No motion to change this rule.
(b) – Female Home Run Rule – Discussion on this ensued. No motion to change this rule.
>>>
Review of Duration of Games (Current 2 x 7-inning or 1 9-inning) – No motion to change this rule.
>>>
Review of Paid Umpires
Projected cost – Estimated based on $35/game based on just 9 teams would be an extra $5,000 per year or $680 additional dues per team. No motion to pursue paid umpires.
>>>
Review of Protective Equipment for Pitchers – There was discussion about polling pitchers for info or about exploring the logisitics of implementing a system where the pitcher would be in a chute and if a pitcher is hit the batter is declared out. Travis moves that some form of head/face protection is mandatory for pitchers in the league. If a pitcher plays without protection/refuses, then the game will go as a forfeit. Seconded by Alishia. Approved bt motion 8-1.
>>>
Review of Minimum Inning in the Field Rule – Motion by Steve to remove the minimum inning in the field requirement. Seconded by Travis. Approved 9-0.
>>>
Review/Clarity on Re-Entry Rules – Per league existing rules, when not clarified by a house rule of the league, the default is the SPN rule. It is clarified that is the case for this rule – default ruling is the SPN rule until otherwise altered. A starter/substitute can only re-enter a game once. For further details, refer to the complete SPN ruling.
>>>
OTHER ITEMS
Discussion around fields. MARC Fields may be problematic for 2023 because of grub/crow damage. Group agrees by consensus to go back to Mahone Bay as fifth field now that the league is back to 10 teams. Further update on MODL fields at the MARC will come at the next meeting.
BUDGET & SCHEDULE MEETING IN FEBRUARY
Motion to adjourn by Steve, seconded by Kris. Meeting adjourned at 2:04 p.m.
>>>>
March 29, 2022 (By way of e-mail)
League Captains appoint Kris Frausell as Second Vice-President for 2022.
League Captains approve Renegades colour modification from purple/pink/black to purple/black.
Gina Walsh has taken over Team Captain position with Bulls Hitters effective mid-March.
>>>>>
February 27, 2022
BAMS AGM & RULES REVIEW (Continuation)
Present: Pat Hirtle, Ruth Wawin, Steve Nauss, Andy Smith, Amy Young, Mark Smith, Gina Walsh, Matt Smith, Calvin Laffin, Jamie-Lea Lilly, Chris McCarthy.
Proposal re: wooden bats
Moved by Calvin, seconded by Steve, that male-identifying players use wooden bats in all league play. Discussion ensued with each Captain reporting on the conversations they had with their teams. Approved 6-4.
Re: Future of the Freaks
Following this vote, Amy confirmed that the Freaks would not be fielding a team in 2022 as a result of the vote. Amy asked the league to consider passing a motion to give the Freaks first right of opportunity to readmit to the league in the event that the bat rule ever reverts back to the previous composite rule. So moved by Amy, seconded by Gina. Approved unanimously.
The Freaks are now considered withdrawn from the league. All other teams indicated they would be remaining in the league.
Re: Game length
Moved by Steve, seconded by Mark, that all league games go to 7 innings in length (pending daylight). Approved unanimously 9-0.
Re: Additional teams
Moved by Steve, seconded by Mark, that the league not consider adding any additional teams for the 2022 season. Approved unanimously 9-0.
Re: Additional items
Captains agreed by consensus that Hot Dot balls will be used for 2022.
Pat noted that with the Freaks withdrawing from the league that Amy will not be able to serve as vice-president. Pat asked captains to speak with their teams and to think about whether anyone will be interested in serving as the second VP for 2022 on the executive.
The old bank account with TD will be closed out and Jamie Lilly (as Treasurer), Matt Smith (as vice-president), and the future (to be determined) second vice-president will be appointed as signing authorities for a new league account, likely with RBC in March or April.
Next meeting will take place in March.
Motion to adjourn by Steve, seconded by Matt. Meeting adjourned at 12:27 p.m.
>>>>>
February 20, 2022 League AGM and Rules Review Meeting
Present: Pat Hirtle, Jonathan Hiltz, Steve Nauss, Tammy Nauss, Andy Smith, Amy Young, Mark Smith, Jamie Graven, Matt Smith, Calvin Laffin, Jamie-Lea Lilly.
Absent: Chris McCarthy
Welcome
Election of Executive
President
Steve called for nominations. Matt nominated Pat. Hiltz seconded. There were no other nominations. Pat is acclaimed as president.
Vice-President
Calvin nominates Amy; Amy accepts the nomination.
Mark nominates Steve; Steve declines.
Amy nominates Matt; Matt accepts.
Amy and Matt are acclaimed.
Appointment of Treasurer
Steve nominates Jamie-Lea. Jamie-Lea accepts.
OPERATIONAL NOTICES
Field bookings March 14 — MARC is planning to give all three fields, Mahone Bay, LaHave Street.
Projected season start date: Friday, May 13 or 20th
As of now, all 10 teams are confirmed as coming back for 2022.
RULES REVIEW
BALL SIZE
Graven asks for clarification on wooden bat and LaHave. Expresses that his team is interested in eliminating 11″ balls. Calvin noted it made it tougher on pitchers used to big balls. Graven noted a challenge for fielders going back and forth between balls too. Graven asked/noted that 11″ balls are used Monday nights. Amy said it levelled the playing field with the small ball. Amy also noted that women have the option to hit the big ball. Steve noted that the women hitting the small ball also led to women getting game-winning hits more. Amy noted it had a positive impact on females defensively and making plays too. Steve moves that female-identifying players hit the 11″ ball (removing the option of hitting the 12″ ball). Matt seconds it. Defeated 5-4.
Outcome: 11″ and 12″ ball rules will remain unchanged at this time.
INFIELD FLY RULE
Mark Smith brought up the infield fly rule and the challenges that go with it in a self-umping league. Graven noted that in a situation where there is confusion, time should be called and the Captains should confer on a ruling — which is the appropriate course of action.
Outcome: Infield fly rule will remain part of gameplay rules.
FIELD CHOICE IN THE FINALS
Amy asked about looking at changing the field for the final game of the finals. Motion by Graven seconded by Steve that the highest-ranking seed based on Saturday round robin surviving for the playoff finals gets to choose which field the championship game takes place on at the MARC. 9-0.
Outcome: Highest-surviving team (based on playoff seeding after Saturday round robin) in the finals will get to choose to play the game on MARC 1, 2 or 3.
WOODEN BAT
Calvin brought up going wooden bat for men on all fields. Matt noted that he loves composite bats, but that wooden bats might be much better for this league, would be more competitive. Steve noted that changing to wooden bat might necessitate using a different ball (Grey Dot) rather than a Hot Dot. Jamie-Lea noted that it would be important for Captains to talk about a major change like this with their teams before making a final decision. Pat noted that moving to wooden bats would allow for teams to play 7-inning games. Matt moves that the Captains are directed to go back to their teams to ask about the proposal to change the league to “men swinging wooden bats/women hitting any bats” and to report back at the meeting scheduled for 12 noon, February 27. Seconded by Steve. Approved 8-1.
Outcome: To be determined on February 27.
COMPOSITE-HANDLED WOODEN BATS
Matt Smith asked about composite handle wooden bats. It was noted that the existing rule is a one-piece wooden bat and if there was an interest in changing to allow composite-handled wooden bats now would be the time to bring that forward. There was no motion.
APPOINTMENT OF SIGNEES
Tammy noted that the bank account was the treasurer plus the vice-president. Direction was given that the two vice-presidents and the new treasurer will be the three signing authorities for the league.
UMPIRING NOTICE
Steve noted that we will likely not have certified umpires for the year-end tournament. We should be prepared for that eventuality as scheduling takes place later this spring.
OTHER ITEMS
Amy asked if it’s possible to have more info from the South Shore Women’s Softball League added to the mixedsoftball.com website. Pat said he would look after doing so if information is sent to him.
Motion to adjourn by Matt. Meeting adjourned at 1:58 p.m.
>>>>>
February 23, 2020 League Meeting
Notes
– The Captains agreed by 6-2 vote to use the same six fields that were used in 2019, with Lunenburg booked as a seventh alternate site. (Moved by Jamie Graven/seconded by Calvin Laffin)
– The budget was presented by Steve Nauss. League dues for 2020 are set at $725 per team, with a deadline for payment of April 15. EFT is preferred.
– Captains vote 8-0 in favour of nominating Steve Nauss and Tammy Nauss to attend the annual Town of Bridgewater Volunteer Recognition Night and represent the league.
– Captains vote 5-3 AGAINST motion to remove mandated use of wooden bats at LaHave Street Field (Moved by Jamie Lilly/seconded by Charlie Rawding).
– Captains vote 7-1 in favour of motion as follows: ALL players are to use wooden bats at LaHave Street Field unless BOTH captains are in agreement that composite bats may be used by only female players or by all players. (Moved by Nauss/seconded by Andrew Ford)
2020 AGM and RULES REVIEW MEETING
Election of officers >>
Pat Hirtle is nominated for president by Steve Nauss. There are no other nominations. Hirtle acclaimed.
Steve Nauss is nominated for vice-president by Dan Crossland. Jamie Lilly nominates Amy Young as vice president. There are no other nominations. Both Nauss and Young are acclaimed to fill the two VP roles.
Travis moves to appoint Tammy Nauss as Treasurer for 2020, seconded by Dan, approved unanimously.
Rules Review >>
– The Captains vote 8-4 in favour of continuing wooden bat use at LaHave Street Field (Moved Nauss/seconded Crossland)
– The Captains vote 7-5 in favour of awarding no points for teams who refuse to use wooden bats at LaHave Street Field and that under those circumstances the points shall be forfeited by the non-compliant team to the opposition. (Moved Crossland/seconded by Justin Wentzell)
– The Captains vote 12-0 in favour of addition to league bat rule to read as follows (Moved Nauss/seconded Travis Vaughn)
With respect to damaged or cracked bats:
– 1) Any damaged bat is to be removed from a game for the safety of all players
– 2) If a player uses that same damaged bat again, they will be ejected from both of that week’s games plus automatically be suspended for the following week’s games; the player will also be referred to the Captains Committee for a hearing and possible supplemental discipline
– 3) If a player uses that same damaged bat again during a tournament, the player shall be ejected for the remainder of the tournament and referred to the Captains Committee for a hearing and possible supplemental discipline
– The Captains vote 12-0 in favour of the formal adoption of the Infield Fly Rule for purposes of league play (Moved Nauss/seconded Andrew Ford)
-The Captains vote 12-0 in favour of lowering the minimum age to play in the league to 17 years of age. Once a player has turned 17 years old, they become eligible to play. (Moved by Chris McCarthy/seconded by Nauss)
– Captains vote 12-0 in favour of change in ball procurement: Each team is now responsible for purchasing its own Hot Dot balls for league play. The league will no longer make bulk purchases as part of league fees. (Moved Nauss/seconded by Young)
Bridgewater and Area Mixed Softball
AGM and RULES REVIEW
January 6, 2019
WELCOME
Present: Pat, Steve, Monique, Drew, Amy, Peter, Nick, Calvin, Mark, Jonathan, Guts, Kyle, Terry
Absent: Andy
ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE
Election of President
Calvin nominates Pat. There are no other nominations.
Election of Vice-Presidents
Calvin nominates Steve Nauss. Guts nominates Drew who declines. Steve nominates Amy.
Appointment of Treasurer
Calvin nominates Tammy Nauss. There
REVIEW OF TEAMS
The President addressed the reps present and asked if there were any teams that were not planning to return for 2019. All teams are planning to return for 2019, the only note is that Andy Smith will be taking over for Brian Himmelman with Leading Edge.
The Captains agree by consensus to maintain 12 teams for 2019.
RULES REVIEW
The following rule changes were submitted for discussion:
Three teams asked for the league to consider going to a wooden bats for men/composite (existing rules) bat for women system. After extensive discussion, a vote was called for and the Captains voted 8-3 against changing to a wooden bat (men) league.
Steve moved and Mark seconded that if a person is not listed on a roster they are not to be on the field of play. Approved unanimously.
Steve brought up the issue of scorebook discrepancies and who’s book we go by when the scores are disagreed upon. It was agreed by consensus that the HOME TEAM’S BOOK will be the defining book in the event of a discrepancy, but that Captains should strive to score check at the end of each inning.
Walk-off home runs were discussed and the issue of clarity for scorekeeping purposes was discussed. Nick moved that it be made clear that, unless otherwise agreed to by the Captains, there are no walk-off home runs and that hitters MUST round the bases or else the play will be declared dead and the batter will be declared out. Approved unanimously.
Drew moved that if you are in the batting order, you must play an inning defensively in the field at least once per game (unless there is an injury). Seconded by Mark. Unanimously approved.
Steve moved and Jonathan seconded that all games at LaHave Street Field in 2019 be played with wooden bats for men. Approved 10-1.
Clarification: Dan moved for clarification regarding four-base award/error: if a ball is hit over the fence, even if a fielder makes an attempt to catch it and makes contact, it will be considered a home run and will count against a team’s home run total. Seconded by Steve. Approved 10-1.
OTHER BUSINESS
Tentative date for the 2019 season of note: First Night will be Friday, May 3, and the year-end tournament will be September 13, 14, and 15.
Direction was given to go back to a three round-robin game format for the year-end tournament, with three divisions and the top two seeded teams choosing their fields.
Motion to adjourn by Steve.
****************
Bridgewater & Area Mixed Softball League
Regular Meeting
March 11, 2018
Welcome
Present: Charlie’s Pizza, Alers, Freaks, 24Karat, Renegades, Steele, Benchwarmers, Exports, BW Insurance, Foley’s Team, Outlaws
Regrets: Gunners
Field Update
Steve updated the group. Regular season week nights will be the same. MODL notified that cancellations to get field credits now must be made at 3 p.m. on rainy days officially. The playoff dates will be confirmed after the end of March. Protocol will continue to be that if Dayspring closes, then the entire league will be shut down for the night. Captains were reminded to make sure players are following the house-field rules. Also, MODL will no longer be taking bookings in October. LaHave Street Field may be going back to locking that field up. Further information will be coming in on that. Mahone Bay and Lunenburg are the same situations as always, the good note is that Lunenburg’s financial rate is not changing after all.
Year-End Tournament, the recommendation is that we stick with the existing round-robin schedule as umpires have indicated that they can’t commit to staffing even a three-game round robin. There was discussion about self-umping and recruiting players from “other” teams to umpire games. Jamie suggested a fundraiser to hire in umpires from Halifax/the Valley. Foley suggested that umpires be assigned by team during the round robin on Saturday, with each Captain responsible for assigning an umpire to work a game in the other division, with each team being responsible for umpiring two round robin games on Saturday. Anyone doing umpiring has the authority to eject players from the game, etc., like a regular umpire would. Approved by consensus.
Balls and bases are coming from SportsWheels again as they are the most competitive price.
Budget Update
League fees are going up $41 to $731 to cover us off for 2018.
Year-End Event Update
THe Bridgewater Legion was priced out, too expensive. The Michelin Social Club has been booked for September 29. Blair Lipsett is booked in as DJ.
Volunteer Recognition Night — April 25 at BJHS
After some discussion, Steve nominated Dan Crossland and Nick Foley to attend on behalf of the league, seconded by Calvin.
Team Name Changes
All Captains will forward team name changes to Pat by March 31.
Dues Collection
League fees must be submitted by April 15.
Draw For Schedule
1 – Exports
2 – Renegades
3 – Alers
4 – Steele
5 – Gunners
6 – Freaks
7 – Outlaws
8 – BWI
9 – Foley
10 – Benchwarmers
11 – 24K
12 – Char Pizz
Adjourned at 1:36 p.m.
Bridgewater & Area Mixed Softball League
January 14, 2018
The River Pub — 2 p.m.
Welcome
Present: Pat, Hiltz, Steve, Drew, Terry, Terry, Mark, Foley, Jamie, Brian, Matt, Calvin
Agenda Review
AGM
Election of the 2018 Executive
- President
Nominations for President called for. Brian nominated Pat, seconded by Terry C., Pat accepts the nomination. No other nominations. Pat is acclaimed. - Vice-Presidents
Nominations for VP called for. Brian nominated Steve and Calvin. Steve accepted. Calvin declined, Steve nominated Drew, Drew accepts. Steve and Drew appointed as VPs. - Appointment of Treasurer
Terry nominated Tammy Nauss to continue as treasurer. There were no other nominations.
Confirmation of returning teams/Captains for 2018
- Confirmation of returning teams
The 11 teams present are returning, Pat will reach out to Steele. - If required, new admission process review
The Captains discussed the three groups interested in expanding the league. Consensus was that we don’t have the field capacity to expand the league currently.
General Business
Update on Fields
- Mahone Bay Field (quash rumours)
Pat updated the group on Mahone Bay Field and quashed rumours that the field will be converted for multiple uses. The CAO in Mahone has advised there are no plans to use the field for purposes other than softball.
- Lunenburg Field fees
Rates are probably going to go up from $225 for the season. We have been warned to expect that increase. Hiltz advised a new equipment shed and a new fence will be going in, following a successful grant application last year.
- Lock box at LaHave Street Field
The Town is really interested in a lock box and will be part of the budget discussion in the spring. We will proceed once we know whether the lock box survives the Town’s budget process or not. - Update on MODL
We have been advised to expect there will be a cost increase. Regarding booking Dayspring fields, the “you had it last year, you get it next year” format is now changing. As of right now, we are May 4 to September 14, with the September 15/16 weekend booked, but we will not know what the end of our schedule is until that’s settled in April by MODL in conjunction with the other leagues.
2018 Year-End event and trophy presentation discussion
Steve reported that some folks have requested exploring a year-end dance/event again. Steve did some preliminary inquiries about the cost of a DJ, pricing estimated around $500/$600. Steve suggested the Michelin Social Club would be available with Michelin employees in the league at zero cost. Steve mentioned contacting the other leagues to share in the event as well, which was supported by the Captains by consensus. Steve moved that we approve the inclusion of funds for an end-of-year event in the 2018 budget, seconded by Foley, details to be determined. Approved unanimously. The target date that will be proposed will be either September 29 or October 6, depending on availability.
Brief Budget update
A draft budget will be sent out once we know what Lunenburg’s increase in cost will be for 2018. Steve asked a few questions, including if we will use umpires for Saturday and Sunday. There was an extensive discussion about whether the format for the year-end tournament should be changed, and if umpires should be hired. Brian moved we keep the round-robin format the same for the year-end tournament from the previous season (2017), but that Steve price the availability and access to umpires for the league’s information and that the pricing/availability be considered at the February meeting. Seconded by Steve. 10-1, Terry C. voting against.
SportWheels will sell balls for $70 a case again, which is the best price in the region. The “group” bases located at the field worked pretty well at the MARC next year. Steve noted that Cleve’s provides the best price on bases and he will be working with them. Steve asked for direction to buy all three sets of bases now, which the league did by consensus. Captains are reminded they will be required to take care to look after bases.
Rules Review
Request to amend rule 2.24 re: Courtesy Runners, which currently states:
– 2.24 A BATTER WHO HAS JUST BECOME A RUNNER MAY TAKE A COURTESY RUNNER AT ANY BASE AT THE CAPTAINS’ MUTUAL DISCRETION. THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF COURTESY RUNNERS THAT MAY BE USED DURING A GAME.
The floor was opened to discussion. It was proposed that the rule be modified to say that batters can take runners from first base only unless an injury occurs. If a ball is thrown out of play, the batter may take a courtesy runner at second/third base. Moved by Steve, seconded by Matt, approved unanimously.
Request to discuss the practicality of using paid umpires for league regular season games. The cost and availability of umpires presents too much of a challenge and, unfortunately, having paid umpires for the regular season is impossible.
Request to deal with the bat rule: Will the bat regulations be updated to reflect that new “ASA-only stamped” bats are not permitted? Discussion occurred. Terry brought to the floor that the league move to the SPN bat rule, seconded by Drew. Approved unanimously.
Request to revise the league rule re: equipment to strongly encourage pitchers and batters to wear protective equipment. Approved by consensus.
Request to consider the “box” around the pitcher’s mound; there was concern about umpire’s discretion and enforcing that regulation, especially when it comes to self umpiring.
Other Business
Brian asked if anyone is getting new uniforms.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Brian, seconded by Steve. Adjournment at 3:30.
2017 Bridgewater & Area Mixed Softball League
AGM & Rules Review Meeting
January 15, 2017
Minutes
Welcome
Present: Pat, Steve, Mark, Drew, Tammy, Tyler, Terry C., Terry L., Brian, Monique, Foley, Hiltz, Dan, Jamie.
Regrets: None.
Election of Executive for 2017
– Call for nominations for President
Brian nominates Pat. No other nominations. Pat is acclaimed President for 2017.
– Call for nominations for VP
Terry C nominates Steve; Brian nominates Calvin, Calvin declines; Terry C nominates Drew. Steve and Drew are acclaimed as VPs for 2017.
Appointment of Treasurer
Steve nominations Tammy to be appointed, Treasurer, approved by consensus.
Rules Review
– Introduction of Deposit Payment/Date
Discussion occurred. There was some concern around sponsors not putting up cash until late in the spring. Consensus was there would be no deposit, but teams MUST have paid by opening night.
– Deadline for Final Payment
Deadline will stay as April 15, still allows for lots of time to make payment. We need FULL payment of all league fees by opening night – the first Friday night in May – or else the team will not be permitted to play. Motion by Steve Nauss, seconded by Brian Himmelman. Approved unanimously. If payment is not made in full by May 15, a team will be expelled for one season. If that team reapplies for entry the following season, they will be required to make a 50% deposit on dues by February 15. Additionally, if a team cannot field a team on more than five occasions in a season, then that team must formally reapply for entry into the league the following season. Agreed by consensus.
– Procedure for dealing with failure to submit preliminary roster
The rules shall be reworded that rosters MUST be submitted and every game played without a roster submitted will results in a forfeit loss.
– Proposal to make both plate and mat a strike
Discussion around the plate becoming a strike occurred. Steve proposed to approve the plate/mat as a strike and the mats will be pulled flush to the plate. Steve moved to that effect. Dan seconds it. Vote 10-1-1 in favour.
– Steve requested reviewing the walk rule. Steve proposed that the rule be reworded to say that ANY walk to ANY player in front of a female batter sends the batter directly to second base and that the old “Girl Walk” rule be eliminated and the female behind must hit. Seconded by Hiltz. Approved unanimously.
– Jamie brought up walking off home runs. Foley moved and Steve seconded that home runs can be “walk off” in the event the Captains in an individual game decide to depending on environmental conditions. Approved unanimously.
Declaration of Intention to Return by Captains
Draft Schedule
Initial Budget Discussion
– Tentative expectations of any increased costs this year
Tentative costs for the year are $690. A discussion occurred about keeping Lunenburg as our sixth field. The wetness conditions of the field were noted, but with a lack of other alternatives, Lunenburg is kept as the sixth field.
– Steve talked about having a lock box in Dayspring for the bases. They have agreed to the proposal if we build it, maintain it, and they select the location. Steve suggested for security building something steel. Dan suggested upping league fees by $25 a team and building the lock box at Dayspring. Tyler will provide a design, Terry L would look after the paint for it, Steve will refer the design to MODL and proceed. Fees will be adjusted to allow for the purchase of three sets of bases.
– Discussion of paid umpiring for entirety of Year-End Tournament
Paid umps will be maintained for Sunday of the Year-End Tournament only.
Team colours
Terry L requested to go teal and will be known as 24Karat; Drew said purple on grey; Steve is getting new jersey but colours will remain the same; Mark is going red; Tyler reported the Misfits are intending to go silver/blue and will be known as Balls of Steele going forward.
Team numbers were drawn:
1 – Freaks 2 – Gunners 3 – Parsons ICF 4 – Crush 5 – Alers 6 – benchwarmers 7 – Misfits 8 – Charlie’s Pizza 9 – Renegades 10 – Naturals 11 – Outlaws 12 – BW Insurance
Motion to adjourn by Steve.
JANUARY 19, 2016 — ANNUAL GENERAL RULES MEETING
Rules Review
1. Female player eligibility (adding/releasing players) during tournament play. Proposal: If a female has played at all for Team A during the tournament, she is ineligible to play for any other team during that same tournament.
ROSTER FREEZE BY 11:59 p.m. on SEPTEMBER 1. (12-0)
- Clarification on whether the league adheres to SPN re-entry rules.
IF A PLAYER IS SUBSTITUED FOR HE/SHE CANNOT RE-ENTER
3. Proposal: Pinch runners: A batter who has just become a base-runner cannot take a courtesy runner beyond first base. (10-2)
CAPTAINS’ DISCRETION
4: Proposal: Clarification that last possible out is male-for-male and female-for-female.
APPROVED
- Proposal: OFers should be required to relay the ball through an infielder, and then on to first base, to throw someone out on a force play at first base.
DENIED - Amendment to 2.15: No sliding permitted at first or home. (11-0)
APPROVED
Non-rule Items
7. Confirmation that all 12 teams will be returning in 2016.
CONFIRMED
7b. Do we play on Canada Day, as July 1 is a Friday. Discussion.
DAY OFF (8-4)
8. League Format: Is there interest in investigating a weighted schedule to improve competitive balance? Discussion.
(After receiving the request, I did some thinking on it and the most likely weighted format that could “work” would be to have the top six teams in the league from the previous year will play more games against the other top six teams; the bottom six teams will play more games against the bottom six.
Example: A team finishing 3rd would play Teams 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 three weeks each in a season; and Teams 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 one week each.)
DENIED. ALSO APPROVED TO REVERT TO FIVE-GAME ROUND ROBIN FOR YEAR END
- Adding Lunenburg as our sixth field for 2016 and dropping Michelin + as related to 2016 budget. Discussion.
CAPTAINS VOTE TO GO TO LUNENBURG (11-1)
BUDGET UPDATE:
Budget will be based on last year’s costs, with the changes of dropping Michelin and adding Lunenburg. Steve will draft a budget and e-mail the draft budget to Captains.
SCHEDULE DRAW:
OREG 5
MISFITS 9
CP 6
NATS 4
OC 10
BWI 1
REN 2
ALERS 11
FRKS 3
CALEDON 7
PARSONS 8
BENCH 12
UPCOUNTRY TOURNAMENT CLARIFICATION
There will be no league organized Upcountry Tournament in 2016
12th Week would be wooden bat week (11-1) – Captains will consult with their teams and table the motion for approval until the February meeting.
RAINOUTS
The League Executive will have the power to cancel games because of inclement weather going forward (10-2)
STRIVE TO CANCEL BY 5 p.m. … could be later if weather changes
We stand adjourned.
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