UCSSL MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2013

The following is a summary of our league meeting of February 6, 2013:

27 were in attendance, representing all 19 current teams.

The 2013 roster of managers passed around for updates. Managers were reminded to make sure they list an assistant who checks email regularly so we can be sure that all urgent emails are received by someone on each team in a timely manner.

The former Nicolina Pizza is still in need of a sponsor.

Gary Wiese reminded managers that shirt order forms are due no later than the March league meeting, 4 weeks from tonight.

The “UCSSL Seeks Players” advertisement has been sent to the Westfield Leader – Scotch Plains Times, the Suburban News, and elsewhere such as diners and fitness centers. This one page flyer has also been emailed to managers so they can make copies and post them in suitable public places as a way to further advertise for new players.

Managers seeking new players should let the league commissioner know so he can direct inquiries to those teams most in need.

There have not yet been enough registration forms submitted to know if there is sufficient interest for 65+ Division of UCSSL.

It is expected that we will know what fields are available by early March so that we can select fields at our next meeting.

The 2013 50s Schedule will consist of the same format as last year, with a 24 game schedule beginning the week of April 15.

NJSSA news (from the January 19 state meeting) --

NJSSA roster size over 20 is acceptable but roster must be reduced to 20 maximum

for state tournament.

Dates set for state tournaments:

70+: Wed 6/12, 6/19 rain date

60+: 8/17-18, 8/24-25 rain date

50+: 6/29-30, 8/10-11 rain date

Info for newsletter by May 1 (Lou Koehler has submitted an

article about his Office teammate and author, Tom McNulty).

ASA news (from the January 20 Union County ASA meeting) --

Umpires fees are again $38/game.

Proposed 70' bases and 10' pitcher's box are NOT in senior

ASA rules (the 10' box not approved at any level).

A fall senior tournament will be held in Linden.

It was reported at the January league meeting that officers had made the decision to schedule no 50+ A Division playoff games at Tremley Field. That was an incomplete message, as the decision had been made by officers in December to schedule no 50+ A Division games at Tremley at any time in 2013.

The question of ball rotation came up at the last meeting --

The rule in question is #2 in the Rules Supplement on page 113 of the 2012 ASA rule book that each manager receives every year prior to the season.

A spirited discussion regarding the proposal for part-time players preceded two motions that were debated and voted upon. Managers voted overwhelmingly to maintain the current maximum UCSSL roster size of 20 players.

Managers approved by a 9-6 vote the addition of secondary players to team rosters. These players would be subject to the same roster requirements, including residency, as other players but would not be eligible to play in league games. The fee for these players will be determined by UCSSL officers based on their anticipated share of league costs.

It was recommended that early evening games at Memorial Field #2 be avoided unless Linden is able to place a sunscreen on the backstop. Linden Rec. will be approached.

Managers were encouraged to review the current league rules and email the commissioner with any recommendations for changes so they can be disseminated several days before the next league meeting giving everyone time to consider any proposed changes in advance, allowing for meaningful discussion at the March meeting before voting to adopt any changes.

The regular meeting was adjourned, after which 60+ managers met to discuss the status of a possible 8th team for 2013. With 9 or 10 players already committed, we were assured that this team would become a reality, giving us two 4 team divisions. Presented with 3 alternatives, managers agree to a 24 game schedule consisting of 5 intra-division games, and 2 inter-division games, plus a mid-season bumper game for each team.

Remaining 2013 UCSSL meetings --

March 6: Discussion and possible revision of rules.

Shirt orders due.

Field selection if possible.

April 3: Distribution of balls, rule books, scorebooks, umpire fee checks.