UCSSL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 8, 2017

The following is a summary of our league meeting of March 8, 2017.

28 were in attendance, with 21 of our 22 teams represented (Creative Too was not).

Additional registration materials and team sponsor fees were submitted to the league treasurer; managers were again reminded that the remainder of these materials, as well as initial team rosters, are due before the season begins.

Each team present received 2 dozen softballs. (Each team will receive two more balls at the April league meeting.)

Shirt order forms are due to Gary Wiese to ensure that shirts will be available by Opening Night in 6 weeks.

The following are additional new sponsors for 2017:

National Energy Network replaces Awnings Galore (50s),

10th Street Live Bar & Grill replaces D&K (50s).

As usual, the March meeting consisted of discussion and votes on rule change proposals.

Rules changed since 2016 season:

Rule 3.4.3. Defines "senior bat" (which can be used by players 70 years of age or older ONLY) to be consistent with USA/ASA Softball and less influenced by lobbying by bat manufacturers --

All bats used in ASA play for the (70+ year old) Senior Divisions must be Official Softball Bats certified by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) and / or marked BPF 1.21 or less. Bats must have their original paint markings for complete identification. The Miken Ultra is not allowed (the Miken Ultra II is allowed).

Every attempt will be made to reschedule and play a full regular season schedule each season if possible.

Players added to team rosters due to team hardship after the May deadline must pay the full league fee and submit a signed waiver form before participating in games, as must all other players.

2017 Rule change proposals acted on at meeting --

The following passed almost unanimously:

Change to UCSSL Rule 5.3.3. All tied games of official length that are suspended due to weather or darkness are counted as ties in the official standings, and are not replayed.

The following passed by a 16-4 vote:

Change to UCSSL Rules 5.2.1. and 5.2.2. Teams that are playing shorthanded are not assessed a slotout because that amounts to double jeopardy for an already disadvantaged team.

Rule 11 Special Team Accommodations proposals --

No changes will be made to 11.1 for the 50+ Division.

The following changes will be made to for the 60+ Division:

Due to a ninth team added to the division, the accommodations were changed to reflect when the strongest 6 teams (Teams 14-19) play the three less strong teams (Teams (20-22).

The following rule was added: If the stronger team is behind by more than 6 runs they may score enough runs to equal the score of the less strong team.

Changes will be made and an updated set of 2017 UCSSL Rules will be emailed to managers soon. Please be sure to read the rules carefully and always carry a copy of both the USA/ASA rules -- and our UCSSL modifications to those rules -- to all games.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 5, at 7:30 pm.  This meeting will include selection of fields on the 2017 UCSSL schedule, and the distribution of checks for umpire fees, USA/ASA Rulebooks and scorebooks, and 2 more softballs per team.