LC 35 ATHLETIC CLUB - January 9, 2007 Board Meeting Summary

 

Introduction

 

- All attendees were thanked for attending the meeting and all were reminded of our LC 35 AC founding mission and statement ..." To participate in athletic events for the love of the sport, joy of competitive endeavor and friendships engendered from the association with others holding similar interests" 

- It was also noted that while there will be disagreement on issues brought before the Board, there is an expectation that all in attendance and all Board members will accept and support the decisionof the group. 

 

1. Previous Minutes

 

- Minutes from the previous board meeting were not availabe at the time of this meeting.

 

2. President's Advisory Committee

 

-  Attendees were informed that a Presidents Advisory Committee was established by the LC 35 AC President 

-  The Advisory Committee is made up by

   Ken Hume, VP

   Jeff walker, Treasurer

   Bernie Vitek, Commissioner - Senior Softball Division

   Rob Sporl, Commissioner - Younger Softball Division

   Dave  Surrey, Commissioner - Winter Softball Division

   Michael Ferreira, Commissioner - Football

   Jim Bittner, Past President

   Al McGhee, Past President

-  The committee has no decision making authority and serves only to provide advice and input to the LC 35 AC President

 

3. Team Balance Committees

 

-  Attendees were informed that Team balance Committees have been re-established to help keep all teams competitive and as balanced as possible. The make-up of the committees will be as follows: 

- Summer Senior Division Softball - Chaired by Bernie Vitek

- Summer Younger Division Softball - Chaired by Rob Sporl

- Each committee will have 4 members in addition to the Chairperson. Potential candidates to serve on the committees have been identified by the President's Advisory group but the committees  will not be finalized until the candidates are consulted with to obtain their interest and commitment.

-  

4. " Altered Bats"

 

- Attendees were informed that it has come to the attention of the LC 35 AC President that some of our fellow players may be altering bats. The President stated that the use of "altered" bats presents a serious safety concern for all of us and action needs to be taken. No one in attendence challenged the concerns for safety. 

 

- Attendees were given the opportunity to express their opinions and to offer their suggestions on how to eliminate the the use of "altered" bats. 

  

- After approximately 20 minutes of discussion, the President decided to pursue the structuring of a "liability" statement that would prohibit players from bringing   "altered" into the dugout, that would prohibit players from using "altered" bats in any league games (regular play, All-Star play, State competition games), including batting practice, that would result in a lifetime ban from the LC 35 AC for violation, and that may put personal liability for injury on the bat owner and/or user. The Pesident requested that the Vice President prepare a draft of the "liability" statement before the Managers Meeting scheduled for January 30, 2007. The President stated that implementation of a "liability" statement that all players will be required to sign will not peclude other measures in the future if this policy,  is violated.

 

5. Petition to lower age for use of "juiced" bats

 

- Attendees were informed that a petition to lower the age to 55 in the Younger  Division for use of  non-ASA approved composite ("juiced") bats.The petition was signed by 83 softball league members. Our eight past presidents were polled after the petition was received ... All eight felt this need to be brought to the Board for discussion ... six of our past Presidents were opposed to the petition at this time. 

 

- After approximately 20 minutes of discussion, the President decided to table this item and requested that the Treasurer obtain a complete copy of our insurance policy for review. The President will solicit input from one or more attorneys who are members of the LC 35 AC relative to potential insurance disclaimers for use of non-ASA approved bats regardless of the a player's age. 

 

- Roughly 1/2 of those who spoke were in favor of the petition and 1/2 were opposed to the petition. A suggestion was put forth to change the age in the petition from 55 to 58.

 

6. Softball Managers Meeting

 

-Attendees were informed that a Mangers Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2007 @ Stagecoach. The agenda will be posted on our Website.

 

7. Football League Update ... Michael, our Football Commissioner  gave you a brief update of our football activities. Play-off start January 28, 2007 and the Football Championship game wiil be played at Stagecoach on March 11, 2007. 

 

8. Financial Report ... The treasurer gave an update of our financial status and reported that the LC 35 AC is solvent. 

 

 

9. Other Items

 

- Bowling league ... The Vice President informed the group that interest has been voice by 2 members of the LC 35 AC to organize a bowling league. The treasurer was requested to look into insurance requirements for an LC 35 AC Bowling League. This item will be further discussed at a subsequent Board Meeting. 

 

- Difibulator ... Attendees were informed that a difibulator has been installed in the kitchen/snack area. The City will arrange for traning and the City will be provided with a list of our members who want training. 

 

- D/O Insurance ... The president requested that the Treasurer obtain a  draft copy and a  quote for D/O insurance and to follow-up with assembling needed information to obtain our non-profit status.  It was indicated by one of the members that a local attorney is looking at the legal requirements for the LC 35 AC relative to obtaining non-profit status. A non-profit status is required to obtain D/O insurance. An update will be provided at the next Board Meeting. 

 

- All Star Game ... One of the members recommended that the LC 35 AC consider structuring the annual softball All Star event into age groups. The Board agreed to discuss this further at the next Board meeting, if one of the members steps-up to the plate  to spearhead and lead this effort.

 

- Softballs .... Members suggested that consideration be given to use of "Dudley" softballs in lieu of the "Diamond" softballs currently used. Both brands are ASA approved. The President requested the Treasurer to get prices for both, to do a cost analysis ( price and life of softballs), and to move forward with the "Dudley" option if the costs are relatively close.

 

- Pitcher's Screen - Members suggested the possible use of a "screen" on the mound to protect the pitchers. The President requested the Treasurer to purchase one (1) screen for use during the Summer softball practice (pre-season) games to assess the pros and cons of using a screen. After that assessment, a recommendation could be made to the Board at a subsequent meeting for a rule change that may require use of a screen. All in attendance were in support of trying a screen during pre-season.

 

10. Adjournment 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM 

 

 

 

Libby Tortorici 

1/24/07