Constitution and Minutes

Minutes AGM 25 August 2022

 Minutes of the VASSL Annual General Meeting

held

August 25, 2022 - ANAF

Executive

Mark Moger (Mark M.) – President

Cathy Pachmann (Cathy P.) – Vice President

Jim Sisson (Jim S.) – Treasurer

Kim Wallace (Kim W.) – Vice President & Secretary

Steve Feedham (Steve F.) – Past President 

Meeting commenced at 12:05pm. 

Mark M. opened the AGM by thanking Jim C. and the ANAF staff for the year-end luncheon. He also thanked the Executive for this season. Mark M. thanked Steve F. for his guidance and assistance with the Executive and League and Cathy P. thanked both Mark M. & Steve F. for their volunteerism to VASSL. This is officially Steve F.’s last meeting as Past President.

Mark M. also thanked the players for the donated door prizes. 

Mark M. mentioned the new logo is complete and the Executive is looking for a Web Master. There were no volunteers so the website is on hold. 

1. Financial Report 

Jim Sisson announced we made $60 for the season. There is sufficient working capital for the 2023 season. All in agreement. Mel M. accepted & Ron H. seconded the financial report. Carried. 

2. Constitution 

All in agreement. Steve F. accepted and Bill K. seconded the constitution. Carried.

3. Review and Amend Rules 

a. Consider run by…. – Rick Lane was not in attendance to present and this was removed for discussion.

b. Change game days to two x five innings…. – Jim C. presented that time is not a factor as we have the fields booked with the City for 2 hours. Coyotes did not want the change. It was passed and seconded by Ed that if teams want to play longer in Salmon Arm or against Salmon Arm in Vernon it would be up to the coaches.

c. Wearing of masks by pitchers and catchers… - Kim Wallace presented she would like catchers to have the option of wearing a mask. In 2019 the VASSL rules were it was optional, however, in 2022 the rule was changed to mandatory pitchers and catchers must wear masks and the Executive does not know when it was changed. SPN recommends wearing of masks for catchers and the Kelowna Mixed-Senior League has masks as optional. Mark M. spoke about the possibility of it being difficult in getting SPN insurance reimbursement for a catcher if there is an accident/injury. It was passed and accepted pitchers and catchers must wear a mask.

d. New Item presented by Sandy of the Coyotes. She would like to see rule #17 (where a minimum 2 females are required on the field) removed. Sandy gave an example if 3 or more females attend a game, her team is only playing 2 women on the field per inning. Steve F. spoke to keep the rule in place so a team does not just field men; which would no longer make the league co-ed. Cathy P. motioned to leave the rule as is and if you have willing & able women, play them. Accepted by Dawn. Carried. 

4. Pause in August 

Cathy P. spoke that the Salmon Arm team loses most of their players in the month of Aug. due to golf, vacation, heat. Discussions were held about start dates, end dates, fall league (after Labour Day to Thanksgiving). There would not be an additional cost as it would be the same amount of games played. Jim C. is against this and wants to continue May to August as has been the case for 15 years. Coyotes do not have a shortage of players. Bowling starts in Sept. Another gentleman plays hockey 3x a week commencing mid-September. Kelli G. suggested a fall league which Mark M. responded would be Option #3. Ron H. said a number of teams have problems and preferred the season to be final at the end of the July. Coyotes are not interested in fall ball. Steve P., new to the league this year, said after a 6 week break, we will be out of shape. As Salmon Arm’s fields are not ready until the beginning of May, they would be willing to travel to Vernon if the league commenced the first of April. Steve F. mentioned the Executive worked hard to get Salmon Arm into our league and we should accommodate them by ending the season in July. Steve F. suggested the league end in July with a drop in league for fall ball commencing after the Labour Day weekend and going until Thanksgiving. Mark M. would want a commitment from players before booking fields. Approximate cost for a fall league would be $900. Funds would have to be collected upfront from players. Steve F. mentioned at one point the City wanted full payment for rental of the fields but now the City accepts partial payments. Mark M. & Jim S. will work with Nicole from the City. The Motion was voted that the league commence April 15th and end July 31st with a drop in fall schedule (if there is interest). Motion was passed and Steve F. seconded. Carried. 

5. Drop in Age 

Mark M. had received inquiries from a few women who were retiring from competitive ball but still wanted to play ball, however, they are not yet 45. Cathy P. and Steve F. said it would build the league if the women’s age requirement was lowered. Jim C. asked if the age requirement for men would drop from 55 to 50. Mark M. indicated the age requirement for men is currently set at 50. It was motioned by Steve F. and seconded by Don to drop the women’s age limit to 40. Carried. 

6. Funtastic 

If you are interested in playing at Funtastic, please contact Steve F. ASAP as registration has commenced and slots are being filled rather quickly. 

7. Scheduler Position 

Salmon Arm has confirmed Chuck will be the Executive’s Scheduler under one condition “anyone complains, they get the job next year.”

a. New Item – Norma asked why the league books diamonds #5 and #7. #5 has a noticeable dip between infield and outfield. Jim C. does not like #5 as the sun is in the batter’s eyes. Steve F. said in 2019 we reserved #2 and #5 to be close to the washroom facilities and then the league changed from #2 to #7 as there is no shade at #2. Mark M. made the motion that Team Managers canvas their players on preference of diamonds for the 2023 season. 

8. Recruiter Position 

The Executive would like to add a Recruiter position. The position would involve contacting the Morning Star, reaching out to the City to be inserted in the spring/summer activity book, giving the City contact information about out league, poster distribution. A player new to Vernon and to the league spoke that he had difficulty finding a slo-pitch league; the City Parks & Rec. could not provide him with any information. Ron H. suggested a banner be purchased and placed on the Marshall Field fence which will require the City’s approval. Steve F. presented to the players VASSL’s new logo and that every player will get a poster to put somewhere (church, grocery store, etc.). The new age requirement will be put on the poster. No one volunteered for the position with Kim W. saying it’s difficult to expand the league when no one volunteers. That being said, Mark M. & Steve F. will work together on recruitment. 

9. 2023 League Fees 

Mark M. does not feel there needs to be an increase in team fees which is currently set at $1,400 for 14 registered players. The City charges $2,800 for field rental which is 3/5 of the league’s budget. Jim C. said the City charges a premium price for the fields but do a good job. A gentleman asked if the City would give us a discount as no one uses the fields during the week day except our league. Mark M. said this was asked and the City does not give discounts. Ron H. suggested a bump in registration fees to cushion the league financials. Ron H. originally wanted to see an increase in per player fees from $100 to $120. Mark M. said it is not per person but rather per team and the team can decide how much to charge per player as team funds to purchase team equipment etc. Jim S. said the team costs may increase if the league gets 6 teams registered. Jim C. motioned to keep the fees at $1,400. Motioned by Ron H. to increase the annual team fees to $1,500 for 14 players was passed and seconded by Kelly G. Carried. 

10. Upset Player 

Mark M. said it was hard to justify bringing back a player. No further discussion was had. 

11. Election of League Officers 

Mark M. to remain as President, Cathy P. to remain as Vice-President, Jim S. to remain as Treasurer and Kim W. to remain as Secretary. 

12. New Business 

a. Mark M. said he learned a lot from the mini-tourny, apologized for any issues and would be making minor changes for next year’s mini-tourny.

b. Steve F. has asked Team Managers to send him their player email list so he can send out the new posters. 

Meeting adjourned at 12:55pm.

Minutes of the VASSL Executive Committee

held

February 15, 2023 at 1:00pm – ANAF

In Attendance:         Mark Moger – President

                                    Jim Sisson – Treasurer

                                                                                  Kim Wallace – Vice President & Secretary

                          Rocky – OVCMT

                                         Jim C. & Pat F.– Coyotes

                                                                    Steve F. – Old Goats and recruiting

Absent:                        Representative from Salmon Arm

                                    Representative from the Spitfires                                   

1&8.    Fees 

Team fees have increased 10% by SPN.  2023 fees are $110 + 5% GST per player.  Team fees for the season, which was passed at the AGM, is set at $1,500 and must be paid no later than May 2, 2023.    It is up to each team on how much they want to charge their players (i.e., $125 for a team account to purchase equipment).

 2,3,5.   Waivers

 Mark gave the team representatives their list of registered and non-registered players.  Team representatives are to reach out to their players that have not registered whether they will be playing this year and if so, register. 

The league cannot register teams until players have registered with SPN.

Presently, only 7 players are returning and registered from the Spitfires.  Require 11 players minimum.  It was voted that the Spitfires have folded and registered players will be put on a new team named temporarily “MisManaged” or “UnManagable”.

The Coyotes and OVCMT will solicit their players to see if they would like to move to the new team as presently the Coyotes have approximately 21 players and OVCMT has approximately 19 players.

Jim C. mentioned that since the Coyotes have a large player roster, they may be willing to split into two teams and absorb the Spitfire players. This will be confirmed after a discussion with the Coyotes leadership.

New recruits will be added to the MisManaged/UnManagable team.  Kim has 2 sets of Vernon Management jerseys which the new team can use.

Steve & Mark to discuss the Spitfires with Gord upon his return from the U.S.

4.                  Registration Date

Mark will submit to SPN our team registration by March 20, 2023.

6&12   Field Booking Date

Mark will meet with Nicole at the City by March 20, 2023 to reserve our fields.  He will pay for 2 months of diamond rentals and then issue another cheque prior to the 2 months expiring.  This provides a financial buffer to the bank account. 

At the meeting, it was voted to use Diamonds #5 and #7.  (Diamond #5 was chosen as there is shade at this field).

 We do not pay for fields we are not using (i.e., when teams have a bye).  We are not penalized for cancelling field dates either.  We will, however, lose our paid diamond fee if teams do not show up on their scheduled playing date (i.e., forfeit or cancellation and neither team notified Mark that the field would not be in use).  Mark can cancel field rentals up to 24 hours prior to the booking date.

The City will not put in a portable bathroom at Diamonds #7 and #8.

7.                  League Dates

 The League commences April 18, 2023 with the play-offs running July 25, 26 & 27, 2023.

 9.                  Year-end Luncheon

Mark has reached out to Cathy from Salmon Arm if they would be interesting in organizing and hosting the event to be held in Salmon Arm on July 27, 2023.  Cost would be approximately $25/person. This will include the season ending tournament. If Salmon Arm is not interested in hosting, Mark will notify Jim C. will get quotes from vendors in Vernon for comparison purposes.

10.              Schedule

 The schedule has been distributed to the Executive and Team Captains.  Mark will also post the schedule on our Facebook page and on the Website.

11.              New Rules by SPN

 Some members reviewed the new SPN rules but it was voted these do not pertain to us.  The one rule change which was of interest was once the pitcher is on the mound, a pitch must be made within 5 seconds.

13.              Recruitment

Steve has had posters made and they were distributed to whoever wanted some.  He has reached out to the Salmon Arm Observer, Salmon Arm Friday AM, Vernon Morning Star & Vernon Matters with our logo/photo and contact information all listed at no cost to the League.

Mark has put an ad in Kijiji – Community – Sports Teams and there has been some viewing but no inquiries.

Mark to send an email of the poster to all Team Captains requesting they send to each player on their team for distribution.  It would assist Steve if you could email him where the posters are being placed.

Steve has researched putting a banner along the fence at MacDonald Field.  To produce a banner the cost is $100.  Size is approximately 4’x 3’.  Jim C. commented this was a very good price.  A Sign Permit Application Form must be completed and submitted to the City with a nominal fee charged.

14.              New Business

 Jim S. presented the budget reporting the league is in good standing with a credit balance of $3,900 in the account as at Jan. 1/23.  Two cheques for $100 each have been issued since this date for website & poster design. 

Fall League will be based on interest.  It was agreed that a schedule be drafted as opposed to drop-in.  If there is little interest, the league may go back to playing until the end of August in 2024.

 Jim S. inquired if there would be any conflict with the Vernon Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League.  It would not as we play during the week day and the other league plays in the evenings with a younger player participation.  Mark would like to reach out to the President if our League could be mentioned to players that are ageing out of the Vernon Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:50pm.