2024 Annual General Meeting Minutes

 

The 2024 AGM was held on October 17  at 7:00 pm at the Legion.

• President’s welcome - Paul Dilworth welcomed the 30 members in attendance.
• A moment of silence was held for Len Baker
• Team 2 (Butler/Russell) are 2024 league champions
• Team 4 (Cockburn/Woods) are 2024 playoff champions
• Minutes from 2023 AGM  - – motion to accept minutes (Caldwell, Nielsen) – carried

• Business arising from last year’s minutes – none.

• Treasurer’s report – Fulvio DiPetta reported that we had a loss of approximately $3000 due to increased banquet costs, operating cost
• Cost per player was $218.37 (all league costs included

Business arising from Treasurer's report

MOTION: to cease finder fees (Fulkerson/Cochrane) carried

MOTION: to cancel team tournament sponsorship (Maguire/Cochrane) carried

MOTION: to raise fees by $10 to $200 per player (Cockburn/Eedy) carried

 

Items for discussion

Executive positions to be filled – Secretary

Gord Cockburn was appointed to be secretary for 2025. (Woods/Eedy)

Executive for 2026

President – Wayne Allan

Past President - Paul Dilworth

Vice-President – TBA

Secretary – Gord Cockburn

Treasurer – Fulvio DiPetta

Captains for 2026

Rusty Aldcroft and Brian Bilyea

Dave Blake and Brian MacDonald

Allan Russell and Ken Butler

Bill Cochrane and Mike Murphy

Al Cole and Gary Hunter

John Micoli and Joe Walzak

John Miles and Pat Misener

Scott Sadler and Guy Stone

 

Schedule considerations

MOTION: Eliminate the round robin  (Butler/George) defeated

 

Length of game issues

MOTION:

• Mercy rule – the mercy rule be changed to 15 runs after 5 innings. This includes RR and Championship.  (George/Stone) carried

MOTION:

• 1/1 count - continue using the 1/1 count  rule as approved in 2023. (Butler/Nielsen)

 

New business

 

Pitching Screen

MOTION: change the wording from should to must requiring pitchers to step completely behind the screen.

• ​​​a pitching screen will be used for all games
• The screen is lined up so that “at least” half of rubber is behind screen.
• The screen is placed at beginning of each half inning and is not moved for the half inning unless it becomes dislodged or a new pitcher is used.
• The screen may be no more than 5 feet in front of the rubber.
• Right-handed pitchers will pitch from the 3^rd base side of the screen.
• Left-handed pitchers will pitch from the 1^st base side of the screen.
• Pitches over the screen are allowed.
• for safety purposes, upon release of the ball, the pitcher MUST step completely behind the screen before he becomes a fielder. The umpire will award a 1 base hit if this rule is not followed (unless the batter hits the ball and gets more than a 1 base hit.)
• A batted ball that makes contact with the screen counts as a foul ball strike against the batter, and if on the third strike the batter is declared out, and results in a dead ball call
• During the run of defensive play any thrown ball that contacts the screen will remain live and in play, and baserunners can advance at their peril. (House/Eedy) carried

MOTION: designated runner

1. A player using a designated runner must do so for the entire game (or from the point of injury at which time a designated runner was used) (Eedy/Caldwell) carried
2. Move the line from which the designated runner starts back to extend from the back corner of the plate and have the runner start at the fence. (Cockburn/Eedy) carried

MOTION: fixed lineup

• Add the fixed lineup to the website after the rebalancing meeting. (George/Kot) carried

MOTION TO ADJOURN 

• The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm (Fulkerson, Stone)

 

 

2023 Annual General Meeting Minutes

 

The 2023 AGM was held on October 10  at 7:00 pm at the Legion.

 

• President’s welcome - Gary Hunter welcomed the 24 members in attendance.

 

• Minutes from 2022 AGM  - – motion to accept minutes (Thomsen, Miles) – carrie

 

• Business arising from last year’s minutes – none.

 

• Treasurer’s report – John Hay reported that we had a loss of approximately $1200 due to increased banquet costs, tournament team sponsorship to 1 more league team, new AED purchase and refurb of old one.

Game costs decreased due to fewer games (- $1400)

Cost per player was $193 (all league costs included – banquet cost alone was $42 per player)

Losses over last 4 years average approx. $1200.

Possible increase in fees next year will be discussed at budget time.

 

Items for discussion

 

1. Umpires - umpires Dave Spencer and Robert Glasgow were in attendance and commented on the safety issue of the wooden home plate.

 

MOTION: The wooden plates should be replaced by rubber mats. (Thomsen, Fulkerson ) – carried

 

2. Executive positions to be filled – President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer

President – Paul Dilworth

Vice-President – Wayne Allan

Secretary – Jeff Foster

Treasurer – Fulvio DiPetta

 

3. Captains for 2024

Team 1 - Alex Bilik and TBA

Team 2 - Allan Russell and Ken Butler

Team 3 - Bill Cochrane and Mike Murphy

Team 4 - Gord Cockburn and Rich Woods

Team 5 - Al Cole and Adam Limbrick

Team 6 - John Miles and Pat Misener

Team 7 - Joe Walzak and TBA

Team 8 - Scott Sadler and Guy Stone

 

4. Schedule considerations

Elimination of round robin was discussed. The current schedule format was favoured. No changes.

 

5. Length of game issues.

Several options were presented.

Flip-flop rule was discussed and withdrawn.

Starting earlier was discussed and withdrawn.

 

MOTION: Mercy rule – a 12 run mercy rule after 5 innings for entire season. (Wilkins, Fulkerson) – carried

 

MOTION: 1/1 count – all batters begin with a 1 ball and 1 strike count for all games. (Elliott, Whitworth) - carried

AMENDMENT: on a third strike foul (includes hitting screen) one more pitch is awarded. (Elliott, Hunter) - carried

 

6. Use of “pick up players” from other teams. Captains are reminded to follow the protocol written in the playing rules. No changes.

 

7. New business

A list of batters requiring a designated runner must be presented to the league director at the beginning of the season. Additional players added due to injury must be reported to the league director and communicated to the opposing captains.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm (Fulkerson, Stone)

 

2022 Annual General Meeting Minutes

 

The 2022 AGM, October 04 at 7:00 pm at the Legion.

 

• President’s welcome – Gary Hunter welcomed the 25 members in attendance
• Minutes from 2021 AGM – motion to accept minutes (Sadler, Fulkerson) – carried
• Business arising from last year’s minutes – none
• Treasurer’s report – John Hay provided a verbal report. Finances are in a stable and good position. Full details available upon request.
• Items for discussion

Umpires – Gary House has agreed to be assigning person and 3 umpires have been identified. Their appointment will be made after fee negotiations.

Executives’ terms of office – Motion to extend term for Secretary – Jeff Nielsen (Eedy, Miles) carried. Motion to extend term for President - Gary Hunter ( Deyell, Cochrane) carried

Captains for 2023 – We have 16 volunteers who will meet in 2 weeks.

Schedule considerations – discussed 3 alternatives and picked the option that reduces the schedule to include breaks for possible rainouts, reduce number of 8:30m games, and eliminate double headers. (Cochrane, Caldwell) carried

Length of game issues – after much discussion no motions put forward. Current practice of 70 minutes timeline for calling last inning remains.

Use of “pick up players” from other teams – no changes

Eligibility of players for finals – no changes

Designated runner line – no changes

New business – rebalancing meeting changed from 10 games to 14 games (Klooster, Fulkerson) carried

Motion to adjourn – 8:40 pm (Stone, Thomsen) carried

 

 

2021 Annual General Meeting Minutes

The 2021 AGM was held on Sept. 28, 2021  at 7:00 pm at the Legion.

·         President’s welcome: Gary Hunter welcomed and thanked all for a successful shortened season

·         Minutes from 2019 AGM: Jeff Nielsen referred to the minutes and there was no business arising. Motion to accept Elliott/Thomsen - carried

·         Treasurer’s report - The treasurer's report was read. Good cash position with a gain of $600 over last year. Fees should remain the same. Copies available via email to johnhay44@hotmail.com. Motion to accept Gosnell/Miles - carried

 

 Items for discussion

1.  Umpires - President Gary Hunter thanked the umpires for a good season.

2.  Executives terms of office - terms of office can be extended if current positions are not contested.

3.  Executive positions - Paul Dilworth accepted nomination by Cochrane/Elliott to be Vice President.

4.  Captains for 2022 - TBA

5.  COVID rules - It was decided that we will follow the local Health Unit and Provincial rules. Motion to accept MacDonald/Elliott - carried

6.  Disciplinary Committee - The current structure has been updated by Daryll Eedy and can be found under League Playing Rules. Gary House will be the chairman. motion to accept Johnston/Cole - carried

7.  Designated and courtesy runners - rules have been updated. Clarification that a designated runner  goes to first base only. See running rules under League Playing Rules.

8.  Schedule

•      investigate using diamond 3 in Dorchester - Elliott/ Thomsen - carried
•      go to 90 min games - Wilkins/Cochrane - defeated
•      go with a 1/1 count on the batter - Eedy/Klooster - defeated
•      go to 75 minute game times, not 70 min. - Miles/Thomsen - carried

9.  New business 

•      eliminate the home run rule - Klooster/Beynen - defeated
•      create a tournament committee to investigate possibility of reviving the Dorchester Canadians Tournament - Cochrane/Elliott - carried
•      discussion on forming 50/55/60/65/70 tournament teams. Gord Cockburn will investigate 50-60 groups; Paul Dilworth will investigate 65-70 groups; Bill Cochrane has a 70-75 group; Ron Gosnell has a 75+ group. These groups will be allowed to include non Dorchester Canadian players. 60-65 age group needs a leader.

10. Motion to adjourn at 8:32 pm Murphy/Gosnell - carried 

 

2019 Annual General Meeting Minutes

Meeting came to order at 7:01 pm

Attendance:

 

President’s welcome

 

Minutes from 2018 AGM – read by Tim Kelly. Klooster/Haycock - carried

  

Treasurer’s report

John Hay presented his report. Good cash position, +$2600 this year. Cost per player -$3.09. No fee increase required. Gosnell/Thomsen - carried

 

Items for discussion

1. Umpires – applause from members present to Jeff Klooster and his crew.

 

2. Rule clarification

• Playing Field - “Minimum of 4 outfielders” – unless playing with 9 players
• Catcher safety line – add 4 feet from the edge of home plate.
• MOTION: Belmont netting – “Any ball hit over the fence is a home run regardless of the netting.” Fulkerson/House - carried
• Batting lineup – frozen after 5 games. May be re-set once after rebalancing.
• MOTION: Fielding – “All players will play defense for at least 3 innings if they wish for all games including league, round robin and championship round”. House/Pelow - carried
• Use options to borrow players to avoid forfeits.
• Home run rule – 2^nd home run is treated as a one base hit and all runners advance 1 base.

 

3. Executives terms of office – Any extension of the 2 year term of office policy will be decided on a motion each year.

MOTION: Tim Kelly will serve one more year as president. Cochrane/Brogan - carried

4. Executive positions - Wayne Allan has asked to defer moving to the President position due to attendance issues next season.

MOTION: Gary Hunter is nominated to be the Vice President for the 2020 season. Elliott/House – carried

 

5. Captains for 2020 – Don Beynen and Don Fulkerson have volunteered to be co-captains for the 2020 season and Bryan Brogan has volunteered to be a captain if an 8^th team is formed. A co-captain will be named later.

 

6. Designated and courtesy runners

Designated : Players are eligible to have a designated runner if approved by the executive or by mutual consent of captains in case of injury. The designated runner will run from a line that is third base line extended through the 5 point of home plate. We hope to paint a mark on the fence. He is the last out who is not on the list as a designated runner or the last batter in the previous inning if you scored 5 runs or the bottom of the order in the first inning if there are no outs yet.

          Courtesy ; unlimited,  before next pitch,  1 per inning and 3 per game for any one player.

 

7. MOTION: Pitching screen – House/Gosnell - carried

• The screen is lined up so that “at least” half of rubber is behind screen.
• The screen is placed at beginning of each half inning and is not moved for the half inning unless it becomes dislodged or a new pitcher is used.
• The screen may be no more than 5 feet in front of the rubber.
• Right-handed pitchers will pitch from the 3^rd base side of the screen.
• Left-handed pitchers will pitch from the 1^st base side of the screen.
• Pitches over the screen are allowed.

 

8. Schedule – an 8 team schedule is possible and diamonds will tentatively be reserved.

 

9. New business

• Tarps - There are 6 tarps. Two for each of diamonds 1,2 and 4. These are very heavy duty tarps which are in very good condition. They have only been used by Kelly Lively for a Harrietsville Girls softball tournament for the last 5 or 6 years. They were originally purchased for the annual Dorchester Canadians Tournament.

MOTION: Eedy/Caldwell – carried

Al Busche proposes that the tarps for diamonds 2 and 4 be given to the Harrietsville girls organization. The diamond 1 tarps have no purpose at this time. Perhaps someone in the league can think of a use.

• Intentional walks – MOTION: Intentional walks are not allowed in regular season  or round robin. Eedy/Gosnell – defeated. If walked a second time the batter may bat a second time and last out gets 1^st base. Dilworth/George - defeated
• New mesh and or screens – replace as necessary. MOTION: Miles/Cockburn – carried  
• Bats – all bats must have the approved thumb print. Grandfather clause removed. MOTION: House/Thomsen – carried
• Umpires will be instructed to enforce code of conduct.

10. Motion to adjourn. Haycock/Eedy - carried

 

 

 

2018 Annual General Meeting Minutes

 Attendance:  Ron Gosnell, Ken Butler, Tim Whitworth, Jim Haycock, Bryan Brogan, Daryll Eedy, Les Caldwell, Jim Allen, Joe Walczak, Chuck Thompsen, Steve Hutcheon, Jeff Klooster, John Micoli, Tim Kelly, John Hay, Mike Elliott, Ted Van Weert, Jeff Nielsen, Wayne Allen

 

·         President’s welcome

           Opening Remarks by Tim Kelly -  meeting called to order @ 7:05pm

           Motion to accept minutes from 2017

           Moved by  Darrell Eedy , 2nd Chuck Thomsen – motion carried

 Treasurer’s report:  Report by John Hay

           Motion to increase fees for new players from $240 to $250, Moved Darrell Eedy, 2nd Les Caldwell - carried

           Motion to accept report by Jim Haycock, 2nd Bryon Brogan - carried

Umpires: General discussion – review current and possible options                                                                                                     Executives terms of office – Motion to extend presidents current term by 1 year ( this time only)

                                             moved by Daryll Eedy 2nd Chuck Thomsen - carried  

League recruiting officer - Darryll Eedy volunteered to help in this area

Captains for 2018 - 14 returnees may need more depending on number of teams

Designated and courtesy runners: Designated runners may run as far as they can - remove the wording " from home to first"

                                                       moved by Jim Hatcock, 2nd Bryan Brogan - carried

 Mid season golf tourney: motion to change name  to : Dorchester Canadians Memorial Golf Tournament

                                                       Moved by Tim Whitworth, 2nd Ron Gosnell - carried

 Arc at home plate to protect catchers – motion to move line to 4 feet from home plate / from commitment line straight down 

                                                           moved by John Haycock, 2nd Wayne Allen - carried

 New Business:  Bats - no issues

                           Screens enforce the current rule - Ted/Tim to review with captains

                           player shortage - motion to not call from spare list if 1 player missing

                                                      moved by Wayna Allen, 2nd Darell Eedy - defeated

                           eliminate round robin: motion by John Micoli, 2nd John Hutcheon - defeated 

                           defibrilator training - could be held on bat around in spring or possibly online

 

motion to adjourn meeting: moved Wayne Allen, 2nd Jeff Klooster

                                           carried - adjourned @ 9pm

 

 

Dorchester Canadians 

2017 Annual General Meeting

 

The 2017 AGM was held on Wednesday, October 11th at 7:00 pm at the Doneybrook Legion.

 

2017 Annual General Meeting Agenda

• President’s welcome

• Minutes from 2016 AGM

• Business arising from last year’s minutes

• Treasurer’s report

• Items for discussion

1. Umpires

2. Executives terms of office

3. League recruiting officer position open

4. Captains for 2018

5. Designated and courtesy runners

6. Pitching screens

7. Rover position

8. Arc at home plate to protect catchers

9. New business

Tim Kelly President

 

2017 Annual General Meeting Minutes

 

• Attendance: Steve Stock, Dan Griffith, Ron Gosnell, Ken Butler, Steve Rosso, Tim Whitworth, Jim Haycock, Bill Cochrane, Tim Mclennon, Mike Piccolotto, John Mills, Bryan Brogan, Keith Johnston, Daryll Eedy, Les Caldwell, Jim Allen, Joe Walczak, Tom Sonier, Dave Peterson, Bill Deyell, Chuck Thompsen, Kirk George, Vince Mitchell, Jim Wallace, Tim Kelly, John Hay, Mike Elliott, Ted Van Weert, Jeff Nielsen

• President’s welcome

           Opening Remarks by Tim Kelly meeting called to order @ 7:05pm

           Motion to accept minutes from 2016

           Moved by  Ken Butler , 2^nd Jim Haycock – motion carried

 

Treasurer’s report:

Report by John Hay.

Motion to accept by Daryll Eedy, 2^nd Tim Whitworth – motion carried

 

Umpires: General discussion – investigate possible new services

 

1. Executives terms of office – no  changes to 2017/2018

2. League recruiting officer position open General discussion i.e.: advertising "London Express"

 

3. Captains for 2018

Jim Allen/ Al Russell

Dave Peterson/ Joe Walczak

John Miles/ Pat Misener

Steve Stock/ Kirk George

Chuck Thompsen/ Bryan Brogan

Al Cole/ Adam Limbrick

Bill Cochrane/ Tim McLennon

 

4. Designated and courtesy runners

Motion: to allow unlimited courtesy runners (1 time per inning) and if stranded on base and comes to bat it  is an out.

            Moved: Bill Cochrane    2^nd by Les Caldwell – motion carried

 

Amendment: Courtesy runner must be used before next pitch

Moved: Ken Butler 2^nd by Steve Rosso – motion carried

 

Amendment: Courtesy runner can only run max of 3 times in a game

Moved by Jim Allen – 2^nd Keith Johnston – motion carried

        

5. Pitching screens – no changes
6. Rover position – no discussion
7. Arc at home plate to protect catchers – discussion not required – in the rules

8. New business

Motion :to change year end from August 31 to September 30

Moved by John Hay – 2^nd Bill Deyell – motion carried

 

Motion :to change outfield line from 175' to 150'

Moved by Mike Elliott – 2^nd Daryll Eedy – motion defeated

 

Umpires to enforce time limit

 

Motion: to buy First aid kit for league to supply and maintain

Moved by Tim Whitworth- 2^nd Dan Griffith – motion carried

 

Motion for executive to by 2 defibrillators

Moved by Chuck Thompsen – 2^nd Daryll Eedy – motion carried

 

Motion to adjourn: moved by Mike Picolotto -  2^nd Jim Haycock motion carried @ 9:10pm

 

 

Minutes of the 2016 Annual General Meeting   September 22, 2016

Attendance:             

Tim Kelly, Ken Butler, Ted Van Weert, Jim Wallace, Daryll Eedy, Jeff Nielsen, Brian Logie, Don Wright, Brian McLeod, Wayne Allen, Paul Pelow, Steve Hutcheon, Doug Maguire, Bill Rusbridge, Ken Herniman, Chuck Thomsen, Al Russell, Mike Elliott, Ron Gosnell, Bill Deyell, Gary Hunter, Gerald Lohuis, Chris Pugh, Bill Robbins, Paul Shearon, Jim Allan, Rick Elrick, Joe Walzak, Ben Hibma, John Snyder

 

     1)    Opening remarks: President Jim Wallace calls meeting to order at 7:05pm

     2)    Motion to accept minutes from 2015 AGM meeting

Moved by Bill Deyell, seconded by Mike Elliott – Motion carried

     3)   Financial statement presented and reviewed by Daryll Eedy.

Moved by Daryll Eedy, seconded by Tim Kelly – Motion carried

Motion to keep league fees as they are,

Moved by Chuck Thomsen, seconded by Wayne Allan – Motion carried

4) Review of 2016:  discussion about league rules and procedures
Draft Procedure

• executive will set the teams
• captains will review teams and adjust if necessary before captains are added
• a draw for captains will be made
• redraw possible due to who captains are
• back to executive for final re-balancing      

Motion to evaluate new players and redraft after 4 games and keep the realignment at the 10 game mark

      Moved by Tim Kelly, seconded by Ken Herniman – Motion carried

 

Umpires

• umpires for next season
• Gerry Lohuis, Robert Cavers, Other
• Meet with SPC umpire-in-chief to consider using SPC umpires

Pitchers Protective Equipment

• Pitching screen
• minimum equipment: mask and shin pads to be worn, up to $20 per mask per pitcher will be covered by league
• any pitcher not wearing minimum protective equipment must sign waiver

      Motion to allow the pitchers to decide on the screen (in/ or out)

      Moved by Mike Elliott, seconded by Daryll Eedy – Motion defeated

 

Motion to keep screen, allowing the pitcher to choose whether he plays the ball or not,

Leave screen in the centered in the middle of the rubber (not to be moved left or right)

Moved by Jim Allan, seconded by Chuck Thomsen – Motion carried

 

Substitute runners

• designated runners for players who cannot run – runner is last out, players must be designated before game begins
• Courtesy runners – players who have difficulty running go to first base only and may be substituted by the last out.

        Motion to use the last out as the courtesy runner

        Moved by Jim Allan, seconded by Tim Kelly – Motion carried

 

        Bats

• new bats coming into the league must have USSSA bpf1.20 thumbprint label on barrel of bat
• existing bats used during 2015 season are eligible to be used

   Home runs

• teams may hit only one over-the-fence home run until after the opposition has hit an over-the-fence home run - if more than one over-the-fence home run occurs before the opposition scores an over-the-fence home run only one base will be given to the batter 

        Schedule and time limit

• Time limit rules
• round robin vs. 40 game schedule

       Motion to reduce maximum runs/ inning allowed from 6 to 5

       Moved by Daryll Eedy, seconded by Bill Robbins – Motion carried

 

       No out at 1^st base from outfield

       - outfielder shall not force the batter out by throwing the ball to first base directly or indirectly

  League conduct

• player thrown out of a game
• first incident - automatic game plus next game
• second incident - automatic game plus next 3 games
• third incident - review by league executive
• All incidents (depending on severity) can be reviewed by league executive and penalties increased.

  Home plate – wood

  Motion to go to wooden home plate ( details to be determined)

  Moved by Paul Shearon, seconded by Ben Hibma – Motion carried

 

        Infield on front diamond in Belmont:

• the size of the skinned infield must be minimum 55 ft. / 16.8 m arc from front, centre of pitchers rubber to maximum (and recommended) 65 ft. / 19.8 m.
• Request motion to have executive negotiate with Belmont to help make this happen on front diamond.

        Motion to have executive negotiate with Belmont with a cap of $5000

        Moved by Mike Elliott, seconded by Ken Herniman – Motion carried

 

       5)  Nominations for officers – nominations are open

 

President – Tim Kelly     

Past-President – Jim Wallace

Vice President – open – Mike Elliott

Secretary – Jeff Nielsen

Treasurer – open – John Hay

League Director – Ted Van Weert

Assistant League Director – Gary House

Recruiting Officer – Bill Rusbridge

 

Motion to nominate Mike Elliott as VP – Moved by Bill Deyell seconded by Ron Gosnell -motion carried

Motion to nominate John Hay as Treasurer – Moved by Daryll Eedy seconded by Jeff Nielsen ---motion carried

 

Captains

     ▪     Al Busche and Colin Castle

     ▪     John Miles and Tim Weber

     ▪     Al Dashford and Bill Rusbridge

     ▪     Joe Walzak and Dave Peterson

     ▪     Ken Butler and Steve Rosso

 

     We are in need of captains for 1 or 2 teams, depending on capacity we may move to 7 teams

 

Other Business                             

Motion that if the Championship round is rained out in its entirety the round robin winner is playoff champion – motion defeated

 

      Motion that if the Championship round is rained out in its entirety the regular season champs are the playoff                          champions          Moved by Bill Deyell seconded by Tim Kelly – motion carried

 

     Motion to donate to the CIBC run for the cure in support of Tim Kelly's wife

     Moved by Daryll Eedy seconded by Ben Hibma – carried

  

     Motion: Due to the expiration of term the following changes are to be made to the league’s signing authorities: add  Tim Kelly as President and remove Ken Butler, add John Hay as Treasurer and remove Daryll Eedy.

     Moved by Ken Butler seconded by Daryll Eedy – Motion passed

 

     Adjournment

     Motion to adjourn by Paul Shearon seconded by Mike Elliott @ 9:05pm - carried

 

 

 

 

 

  Dorchester Canadians

 

 

 Dorchester Canadians

 

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Dorchester Canadians

2014 Annual General Meeting

Agenda

 

- Presidents welcome
 

- Treasurers report
 

- Minutes from 2013 AGM - see minutes document below this agenda
 

- Business arising from last year's minutes
 

- New business
 

1: Umpires. We need replacements or face the possibility of self umpiring.
2: Reduce the term of President from 6 years to 3 years.
3: Change the Treasurer and Secretary term of office from an open ended term to a 3 year term.
4: Change the League Director's term of office from an open ended term to a term of 2 years.
5: Create a new position, Assistant League Director, this would be a 2 year term followed by a 2 year term as League Director.
6: Create a new position, League Recruiting Officer, reporting to the League Director, with a budget of $300. The main goal of this position would be the pursuit of new players.
7: Captains to be chosen or elected by the team at the start of the season.
8: Review current annual fees and make a recommendation for 2015/16 season.
9: Volunteers, nominations, or appointments. Treasurer, Vice President, Assistant League Director, League Recruiting Officer
 
These changes are to facilitate recruiting for members of the executive, address declining membership, and facilitate ongoing financial planning.
 
Your President
Ken Butler
 

 

 

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Dorchester Canadians

Minutes of the 2013 Annual General Meeting

 

October 10. 2013

Meeting called to order by Jim Moore at 7:00 p.m., 16 members in attendance.

Jim announced the resignation of Steve Rosso as President. Ken Butler will assume the duties of President. We are in need of a new Vice President. Anyone interested should contact Ken Butler.

Motion to accept minutes from 2012 AGM meeting put forward. Moved by Daryll Eedy and Seconded by Bill Deyell.
Motion carried.

Financial statement presented and reviewed by Daryll Eedy. Moved by Daryll Eedy and seconded by Ron Harvey to accept financial statement as read.
Motion carried.

Motion to add Ken Butler to cheque signing authority, and remove Steve Rosso. Moved by Jim Moore and seconded by Daryll Eedy.
Motion carried.

Looking for new executive members. Please consider.

Tentative captains for coming year.
Tim Weber and (Bill Deyell or Jim Haycock)
Jeff Nielsen and Ben Hibma
Ron Harvey and Gord Davidson
Larry Walsh and Al Dashford
Ted Van Weert
TBA

Looking for a new League Director to replace Bruce Cuttell who wishes to retire after the 2014 baseball season. Also looking for a new Treasurer to replace Daryll Eedy who wishes to retire after the 2014 season.

A lengthy discussion regarding self umpiring was held. A motion was put forth by Wayne Allen that we do not self umpire - seconded by Gary House. Motion carried.

Draft Procedure
- executive will set the teams
- captains will review teams and adjust if necessary before captains are added
- a draw for captains will be made
- redraw possible due to who captains are
- back to executive for final rebalance

Bats
- new bats coming into the league must have USSSA bpf1.20 thumbprint label on barrel of bat
- existing bats used during 2013 season are eligible to be used

Pitchers Protective Equipment
- minimum equipment: mask and shin pads to be worn
- up to $20 per mask per pitcher will be covered by league
- any pitcher not wearing minimum protective equipment must sign waiver

Motion put forward by Daryll Eedy that pitchers be required to wear protective equipment or sign waiver - seconded by Jeff Nielsen. Motion carried.

Discussion was held regarding screens for pitchers. It was decided to refer this back to the executive for more investigation. Primary issues were portability and storage, and secondary were the acceptable rules for batted-ball contacting the screen and pitcher's fielding.

Motion was put forward by Bruce Cuttell to move all Thursday night games to Belmont diamonds - seconded by Jim Moore.
Motion carried.

Bruce will contact Central Elgin about putting up a black-out screen at Diamond #1 in Belmont.

Motion put forward by Daryll Eedy to repeal the indirect throw from the outfielder to infielder and on to first base for an out - seconded by Ben Hibma. Motion carried. The rule should state, "No outfielder shall directly or indirectly throw the ball to first base to force the "batter" out".

Motion put forward by Bill Deyell to move the outfield line from 150 ft to 175 ft - seconded by John Ormsby. Motion carried.

A discussion followed concerning the size of the skinned infield and whether we need to adjust the positioning for infielders starting on the skinned infield vs. grass behind skin. According to Softball Canada the skin must be minimum 55 ft. / 16.8 m arc from front, centre of pitchers rubber to maximum (and recommended) 65 ft. / 19.8 m. We need to measure our diamonds to see what our distances are, and possibly allow 1 - 2 paces onto grass to achieve 65 ft. / 19.8 m. We need to maintain a buffer space for singles to the outfield - there's no sense moving the outfield line back but then allowing infielders to move too far onto the grass.

Motion put forward to define positions for infielders and outfielders. After a discussion, it was decided to refer this item back to the executive for further investigation.

Motion put forward by Gary House that teams may hit only one over-the-fence home run until after the opposition has hit an over-the-fence home run - if more than one over-the-fence home run occurs before the opposition scores an over-the-fence home run only one base will be given to the batter - seconded by Gord Davidson. Motion carried.

Note that a ball touched by a defensive player then falling over the fence in fair territory is not to be defined as an 'over-the-fence' home run but rather a 'four base award', and does not impact the catch-up rule.

LEAGUE CONDUCT
- player thrown out of a game
- first incident - automatic game plus next game
- second incident - automatic game plus next 3 games
- third incident - review by league executive

All incidents (depending on severity) can be reviewed by league executive and penalties increased.

Motion put forward by Ken Butler to accept League Conduct procedure - seconded by Gord Davidson. Motion carried.

Motion put forward by Jim Moore to adjourn meeting - seconded by Wayne Allen. Motion carried.

Submitted by Bill Deyell