Greater Keene Men's Softball Association

2017 Packet Night Meeting
Tuesday April 11, 2017

In attendance: President- Cole Castor, Vice President- Kyle Rider, Secretary- Chad Corbeil, Treasurer- Gordie Daniels, Umpire In Chief- Joe Warhall. 

-JP Cavolo was present to answer any questions teams may have regarding entering state tournaments this summer.

-Packets and softballs were handed out.  33 teams were represented at the meeting. 10 teams still need to contact Gordie Daniels to collect balls, books, etc.

The following teams were not present and need to contact Gordie: 
GB11, Fenton, Leon’s, Paquette, Anglers, Eskimo Bros, Athens, J&G, Pro Nasty, Brick House Tile.

-Scorebooks were not available yet but will arrive soon, and will be distributed prior to your first game.

-Attending managers were warned about the strong possibility of fee increases for 2018 due to increasing operating costs.

-Managers were also reminded of some key rule changes that might affect their teams:
ARTICLE 7 – GAMES
2017 - Sec. 1 Time: games shall start at 6:00PM; 7:30PM and 9:00PM with a 15 minute grace period for the 6 PM game only.  
EXCEPTION: Games in Troy and Gilsum will begin at 6:15PM. No additional grace period will be provided.

Bat Rule
The Executive Board will provide a limited list of legal bats for the upcoming season, to be reviewed annually as bats change. 
-The BAT must be a one piece pure single-wall bat with a LEGIBLE ASA/USA  stamp (year 2000 or newer). The bat cannot contain any “sleeves” or composite components.  

Approved bats for Divisions 3-6 for 2017: Demarini Ultimate Weapon, Anderson Flex SP, Louisville Slugger Warrior, Easton Reflex, Demarini Bruiser(added for 2017), and any ALL wood bat w/ a legible ASA/USA stamp.
**Divisions 1 & 2 will be strictly limited to using only ALL wood bats (including bamboo) w/ a legible ASA/USA stamp.  The bats cannot contain any metal/composite components.

ARTICLE 9 – TIES FOR PLAY-OFF POSITIONS
2017 - Sec. 2- Any duplicate, triplicate, etc. records for 1ST place shall be decided by a 1 game/mini playoff. Other ties for trophy positions will first be determined via regular season head to head competition, determined by wins and losses only. If the tie cannot be broken by head to head competition then the position shall be decided by a 1 game/mini playoff.  Any further or other ties for a playoff position shall be decided by a coin flip. Exception: any ties for a final playoff position shall be decided by a 1 game/mini playoff.

-Team managers were also reminded that adds are not official and complete until fees are paid in full.  The added player cannot play for that team until full payment is received by a board member.

-Brown Field Cleanup is Saturday 4/15 at 9:15am.  If your team is using Brown Field as your home field you and your team are strongly encouraged to lend a hand.

-Managers were also informed that there is to be absolutely NO SMOKING allowed at
Brown Field this year. 

-Some add requests were submitted and voted on, and more money was collected.

-Meeting adjourned.  Good luck to all of you in 2017!

2017 Complaint Night Meeting
Thursday, March 23, 2017

In attendance: President- Cole Castor, Vice President- Kyle Rider, Secretary- Chad Corbeil, Treasurer- Gordie Daniels, Umpire In Chief- Joe Warhall.  League Reps- Sam Crotto, Rich Plummer, Kevin Russell. Umpire Rep- Conrad Fisk

-A final vote was taken regarding approved wood bats.  The board votes 5-4 to allow the use of all ASA approved wood bats including bamboo as long as there are no composite components. 

Division 1
Kings of the castle.  No discussion necessary.

Division 2

Convenient MD(formerly Davis Construction)- Chad Beede and Keven Koivunen explained that after losing their best hitter & catcher Dave Lansdon that they wanted to add pitcher Shaun Chase and remain in Division 3.  The board stated that they finished 2nd in 2016 and Shaun Chase was the pitcher for the 2016 Division 2 champs.  Convenient MD drops Shaun Chase and Evan Parro to return to Division 3.

Old Heritage K-9- Richard Dicey came to argue that with a roster that he feels is significantly weaker than the rest of the rosters in Division 2 he should be allowed to have Luke Merrill pitch.  After a lengthy discussion the board stands by our decision.  Luke Merrill cannot pitch in Division 2.  Richard stated he may pull the team from the league as a result. Richard must decide if he will play or take his check and go home.  Decision must be made by 10:00am on Friday, March 24.  Decision pending…
This just in, Richard decides to sit and stay.  He will keep Old Heritage K-9  in Division 2.

Eskimo Bros.- Scott Britton has agreed that he will not pitch in Division 3 in 2017 and he will also drop Zach Rokes and Ray Boulay.  The bloodthirsty and mean old board accepts that pound of flesh and allows the “not so chill” Eskimo Bros. to return to Division 3 as requested.

The Anglers (formerly Alexander’s)- The board explained that this team was already one of the  best teams in Division 3 in 2016 and that their adds should be minimal to remain in 3.  The board has informed Ronnell Bell that they must drop Dallas Landry and Matt Barnes to return to Division 3.  He has until 10:00am on Friday, March 24 to decide.  Placement pending…
This just in, The Anglers agree to drop Dallas Landry and Matt Barnes and return to Division 3.

Division 3

Walier Chevrolet- The board has a nice meet and greet with Jacob & Kevin Bedard as well as Jake Breen.  The board agrees that they are doing things the right way.  All checks out.  Walier to Division 4 as requested.

Frazier & Son- Marty Sheldon…NUFF SAID!  Drops Terren Haskins to return to Division 4. (see also, Lindy’s Diner below).

Poanessa- Has agreed to remain in Division 3 as placed.  As a result of this placement they will lose Jacob Essex and Justin Carter to Eskimo Bros.  Adds to follow…

Division 4

Country Flair Lawncare(formerly GNC)- In a last minute development Country Flair opts to bring a little flair up to Division 3 after all.  The league could use a few more like you!

EngraveIt.Biz(formerly Kong)- As a result of Country Flair opting to move up to Division 3 Gordie gets to keep the Whipples, and in doing so he can have his beer AND drink it too in Division 4.  Another potential Kong-sized crisis averted.  All is right with the world.  A real life Hollywood ending.  PHEW! 

Savings Bank of Walpole- Manager Tommoy Troie and his wingman Zach Southwell were unable to attend the meeting sooooo enter Plan L…Lawliss!  The Complaint Night veteran has to step up for his new team in their time of need.  As has become an annual tradition, after a few well-timed smiles and shrugs (and maybe a wink or 2) the board is swept off their feet by Ryan’s overwhelming charm and we give him all that he requests…a one-way ticket back to the glory, comfort, and spoils of Division 5 for he and his busy teammates. 

Lindy’s Diner- Marty had all guns blazing for this showdown.  After two separate 20 minute doses of Marty (that can be best compared to what I imagine waterboarding must feel like) the board finally submits and allows Lindy’s to drop Phil Dallas and Chris Smart to return to Division 5 as requested.   Marty reminds us repeatedly that “this is bulls—t” as he leaves grumbling.  Lindy’s Diner has been served.

Greenwald Realty- After an attempt to join Division 6, the board fired back with a shrewd Division 4 placement.  Richard Dicey decides to go with the board’s recommendation and drops Adam Bates and Bjorn Bruckshaw and retreats to middle ground.  Greenwald is  placed in Division 5. 

Wesfield Construction- Travis Hobbs agrees that he will not pitch for this team and they are placed in Division 5 as requested.

Division 5

Yankee Lanes- Dan Birmingham explained that he is only coaching the team and that they have a lot of brand new young kids coming into the league.  The board accepts this explanation and places them in Division 6 as requested.

Division 6

Do you hear what I hear?  Division 6 has a pulse on complaint night???  Reality is truly stranger than fiction sometimes…

Party Rockers- In an unprecedented move Matt Black, manager of the (now infamous) Party Rockers bucks the board’s Division 6 placement and says WE’RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT! Matt demands to be placed in Division 5 as requested.  How can we possibly say no?  Back to 5 you go!  Put on your party hats, crank up the tunes, tap that keg and fire up the grill!!! The Party Rockers are back in D5, so buckle up bitches cause this crazy train is goin’ off the rails!

Lastly, there may be no crying in baseball but it seems that there are only a few dry eyes in men’s softball after placement.  

We hope everyone has a great 2017. 

Meeting adjourned.  Play ball!

In attendance: President: Cole Castor, Vice President: Kyle Rider, Secretary: Chad Corbeil, Treasurer: Gordie Daniels, UIC: Joe Warhall.  League Reps: Kevin Russell, Rich Plummer.  Umpire Rep: Conrad Fisk.  Absent- League Rep: Sam Crotto

Other key issues discussed:
-Umpires pay raise.  Denied
-Potential player fee increase to help with upcoming increases in operating costs. Denied
-Stricter enforcement of timely payment for team/player fees.

*All amendments were approved unanimously unless otherwise noted.

2017 GREATER KEENE MEN’S SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION BY-LAWS

ARTICLE 1 – RULES
2016 - Sec. 1A The Senior League Division of the GKMSA will abide by its own by-laws. A current copy of the separate by-laws for the Senior League Division are attached to and become part of these by-laws of the GKMSA. Any rules not covered by said Senior League by-laws shall be governed by the constitution and by-laws of the GKMSA and the ASA official guide, as stated in Sec. 1 above.=

2017 - Sec. 1A The 30 year old (and over) Open Pitching Division of the GKMSA will abide by its own by-laws.  A current copy of the separate by-laws for this Division will become part of the by-laws of the GKMSA. Any rules not covered by said by-laws shall be governed by the constitution and by-laws of the GKMSA and the ASA official guide, as stated in Sec. 1 above.

2016 - The Executive Board will provide a limited list of up to 5 legal bats for the upcoming season, to be reviewed annually as bats change. 
-The BAT must be a one piece single-wall bat with a LEGIBLE ASA stamp. The bat cannot contain any composite components.  
Approved bats for 2016: Demarini Ultimate Weapon, Anderson Flex SP, Louisville Slugger Warrior, Easton Reflex, __(possibly add 5th bat later)__.  *This bat rule could be changed at any time if deemed an injury risk by the Executive Board and Board of Directors.

2017 - The Executive Board will provide a limited list of legal bats for the upcoming season, to be reviewed annually as bats change. 
-The BAT must be a one piece pure single-wall bat with a LEGIBLE ASA stamp (year 2000 or newer). The bat cannot contain any “sleeves” or composite components.  
Approved bats for Divisions 3 and lower for 2017: Demarini Ultimate Weapon, Anderson Flex SP, Louisville Slugger Warrior, Easton Reflex, Demarini Bruiser, and any ALL wood bat w/ a legible ASA stamp.
**Divisions 1 & 2 will be strictly  ALL wood bats w/ a legible ASA stamp.
*This bat rule could be changed at any time if deemed an injury risk by the Executive Board and Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 2 – FINANCES

2016 - Sec. 3 A $100 binder fee shall be paid at a pre-season meeting in January, no later than January 20.
2017 - Sec. 3 A $100 binder fee shall be paid at a pre-season meeting in January, no later than January 31.

Article 3 – Arbitration Board

2016 - Sec. 3 No member of the Arbitration Board shall sit in judgment if  his division or immediate family is involved. Exception is to the Executive Board who shall be able to vote on all matters.

2017 - Sec. 3 No member of the Arbitration Board shall sit in judgment if  his division or immediate family is involved. Exception is to the Executive Board who shall be able to vote on ALL division matters.

2017  - Sec. 7- DELETED - AS IT IS ALREADY COVERED IN SEC. 5

ARTICLE 5 – PLAYER RESTRICTION
2016 Sec. 2- A player may be allowed to play for other teams during the season not within the same division. All players are subject to approval by the Executive Board. All rosters must contain 10 eligible players. No more than 6 players may be on the same two rosters. The last day to add-on a player is July 1st.

2017 Sec. 2- A player may be allowed to play for other teams during the season not within the same division. All players are subject to approval by the Executive Board. All rosters must contain 10 eligible players.  The last day to add-on a player is July 1st. *(Approved 6-3) 
This amendment is made because this issue is addressed during placement as well as when add/drops are voted on.  If approved rosters from lower divisions wish to enter their entire roster in the new ALL wood bat Divisions 1 & 2 they may do so.

ARTICLE 7 – GAMES
2016 - Sec. 1 Time: games shall start at 6 PM; 7:30 PM and 9 PM with a 15 minute grace period for the 6 PM game only.

2017 - Sec. 1 Time: games shall start at 6:00PM; 7:30PM and 9:00PM with a 15 minute grace period for the 6 PM game only.  
EXCEPTION: Games in Troy and Gilsum will begin at 6:15PM. No additional grace period will be provided.

2016 - Sec. 11 ASA Orange Bag Rule: Batter will be called out if they are not running to the orange bag on a play at first base (unless the first baseman is occupying the orange bag). The ball remains live, and the other runners can advance at their own risk.
2017 - Sec. 11 Orange Bag Rule: Batter will be called out if they are not running to the orange bag on a play at first base (unless the first baseman is occupying the orange bag). The ball remains live, and the other runners can advance at their own risk.

ARTICLE 8 – UMPIRES
2016 - Sec. 6  Both managers may agree to start the game with one umpire and/or someone designated by the umpire. That umpire must do the bases.
2017 – Sec. 6 Both managers may agree to start the game with one ASA Certified umpire. 

2016 - Sec. 7- The Board of Directors (Executive Board, Umpire Rep, & League Reps) shall vote for the Umpire-in-Chief for the league.  The umpires shall nominate candidates for the board to vote on.

2017 - Sec. 7- The umpires will vote for the Umpire-In-Chief. The Executive Board shall approve/disapprove their selection for Umpire-In-Chief for the league. If the Executive Board denies the selection the umpires must hold another vote for a new candidate.

2016 - Sec. 8 Apprentice umpires can be used as deemed necessary by the Executive Board, the UIC, or appointed by the District Commissioner of State Association.
2017 - Sec. 8 is REMOVED.

ARTICLE 9 – TIES FOR PLAY-OFF POSITIONS

2016 - Sec. 2- Any duplicate, triplicate, etc. records for any position or for ALL trophy positions shall be decided by a 1 game/mini playoff. Other ties will be determined via head to head competition, determined by wins and losses only. Any further or other ties for a playoff position shall be decided by a coin flip. Exception: any ties for a final playoff position shall be decided by a playoff.

2017 - Sec. 2- Any duplicate, triplicate, etc. records for 1ST place shall be decided by a 1 game/mini playoff. Other ties for trophy positions will first be determined via regular season head to head competition, determined by wins and losses only. If the tie cannot be broken by head to head competition then the position shall be decided by a 1 game/mini playoff.  Any further or other ties for a playoff position shall be decided by a coin flip. Exception: any ties for a final playoff position shall be decided by a 1 game/mini playoff.

ARTICLE 10 – Playoffs
2016 - c. All Senior League teams will be included in the Senior League Division Playoffs.
2017 - c. All 30 years old (and over) Open Pitching/Division teams will be included in the 30 years old (and over) Open Pitching/Division Playoffs.

2017 GREATER KEENE MEN’S SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIPS
2016 - Sec. 1 The signing of a team roster shall place in membership of this association until new rosters are one year hence. ONE sponsor shall be A non-paying member of the association by being listed on the roster; the sponsor will have one vote. Umpires may become members of the association by paying the association a $5.00 membership fee, this membership fee must be paid by July 1st. Any former member of the league must pay $50.00 to become a member by July 1st.

2017 - Sec. 1 The signing of a team roster shall place in membership of this association until new rosters are one year hence. ONE sponsor shall be A non-paying member of the association by being listed on the roster; the sponsor will have one vote. Umpires may become members of the association by paying the association a $10.00 membership fee, this membership fee must be paid by July 1st. Any former non-playing member of the league must pay $50.00 to become a member by August 10.

2016 - Sec. 4a Non-paid League Representatives shall be paid $10.00 for each meeting attended April through March. This will be paid in April and October.
2017 - Sec. 4a Non-paid League Representatives shall be paid $10.00 for each meeting attended April through March. This will be paid in April and the annual fall meeting.

2016 - Sec. 7 All members agreed that all new out-of-town teams should supply a home field and will be subject to approval by the Executive Board.
2017 - Sec. 7 Out of town teams that wish to supply a home field will be subject to approval by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE 4 – OFFICERS
2016 - Sec. 2- Any full paying members of this association shall be eligible for election to any of the above officesas long as they have paid their dues by July 1st. Former Executive Board members and former League Representatives may pay a $50.00 fee to become eligible after July 1st. The only exception will be is there is a vacant Executive Board spot.

2017 - Sec. 2- Any full paying members of this association shall be eligible for election to any of the above offices as long as they have paid their dues by July 1st. Former Executive Board members and former League Representatives may pay a $50.00 fee to become eligible until August 10. The only exception will be if there is a vacant Executive Board spot.

2016 - Sec. 5 Each member of the association shall have one vote for the elections of officers; we strongly encourage each team to cast at least two votes. Members may absentee vote by emailing or handing in to an Executive Board member, a letter in a sealed envelope prior to the elections.
2017 - Sec. 5 Each paid member of the association shall have one vote for the elections of officers; we strongly encourage each team to cast at least two votes. Members may cast absentee votes by emailing or handing in to an Executive Board member, a letter in a sealed envelope prior to the elections.

ARTICLE 5 – DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
President:
2016 - a. Supervise the functions of the elected officers of each division.
2017 - a. Supervise the functions of the elected officers of and league representatives.

2016 - e. Responsibility for the cancellation of games due to rain, etc.
ADDITION: UIC also has the authority, in the absence of the President at the fields, to determine cancellations based on field conditions up to one hour prior to game time. e.g. 5 PM for a 6 PM game.

2017 - e. Responsibility for the cancellation of games due to rain, etc.
ADDITION: The President has the authority to determine cancellations based on field conditions until 5:30PM on game nights. The decision is up to the umpire’s discretion after that point. *(Approved 7-1)

2016 - Sec. 2 The Secretary shall keep written records of all transactions and all necessary correspondence of the association, and will maintain the scores and standings of the league, as well as maintaining all aspects of the website of the league (www.leaguelineup.com/keenenhsoftball).

2017 - Sec. 2 The Secretary shall keep written records of all transactions and all necessary correspondence of the association, and will maintain the scores and standings of the league, as well as maintaining all aspects of the website of the league (www.leaguelineup.com/keenenhsoftball) including Meeting Minutes.

Umpire In Chief:
2016 - Sec. 4 - F. Making sure umpires are informed of all GKMSA by-laws and constitutional regulations.
2017 - Sec. 4 - F. Making sure umpires are informed of all GKMSA By-laws, Constitutional regulations, and Code of Conduct for the regular season as well as the playoffs.

2016 - g. Making sure that umpire removal of players or managers is given in writing to an Executive Board member within forty-eight (48) hours.
2017 - g. Making sure that umpire removal of players or managers is given in writing to an Executive Board member within forty-eight (48) hours.  Umpires that do not comply with this rule will forfeit their pay for the game in which the ejection took place. *(DENIED 8-0. Rule remains the same as 2016 w/ NO potential forfeiture of pay).

2017 - *NEW* -  Sect. 4 – I. Supply a list verifying current ASA certification for ALL umpires used in GKMSA games.

2016 - Sec. 7 The Secretary and Treasurer shall submit the minutes and expenditures of the association to the Executive Board. Such reports will be available at all meetings. The Secretary will also be responsible for properly maintaining all aspects of the website of the league (www.leaguelineup.com/keenenhsoftball).
*Sec. 7 REMOVED FOR 2017 SEASON. This is already covered in Section 2.

2016 - Sec. 8 Should an Executive Board member resign; the highest remaining position of power will appoint who will fulfill those duties for the remainder of the term.  The resigning member shall forfeit the first half of their pay if they resign prior to April 1st.  The resigning member will forfeit the second half of their pay if they resign prior to October 1st.

2017 - Sec. 8 Should an Executive Board member resign; the highest remaining position of power will hold a meeting with the Executive Board  to elect a new member who will fulfill those duties for the remainder of the term.  The resigning member shall forfeit the first half of their pay if they resign prior to April 1st.  The resigning member will forfeit the second half of their pay if they resign prior to Annual Fall Meeting.

ARTICLE 6 – VOTING
2016 - Sec. 1 All association members shall have the right to vote on the following:
1. The election of Officers.
2017 - Sec. 1 All association members shall have the right to vote on the following:
1. The election of Officers.  EXCEPTION: U.I.C. is determined by the umpires and approved Executive Board. If the selection is disapproved the umpires must hold another vote.

2016 - 6. The filling of a vacancy by the resignation on the Board of Directors.
2017 - 6. The filling of a vacancy caused by the resignation of a League Representative.  A vacancy in the Executive Board will be decided by the remaining Executive Board members.  See Sec. 8 above (which will become Sec 7 in 2017).

2016 - Sec. 5 All voting will be done by paper ballot.
2017 - Sec. 5 All election voting will be done by paper ballot.  All other voting will be left to the President’s discretion whether via text, email or otherwise.

2016 - Sec. 6 President shall vote to break all tied votes.
2017 - Sec. 6 President shall ONLY vote to break all tied votes.

2016 - Sec. 2 Any position vacated by the resignation of a Board of Directors member shall be filled by nomination and vote of the Board of Directors.
2017 - REMOVE as it is covered Article 5 - Sec 7 and Article 6 - Sec 6

ARTICLE 9 – MEETINGS
2016 - Sec. 1- The annual meeting of this association shall be held sometime in September each year for the election of the Executive Board.
2017 - Sec. 1- The annual fall meeting of this association shall be held sometime in September each year following the conclusion of the playoffs. The meeting will be held for the election of the Executive Board.

2016 - Sec. 3- League Representatives will be elected at the annual meeting in September 2016.
2017 - Sec. 3- League Representatives will be elected at the annual meeting in September each year.

2017 Code of Conduct
- Umpires are responsible for write-ups of any ejections. Ejections must be reported to the UIC immediately following the game.

Meeting adjourned