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MROS Meeting Minutes

1/28/07

Steward School

President Jerry Stone called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Attendance was taken by sign-in sheet.

Jerry welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the new year.

The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted as presented on the web site.

Bert Wilson reported that the treasury had between $1800 and $1900 to start the year.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ken Clark (Audit)—reported that the 2005 audit was successful with no problems.

Bill Harrison (Mentor)—explained the particulars of the program and all new and provisional members would have a mentor assigned to them.

Scott Carter (Banquet)—no report, but Jerry thanked him again for last year’s banquet. This year’s banquet will be held at Joe’s Inn again.

Allen Gravatt, John Shepherd (Members at Large)—reminded everyone of the procedures to follow if there is a problem. They are the first link in the chain of command that receives any problems from the membership.

Jerry Stone (Evaluation)—spoke of the process involved and about refinements being made to the process, including the new evaluation form that Eddie McFarland created. His hours of work on the form were appreciated.

COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

Bruce Frye stated that he had all 1099’s for last year’s umpires. There are 21 scrimmage games scheduled so far and everyone was reminded of the policy. We can sign up for a scrimmage by e-mailing Bruce with our choice(s). The regular schedule for March will be published no later than February 15^th. April’s will be published no later than March 15^th, and May’s no later than April 15^th. In all probability they will be published earlier. To accept our schedule e-mail capability is mandatory. If no computer/internet is available, you must have an e-mail buddy. There will be no accept/decline option. If your calendar is properly updated with blocks, then all open dates should be available for scheduling. Anyone declining a game is susceptible to a $5.00 fine. Bruce reviewed the Arbiter and web site.

INTERPRETER’S REPORT:

Dick Foster reiterated the 2006 rule changes. He mentioned that we WOULD NOT be using the D slot this year, as it is NOT recognized by any sanctioning body (except SoftballNation). He went over the 2007 rule changes and the “points of emphasis” for this season. Training classes start on Monday, January 29, 2007. They will be for three straight Monday evenings and then two Sundays.

OLD BUSINESS:

Bylaw Changes—Article X Section 7—Tommy Stefi made a motion to accept the change as presented by the Executive Board. Ken Clark seconded and the motion was passed. Article VI—Tommy Stefi made a motion to accept the change as presented by the Executive Board. Bob Provost seconded and the motion was passed. Please see the bylaws on the web site.

NEW BUSINESS:

Jerry mentioned that we are standing pat this year with no schools being lost and none gained.

Tom Dent made a motion to set the Commissioner’s fee at 8%. Bob Provost seconded and the motion passed.

Pat Maloney made a motion to set the Treasurer’s fee at 1%. Eddie Small seconded and the motion passed.

Bob Guagliardo brought up the possibility of the Commissioner assigning more than one sport in the same season. Bruce then asked the membership for permission to assign Babe Ruth fast pitch games. After much discussion and debate Bob Provost made a motion to allow Bruce to assign Babe Ruth games. Jesse Jackson seconded and then a friendly amendment by Bob G. was allowed by Bob P. to have written stipulation by the Executive Board signed by Bruce. The amendment and the original motion both passed. This will be for one year.

The next meeting is at Mills Godwin HS, in the library, on February 14^th at 5:00 p.m. The VHSL State Rules Clinic will be at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Anyone attending a state clinic elsewhere will be counted as present at the 2/14 meeting. Bruce must be informed as to which clinic was attended.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joe Yates.