M.E.T.S.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

MINUTES OF DECEMBER 4, 2019

ATTENDANCE:  ALL TEAMS WERE REPRESENTED

ABSENT:  BILL PERLMAN (RULES AND REGULATIONS), MIKE MICHALISIN (RULES AND REGULATIONS), DAVID GREENBERG -TREASURER

1. TREASURER’S REPORT—no report given

2. REVIEW OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE- AL FALCO

Al presented a detailed report on the list of issues facing the League as developed by the Special Assessment Committee at meetings during the months of October and November.  The Committee agreed to present the two most urgent issues to the Board for consideration at this meeting.  Others will be presented during our January and February meetings.  Al recommended the following items be discussed at this meeting: 1. Games being made up because of inclement weather: 2. League re-alignment (combining divisions A and B).  See items 6 and 7 respectively. 

3.  OVERVIEW OF SENIOR SOFTBALL STATUS IN MORRIS COUNTY—FRANK SHAPIRO

 Frank provided a clear picture of what is happening in Morris County Senior Softball.  He emphasized that the environment of senior softball is changing because of the shortage of players in the age group 50-60.  The present “norm “ apparently is more players are interested in playing who are in the late 60’s rather than the younger players and older players feel they can no longer compete with theyounger players.  Therefore, the number of teams in the 50’s age group is decreasing and the number of players in 60’s and 70’s age groups are increasing.  Because of this trend, the concept of parity becomes more prominent in League organization.  How do we develop team parity within a League and still maintain the fair competition without dismantling teams?  All softball Leagues are facing the same dilemma.  Since this issue was on the special assessment committee list, it will be discussed at a future meeting.  (SEE ITEM 5)

4.  NEW JERSEY SENIOR OLYMPICS –NO REPORT GIVEN

5.  ROSTERS, TEAM PARITY, AND EXPANSION: AL CHELI

Al elegantly addressed these issues as a manager and an Executive Board member. He explained while we are looking to expand the number of teams in all divisions and with managers trying to fill the rosters, there exists a major problem on how we can attempt to develop and maintain League parity in the process.  The question arises, do we eliminate the ability of managers to recruit players or do we follow the draft rules as stated in the by-laws to develop the parity?  In addition, he has recognized that teams in the B division have played on a near equal competitive level with teams in A division and proposed both divisions combine to form one division of nine teams.

6.  LEAGUE RE- ALIGNMENT-GENE STRACCO                       

Gene asked for a motion to combine the A and B Divisions to form one division and add another team to the Slocum Division.  Therefore, the League will consist of one division of nine teams ages 60-69 and the Slocum Division with seven teams ages 69-70+.  Frank Shiaverini made the motion, seconded by Frank Shapiro motion carried 16-0.

7.  RAIN OUT PROPOSAL—GENE STRACCO

Last season the League cancelled almost half the games scheduled because of inclement weather.  As a result, a majority of teams played less games than the others. The Assessment Committee has proposed that we re-scheduled postponed games to fulfill the number of scheduled games on the following conditions.  All re-scheduled game will be played on the following Thursday following the postponement, if field conditions are playable.  If not, they will be played on the following Thursday. For example, if games are postponed on Tuesday May 5th, the games will be played on Thursday May 7th.  If they cannot be played on the 7th, they will be played on Thursday the 14th.  Teams not able to play these re-scheduled games on a Thursday will be charged with a forfeit.  Franks Shapiro will re-schedule games in consultation with Al Cheli and Gene Stracco.  Motion was made by Frank Shiaverini and seconded by Sandy Di Dormenico.  Motion passed 13-3.

8.  LEAGUE GAME SCHEDULE—FRANK SHAPIRO

Frank explained that with the present League alignment of nine teams and seven teams, all teams will experience byes during the season.  However, if one expansion teams is established in each division, byes will not be necessary.  The season will tentatively start April 14th and end August 11th.

9.  FIELD AVAILABLITY:  HARRY ROSENTHAL

Harry reported that Colgate field is available in West Orange if needed.  Gene Stracco is in discussion with officials in Morris Township for the use of Ginty Field.

10.  ALL PROSED RULE WILL BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE JANUARY AND/OR FEBRUARY MEETING.

Respectively submitted:  Gene Stracco, Commissioner