January 11, 1999 Minutes

Conference Call

Member Organizations Represented: Findlay, Gem City, Cincinnati, Indy Racers, Athens

President Murray Stall opened the meeting with introductions..

The minutes from the 12/12/98 Board Meeting were reviewed and approved.

Daryl Rotman presented the Treasurer's report. Current balance is $7,196.77. All expenses are paid to date. Discussion on trophy budget ensued. No income during the last month.

Murray asked Len about any game suspensions. There doesn't appear to be any players at risk. A game suspension was reported from the Indy Racers Bantam AA team earlier in the season, but the scoresheet is still outstanding. The game in question is game number 499 played November 1, 1998. Jack Manard, Indy Racers Pee Wee A coach will follow-up.

Eric Richards, President of the Athens association addressed a letter sent to all BTHL board members dated December 21, 1998. The letter requested a waiver for the team to compete at the "A" level. The board ruled at the December meeting that the team is in violation of the A/AA rule and all league games would be forfeited. Eric wanted to know if the board would reconsider this ruling and the placement of the Athens team in the End of Season Tournament. After much discussion, the ruling will stand for regular season play and the end of season tournament.

The two instances where "A" teams were declared and later found in violation of the rules were unfortunate. However, the board believes we are on the right track with the A/AA rule and will welcome suggestions on fine-tuning it for next year. It cannot be emphasized enough that any possible infractions must be brought up earlier in the team declaration/scheduling process.

Discussion then turned to the tournament. The Louisville Pee Wee team appears to be strong, although have not played as many games as the other teams. To date, they have one loss against the Indy Racers. Murray questioned as to whether they should play "AA" in the tournament. It was presented that the Pee Wee A division has developed into a pretty competitive and even division. Decision made to keep the Louisville team in the "A" division.

To date, the Northern Kentucky Squirt A team is undefeated. Murray will discuss with coach about moving up to "AA" in the tournament.

Updated game locations:

Mites - Sportstown

Squirt A/AA - Sportstown

Pee Wee A - Louisville

Pee Wee AA - Sportstown

Bantam A - Sportstown

Bantam AA - Louisville

Midgets - Louisville

Some ice is available in Cincinnati for "over-flow" games.

Jack Manard, coach and Bill Kitch, manager of the Indy Racers Pee Wee A team were present on the call to appeal the board's decision of the protest of game #239. Further discussion didn't reveal any new information and the decision stood.

Discussion took place concerning game cancellations due to weather conditions. Len to draw-up some guidelines that could be added to the Rules & Regulations next year.

Final conference call notes…

Murray was to send Len the tournament brackets for posting on the WEB page.

Tournament bills to be mailed the week of January 11 with end of January return.

Murray is to forward to Jeff a game protest by the Northern Kentucky Bantam A team.

Next meeting will be in Dayton, OH on Monday February 8.

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.