November 9, 1998 Minutes

Forum at Fisher's, Fisher, IN

Member Organizations Represented: Findlay, Gem City, Cincinnati, Indy Racers, Louisville, Columbus, IN

President Murray Stall opened the meeting with introductions..

The minutes from the 10/12/98 Board Meeting were reviewed. Evansville wants to add a 9^th player to the Squirt A team, not the Pee Wee A team identified in the minutes. The request was accepted with the same conditions previously outlined. Louisville requested that all verbiage after "Discussion then moved on to…" in the 8^th paragraph since they had not been present to discuss any of the points. Minutes were approved with changes.

Daryl was not at the meeting and a Treasurer's report was not available.

Jeff Walker presented several Conduct Committee reports. The Cincinnati Cyclones Pee Wee A team submitted a protest over a league game played October 24 against the Indy Racers. The protest was submitted within the proper time frame and included the $25 protest fee. The Managers from both teams were at the meeting and discussion took place. Several facts were identified, but more information is going to be gathered before a final decision is made.

Another issue was brought up from the Dayton Bluehawks Bantam A coach concerning the conduct of a Gem City Bantam A coach during and after a game. Len provided a copy of the e-mail he received from the Bluehawks coach. Jeff provided a statement from the Gems coach. Stories don't match up. Due to the fact Jeff is a member of the Gems organization he asked that the board take over the issue. Murray will look into it further.

As a sidebar discussion to the above issue, the board expects some level of problems from the parents, but not our coaches. Any conduct problems from coaches will be dealt with severely and swiftly.

In a Gem City/Columbus Ice Hawks Bantam AA league game on November 8, a player from each team was given a game misconduct for Third Man In (613d). This penalty does not carry an additional game, so each player is OK to play in their next games. Another Columbus player was given a game misconduct for High Stick and is required to sit his game(s).

Len received information about a gross misconduct on a Dayton Bombers Pee Wee AA player. The Bombers must hold a hearing and submit a written report to the BTHL. The player is out of League play until the BTHL has reviewed. The League has the authority to enforce additional penalties if deemed necessary. We will wait to see the Bombers report.

Len reported that he wants copies of the USA Hockey signed roster from each team. This is particularly important with the A/AA rules this year. A reminder will be sent out with the first tournament bill. Len further reported that score reporting has been good so far.

Eileen Mills, the Executive Director of IYHA and the Racers was introduced. Eileen holds a paid position within IYHA and is responsible for the registration of all teams and 1000+ youth and adult players. Murray discussed with Eileen what should be done to have the End of Season tournament held in Indianapolis in 2000. Eileen will get back to Murray with ideas.

Murray provided an End of Season Tournament update. A two game, single elimination format was discussed. Further discussions disclosed that the organizations would prefer double elimination. Additional discussion occurred and Murray will have information ready to go out to the teams in December.

Old Business:

Coaches certification from the last meeting - Jeff Walker again spoke to the Dayton referee association and they still don't care if a coach is certified. Jeff then spoke with Chris Racine (Ohio west Associate Registrar). The coaches certification levels is a Mid Am rule, but there are no guidelines as to what to do about a coach that is not at the proper level (before the team reaches the State Tournament level). Chris recommended that the BTHL set a policy and communicate it to the member organizations. The League is looking for directions from Mid Am. Jeff will contact Chris again about getting the issue on the agenda for Mid Am Winter meeting.

Louisville discussion points from last meeting were discussed. Jeff Fox and David Steinbrecher were present to represent the Louisville association. Item 1) The Squirt team was not notified that the division would not be divided geographically. They were also having problems getting all their games scheduled. The coach now realizes that they should not have dropped out of the league. The team would like to re-join, if they can resolve the scheduling problems. Len to investigate.

Item 2) The Pee Wee team was picked only a couple of days before the scheduling meeting. They did not feel that, based on last years competition at the Pee Wee AA level that they would be competitive. Louisville recognizes that they must be better prepared and will have try-outs earlier. Murray stated that if any association believes they may be close the A/AA player requirements, they should contact the league as soon as possible so that exceptions or other contingency plans can be made.

Item 3) Two people were present at the scheduling meeting.

Item 4) Little was documented surrounding past incidents. There are e-mails and scoresheets that could corroborate some of the issues but nothing was formally brought to the league.

Murray emphasized the importance to all organizations of better communication.

Next meeting will be held Saturday December 12 at Sportstown Ice Center. Time to be determined after Silver Stick game schedules are released.

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.