Member Organizations Represented: Columbus, IN Flames, Kettering Fairmont, Athens, Columbus, OH Bluejackets, Columbus, OH Chill, Butler Co./Hamilton and Gem City Youth Hockey
President Tracy Merritt called the meeting to order.
Treasurer Murray Stall was not in attendance, no Treasurer's report.
Minutes from December meeting reviewed and accepted into record.
First order of business was the complaint made by an Owensboro Midget parent concerning the game played in Owensboro against Hamilton. Ken Nagel gave his report from his investigation. Ken interviewed several Hamilton people including the coach of the Midget team, other parents and non-parent's of the team. The officials warned both benches of their language. The Hamilton coach is going to address this with his team. Hamilton was not using an ineligible player, but rather a new player was using another player's jersey, who does not play for the Hamilton team this year. The Hamilton roster still has not been submitted to Len. Owensboro was asked to supply additional information for this meeting. Len received copies of the scoresheet, but it did not reveal anything out of the ordinary. At this time there is not enough information available to take any further action.
Post Meeting Notes: The day after the Board Meeting, a FAX was received from Owensboro with some additional information. This information has been forwarded and will be discussed at the February Meeting.
Next discussion concerned the game misconduct given to the Columbus, OH Bluejackets coach for arguing with parents from the other team, Columbus Flames. The penalty was served and the Bluejackets organization has been asked to take care of this. No board action required.
In a non-league game on 1/9/00 between the Fairmont Firebirds and Columbus Flames Bantam AA teams, three game misconducts were handed out. Since this was a non-league game, the player's will sit their next game, whatever that may be. No board action required.
Athens presented their report of the 2-game misconducts issued to an Athens Midget player in a game played on December 4 against the Fairmont Firebirds. (See December Minutes) The player received a 3 game (2-league games, 1-non-league) suspension, which he served in the second game on December 4 and in a non-league game on December 5. In error, the player played in the next league game against Ft. Wayne on December 18. Having recognized that mistake, the player will serve his final suspension in the first game against the Dayton Gems on January 15. Additionally, the player has been directed to write a letter of apology to the Fairmont program and that another game misconduct will result in his suspension from league play for up to 30 days, pending a BTHL hearing. No additional action taken by the board.
Of the four conduct issues discussed, the issues in two of them were centered on racial remarks. As stated before, the BTHL will not tolerate this type of behavior and asks that each organization discuss this internally. USA Hockey is also very clear in the rules pertaining to this type of behavior. The BTHL asks that the local referee organizations enforce this rule to the maximum.
New Business:
Ken Nagel proposed that the BTHL, the GCYHL and the Indiana Hoosier League hold their scheduling meetings on the same weekend at a centralized location. Some of the teams may participate in more than one of these leagues, and this arrangement would allow for easier scheduling, but give other teams the opportunity to schedule non-league games with other teams. Further discussion to take place.
The Butler County Squirt A petitioned to play at the 'AA' level in the End-of-Season Play-Offs. Though not undefeated, they felt they would be better suited to play at that level. The Board commended them for their actions and allowed them to make that move. They will be the bottom seed in the Squirt AA bracket.
The Columbus Flames Squirt AA team petitioned to play at the 'A' level in the End-of-Season Play-Offs. In addition to the fact that this was right thing to do, we had already allowed the Gems Minor team to play at the 'A' level in the Play-Offs and the Gems have a better record then the Flames. The Columbus Flames will play at the 'A' level in the End-of-Season Play-Offs, they will be the bottom seed.
Additional Tournament discussion:
A reminder was given that changes to the Rules and Regulations are voted on each year at the Annual Meeting. All member organizations are encouraged to submit ideas for changes. Submit any change requests to any board member.
Motion and seconded to adjourn the meeting.
The next meeting will be held Monday February 14, 2000 at Sportstown Ice Center in Dayton, OH, 7:30 p.m. all time zones.