A November meeting was not planned, however some disciplinary issues came up since the October meeting that needed resolved prior to the December meeting. A conference call of the BTHL board members was held to address these issues.
Board Members Present: President - Tracy Merritt, Vice President - Steve Wilson, Scheduler - Len Holtgreven, Treasurer - Murray Stall, and Secretary - Kim James
First discussion involved a Match Penalty received by a Fairmont Firebirds "Blue" Midget player. The incident occurred on October 31 during a game against the Dayton Gems Midget team. As reported by Steve Wilson, the player did not practice with the team until a meeting of the Fairmont disciplinary committed met on November 4. During that meeting, the committee decided on a 4 game suspension, effective immediately. The suspension includes one BTHL league game. Discussion took place as to whether the BTHL board should impose additional suspension, as outlined in the Rules & Regulations. Murray Stall suggested that the player also miss the next games against the Dayton Gems. This type of suspension serves two purposes. The Board unanimously agreed that additional league game suspensions were appropriate. By not playing in these games, the impulse to retaliate by other players is removed, thereby eliminating any additional suspensions. After additional discussion, this suggestion was agreed on. The player will not play in the two games on December 18 against the Dayton Gems. Steve Wilson will draft a letter to Fairmont conveying the League's decision and also stating that any additional game misconducts by this player will result in suspension for the remainder of the season. This information will also be posted to the WEB page.
The next topic moved to a Match Penalty received by a Cincinnati Cyclones Midget player in a game just played on 11/13 against Athens. Murray indicated that the particulars of this incident were still unfolding, but that the same type of action will take place. In addition to any suspension the Cincinnati board issues (upwards of six games), the player will not play in the January 29 games against Athens. A letter will be sent to the Cincinnati board also stating that any additional game misconducts by this player will result in suspension for the remainder of the season and the information will be posted to the WEB page.
Final issue involved a scheduled league game that was not played between Northern Kentucky and the Dayton Gems Squirt Minor team. Game #184 was scheduled to be played in N. KY on October 31. Because the game earlier in the day between the two teams only had one referee and, as game time for the second game approached and it appeared that there would again only be one referee, Dayton decided not to play the game. Attempts to re-schedule this game between the two coaches have not been successful. Len will contact both teams and try to help resolved the scheduling problem. The board believed it was premature to force N. KY into a forfeit so early in the schedule. The close proximity of the teams should allow this game to be re-scheduled.
Correction to the October Minutes The October meeting minutes incorrectly listed the BTHL Play-Off dates for the Bantam A/AA division. The Bantam A division play-off will be held the weekend of February 18 - 20, 2000. The Bantam AA division will play the next weekend, February 25 - 27.
The next meeting will be held Saturday December 11, 1999 at 1:00 p.m. at Sportstown Ice Center. This meeting date was selected to coincide with Silver Sticks.