Minutes from 9/23/07 VIGS

Meeting Called to order 7:12pm

Townships Represented: North Penn / Ray Young
Souderton / Terri Holsonback
Deep Run / Jeff Koenig
RASA / Paul Hetrick
Harleysville / Jeff Dietterich
Palisades / Mike Reinbold

Balance in checking account is $863.00. Money still due Lenape Valley $275.00 Nor Gwyn $25.00 Doylestown $125.00. Outstanding bills: lights @ North Penn.

Fees for 2008 season will be $325.00 per team.

Black out dates and field availability will need to be handed in MUCH earlier this coming season. Black out as early as January and field availability in February. Last year Joe was still receiving this information on Easter weekend.

Should there be a penalty for teams canceling with out notice and no shows? Canceling has to be done less often. Once black out dates are in there really should NO cancellations for any reason other than weather.
Umpire Fees: questioned as to whether we should receive refunds for games not played or if this is a contacted amount whether or not all games are played.

Mid Season Tournament will be run the same as previous years as a “select” tournament.

Should the number of games be increased? Should we increase the number of weeks we play? Should we play on Saturdays and Sundays? This will be discussed at the next meeting. Also to be discussed should the U12 players be brought into the VIGS organization.

Should playoffs start on Sunday? How can we keep the number of teams playing DHs down to a minimal?

Coaches would like to see scores posted weekly. This would also help with any issues at the play-off meetings. Any problems or discrepancies will be addressed much sooner and resolved before the meeting begins. Coaches could e-mail scores to Terri weekly and they will then be check and if all parties agree she will e-mail them to Ray and he e-mail them out to all coaches.

Should VIGS require all teams to use the same balls? There seemed to be some problems last year with teams and umpires complaining that the “right” balls were not being used.

Shall we cut back on some expenses, such as trophies, to help keep costs down.

Back ground checks, should VIGS require these? A lot of organizations already do this yearly. But for those who do not should this be mandatory?

Rules: How did you and your players like or dislike the strike zone? Does anyone have any changed they would like to see. There were a lot of issues last season with the rule on playing with less then nine players. How should this be resolved?

Any ideas for improving the league would like to be heard also any concerns about how things are currently being handled

The next meeting has not been scheduled yet but all will receive an e-mail regarding this date.

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Minutes for VIGS 4/15 General Meeting
Meeting called to order 7:12
Leagues Represented: Deep Run, Upper Perk, Nor Gwyn, Lenape Valley, Doylestown,
North Penn, Souderton, RASA and TYA.
1. VIGS Registration, ASA Registration, Proof of Insurance and Payment were handed in.
2. Special Requests:
Montgomery asked to allow Danielle Piazza a 15 year old to play down.
Nor Gwyn asked to allow Fiona Dantzer and Rachel Schaffer both 15 years old to play down.
A motion was opened, a vote taken and this was approved 8 to 1 with LV opposing.
3. Tournaments:
North Penn will host all U-10 & U-12 on 5/18-19-20 and U-14 & U-18 on 6/8-9-10.
Chuck Files will be handling the U10 & U12s.
$150.00 per team registration made payable to VIGS.
4. Treasurer:
Ray and Terri opened a new account at Commerce Bank and will be handling this. Old account has
been closed and a check was sent in to Ray and will be deposited.
5. North Penn is in need of $400.00 from VIGS to cover light fees (for 2006 playoffs).
6. Joe Miller spoke briefly about the season schedules will be ready for the coaches meeting on 4/29.
There are 38 total teams 21 for U-14 and 17 for U-18. Playing schedule will be very full week of 6/25
due to U-14 play-offs and U-18 still playing. U-18 play-offs start 7/9.
7. U-23 teams are now forming. Anyone interested should contact Carl Chew at carl.chew@penske.com
Players use own equipment and a fee just to cover umpires is charged. Games are Sunday afternoon double
headers. No age restriction is enforced all are welcome to play.

8. VIGS will play Fall Ball again in 2007 and DDA was questioning having a tournament of some kind.
9. Next meeting will be the coaches meeting 4/29 at 7:00 pm at the Legion Building. This meeting is mandatory
for every team to be represented. Also Ray stated that any and all suggestions are welcome.
Meeting adjourned 7:45 pm

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VIGS Meeting 1/7/2007

Called to order by Glenn at 7:30pm

Leagues Represented: North Penn - RASA – Souderton – DDA – Harleysville – Nor Gwyn

Ray Young has been elected as VIGS Commissioner for a two year term. Carl Chew will be Vice-Commissioner and will follow this with a two year term as commissioner. Fran Roth needs someone to take over as Treasurer.

Season approximate starting dates U-14 5/07/2007 and U-18 5/21/2007 playing twelve games over a six week period.

Bank account balance is $911.13 this includes a few check that have never been cashed and are now out dated

There will be a U-23 league again for more info you can contact Carl Chew or Paul Hettrick

Meeting adjourned 8:24

Next Meeting will be held Sunday February 11, 2007 at 7:00pm at the Souderton Legion Field Clubhouse

And finally a special thanks to Glenn for he has done for this league!

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VIGS Meeting Minutes - April 23, 2006

Meeting. called to order at 7:40 pm.
 
Glen spoke briefly to thank all who showed and had just a few reminders - Report all scores to:  mmjs@aol.com  try to do this either weekly or after each game if at all possible.

Rosters that have not been turned in yet need to be e-mailed to Glen  first and last names and birth dates.

Games cancellations please try very hard to get all games played if you absolutely need to cancel you must do so 2 hours prior by calling Joe Miller 215-234-8863 and Phil York 267-218-3802.  Then it is up to the coach to reschedule and notify Joe and Phil.

North Penn will be hosting a select tournament for both U-14 and U-18  June 9 thru June 11.

June 15 there will be a meeting for U-14 play-off info at Deep Run at 8:30pm.
 
Dave Sietz from Tri County Umpires went over the rules and discussed some other questions

Any rule questions are to go to netranger@tricountyumpires.com
I f no umpire would show each coach is to ump 1/2 the game and please call  and e-mail  Joe Miller 215-234-8663  umpirejoe13@yahoo.com

 
 VIGS Meeting Minutes - February 20, 2006

Meeting called to order 7:35pm

PONY Softball Association - Gary Anderson, PONY State (PA) Director, was on hand to present a short introduction on the PONY organization and to hand out associated literature. PONY is the nation’s largest national softball organization creating a series of area, state, regional and national post-season tournaments for recreational programs, thus filling the void between recreational and travel programs. PONY does nothing to interfere with or stipulate how VIGS runs its program and will work with VIGS to avoid schedule conflicts for regional post-season contests. For a fee of $100 individual leagues comprising VIGS may sign on with PONY for access to the post-season tournaments. PONY has its own softball rules that are not practically different from ASA rules. PONY also offers an insurance program that in some circumstances may be more encompassing than the typical ASA-associated (Bollinger?) coverage. No VIGS action is required on the issue of joining PONY as it is up to the individual leagues to make the decision for themselves.
Contact information: Gary Anderson; 215-407-5159, anderson313@comcast.net
PONY; www.pony.org

VIGS Treasurer’s Report - Fran Roth reported that there was balance of approximately is $2,000 which will be carried forward for future expenses rather than refunded to member leagues at this time.

Fran also raised the prospect of establishing VIGS as a non-profit corporation (501c3) to allow for more efficient and independent handling of VIGS finances. VIGS has historically been under the accounting umbrella of DAA and it is no longer feasible or appropriate to continue in this manner. Creation of a 501c3 corporation is anticipated to cost ~$1000 unless pro bono legal assistance can be obtained.

2006 Umpire Services - Tri-County Umpires (www.tricountyumps.com) will be providing coverage for the 2006 VIGS season (both leagues 14U and 18U). The fee to VIGS is $500/league plus $36/game.

2006 VIGS Fees - The fee for participation in the Spring Season will be $300 per team.

Team Counts (to date): League 14U, 18U
DAA 3,2
Deep Run 1,1
Harleysville 1,1
Lenape Valley 2,1
Montgomery (not reporting)
NorGwyn (not reporting)
North Penn 4,3
Palisades (not reporting)
RASA 2,2
Souderton 1,2
TYA (not reporting)
Upper Perkiomen 1,0
Warrington 2,0
Totals 17,12

Select Tournaments - The participation fee for the tournaments will be $150/team. Work is underway to get the dates and venues for the Select tournaments established before the start of the regular season. This will help to get the umpires lined up early. We still need volunteers to hosts several of the levels

VIGS Fall Ball - The 2005 Fall ball season was viewed as a success running from Labor Day for eight weeks with bi-weekly double-headers. The same strategy will be employed again this Fall with earlier publicity to make sure that there is adequate participation. Team fees run $150/team for the Fall season.

Future VIGS Officers - The 3-year term for the current VIGS officers has come to an end. To equitably fill the positions being vacated, leagues not currently represented in any of the officer positions were placed in a pool - actually names in a hat. In this manner, the following leagues were selected and assigned the responsibility to identify suitable individuals to fill VIGS officer positions: Commissioner - Palisades; Treasurer - North Penn; Secretary – Souderton; Scheduler – RASA. It was noted that Webmaster John Walsh had recently updated the VIGS website with current information. As soon as the new officers are identified we will as John to again revise the website to reflect the changes.

Next Meeting - March 12, 2006
League representative should come prepared to provide:
∑ Field availability
∑ Nights of the week available for games
∑ Blackout dates
∑ Firm number of teams with coaches names, E-mail address, and phone numbers home and cell
∑ VIGS fees $300/team
∑ Proof of insurance
∑ Team rosters (by April 23rd Coaches Meeting)
∑ Confirmation of Select tournament participation ($150/team)Reminder: Please be sure to read rules on VIGS website to avoid any player eligibility issues.Meeting adjourned at 9:07pm.

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VIGS Meeting Minutes for January 8, 2006

Meeting called to order 8:10 PM

U23 Questions directed to Mark and Marie Snyder

Made a decision to stay with the 12 game schedule for both the 14&Under and the 18&Under leagues

The 14 & Under league will begin the week of May 1 through the week of June 5, Week of June 12 will be for getting any makeup games in and the double elimination playoffs will begin June 19 The 18 & Under league will begin the week of May 15 through the week of June 26. We will schedule two games a week until the weeks of June 19 and 26 where we will schedule just 1 game so to cause less conflict with the 14 & under playoffs. The week of July 3 will be off for makeup games and the double elimination playoffs will begin Monday, July 10.

The select tournaments are to be determined.

Future meetings are scheduled to be Feb. 12, Mar. 12, and the coaches meeting will be April 23. at Deep Run 7:30 PM. Please bring, tentative field(s) availability, blackout dates, and number of teams your organization will be fielding for the 2006 season to Feb 12 Meeting.

We will need to have the above information and coaches names, phone numbers (home and cell) and e-mail addresses for the March 12 Meeting in order to have a shot at having the schedules out in a timely fashion.

Feb. 12 agenda:
Treasures report
501C3 status update
Future officers for 2006 and ongoing
U23 Report
Report tentative team numbers
Fall ball tentative schedule

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VIGS Meeting Minutes for December 4, 2005

Glenn Moyer, President, called the meeting to order at 7:40.

2005 Spring Season
Feedback on 2005 Spring Season: Challenges around U18 playoffs running late into year. Should we add Saturday/Sundays to schedule to shorten season? Players are working and involved with other teams on weekend. Umpire and field availability will be a problem. Shorten schedule to 10 games? Add a game a week to the schedule?

Umpiring
VIGS withheld $900 for missed games. From May 17 we started not having umpires for many games at the U14 division. Some coaches reported not having umpires for half of their games. SEPA has asked VIGS to give them another chance for 2006 season. Don Groff is now the head of SEPA. Discussion on giving all umpiring duties to Tri-County. Whoever we go with, coaches and commissioners need to report if an umpire did not show. Suggested that John Glick needs to be made part of the umpiring rotation. Motion made to move to Tri-County Umpires for the 2006 season. Discussion on having both umpiring organizations make a pitch for providing services. Suggested that each organization encourage parents and older girls to train as an umpire for U14 division. Tri-County will provide training. Motion for using Tri-County umpires for 2006 seconded. Voted and passed.

U23 for 2006 Season
Discussion of having U23 division. Mark and Marie Snyder suggested it would be $1000 per team. What response would we have for forming a VIGS league or for joining an existing Phoenixville league? Is there an interest among the organizations? Mark and Marie will be the commissioners. The reps should try to survey their organizations and then contact Mark and Marie if interested.

New Officers
Deep Run (Glen Moyer), Lenape Valley (Jana Eiser/Ray Colburn), Doylestown (Steve Smith/Fran Roth) and Harleysville (Mike Nowak) have provided officers for the last 3 years. Other organizations are being looked to for taking the officers positions. Discussion of having president’s term to be 2 years, with VP stepping up as president in year 2. Discussion about Glenn staying on one more year but Glenn would like to step down. All the organizations are asked to seek out candidates for the January 8 meeting.

Classifying VIGS
Should VIGS seek 501C3 status? Financially, VIGS is currently under DAA and we use its EIN. When DAA gives up the VIGS position of Treasurer the organization taking on Treasurer needs to take on the accounts. Fran Roth will investigate the procedure for acquiring 501C status. We will need to look at by-laws and procedures before we proceed into this.

Fall 2005 season was discussed and it was agreed that it was successful and will do it again in 2006. Many had problems getting kids out and agreed we need to advertise better in spring 2006.

 

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VIGS Meeting Minutes for March, 2005

 

Glenn Moyer, President, called the meeting to order at 7:32pm. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved, as written. Ray Colburn, representing Lenape Valley, was nominated and approved to serve as Secretary.

Select Tournament - The Select Tournament is scheduled for the weekend of June 3, 4 and 5th. Members were asked who was planning to participate and if they would be interested in hosting the tournament. Harleysville had to withdraw a previous offer to host the 10U's, however Nor Gwyn has volunteered to host the 18U's. Warrington is looking into the possibility that they may be able to serve as host for one or more of the age brackets. Any other organizations interested in hosting one of these tournaments should contact Glen Moyer. The league will supply the balls for the tournament.

Pitching Clinic – Due to logistical and schedule issues no league-sponsored pitching clinic will be held this year. Constituent townships will be reimbursed their portion of the money budgeted for the event. It was decided that since the Quakertown teams have been reconfigured as Richlandtown teams no specific reimbursement is due Quakertown. All reimbursements will be paid out as refund checks rather than being deducted from this year’s dues.

Rule Changes - ASA rules now require a facemask on all batting helmets. All organizations will need to comply with this rule this season. Double bags at first base are also mandatory but it was noted that many of the teams who play on school fields do not have double bases, as PIAA does not require them. It was noted that PIAA has made double bases optional this year, and it will be mandatory for next year, so planning in that direction should be undertaken for fields that are not currently in compliance.

At the 14U/18U levels, no special courtesy runner will be allowed for pitchers this year. Courtesy runners for catchers will be allowed only when there are two outs to expedite inning transitions. The courtesy runner shall be the player who made the last batted out the previous inning.

A point of clarification was made on the question of 14U/18U players pitching for school varsity or travel teams. Varsity in this context refers to senior high school varsity team or its ecumenical equivalent.

Umpires - To facilitate communication with the umpires regarding rain cancellation and rescheduling of games contact information was provided:

14U
Ray Kratz, Jr. 215-412-7324 (home)
215-872-0184 (cell)
umpireray@comcast.net

18U
Joe Miller 215-234-8663 (home)
umpirejoe13@yahoo.com All cancellations should be communicated to the appropriate umpire by 4:30pm prior to any scheduled 6:00pm game (i.e. 1.5 hours before game time). In the event of a downpour immediately before game time Phil York (215-218-3802) can be reached to relay a message to an umpire already en route.
For more information regarding the umpires visit
http://www.southeastpaumpires.com/

Team Details/Dues - All organizations were obligated to provide the following at this, the March meeting:
1. Scheduling Information
• Field Availability
• Close Dates (times when the organization can’t play)
• Coachs’ Names
• Phone Numbers
• Email Addresses
• Final Count on number of teams

2. Insurance – A copy of insurance proof must be provided

3. League Payment - $300 per team

4. Tournament Information
• Number of teams
• Payment - $150 per team

 

Member organizations have reported teams as follows:

 

Organization name 14U, 18U
Deep Run 1,1
Doylestown Athletic Association 4, 1
Harleysville 2, 1
Lenape Valley 2, 1
Nor Gwyn 3, 2
North Penn 3, 4
Palisades 0, 1
RASA (Richlandtown) 3, 2
Souderton 1, 2
TYA 2, 2
Upper Perkiomen 0, 0
Warrington 2, 0
Totals 23, 17

 

Lyle Goodheart raised the question as to whether towns that had the equivalent of an extra half-team worth of registrants might combine with a neighboring town in the same predicament to form a hybrid team. Since VIGS does not regulate along geographical boundaries no opposition to this concept was voiced. Therefore, the towns so effected are free to explore this option.

Carl Chew, RASA representative, requested an age exemptions for a 15 year old girl who, due to family hardship reasons, wants to play “down” on her sister’s 14U team. The girl in question is not a pitcher and after a brief discussion the request was approved.

Next Meeting - It was noted that the April meeting is the Coach's Meeting, which is scheduled for April 18, 7:30pm at the Deep Run Clubhouse. At this meeting the rules for the up-coming season will be discussed. All coaches are required to attend this meeting and rosters need to be provided to Glen at that time.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.

 

 

VIGS Meeting Minutes for February 21, 2005

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:32pm by Glenn Moyer, President. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved, as written.

It was discussed that ASA now requires a face mask on all batting helmets. All organizations are asked to comply with this rule this season.

All organizations were asked to provide tentative team numbers for the up-coming season. Member organizations present reported projected teams as follows:
Organization name followed by 14U, 18U
Doylestown Athletic Association 4,1
North Penn 3,4
RASA (Richlandtown) 3,2
Palisades 0,1
Souderton 1,2
TYA 2,2
Warrington 1,0
Lenape Valley 2,1
Deep Run 1,1
Harleysville 2,1
Nor Gwyn 3,2

Totals: 22 - U14 teams, 17 - U18 teams

It was discussed whether divisions will be attempted this season. The numbers will need to be looked at to determine if this will be reasonable with current numbers, it looks more likely in the 14's, but not in the 18's. The other option was to try and keep travel distance to a minimum. Mike will begin to evaluate whether divisions are practical and will report back at the next meeting.

The Select tournament is scheduled for the weekend of June 3, 4 and 5th. Members were asked if anyone would be interested in hosting the tournament. Harleysville volunteered to host the 10U's and Nor Gwyn volunteered to host the 18U's. The opportunity to host the 12U's and the 14U's is still open. If an organization is interested in hosting one of these tournaments, they should contact Glen Moyer.

Pitching Clinic - Steve Smith has contacted both Moravian college and Temple University and is awaiting return calls. A suggestion was made by Mike Diodati from Warrington and information provided on a pitching instructor that he was familiar with. It was noted that a facility would also need to be obtained. A number of options were discussed. Steve Smith will continue to investigate and report back at the next meeting. It was noted the clinic would need to be scheduled by Mid-April in order for coaches to take advantage of the training for this season.

Ray Young reported that he had contacted a number of the member organizations regarding a select program in both the 14's and the 18's. The concept would be similar to the Sunday select program where the select teams in each age group would play additional games on Sundays. Ray reported there is some interest, but not enough to make it work at this time. Currently, he has a commitment from 3 - 14u's and 2 - 18U's. He still has not heard back from some organizations and will report back on additional findings at the next meeting.

Fall Ball was discussed. Glenn asked everyone to keep fall ball in mind and see if there would be interest to get this going right after Labor Day.
.
There is a conflict with the Deep Run Clubhouse for the next scheduled meeting, so the meeting date has been changed to Sunday, March 20th, at 7:30PM. Everyone was asked to please make note of this change.

All organizations will need to provide the following at the March meeting:
1. Scheduling Information

2. Insurance – A copy of insurance proof must be provided

3. League Payment - $300 per team

4. Tournament Information

Mike asked that if anyone had scheduling information available now, that they forward it to him at mikeref315@verizon.net.
None of the umpire organizations were represented at the meeting.

Mike Diodati, Warrington’s representative asked about age exemptions. He stated that he has two 15 year olds that want to play 14U. Since Warrington did not have an 18U team, these girls would need to play elsewhere, if not permitted to play. After discussion, a vote was taken and all representatives at the meeting approved the girls to play. Glen asked that an asterisk be placed on the roster by each girl's name, when submitted.

It was noted that the April meeting is the Coach's Meeting, which is scheduled for April 18, 730pm at the Deep Run Clubhouse. This is where rules for the up-coming season will be discussed. All coaches are required to attend this meeting and rosters need to be provided to Glen at that time.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:23 pm

 

VIGS Meeting Minutes for Janaury 17, 2005

 

The meeting was called to order by President, Glen Moyer at 7:35 pm.

Minutes from the November 16, 2004 meeting were approved as written.

Steve Smith provided a treasurer’s report. He stated all the bills were paid and there is still a surplus of money left over in the account. Consideration was given to providing each organization a refund. A motion was made and passed that a total of $3200.00 would be refunded, split amongst the participating organizations from last year. [Later in the meeting, this motion was superceded by another motion to put this reimbursement in abeyance until research on a coach’s pitching clinic for the VIGS coaches could be investigated (see later discussion)]. A refund cheek will be provided to each organization and checks will be cut at the next meeting Also, it was discussed that softballs will be bought for the VIGS tournaments.

Representatives from the South East Pennsylvania Umpires Association were present and advised that umpire fees will be $30.00 per game at the 14&Under. Ray Kratz Jr. was appointed to represent South East Pa. Umpires (SEPU) at the VIGS meetings.
It was discussed that Steve Smith would be stepping down as Treasurer and that the Doylestown Athletic Association (DAA) is still in the process of finding a replacement. Francis Roth advised that he has become involved with DAA, and that Lenape Valley would be seeking a replacement for him. Therefore, he volunteered to fulfill DAA’s term as Treasurer. It was approved by the membership that Francis Roth assume Treasurer responsibilities. John Walsh, from Lenape Valley stated they would provide the organization with their replacement at the next meeting.

The player eligibility rule was discussed. Representatives from the SEPU asked how they should handle potential violations of the existing rule, if brought to them. Glen Moyer noted that it was not an umpire enforced rule and the umpire should direct the coach to call Glen. After discussion, it was decided to have the player eligibility rule remain unchanged.

Ray Young brought up a game practice which allows the pitcher and the catcher to be substituted as soon as they get on base. It was discussed that this was an ASA rule meant to speed up the game in travel ball, but as a recreational organization, the rule could be modified. The motion was made and carried that only the Catcher will be permitted substitution when getting on base, but the substitution can only be made when there are 2 outs.

It was suggested that Coaches be taught how properly instruct pitching. It was mentioned that a coach’s clinic would require gym space and trainer fees. The suggestion was made that perhaps the extra money in the fund could be used to host a pitching clinic for the coaches. A motion was made and passed to put the refund motion in abeyance until a pitching clinic can be investigated. Steve Smith will investigate putting on a pitching clinic.

It was mentioned that both Del Val College and CB West are hosting player clinics. Everyone was encouraged to have their players participate. Please see the web page for more information and the applications.

The 14 under select was discussed. Ray young will email the VIGS organizations to see if there is interest.

A 12 under VIGS program was discussed (not select, but straight VIGS as many organizations see a decline in participation). It was suggested, at this point, that if organizations are having problems fielding an in-house program, they should contact their adjoining organizations to see if they can set up a game schedule. It was felt that an attempt to do a full VIGS program at this time was not necessary.

Ray Kratz Sr. stated they will be hosting an Umpires clinic for umpires and coaches at the North Penn Fire House in North Wales on Saturday, February 26 from 8am to 1pm. The cost will be $7.00, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Anyone interested should contact Ray Kratz Sr. with a head count at least 1-week before the clinic, so appropriate accommodations can be made.
Everyone was asked to review the directions posted on the Website for their fields and provide any corrections to John Walsh, Webmaster. Representatives from the new organizations, Warrington and Richlandtown, (voted in the last meeting) would need to forward directions to their fields to John Walsh, Webmaster, as soon as possible.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Francis Roth

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 21. Please have field directions to the web master. Bring field availability, number of teams in the 14&Under and 18&Under leagues and coaches names, phone numbers, and email addresses if available.

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VIGS Meeting Minutes for November 17, 2004

 

Glen Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:32pm.

Season Overview – Glen mentioned that the season went well. Most of the games got played during the season, although there were a lot of forfeits, particularly toward the end of the season.

There was considerable discussion about starting the season earlier because a lot of the discussion focused on the 18U season extending past July 4. However, it was pointed out that it would also be a problem getting players out while school ball was in progress. It was noted that if the individual organization did a better job of informing players/parents about the season dates, that it might help insure the players are around at the end of the season. After various options were discussed, it was brought to a vote and decided that the season will remain as last year. Dates for the seasons will be:

Pitching - Glen mentioned he had received emails concerning pitching. He advised that Clarence Stall had volunteered to do a pitching clinic for the organization, as this seemed to be a weakness across most teams. Discussion ensued about relaxing the current restrictions on school and travel pitchers. It was noted that VIGS is recreational ball and supposed to provide an opportunity for those girls who wouldn’t normally get to pitch (e.g., travel and school). However, it was discussed that the primary concern was travel pitchers, and perhaps restricting school pitcher was not necessary (as a school pitcher with either be playing VIGS or travel). Any decision on this subject was placed on hold for further discussion at the next meeting.
Umpires – It was noted that there were some concerns with consistency of calls, where a good pitcher seemed to be given a tighter strike zone than a pitcher who couldn’t throw as well. It was noted that the strike zone should be the same for both players.

It was also noted that there was an umpire or two who could have improved professionalism. Examples given were uniform shirts not tucked in; smoking; and taking cell phone calls during a game. Attempts will be made to improve in these areas.

It was noted there were some situations where umpires did not show, and again, improvement will be sought.

It was also noted that the method by which the Sunday Select group handles umpire payments and league fees needs to be evaluated, as many coaches have yet to be reimbursed for out of pocket umpire expenses. Further discussion will be needed between VIGS and between Sunday Select representatives.

Select Tournaments – Glen mentioned that John Steinmetz did a great job with the 14’s and Marie Snyder did a great job with the 18’s. The tournaments seemed to go well and the group will consider dates for the 2005 tournaments at the January meeting.
Fall Ball – Glen mentioned that this was considered too late in order to pull something together. He stated that this will be worked on earlier this year and that all organizations should be prepared to commit to fall ball in May, 2005.

14U Select – It was suggested to consider a 14U Select program. Ray Young has volunteered to coordinate this effort. More information will follow at up-coming meetings.

 

Treasurer’s Opening – Steve Smith advised the group that he would need to be relieved of his duties as Treasurer. Steve stated that Lyle Goodheart will be replacing Steve as the VIGS representative. He also noted that DAA will make an effort to replace the Treasurer’s position, as they have an obligation for the next year. However, if for some reason DAA is not able to find someone to assume these duties, the organization will need to find a replacement. It was noted that DAA should have an answer on Steve’s replacement by the next meeting. Steve noted that if anyone needed reimbursement from the previous season, he would be writing checks along with Glen after the meeting.

 

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Francis J. Roth
Recording Secretary

Attachment: Attendance roster

 

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VIGS Meeting Minutes for April 25, 2004

 

Glen Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.

Glen passed around a sign-in sheet. In addition to VIGS representatives, numerous coaches were present and Glen maintains the sign-in sheet.

Glen advised that team rosters, insurance verification, ASA forms, and payments need to be submitted to the league before play begins. Glen will accept submissions via Fax 215-323-9405, email to glen.moyer@ametek.com or (email address is on the website at www.vigs.net .
Glen spoke to Mike Nowak today, who stated he be getting the final schedule to John Walsh by tomorrow (Monday) morning to post on the website. Expect the schedule to be posted on the website by Wednesday, April 28th.

Glen reminded everyone to keep good sportsmanship in the forefront of play. He also stated that it is the coach’s responsibility to get all games played, so please arrange for make-up games and have play completed by the dates listed for the end of regular play (June 11th for 14U, July 1 for 18U). Coaches were reminded they could call kids up from the lower age groups, if players are needed.

Umpire Associations presented information/changes regarding rules. It was noted that Woodaray Umpires need to be added to the Rain-out procedure. Everyone was requested to download a copy of the information and to be diligent about calling the cell phones in the event of a rainout. It is requested decisions for rain-outs be made as soon as possible, but in no case later than 2-hours before game time (If making a decision the night of the game, a decision needs to be made by 4pm).

The Umpire organization covered rules, changes, and answered questions. Everyone was reminded that the umpire organizations have websites with various links posted. Also, everyone was informed that there are email addresses on their website to direct any questions, and everyone was encouraged to send questions via email, should clarification on a rule be needed.

Everyone was also reminded the VIGS website contains a lot of information (rain-out procedures, rules, email addresses, links to umpire organizations, field locations) and everyone should take advantage of this information, as well.

 

 

VIGS Meeting Minutes for March 21, 2004

Glen Moyer called the meeting to order at 7:50 pm.

 

Present:  Glen Moyer (Deep Run), Francis Roth (Lenape Valley), Phil York (Tri-County Umpire and Referee Association), Ray Kayle (Souderton), Jim McKeowin (NGM), Ken Martin (Upper Perkiomen), Mike Nowak (Harleysville), Ray Kratz (Woodaray Umpires), Dave Hunsicker (Woodaray Umpires), Stuart Sanft (Towamencin), Ray Young (North Penn), Steve Smith (Doylestown).

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as submitted.

 

Team numbers for the 2004 season were confirmed, as follows:

 

 

 

A question was brought up about the capability to establish a secure area on the website.  This might be an area where league members only could go to obtain information on league contacts that individuals might not want to be in the public domain.  Francis Roth will check with John Walsh to see if this can be done.

 

Mike Nowak discussed setting up league divisions for season play.  He suggested splitting the 14U’s into 2 divisions, a West Division - Harleysville, Towamencin, Souderton, North Penn and East Division - Doylestown, LV, Deep Run, NGM.  He would focus on setting up divisional play to stay within divisions for the season.

 

He suggested splitting the 18U’s into 2 divisions (like the 14U’s) or 3 divisions at approximately 8 teams each.  It was decided that there would be 2 Divisions –

 

1.     Souderton, Towamencin, North Penn, Upper Perkiomen, and Harleysville

2.     Deep Run, Palisades, NGM, Quakertown, Lenape Valley, and Doylestown

 

Steve Smith mentioned that the original concept of the league was to play each team once, rather than playing the teams twice and he would prefer to remain playing that way.  Mike advised it would take some schedule shuffling to make it happen and he could try to make it so that teams play closer opponents.  It was agreed to continue this approach to league play.

 

It was noted that the season would consist of teams playing 6 home games, 6 away games – totaling 12 games.

 

Glen Moyer advised he received an email from Steve Smith who has a 12U - 3^rd string travel team pitcher who would like to pitch in the 14U’s and he is requesting a variance to allow her to pitch.  Glen asked the group their opinion on the issue.  Steve elaborated that he received this request from his 14U Director because they were having trouble getting pitchers in this division.  Steve was asking for a one-year dispensation.  Ken Martin from Upper Perkiomen suggested if she were permitted to play that perhaps they restrict the number of innings the player could pitch.  The question was raised about tracking, and Steve advised he would insure the DAA Coach held her to the agreed upon number of innings and he would also email all opposing coaches so they could monitor as well.

 

Another concern was raised about opening up an opportunity for other situations where allowing this could set a precedence. 

 

After significant discussion, Mike Nowak made a motion, which was seconded by Ken Martin that the pitcher be permitted to play 14U VIGS with a limit of pitching only 3-innings per game.  It was placed to a vote – 6 voting to approve, 1 voting against, and 2 abstentions.

 

It was noted by Stuart Sanft that he had read in previous minutes that there might be some issues with the current website provider, and that he had information on a different hosting service, if the league was interested.  Glen Moyer stated there were some minor billing issues, but believes it is all taken care of at this point and he would like to remain with the same hosting service.  There was no further discussion.

 

Representatives were asked to provide tentative numbers for team participation in the select tournament.  It was noted that North Penn would host the 10, 12, and 14’s.  A host is still needed for an 18U Select Tournament.  NGM will check to see if they can host the 18U tournament.  Projected participation by organization is listed below.

 

(Note:  Bob Bunce provided the listing from the Sunday Select representative indicating team participation at the 10U and 12U level, which is included in the team participation list below.)