MAASA League Minutes

April 19th 2014

Attendees:

Danny W. – Commissioner/coach of Sting
Ronny L. – Treasurer/coach of Gunners
Rick F. - Secretary
Dennis F. - Coach of Breakers
Brian M. - Thunder representative
Ross F. – Lightning representative
Joey S. – BlueBallers representative
Raymond S. – BlueBallers representative
Donnie R. – Coach of Lightning; on the phone

Treasurer (Ronnie) went over the financials; 5 dozen balls for 60 games, schedule, and registration dues. (62 have paid and 17 have registered and not paid).

Commissioner (Danny) explained the fields are only good up until the end of June and then the league has to re-apply July 1st for the rest of the season.

Commissioner (Danny) explained that the City of Norfolk has put out a bulletin on the use of alcohol. Anyone or any team caught drinking in the city park will be thrown out of the complex. Treasurer (Ronnie) states that if you want to drink, do it after your game without your uniform on. Do not drink in the dugout or your team will get suspended two weeks from league play.

Commissioner (Danny) stated that since the Assistant Commissioner resigned we have to fill the position. Ross (Lightning rep) explained that in our Bylaws, the vote must be within 30 days of the resignation by all of those with league membership. Secretary (Rick) stated that he would handle the voting process along with the treasurer and the coaches, as it is the Secretary’s responsibility to do so.

Secretary (Rick) stated that when speaking to Vincent (Thunder coach) that he would want to run for the vacant Assistant Commissioner position. Dennis (Breakers coach) follows with a nomination of John Luppens. Ronnie (coach of Gunners) states that the Assistant Commissioner will fill out the full length of the term, through the 2015 season. Brian Monceaux says that he has decided not to run because the term is to long. Ross (Lightning rep) may run for Assistant Commissioner. Secretary (Rick) states he will send out an email to the league with information on the voting of the vacant position. Those players in the league interested in running for the position must notify the league by Friday the 25th of 2014.

Board votes unanimously 6-0 that the voting process will consist of each candidate speaking to league members during the day and voting will be cast throughout the day as well.

Joey (BlueBallers rep) asked if a player on his team could get his money back because he has received military orders to somewhere not in the area. Treasurer (Ronnie) explains that the player must send an official request to the league for his money to be returned.

Treasurer (Ronnie) states that June 22nd, 2014 is the last day to submit individual player or team commitment money to MAASA for the opportunity to attend the Gay World Series and July 22nd is the deadline for MAASA to submit to NAGAAA players rating, entry and hotel fees for the Gay World Series in Dallas, TX. This year, because the Virginia Lighting won the World Series, they can get an automatic C Division berth to the World Series in Dallas, TX, if they have at least 4 players going from last years GSWS roster.

Ross (Lightning rep) asks if the league would like him to continue working on the 501C3 (Nonprofit Organization) paperwork. Board Members agree to have Ross (Lightning rep) continue to investigate options for the league.

Commissioner (Danny) announces that there will be a 7-day Gay Halloween NAGAAA cruise.

Commissioner (Danny) states that if inclement weather should arise, those league games missed will be added to another date so that teams will play three games instead of two.

Secretary (Rick) reiterates that that the Secretary of the league should be handling league communication and we as the board are not following what our League Constitution states. Commissioner (Danny) motions that the communications phone number will be removed from the website, which ended up with a unanimous 6-0 vote to do so. Secretary (Rick) states he should handle all communication for newcomers into the league and he will also forward the emails to the appropriate board members and the corresponding duties. The Board had a lengthy discussion on this matter and agreed that the Secretary should handle all communication as it relates to registration, communication to league members and any other communication deemed necessary by the Board. However, the Board also pointed out that the Commissioner has the right to communicate with anyone, for any reason as he is in charge of our league. Likewise, the Assistant Commissioner and Treasurer have the right and responsibility to communicate as it relates to their positions without going through the Secretary. Lastly, the Board agreed that as Board members, if someone asks us about the league and how to register, the Board member should give them the information they need as it would be a turn-off to say we cannot answer their questions because it is not our responsibility. However, they should then be referred to the Secretary for specific details.