2010 Kevin McAuliffe City Softball Captains’ Meeting Summary

The Captain’s Meeting was held on Monday, March 18, 2010 at Bravo Pizza.  The following details the topics discussed.

Attendance:

Of the teams participating in the 2010 Season, there were 13 teams in attendance.

Reinstitution of League Divisions

A few years ago, the League was split into multiple divisions; one for Government Agencies and one for Media.  Over the course of the last few years, the League has been combined into one large set of teams without any divisions.  We discussed the possibility of returning to divisions, but dismissed the idea after concerns about the appropriate number of divisions, playoff implications and the belief that the existing layout is functioning ok since the teams’ schedules are weighted and the playoff tiebreakers are done by strength of schedule.  The specific concern was that in years past with divisions, the semifinals of the Government Division were often more representative of the best two teams rather than the Best of Three Kevin McAuliffe City Softball Championship Round.

Scheduling

An update was provided on the current permit status.  The League is run on a formula to calculate the total composition of teams.  Depending upon the space assigned by the various permit locations, the total numbers of games available are tallied and then inclement weather conditions are factored in.  Contingent upon the overage, the League is either expanded or contracted.   There is enough space for the 2010 season to enable 28 teams to participate, up 2 from the prior year.

For the 2010 Season, the League is expected to be playing at Prospect Park, John Commodore Barry Park, East River, DeWitt Clinton, Murry Bergtraum, and Con Edison.  Last year, the League did not play at DeWitt Clinton due to the fact that it was resurfaced.   This year, there are a number of dates starting at 8:30 on Friday night.  This enables the League to have three consecutive night games starting after 8:30 with games Wednesday and Thursday at 9 pm along the East River.

It was noted that due to issues at Murry Bergtraum last year by other leagues arriving early and trying to kick off the school, that the Murry Bergtraum start time has been pushed back to 7 pm.  There is some concern that darkness may come into play, but the League Rules clearly state:  For specific fields such as Murry Bergtraum field, teams must wait until the facility is available as the high school has priority during the school year.   Also, dependent upon field space and time, umpires may designate starting batters counts with a one ball and one strike count. 

The expectation is that for Murry Bergtraum and games along the East River that all batters will begin with a 1-1 count to expedite the game and enable the game to finish in the allotted time.  With a few games at Murry Bergtraum going to start at 7 in April, it is going to be necessary to move the game along.

Rules Discussion

There were four rules discussed during the meeting. 

No Umpire at Game Time

It does not happen often, but there are instances, due to an emergency or scheduling miscue, where no umpire is present at the start of the game and at times for the duration of the game.  In the 2009 Season, a new rule was created that stated:   In the event that no umpire is present to officiate a game, teams may have the option to either both receive a win or contact the Commissioner and request that the game be rescheduled.  This rule will hold true for when there is no umpire that arrives to the field.  If an umpire arrives prior to the third inning, the game may proceed.

 

The rule will now be modified to read:  In the event that no umpire is present to officiate a game at game time, teams must decide up front whether they both wish to receive a win or contact the Commissioner and request that the game be rescheduled.   A member of the offensive team will serve as the umpire standing behind the pitching mound as the game is played.   If an umpire arrives prior to the end of the third inning, the game may proceed.  The intent is that the field space be used and team members are allowed to play.

At the meeting, we attempted to clarify the rule and came up with the statement above.  Feel free to add suggestions if the rule still appears to be open for interpretation.

Payment for Game Ball

Rule 4.4 states:  Both teams are obligated to bring a new, unused “Clincher” softball to every game for presentation to the umpire before game time.  If the designated “home team” fails to bring such a Clincher to the game, umpires will have authority to award “home team” status to that team’s opponent.  If the designated “visiting team” fails to bring such a Clincher the game, it will be obligated to pay the “home team” the sum of $10 under pain of forfeit.  Umpires will have authority to order such a forfeit if the sum is not paid.

With the cost of balls rising and the inconvenience, the rule will be modified to that the team requiring a ball will have to pay a fee of $15 to the other team.  This will hopefully cover some of the cost of the inconvenience, although teams should have more than one ball on them anyhow as balls do sometimes get damaged or lost depending upon the field location and conditions.

Bases

Bases are required to be brought by both teams.  Rule 4.3 states:  Every team is required to bring a home plate and three bases to every game.  If any team fails to bring this equipment, umpires will have authority to automatically award “home team” status to that team’s opponent. Teams are also responsible to provide their own catcher's mask and batting equipment.  A courtesy base may be used at first base, if available.

Co-ed Requirements

The existing rules maintain a minimum of at least one female player per team at all times.  The question was raised if the requirement could or should be extended.   After a brief discussion, the topic was deferred to a future season discussion not impacting the 2010 Season.

 

Weather Management

The League does everything in its power to monitor the weather and be proactive about calling games.  Games may be postponed up to 2 hours before game time.  Weather.com is used as the primary tracking tool.

Website Development/League Logo

The League is looking for a really cool logo for the League to be made available for jerseys and more.  If interested, please contact the Commissioner.  Also, if you are talented with Web Design and have suggestions how to improve the League Site, also contact the Commissioner.

All relevant League Information will be available on the League Website – www.gwhynot.com.

Field Maintenance

Due to the present economic conditions, Field Maintenance will be more essential this year than any other year.  From what has been communicated, there will not be a large supply of clay at the Brooklyn Fields this year.  In addition, due to reductions in hiring, the fields may not be as frequently maintained.  The Brooklyn Permit Office traditionally runs a Field Maintenance Clinic in May and it is advised that as many team members and captains attend when announced. 

Along the same lines, if there are individuals who live or work closely to the fields and can provide field condition updates, it would be productive.

Available Players

If teams need players, let the Commissioner know as there are always inquiries received from individuals looking to join a team.

Team Management Service

The League received an email last week highlighting a team management service free of charge.  The service is available at schedulesmith.com.  It is not being promoted or endorsed by the League, but looks like it may be a useful tool.

From what information was presented, there are five items:

1.       The team captain enters playing dates and each player’s information (name, email, cell number)

2.       ScheduleSmith then acts as co-captain by sending out a message to confirm players’ participation. The message is sent by email or text message.

3.       Each message will require the player to answer Yes or No as to whether they are playing on that day. Each player can view the confirmation report showing who is/isn’t playing and add comments.

4.       The captain can decide whether he/she needs reserve players. ScheduleSMITH will contact these Reserve players to make sure there are enough players for the game

5.       The captain can arrange batting orders, positions, or other roles online so players know this information in advance.