MINUTES | LakesLeague

Lakes Softball League Minutes

Spanish Village – 2:30 PM

March 12, 2025

Called to order by President Bistor at 2:30

All teams represented

Reports

Congratulations were extended to the winners of the League (HV and HL) and Tournament (HV and SV). League winner trophies were given to the winning teams during the tournaments.
Treasurers report
- Beginning balance: 1431.17
- Expenses: Trophies 307.30; AS Game balls 92.85; Tournament balls 140.00; Kathy Bontrager (Website management) 300.00
- Closing balance: 591.02
Umpire Rules Coordinator: Keith Kittle led a discussion regarding waivers for not just players but all coaches and umpires (i.e., all on-field personnel). Approved by consensus.

The By-Laws were touched on and it became apparent that they needed to be updated. The Rules Committee was charged with this task.

Various differences in rules among SF, USA/ASA, and Lakes were reviewed and discussed. The Rules Committee will address these and be sure whatever changes exist are what the league wants. One rule to be updated will be the illegal / altered bat penalty rule. The Rules Committee will report back to the full membership on all the above later in year electronically with an official vote following.

Business

The Division A’s report and recommendations for the inclusion of an Open Division were accepted. Currently it may be moot in that no A-Division exists. Further, per VP/Rules Committee Chair Speranza, it is now unlikely there will be an A-Division. A deadline of June 1 was established for any changes to the league’s teams and divisional assignment.
There was significant discussion regarding the 52/300 ball. It has long been the ball designed for use with the 2013 ASA/USA bats. It still carries if hit squarely. It is softer and, in theory, will do less damage that the current 44/375 ball. Originally the 52/300 core could come out of round causing the ball to move and bounce erratically but that problem has reportedly been overcome. During this discussion a home run limit was brought up. Ultimately it was moved by Speranza and seconded by Bontrager that the 52/300 ball may be used in games but its use was to be at the discretion of the home team. Prior to the game the opposing team and umpires must be notified. In addition, home runs will limited to three per team per game. The next three balls hit out of the park by any team will be singles. Any ball hit out of the park after those six will be outs. The motion passed 3-1 in the B-Division. The same motion was made to do the same in the C-Division by French with support by Wright. Passed unopposed.
The Impact Player list was reviewed with many names being removed. The league reserves the right to reinstate any player to the Impact list if the removal was found to be in error. Either the managers or the Parity Committee could initiate the reinstatement. NO PLAYER COMING OFF THE IMPACT LIST WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY IN THE C-DIVISION FOR A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS AFTER HIS REMOVAL AND THE MOVE MUST STILL BE APPROVED BY THE PARITY COMMITTEE AND MANAGERS OF THE C-DIVISION.
A Parity Committee will be formed using individuals having knowledge of players’ abilities and teams’ overall strengths. Committee members will be tasked with actually visiting numerous games in both divisions, especially the post season tournaments. Notes will be taken and kept for future deliberations, perhaps along with a rating sheet to add a bit more objectivity to the process. Lakes and SF, along with Half Century and other tournament teams, will be investigated to limit the possibility of misplacement.
The pitcher getting behind screen came up with no formal conclusion. The consensus was that if a pitcher was making a genuine effort to get behind the screen no official warning would be given, but if a pitcher’s body part not behind the screen were to be contacted by the ball, the batter would be awarded first base and the pitcher would have to be given an official warning. Similarly if, after numerous “gentle advisories” given to the pitcher, the pitcher still remained grossly out of compliance, a warning would be warranted.
Re-alignment of teams at the Christmas meeting / C division to split after Christmas break into C 1 and C 2 came up with the majority of the C managers being satisfied with how we currently operate. Rick remarked how difficult redoing a schedule in a week – especially during the Christmas season – would be.
Being able to actually verify that a player satisfied the ten game requirement for tournament eligibility was stressed. Clarifications to being on the initial first-of-year roster and being sick or injured were made. (Yes, he is eligible.)
A two game/day maximum for tournament was determined to be a good goal but not necessarily obtainable. However, wherever possible, tournament managers were encouraged to keep two per day in mind. The exception that stood out was a team coming from the loser’s bracket and forcing the “if” game. Teams (and concession stands!) all preferred playing it out even as a third game of the day. Similarly no team should be eliminated on Day One from the tournament.
It was requested that when forming committees in the future to try to have managers from both/all divisions represented.
A batted ball hitting the screen will remain a dead ball. It was suggested that SV attach some foam to the outside of their screen to better protect the gameballs from damage.
The recommended June 1 deadline will be in force for new teams to join the league and for teams to give notice of their intent to leave the league.
Moved Annese, support Speranza to compensate Kathy $300 for the incredible job done with the league website. Passed unanimously.