2011 Minutes

 

July 11th, 2011

 

Team Rep Attendance: Anna K. (Kugars), Kelly W. (Ballerz), Casey W. (Ratz), Justin C. (Somethin’ Naked), Chantal P. (Somethin’ Else), Tammy R. (Eager Beavers), Jolaine P. (Titans), Lindsay B. (Wombats), Kate K. (Bent), Liana B. (Tank Grrrls), Amanda L. (Dirt Devils), Dina M. (VooDoo Dolls), Clare B. (Plan B), Jenny R. (Storm), Jeanette N. (BB9)

 

Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m.

 

Introductions

  • General self introduction of each member of the 2011 Executive and team representatives              

 

Chair (Lara)

Executive 2012

  • If anyone has any questions or are interested, please talk to any member of the Executive

AGM: September 12th at the Princeton

  • If there are any items you would like to bring up at the meeting, there is a procedure to go through
  • Official notice will be sent out at least 3 weeks before the AGM

Vancouver Queer Film Fest – Mabel League is a “Community Partner”

  • We’ve been trying to raise our profile this season
  • We will let you know what movie and when

Finals Tournament

  • It’s commmmmmmmmmming!

 

Co-Chair (Morgan)

Pride Events

  • Casey W.  reported on behalf of the Ratz
    • Deb (Ratz) has been organizing and will be attending a meeting tomorrow night
    • We will be in the parade and it will have blow up bats

New: Spirit Award

  • An award to someone with good sportsperson-ship, in order to promote good community in the league

Year Ender

  • Young and the Reckless are organizing and will be held in September because August is busy
  • To be held likely the weekend before the AGM, either Friday or Saturday and not sure what format it is going to take (Beer & Burger, Formal, Game, etc.)

Divisions for 2012 Season

  • Significantly increase the Competitive Division to 7 teams (top few teams from Intermediate will be moved up), shrink Intermediate Division, and keep a larger Recreational Division

Increasing Community Profile

  • Discussion around more people in the league, with concern over people leaving the league
  • Trying to come up with creative ways to increase the membership – Youth Clinic, “Give a Damn, Give a Day” with Qmunity but want to raise our profile from being only a sports league to being a socially responsive group
  • We are doing well this year financially (given discounts on fields, profit from LIL, etc.)
    • Story in Xtra – lesbian soccer team in South Africa – potentially sponsor this team
    • Sponsor beer gardens at various Pride events, etc.

 

Registrar (Sarah)

Scorebooks

  • Sarah collected the scorebooks from the team reps

 

Statistician (Sheryl)

Finals Tournament Schedule

  • 2-3 games to be played for most of the teams, so when it is settled the schedule will be finalized and likely due next Monday (unless rainouts occur this next week)

 

UIC (Paige)

Miss WESA Pageant

  • Paige represented the Mabel League as a judge
  • Will advertise to the membership next year, as it is a lot of fun

Final Tournament Rules

  • Same as the LIL

 

Treasurer (Melissa)

Interim Financials Update

  • Update was e-mailed out to the team reps and we are in good shape
  • Final budget to be presented in September

 

New Business

  • Going to buy a portable pitching machine
  • Will work on improving the website – increase content
  • $135 raised for the Women’s World Cup Soccer pool, to date we have about $200-250 to Qmunity for the “Give a Damn, Give a Day” program
    • Kugars gave the unclaimed 50/50 money from the LIL

 

Upcoming Important Dates:

July 22-24

  • Final Tournament

Aug. TBD

  • Out On Screen – Community Partner Film

September 12   

  • AGM – Princeton Pub, 7:00 p.m.

TBD in September          

  • Year Ender Event

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

 

June 20th, 2011

 

Team Rep Attendance: Annaliese H. (Rockers), Rhiannon S. (Tank Grrls), Sue B. (Storm), Dina M. (VooDoo Dolls), Casey R. (Ratz), Anna R. (Kugars), Tammy R. (Eager Beavers), Lindsay B. (Wombats), Kate K. (Bent), Clare P. (Plan B), Amanda T. (Young and the Reckless), Amanda L. (Dirt Devils), Justin C. (Somethin’ Naked), Jeanette N. (BB9)

 

Meeting called to order at 7:01 p.m.

 

Introductions

  • General self introduction of each member of the 2011 Executive and team representatives              

 

Chair (Lara)

Executive 2012

  • If anyone is interested in running for the Executive, the AGM is held in September
  • If you have any questions, please ask an Executive member!

Vancouver Queer Film Fest  – Mabel League is a “Community Partner”

  • They have approached us to ask if we’d like to be a community partner, which is AWESOME
  • We get an ad in the film fest brochure, are assigned to a movie, where we get a booth in lobby beforehand and get to give a 2 minute talk before the movie plays

 

Co-Chair (Morgan)

Civility

  • The league has been quite bad with civility this year, which has required Executive members to speak with various teams and members  about their behavior in general
  • We have very clear procedures with how to deal with conflicts
    • Coach or captain is to be the only person asking the umpire about calls, etc.
    • Keep in mind our umpires are human and will make mistakes and this is
    • Formal complaint protocol (found on Mabel League website), which should be followed immediately according to the procedure outlined so that it is addressed
  • Our league is about community, and when these types of situations overtake games it creates “pretty icky stuff” between teams and members
  • Morgan asks Team Reps to take leadership and to do some “internal policing” within the league
    • Will e-mail out the non-violence policy and the formal complaint procedure to Team Reps

Report on LIL Tournament

  • All went well, out of league teams were pleased with the tournament
  • Believe that we may have even made a profit!
  • Morgan would like feedback about the Beer & Burger and Lilapalooza Dance
    • We are considering holding our own Beer & Burger next year, potentially on the field at Trout
    • We lost some money from the dance on Saturday night
  • Jeanette (BB9) spoke re: Trout Lake fields in general and disappointing they were this year and in previous years
  • Miranda (Storm) also spoke with her disappointment in the fields at Trout
    • Morgan acknowledged this issue and Executive members are following up with parks and various suggestions from members

Pride Events

  • The league will be involved in both the East Side Pride and “normal” Pride this summer
  • We will be having a table at East Side Pride hosted by the Ratz and Morgan encouraged people to visit

New: Sportsmanship Award

  • Not entirely sure how the award will be distributed yet, but there will be a sports-queer-ship award at the Finals this year

 

Registrar (Sarah)

Scorebooks

  • Due at July Team Rep meeting

Tips for Completing and Handing in Scorebooks

  • Write full names, not nicknames
  • Flag any players who do not have 5 games
  • Sarah will e-mail out a tally sheet for Team Reps to fill out
  • Make sure you write down the score and which team had which score
  • Sue (Storm) asked about injury exemptions, which Lara said are handled on a case by case basis with appropriate doctors notes

 

Treasurer (Melissa)

Interim Financial Statements

  • We have money!
  • We likely made money from the LIL tournament because of three additional teams who played (at $350/each) and decrease in field cost (because switch to non profit discount)
  • Executive members will go through the budget and will get an interim financial statement to the Team Reps
  • Parks refunded all of the field costs for Canuck game rescheduling (because of the LIL mishaps)

 

Statistician (Sheryl)

Report on Youth Clinic

  • Fantastic outcome!
  • Tonnes of Mabel League members attended
  • Registration was not as high as we had hoped but those who participated had a very good experience
  • Positive feedback and we will continue hosting these types of events to strengthen our connections within the queer youth community

Reporting Scores

  • Recently there have been issues with the score reporting form on the Mabel League website but these issues have been resolved
  • If you are submitting a score and have questions or concerns that it wasn’t successful, e-mail Sheryl

Women’s World Cup

  • $2 buy-in and profits go to Qmunity towards their “Give a Damn? Give a Day!”
  • Sheryl will e-mail out to Team Reps so they can distribute to their members
  • Forms due by June 25

 

Communications/Promotions (Jackie)

Report on WESA Challenge

  • About 10-20 Mabel League players, but we unfortunately lost to WESA
  • Lots of fun was had though!

 

Upcoming Important Dates:

July 11

  • Team Rep Meeting – Scorebooks due

July 22-24

  • Final Tournament

September  12

  • AGM

TBD

  • Year Ender Event
  • Discussion around when to hold the event
    • Potentially on the Friday or Saturday nights of the Finals, or in September
    • Team Reps are asked to bring this question to their teams to see when their preference is
    • Could also have a “banquet” or a “formal” event

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

 

May 9th, 2011

 

Team Rep Attendance: Anna R. (Kugars), Kelly W. (Ballerz), Jerrika J. (Ratz), Casey W. (Ratz), Desiree G. (Bent), Cindy G. (Somethin’ Naked), Chantal P. (Somethin’ Else), Tammy R. (Eager Beavers), Gianna C. (Young and the Reckless), Jeanette N. (BB9), Shelly D. (Eager Beavers), Jolaine P. (Titans), Lindsay B. (Wombats)

 

Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m.

 

Introductions

  • General self introduction of each member of the 2011 Executive and Team Representatives             

 

Chair (Morgan for Lara)

Newsletter

  • Will be coming out soon, using the e-mails from the Mabel League registration forms

Report: Heather Williams Memorial Game

  • Unfortunately the game was rained out, but the Executive will be discussing other options (maybe honoring Heather Williams in another manner)

Report: Gear Swap

  • Also rained out, but will be held during a tournament or another event
  • May be adding a Community Board to the Mabel League website where members can communicate with any extra equipment they may have to give away or swap

Vancouver Queer Film Fest

  • Mabel League is now a “Community Partner”
    • No financial obligation to the league but gives us exposure to the community
    • We have the opportunity to sponsor one of the films and we can also give a talk about the league before the film and potentially set up a booth to promote the league

 

Co-Chair (Morgan)

Volunteer Commitments

  • Items outstanding:
    • Pride float still does not have a team
    • Casey (Ratz) has volunteered to be on the LIL Committee

Report: Meet Mabel

  • Lots of new players came out, players with teams and players without

Report: Meltdown

  • Success!

Report: Skills Clinics

  • May be changed a bit next year to include more clinics with less people so those who attend get more one-on-one attention and may also run a fielding clinic
  • Did not lose any money!

LIL Tournament

  • Tournament update:
    • 2 out of town teams playing (1 from Calgary and 1 from Victoria)
  • Filming:
    • Crew that will be filming the Out Games has approached the league to see if they can film a game or two during the LIL to practice filming
      • Could be used on the website to promote the league

Forfeits

  • Unfortunately 20% of games have been forfeited so far
  • There are still players on the new players list, so Morgan encouraged teams to pick up players from this list
  • Even if a player is not at the level of your team, please think about taking them on and helping them learn the appropriate skills to participate
  • Mentoring is encouraged within the league, with some more skilled players helping out to foster new teams
  • With SPN, we can still add players to the list up until the Finals, as long as each player gets their 5 games in

Umpires

  • Morgan reminded Team Reps that a lot of our umpires also play in the league and to keep in mind that they are not perfect and if a bad call is made, take it in stride and remember we are ultimately playing in a fun league

 

Registrar (Morgan for Sarah)

Collecting Member Registration and Roster Forms

  • Morgan asked Team Reps to hand in their member registration and roster forms

Collecting LIL Registration Forms

  • Morgan also asked Team Reps to hand in their LIL registration forms

 

UIC (Paige)

Reminder: Rain-Out and Forfeit Procedures

  • If a game is not announced as a rain-out on the hotline, teams are required to be at the field
    • 8 players are required to be present otherwise it is a forfeit
    • 15 minute grace period before the game will be forfeited

Foul-Tip

  • The rule is on the Mabel League website and will also be e-mailed out to Team Reps
  • If a ball goes from the bat directly into the catcher’s glove it is a strike
  • If there are 2 strikes on the batter and a foul-tip occurs, the batter is out

Mercy Rule

  • Applies to a 10 run difference, where the team with the least amount of runs needs to have completed 5 innings at bat
    • The game can therefore be called at either at the middle or bottom of the 5th inning

 

Treasurer (Melissa)

Budget Update

  • We are doing well and are on track!

Collecting Balance of Team Fees ($1150)

  • Team Reps were asked to submit the balance of the team fees
  • Receipts will be handed out by Mel at the next Team Rep meeting

Collecting LIL Registration Fees ($350)

  • Team Reps were asked to submit the balance of their LIL registration fees
  • Receipts will be handed out by Mel at the next Team Rep meeting

 

Statistician (Sheryl)

Reminder: Submitting Scores

  • Winning teams are to submit the score of the game within 48 hours

Queer Youth Clinic Update

  • “Mabel Minor” will be held on Saturday May 28th
  • Skills in the morning for the “tots” and skills in the afternoon for the older youth will be followed by a scrimmage game
  • Partnered with Qmunity, who are holding a campaign called “Give a Damn, Give a Day”
    • If you give $500 you then sponsor running the centre for a day, so the Mabel League is trying to raise $500 for “Mabel League Day”
  • We are also going to hold a soccer pool, starting in June, where league members can put in a small amount of money and pick their teams and the money in the pool will go back towards the Mabel League

 

Fields (Meg)

Reminder: Field Permits

  • Teams must bring permits for the field with them for all games in case there is any conflict
  • Trout Lake NW has a swamp in left field, so for the next 2 Tuesdays the field has been changed back to Woodland
    • Sheryl has notified teams involved (BB9, Ballerz, Tank Grrls and Rockers)
    • Meg will take a look and keep us updated and if the field is still in bad shape, Tuesday night games will continue to be changed back to Woodland vs Trout Lake NW for now

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

 

April 11th, 2011

 

Team Rep Attendance: Lindsay B. (Wombats), Chantal P. (Somethin’ Else), Karen H. (Voodoo Dolls), Dina M. (Voodoo Dolls), Amanda L. (Dirt Devils), Paula G. (Ballerz), Desiree G. (Bent), Erin F. (Rockers), Shelly D. (Beavers), Julie B. (Somethin’ Naked), Casey W. (Ratz), Gianna C. (“Unnamed” Rec Team), Lesley H. (“Unnamed” Rec Team), Wendi P. (Plan B), Jeanette N. (BB9), Sue B. (Storm), Leah M. (Tank Grrls), Jenn B. (Ratz)

 

Meeting called to order at 6:59 p.m.

 

Introductions

  • General self introduction of each member of the 2011 Executive and Team Representatives             

 

Chair (Lara)

Queer Youth Clinic

  • Planning for the clinic is coming along great
  • Have had meetings with the youth program coordinator from Qmunity
  • Promotional poster for the clinic is going to come out this week!
    • Lara asked for Team Reps to forward to their team members and in turn to any connections they may have of people who may be interested in participating in the event

Newsletter

  • The Mabel League website comes with a newsletter option
    • The Executive is going to begin using the newsletter option this summer to send out monthly updates from the league with pertinent information about events going on during the season and continue its use in the off-season when team rep meetings are no longer being held

Qmunity

  • They are currently running a campaign called “Give a Damn, Give a Day”
  • They looked at their operating budget for an entire year and calculated that it costs $500/day to run
  • Mabel League is going to fundraise throughout the summer so that we can  “Give a Damn, Give a Day”

 

Co-Chair (Morgan)

Volunteer Commitments

  • Items outstanding:
    • Pride Float – it would be a good opportunity to have a Mabel League presence in Pride
    • LIL Saturday Night Dance
      • Easier than Meltdown and the organizing team can run a 50/50 if they would like
      • No venue as of yet
      • Could make the LIL schedule so that the team organizing the dance does not play an early game on Sunday
      • Shelly (Eager Beavers) tentatively volunteered her team

Meet Mabel

  • Meet Mabel is a fun pick-up game for new players to come out and play, where teams can also potentially recruit new members
    • To be held on April 17 following the batting clinic, which ends at 2:30 p.m. (game has a tentative start time of 3:00 p.m.)
    • Followed by a Beer & Burger @ Zawa for $14 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Tickets available at tonight’s Team Rep meeting and can also be bought at the door

Skills Clinics

  • Batting – April 17
    • Few spaces left in the advanced and a lot of spaces in beginner
    • Shannon will watch batters via video and provide immediate feedback
  • Pitching – April 30
    • As of now, both a beginning and advanced session will be run
    • Each pitcher must bring a catcher
  • Rules/Coaching – April 30
    • Intensive 3 hours to learn skills, drills, and the practicality of coaching
    • Rules clinic with Pat Dooley to follow this Team Rep meeting tonight

LIL Tournament Status

  • 2 out of town teams have signed up to play
    • 1 team (in the Rec division) does not have a pitcher
  • LIL Committee still needs members – contact Morgan if you or anyone you know is interested

Meltdown Update

  • Somethin’ Naked
    • Saturday May 7, Ukranian Hall, doors at 8:00 p.m.
    • $10 (sliding scale) – Somethin’ Naked team members will come out to the games held the first week of the season to sell tickets in advance
    • “Naked-style” entertainment to start at 9:00 p.m.
    • There will be games, dancing, etc.

Heather Williams

  • Game to be held at Strathcona at 2:00 p.m. on the day of the Meltdown, Saturday May 7
  • No limit to how many people can attend to play

 

Registrar (Sarah)

Member Registration / Roster Forms

  • Sarah handed out both member registration (Mabel League) and roster forms (SPN)
  • Both are due on May 9 at the Team Rep meeting

Sending E-mail to Accident Claim Forms

  • There is a link on the Mabel League website, but Team Reps can also e-mail Jackie if you need the forms

New Players List Status

  • There are still 17 players on the new players list
  • Sarah recorded which teams are still interested in new players – Tank Grrls and Somethin’ Else

 

UIC (Paige)

Review League Playing Rules (By-Laws)

  • No changes from last year but will still be posted on the Mabel League website

Review Field Ground Rules

  • Specific rules for the fields we play at will be posted on the Mabel League website
  • Paige suggested that Team Reps  or coaches print off a copy in case an umpire needs reminders

Rules

  • Rules can be found on the Softball BC website
  • Rule books can be ordered through Paige
  • Sheryl and Paige looked into rules regarding runs for/against in tournament play
    • If it comes down to a tie at the end of the round robin, the runs will go back to the last completed inning to tally up the runs for and against
    • Will try this at the LIL tournament and if it is successful, will use this format at the Finals

Softballs

  • Not available at the Team Rep meeting because they have not arrived yet!
  • Paige will be in contact with teams to deliver the balls as soon as they arrive
    • Will have the balls at Meet Mabel for any teams that are present

Rain-Out Hotline and Game Cancellation Procedure/Timeline

  • In the event of rain, games will be called 3 to 4 hours before the start time and the announcement will be on the answering machine by 3:30-4:00 p.m. on game day
  • If a team is questioning a forfeit because of lack of players, please let the league know so that the umpires can be cancelled in advance to avoid unnecessary costs (Pat Dooley needs 24 hour notice to avoid charges)

 

Treasurer (Melissa)

Team Fees

  • Balance of team fees ($1,150) is due at the next Team Rep meeting (May 9)
    • Make cheques payable to The Mabel League

 

Statistician (Sheryl)

Review of Schedule

  • No changes will be made to the draft that Sheryl distributed
  • Will be re-circulated as the final schedule

 

Fields (Meg)

Field Permit Status

  • Fields have been booked and permits will be obtained with the final schedule
  • No designated practice fields, but can practice at any field and be covered under our insurance policy
  • Brief discussion around visibility at Woodland park during a sunny day, but there are currently no other options during the week

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

March 14th, 2011

 

Team Rep Attendance: Annaliese H. (Rockers), Tania R. (Titans), Shelly D. (Eager Beavers), Justin C. (Somethin’ Naked), Nicole A. (Kugars), Kelly W. (Ballerz), Desiree G. (Bent), Jeanette N. (BB9), Yvonne C. (Storm), Dina M. (Voodoo Dolls), Jen R. (Voodoo Dolls), Gianna C. (TBA – New Rec Team), Lesley H. (TBA – New Rec Team), CJ E. (Dirt Devils), Clare P. (Plan B), Casey W. (Ratz), Averyl (Ratz)

 

Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m.

 

Introductions

  • General self introduction of each member of the 2011 Executive and Team Representatives

 

Chair (Lara)

Heather Williams Memorial Game

  • The Heather Williams Memorial Game will be held at the beginning of the season vs the end to attempt increased attendance and in turn the appropriate support for Heather’s memory
    • The game is no longer an “all-star game”, but rather a fun game where any league member can come out and play
  • To be held on the afternoon of May 7 @ 2:00 pm, location TBA
  • Same day as the Meltdown so members can play ball then get their party on!

 “It Gets Better” Video

  • Video with new audio is now completed and posted on the Mabel League website

Queer Youth Clinic

  • Format has been changed from a tournament to a clinic
  • Will be held the morning and afternoon of May 28 (location TBA)
  • Mid-day clinic in two sections:
    • Morning will have younger kids rotating through stations (1.5 hours)
    • Afternoon will be have older kids with stations and a pick-up game to follow
    • Sponsors, volunteers, equipment and expertise will be needed from members

 

Co-Chair (Morgan)

Collecting Volunteer Commitments

  • Still need:
    • Field liners for Saturday and Sunday of LIL and Saturday of Finals
    • Pride float – important to raise awareness of the league within the community!
    • Heather Williams Game organizer (team)
    • Year End (team) – Morgan reminded membership that it can take ANY format

Meet Mabel

  • Pick up game to be held on April 17 – location TBD
  • Will be able to buy tickets at the next Team Rep meeting for the Beer & Burger following Meet Mabel on the evening of April 17 (cost approximately $10-15)
    • Tickets will be sold at the door but we hope to sell some ahead of time
  • Great opportunity to meet people in the league and hopefully get some new players to come out

Skills Clinics (April TBD)

  • Morgan needs help finding someone to instruct a batting clinic – welcomed suggestions from members
    • Date to be determined – sometime in April
  • Pitching clinic tentatively scheduled for May 15
    • Waiting for confirmation from Dean, the instructor who led last year’s pitching clinic
    • Couldn’t be earlier because Dean is busy all of April
    • Cost will be $10/pitcher
    • Morning will be for new or elementary skill-leveled pitchers and afternoon for advanced pitchers

LIL Tournament Status

  • Please approach Morgan if any Team Rep or team player would like to join the LIL Committee
  • LIL brochure will be sent out within the next week
  • There is already an “outside” team interested in participating, but if anyone has contacts please invite them to come and participate
  • Beer & Burger on the Friday night and a dance on the Saturday night
    • We will need help organizing the tournament and also need a team to run the dance on Saturday night (profits will be split between the league and the organizing team)
  • Tournament fees will be $350/team due on May 9 at Team Rep meeting

 

Registrar (Sarah)

Team Registration Forms Due

  • Still need forms from Wombats, Plan B, Storm, Titans and “new” TNT team

Member Registration/Roster Forms

  • Due May 9 – both SPN and Mabel League forms

Standings/Divisions

  • Will let the teams know within the next couple of days, when we know which teams have registered

New Players List Status

  • Please let Sarah know if someone is “scooped” from this list and joins a team

Roster

  • Due May 9

 

UIC (Paige)

  • Umpire Clinic will be held in April (TBD)
  • Morgan and Paige will set a date for the Rules Clinic
  • Members of the league have signed up to be on the Grievance and Rules Committee (thank you!)
  • Sheryl and Paige are currently reviewing the rules with the district UIC to clear up issues presented at the last Team Rep meeting for tournament rules re: format, counting runs for/against, etc.

 

Treasurer (Melissa)

Team Deposit

  • $250 due (balance of $1150 due May 9)

Budget Update

  • Lara informed members that we will see the number of teams that register before we can set final team fees:
    • Initial “forecast” for fees was $1,400
    • If enough teams register then the fees will remain at $1,400 but if there is a lower registration than anticipated the fees may need to be increased
      • Teams will be informed within the next few days if the fees are anything other than $1,400

 

Statistician (Sheryl)

  • There are no stats yet because there have been no games!
  • Divisions will be finalized after team registration tonight
  • Schedule will follow, hopefully by the end of March

Format for Tournament Play

  • Double knock out vs. round robin
    • Researched and talked to Softball BC for pros and cons of both
    • Consensus is that round robin is the best
      • Easier to schedule and also promotes fair play (avoids a team being knocked out after only 2 games)
    • Softball BC rule book contains tournament guidelines for various ways to count runs for and against
      • There are a couple of suggestions within the rule book and Paige and Sheryl will speak with Pat Dooley regarding these options
      • Basically, if there is a tie within a division of tournament play and it comes down to runs for/against, the score of a game will be taken from the last full inning played (as stated in the Softball BC rule book)

 

Fields (Meg)

Field Permit Status

  • Potentially have a discount for non-profit organization but Meg is just waiting for a reply
  • We will have the same fields as last year and that will not be adjusted until all the teams have signed up
  • Meg will then finalize the permits, once Sheryl has finalized the schedule

 

Communications/Promotions (Jackie)

Revised Team Rep and Exec Contact Info

  • Based on registration at tonight’s meeting the lists will be updated and e-mailed out to Team Reps

 

New Business

Buttons

  • Sheryl has talked to a lot of team members and has created the buttons for many teams
    • Anyone can make buttons for $1/each – does not have to be the team logo, can be anything!
    • We plan to sell buttons at events like the LIL, Meet Mabel, and Youth Clinic as a way to promote the league
    • Please let Sheryl know if you have a good idea for buttons!

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

 

 

 

 

February 21st, 2011

Executive Motion:

  • Krista Simpson is unable to continue in the Statistician position
  • Present Executive members approved the motion for Sheryl McKernan to fill the position of Statistician
  • Present Executive members approved the motion for Sarah Horn to fill the position of Registrar

 

Team Rep Attendance: Lindsay B. (Wombats), Chantal P. (Somethin’ Else), Sue B. (Storm), Des G. (Bent), Clare P. (Plan B), Jerrika J. (Ratz), Amanda L. (Tank Grrls), CJ E. (Dirt Devils), Jeanette N. (BB9), Justin C. (Somethin’ Naked), Annaliese H. (Rockers), Shelby L. (Ballerz)

 

Meeting called to order at 7:01 p.m.

 

Introductions

  • General self introduction of each member of the 2011 Executive and Team Representatives

 

Chair (Lara)

Review of Team Rep Job Description

  • Lara reviewed the “job description” of a Team Rep, which includes:
    • Attending Team Rep meetings
      • Bringing information from these meetings to your respective team members and bringing information from your team members back to the Executive
    • Be a player in good standing
    • Filling out team registration forms (for Slo Pitch National) and gathering completed player registration forms from team members
    • Coordinating volunteer tasks for your team
  • Morgan stressed the importance of the Team Reps as they are the most important channel of communication from the Executive to the membership

 “It Gets Better” Video

  • Currently up on Mabel League’s website, although it experienced audio copyright infringement so it is currently a video without sound
  • Kathryn from Somethin’ Naked has put in 50+ hours working with the video and is now unfortunately back to work on the audio
    • Currently organizing independent and original music that will fit in with the video’s “vibe”
    • Hopefully the video will be updated soon with new audio!

Queer Youth Tournament

  • Stemming from the It Gets Better video, energy has snowballed within the Mabel League to aid in the support of gay youth
    • Conversation has centered around how we, as a 19+ league, can become more accessible and supportive for gay youth
  • The plan is to create a one day youth tournament open for any gender, orientation, queers and allies
    • To be held in early June
    • Looking to potentially partner with Qmunity, where the ML can organize the tournament and Qmunity can help with insurance and criminal record checks, etc.
  • If this tournament is of interest to you or anyone on your team and you would like to be involved, please contact a member of the Executive
    • Executive will put out a call for volunteers closer to the date of the tournament

Heather Williams Memorial/All-Star Game

  • A number of league members have expressed to the Executive that it is difficult to get participants for the Heather Williams Memorial/All-Star Game and that the importance of Heather Williams’ memory in the game itself is potentially being lost
  • Propelled by these concerns, the Executive is curious if there is an option that will better respect Heather’s memory
  • Discussed re-working the current event/recognition:
    • An MVP award at the LIL or Finals Tournament
    • An event within the LIL (eg. mini family game), where members are already gathered, which would eliminate the inconvenience of getting players to come out to an additional game
    • A spirit award to be given to a person who embodies characteristics of Heather’s spirit
  • Lara asked Team Reps to consult with their team members, especially anyone who knew Heather, to give suggestions for an appropriate solution

 

Co-Chair (Morgan)

Recipients of 2010 Contribution Awards

  • Total amount given is capped at $1,000
    • Winners of the 2010 Contribution Awards:
      • 1st Place = Wombats (50% of $1,000 = $500 discount off of team fees)
      • 2nd Place = Somethin’ Naked (30% of $1,000 = $300 discount off of team fees)
      • 3rd Place = Rockers (20% of $1,000 = $200 discount off of team fees)

Volunteer Summary

  • Morgan presented the volunteer hand-out summary
    • Teams are asked to sign up by the next Team Rep meeting (March 14)
    • The league is not going to specifically seek fundraising this year, which will leave raffle opportunities for teams at events throughout the season
      • Meltdown = Somethin’ Naked
      • LIL Tournament (June 3-5)
        • LIL Committee will be comprised of Executive members as well as league members, so if anyone would like to join the LIL  Committee, please let Morgan know
        • LIL will also require one team to volunteer to help out over the tournament
        • Also need a team to organize the Saturday night party for the LIL, which will not only get the volunteering team points, but the profits will be split between the league and the team, much like the Meltdown
      • Rules and Grievances = Bent
      • LIL and Finals will need fields, garbage and washrooms
      • WESA Game = ?
      • Pride; no team volunteered last year so there was no Mabel League float, but Morgan reminded those present how the float is a great opportunity to advertise!
      • Heather Williams = ?
      • Year End = ?
        • Morgan stressed that the Year End event does not have to be the traditional scheduled game in September, but could be anything from a camping trip to a pig roast to a pickup game followed by a Beer & Burger in September

Meet Mabel

  • In attempt to increase league membership, the Executive has decided to host the first “Meet Mabel”, a fun pick-up game, on April 17
  • This event will be a chance for people who have not played before or who are curious about the league to come out and experience the league and meet some current members
  • To be followed by a Beer & Burger
  • Morgan encouraged Team Reps to invite their friends to come out and investigate the league!

Skills Clinics

  • Pitching, coaching and potentially batting clinics
    •  To be held at the end of April, potentially beginning of May
  • Pitching clinic will be instructed by the same fellow as last year (Dean)
    • Anyone can attend – experience not required!

 

Registrar (Sheryl for Sarah)

Team Registration Forms

  • Due at the next Team Rep meeting (March 14)
  • Half sheet for Team Reps to fill out in full, including contact information and address
  • $250 team deposit is also due with the form on March 14
  • Lara mentioned that with Softball BC the player roster is due on June 1, but with SPN players can be added to a team roster at any point during the season, so long as they have played 5 games before the Finals
    • Teams may add people onto their May 9 roster and they will still be insured

Player Registration Forms

  • SPN player registration forms will arrive for the April Team Rep meeting and are to be filled out by May 9

LIL Registration Forms

  • Will be handed out at the April Team Rep Meeting

New Team Guidance Package

  • Currently unaware of any new teams joining the league but the package is available on the league’s website

New Players

  • List was e-mailed to Team Reps along with the agenda for tonight’s Team Rep meeting
  • Team Reps are encouraged to contact any players from the list to invite them out to play
  • Sarah asked Team Reps to inform her if a new player has committed to their team so she can remove them from the list

 

UIC (Paige)

Umpire Clinic

  • The league would LOVE more umpires who also play in the Mabel League
  • If anyone is interested and would like to talk about it or get some more information, please let Paige know and she will provide more information – commitment free!
  • If a league member takes the course, writes the test, and umpires 5 regular Mabel League season games, she/he can submit the receipt and Mabel League will reimburse the cost of the umpiring course

Rules and Grievance Committee/Rules of Play

  • Paige and Morgan are forming a committee and need members from teams to join, so please let them know if you’d like to be a part of the committee

 

Treasurer (Melissa)

Budget for 2011

  • Last year the league was able to save money with the switch from Softball BC to SPN for insurance coverage, which decreased the league fees by $100/team
  • This has created a bit of ‘wiggle room’ in the account, although the league always needs to make sure there is enough money for start of season costs, which include field costs, softballs, etc.

Team Fees

  • $1,400/team (includes leather softballs)

Team Deposit

  • $250/team as a deposit is due March 14, with the balance of $1150 due May 9

 

Statistician (Sheryl)

  • Schedule should be expected 2-3 weeks in advance of games starting
  • Sue (Storm) brought up the suggestion to change the structure of the Finals
    • Suggested double knock out format in place of the ‘complicated’ system that is in place
  • CJ (Dirt Devils) recalled the reason for the current round robin system
    • With double knock out:
      • The games were not scheduled, which may be hard for players to book work/parties
      • If a team lost 2 games they were immediately finished, whereas with round robin teams are guaranteed a certain number of games
  • Lindsay (Wombats) also felt that the format could be better organized so that teams were clear on where their team was going and the consequences of each game played
  • Sheryl acknowledged that there seem to be pros and cons for both systems and will bring these thoughts to the Executive to mull over and investigate and take back to the teams for further suggestions

 

Fields (Meg)

State of Fields

  • Currently looking into City of Vancouver for fields

 

Communications (Jackie)

Review Team Rep and Exec Contact Info

  • Jackie will update the list after tonight’s meeting
  • She will also send out the calendar of important events and past minutes

Website, Newsletter, Facebook Page

  • Jackie is updating all of these communication tools
  • Call for new players to join the league will also be posted on Craigslist

 

New Business

Buttons

  • The league has purchased a button maker!
  • For $1/button you can have Sheryl make your button – just send your request or logo
  • Plan to sell buttons at Meet Mabel and Youth Tournament
  • You can even make non-league related buttons
  • Sheryl will bring examples to the next Team Rep Meeting

Fountainhead

  • Des (Bent) inquired if the league is requesting sponsorship from Fountainhead this season
  • Morgan confirmed that the league is not approaching Fountainhead because there is no need for that level of sponsorship because last year’s sponsorship campaign was so successful

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

 

, February 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm Minutes.