Babe Ruth of North Carolina, Western Division, held its Winter meeting on January 20, 2018 at the Iredell County Recreation Department.
The meeting was called to order at 10:05 AM by Dennis Baucom, Assistant State Commissioner. Those in attendance were introduced.
Cherrie Sanders, Treasurer, presented the financial report for the period from September 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. Lon Nigro made a motion to approve the report as presented. Seconded by Keith Pack, motion carried.
Jimmy Sanders, State Commissioner, gave a report on news from headquarters. There was much discussion about the new bat rule for 2018. The commissioners were informed there will now be a $25 tournament fee assessed at headquarters for 9 and 11 year olds. There was discussion about umpires checking equipment before games. Due to liability issues, umpires will not check equipment. They will ask managers if their equipment is in compliance with Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken/Softball regulations. There was also discussion about the pitch count during regular season play. It is not required, but it encouraged.
Minutes from the October meeting were reviewed. John Jones made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by Wayne Harwell, motion carried.
Dennis reminded the commissioners of their responsibility to recruit new leagues. He also stated he will provide a $500 reward to the commissioner who brings in the most leagues for the 2018 season. He reported that Summerfield Athletics in the Greensboro area will be chartering approximately 30 teams for Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth. Meetings have been held with other leagues who have expressed interest in our program.
Julie Wise, District 1 Softball Commissioner, spoke about proposed rule changes for 6 year olds tournament play. The biggest complaint has been about using a T. Julie and Larry Leake, Assistant State Commissioner-Softball, are to review the rules and provide changes for posting on the website. It was stated that there can be one set of rules for East play and another set of rules for West play.
Joe Lane suggested allowing 8 year olds to bunt in tournament. This would be in accordance with Southeast Region rules. Bert Smith made a motion to allow 8 year olds to bunt in tournament play. The motion died for lack of a second.
Jimmy reviewed several documents that are posted on our website that need to be updated.
1. Introduction of teams in state tournaments - There was discussion about teams that don't show for opening ceremonies. It was determined there was no appropriate penalty that could be imposed and upheld. Those present decided opening ceremonies will be held in the morning at the beginning of a tournament. Wayne Harwell made a motion to approve the document. Seconded by Jody Sims, motion carried.
2. Area/District Western and Eastern Host - Item #18, delete additional coach for t-ball. Item #19, delete Tournament Director and Umpire inspecting equipment. The max team fee will be $300. Hosts of area and state tournaments will furnish trophies (10" in height) to champions. Babe Ruth of NC will furnish medallions for area and state tournament runners up. Keith Pack made a motion to approve the document. Seconded by Ron Tuck, motion carried.
3. Tournament Officials Meeting Agenda - Group responsibilities by category of who is responsible; i.e., Host Director, UIC, Host League. Item 4b ii, strike ineligible pitcher. Jody Sims made a motion to approve the document. Seconded by Ron Tuck, motion carried.
4. State Contract - The fee will be $75 per team participating with a maximum of $800 payable by the host league. 1/2 of the money will be due at the tournament workshop and 1/2 at the beginning of the tournament. Host leagues will be responsible for providing shelter and refreshments for the Babe Ruth of NC representative. The Treasurer will provide the Babe Ruth of NC representatives a copy of the contract for their respective tournaments. Wayne Harwell made a motion to approve the document. Seconded by Corey Gammons, motion carried.
5. Consent for Treatment Form - One copy is all that is required. Dennis Baucom made a motion to approve the document. Seconded by Larry Leake, motion carried.
6. Guidelines for Tournaments - Delete DH from item #4. Corey Gammons made a motion to approve the document. Seconded by Ron Tuck, motion carried.
Larry Leake announced the district softball tournaments will begin on June 21st. State tournaments will begin on June 28th. Locations will be announced at a later date.
Wayne Harwell reviewed the sites for area and state tournaments.
AREA:
7 Year Olds JUNE 21
1-Porter Ridge (D7
2-Yadkin County (D4)
3-Mcdowell County (D2)
4-Davidson County (D8)
8 Year Olds June 21
1-South Charlotte
2-North Piedmont (D5)
3-Hildeb Ran
4-Davidson County (D8)
9 Year Olds June 21
1-Anson County
2-East Rowan (D6)
3-District 1
10 Year Olds June 28
1-Mara (D7)
2-Equip. Sports (D4)
3-Bunker Hill (D5)
4-Erwin (D1)
11 Year Olds June 28
1-North Piedmont (D5)
2-Sw Forsyth (D8)
3-
12 Year Olds June 28
1-Maiden (D5)
2-Equip. Sports (D4)
3-Spencer (D6)
STATE:
6 Year OldsIndian Trail Athletic Association (D7)
7 Year OldsIndian Trail Athletic Association (D7)
8 Year OldsEast Rowan (D8)
9 Year OldsNorth Piedmont (D5)
10 Year OldsMara (D7)
11 Year OldsYadkin County (D4)
12/60 Year OldsSWForysth (D8)
12/70 Year OldsSWForysth (D8)
If fewer than 15 teams sign up for area tournaments, they will not be held. The teams signing up will go directly to the state tournament. A new format has been approved by the commissioners for area tournaments that will guarantee 3 games. Tournament team registrations will be due by June 1st.
John Jones spoke about single charter leagues combining to form an all star team. There can be multi-team leagues with divisions.
Keith Pack asked about boundaries. His particular issue with Davie, Iredell and Forsyth Counties is being discussed at the Southeast Regional and Babe Ruth Headquarters with a resolution forthcoming. Jimmy asked all commissioners to have their league submit their boundaries in writing.
Lon Nigro made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Wayne Harwell, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Cherrie Sanders, Acting Secretary