Executive Board Meeting Notes

Minutes of the Executive Board Meeting January 24, 2010

1. Minutes of the September 2, 2009 Executive Board Meeting were accepted as written.
   
   
2. Treasurer’s report was handed out and approved with a balance of  $1,200.75.  The Treasurer named four members who have not paid their 2010 dues. They are:  Mark Fiorentino, Harry Hikel, Dan Pike and Kendrick Whittle.  Board Members who are familiar with the named delinquents, will contact them as will the Treasurer.
   
   
3. Secretary reported that Bob Schiavone is transferring to NHBUA from Florida.  Don Menswar wants to go active and do more games – he has left the coaching position for an administration one.  Received from the Maine Board an email with reference to the transfer of  Michael Avino.  Brad Avenia comes highly recommended from the Hammond (Louisiana) Umpire Association.  Jeremy Dickson would like to transfer from Easten Board of Connecticut Approved Umpires.  He also came with a very good recommendation.
   
   
4. Rules Interpreter Terry Dostie, having just returned from his Indianapolis Trip, was very optimistic about his role as Interpreter and is looking forward to a new relationship between him and the members.  Terry commented on rules for 2010 concerning: bats and their future in 2012, emphasis on thunder & lightning, coaches or assistant coaches ejections, dug extensions away from home plate, foul ball with runner interfering, pitchers’ “gorilla” stance, the strike zones width and the 3 foot running lane & if the catcher has to throw the ball.
    
5. Assigning Chairman Bill Makarawicz was a little disappointed that the Annual Meeting for both Baseball and Softball are scheduled for the same day.  Because SNHU made the Basketball Tournament, the meeting at SNHU had to moved forward.  Discussed was the possibility of having the Federation Test done on line and having the coaches’ test with ours.  Also, using “Ref Pay” to paid your game fee on line.  This year’s game fee is just like last years, $80 for Varsity & $60 for JV.  Bill informed the Board that there are 2000 games assigned this year from April 12th to May 28th.  He is planning on attending the Rules Interps to give a short presentation regarding the Arbiter.  Bill is charging a $25 fee for non-members to be listed on the Arbiter.  Bill handed out Arbiter Rosters of both Baseball & Softball Umpires. It was suggested that there should be a pre-season assignors meeting. 
   
   
6. Supervisor of Officials Mark Cherbonneau brought the Board up to date concerning the uniform pant.  Charcoal grey color is the optional pant this year and mandatory next year (2011).  Heather grey is the “Official” color this year but if both umpires want to wear charcoal, they may.  Mark informed the Board that the umpires manual has not changed and that the 2-man system will be sent to the web site.
   
   
7. Liaison Jim Walsh was unable to attend.
   
   
8. BUD Chairman Tom Fischer reported that he has fielded 44 applications but no maney has been received.  There are 14 returning for 4 classes.  The 6 BUD Classes will be held in Laconia starting March 14th.
   
   
9. Performance Review Coordinator:  No report.
   
   
10. Website Chairman – Bill Jennings reported that the web site has been updated.  On the site are pages of responsibility, email addresses and current notices on the home page.
    
    
11. Old Business:  It is important to note that umpires look the same during all games.  The new hat is going to be delivered via Honig’s visit to our Annual Business Meeting.  The Secretary has received approximately orders for 200 hats with payments and has forwarded the order to Honig’s.
    
    
12. New Business:  Sites for the Interpretations are, the Annual Business Meeting @ SNHU, Newport, Holderness and Somersworth.

Duane Welch
Sec/Treas NHBUA