METRO SKATERS HOCKEY LEAGUE

Monthly Meeting Minutes for September 2000
Location:  Farmington Hills Arena
Date and Time: September 28, 2000, 6:30 p.m.

Next Meeting: Thursday, October 26, 2000, 6:30 p.m., at Farmington Hills Arena.

Attendees:
Ann Dobija			President
Jan BenDor			Secretary
Candis Sirbaugh		Ice Dogs alt.
Angie Santoro			Greene Constr.
Kim Capaldi			Rush
Donna Skelcy			Righteous Blades
Torri Crummel		Devils
Gina Urban			Herricanes alt.
Susan Butler			Capital Crush
Irene Blanchard		Capital Crush alt.
Colleen Moran		Wildcats
Kathy O'Connor		Cheapskates alt.
George Tilli			Storm alt.
Kim Giglio			Storm
Steve Owczarek		Metro Blades alt.
Jenna Murphy			Predators
Donna Nabozny		Freeze alt.
Dana Rudnicki		Freeze alt.
Joanne Lukasik		Barracudas
Maria Rabara			Stingrays
Pam Kangas			Iron Maidens
Carol Lentz			Steel Magnolias alt.
Sheryl Garrett			Blitz alt.
Laurie Birchler		Flames
Jackie Anderson		Lady Blues alt.
Patty Formosa			Sting
Kathy Cafferty		Ice Pack
Julie Tilli			Bruno's alt.
Bree Barry			Nighthawks alt.
Ralph Engle			Nighthawks alt.
Terry Mathews		Vice President
Cassie Jaeckle			Bulldogs alt.
Rick VanderHagen		Bulldogs
Janine Martinez		Jets
Lisa Chiodo			Statistician


The meeting came to order at 6:38 p.m. 

The August meeting minutes were accepted on a motion by George Tilli, seconded by Patty Formosa, and passed unanimously.
 
Meeting preliminaries:
* Pass around sign-in sheet
* Pass around league address directory for updates 

Financial News (Michelle Monson):
* The current League fund balance is $8,371.15.  The League fee is still unpaid by the following teams (and needs to be paid tonight or sent to Michelle Monson asap): Sting, Jets, Rush, Bulls, Bulldogs, Lady Blues, Arctic Storm, Greene Construction, Freeze, Cyclones, Barracudas, Capital Crush.

Senior Registration:
* Update on the revised registration process.  After the September meeting, Sue McDowell announced she could not serve as a central MAHA registrar.  Teams were notified to register with their district associate registrars. Two teams--in MAHA Distr. 3, 6--had problems contacting their assoc. registrar.
* Sue McDowell sent an announcement inviting candidates to run for the MAHA position she has held-Director for Girls and Women.  The MAHA election is in February, for the position to start next August.  For details, see http://maha.org

New Business:
* Statistician:  President Dobija introduced Lisa Chiodo, who will serve as statistician for all League divisions.  Teams should provide copy of their roster and game schedule to her at LMC1621@aol.com or by mail to 27959 Brandywine, Farmington Hills 48334. CP 734/635-2062.  Teams were reminded to let Lisa know when game schedules are changed.  The winning team must under the MSHL regulations fax or postmark the score sheet within 24 hours or forfeit the game.
* Team Rosters:  Send to Ann at adobija@visteon.com and Lisa at LMC1621@aol.com.  Player's name, position, and jersey number.  Include the address and phone of team rep and alternate rep.
* Master division game schedules need to be sent to Ann and Lisa also. 
* Web Site Update: Ann is working with Steve on problems with putting documents on the website.  She has been having compatibility problems with her workplace technical settings and the Frontpage software requirements.  www.mshl.net/
* Corporate and Tax Exempt Status:  Terry and Jan reported that attorney Lena Agree has been retained for the purpose of completing the Michigan Non-profit articles of incorporation and the IRS 501 [c] 7 application for tax-exempt status (IRS form 1024).  Lena is also drafting suggested technical revisions for the League's bylaws so that we are in compliance with IRS requirements.  These revisions will be presented to the League for approval.
* Ruicci Cup planning update:  Steve reported that the competition will be Thursday thru Sunday again, March 22-25, 2001, at the Detroit Skate Club.  He asked for the League's input on awards, such as medals or shirts, before work is done on pricing and ordering.  People he has talked to expressed a preference for medals.  Ann asked for a straw poll.  Medals were strongly supported; mugs were also recommended and supported.  Sweatshirts and t-shirts will probably be available again for sale to everyone.  No tournament fee has yet been set.  Steve will report again at the next meeting.
* New score sheet printing:  Ann passed around the remaining supply for October home games.  New sheets are on order, with a redesigned format based on recommended changes, on paper 8 1/2 X 11 inches instead of legal length
* Propose and vote on By-Laws 
o Canadian Fees:  All teams present support some kind of break for the Canadian teams for membership and for the Ruicci Cup tournament.  For the Cup discount, it was discovered that there was only one Canadian team present and more information was needed on how to make the Cup fee affordable.  For membership, team reps were unanimous in supporting changes as: 

Article III Membership

Section 2 
The League fee for each upcoming season shall be set at the May meeting.  There shall be a basic portion to cover League expenses, and a portion will be applied to each team's entry fee for the Ruicci Cup Tournament.  The latter portion will be refunded if there is no Tournament but not if a team withdraws or is expelled from the League before the completion of the season.

Canadian teams will pay a fee adjusted as follows:  when the US dollar is stronger, the fee will reflect the U.S. dollar amount less half the difference in valuation between Canadian and US dollars.


o Score sheet content and completion: Discussion ensued on the current regulations.  MAHA rules may add some considerations, such as having the coach sign at the start of the game in order to confirm agreement to play if there is only one ref present, or the ref is not qualified at the League's required level 3 or 4.  Absent a coach, the captain should sign.  The new sheets will have a space.  Discussion of scorekeeping and other problems indicated that any correction of a scorekeeping mistake must be initialed by the referee on all copies.  Do not pay the refs until all corrections and initials are complete.
* Enforce penalties for improper score sheets or lateness.  Ann announced that the 24-hour rule will be enforced this year.  Teams will forfeit if the score sheet is not submitted in a timely manner.

* Game Schedules:  All teams should receive their schedule.  Division schedulers must send a master copy to Ann at adobija@visteon.com and Lisa Chiodo at LMC1621@aol.com.  All teams but Purple Division have already received their game schedules, and Barb Carney is present to provide the Purple schedule tonight.
 

Items of Interest:
* Teams are reminded to check the MSHL Web Site for updates with regards to the New Business items.
* George Tilli reported that Team Michigan is no more.  The Fraser rink has ejected women's teams but still wants to charge for a women's tournament.  He encourages all MSHL teams to boycott the Fraser tournament.
* For teams looking for tournaments, the MSHL web site has a page and links to tournament info.
* Terry recommended a London, ONT Tournament.  Mike Channey 519-641-2934.  Entry fee is $450 Canadian.
* Ice for sale:  Inkster Arena caters to adults and often has ice at good times.  Call 248/685-9306.
	
Next  Meeting:
* Schedule Next Meeting - Thursday, October 26, 2000
* Next Meeting Items:
o Fundraiser Update
o All Star game in mid-season
o Ruicci Cup Update
o Address Directory

Motion to adjourn by Patty Formosa and seconded by George Tilli, approved and adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jan BenDor, Recording Secretary.
Metro Skaters Hockey League Meeting Minutes, September 28, 2000	Page 4

