Board members present: Steve Quinn, Ron Kunert, Ed Tworek, Dick Smith, Dave Dye, Chuck Grubb and Dave Janda. Dave Banghart participated from Florida via telephone. Approximately 12 league members were also in attendance.

1. Survey Questions - Chuck Grubb is in the process of finalizing the questions for the survey. We will be using a tool called Survey Monkey. This is a free website that will collect all the responses. The website recognizes IP addresses so there is a limit of one response per IP address. At this time the Board has selected 7 questions to put on the survey for the league to respond. There is some concern regarding clarification of the response for the first question regarding player preferences of new jerseys to be procured for the upcoming season. The options to select would be to continue with the current design of MLB replica jerseys we have used in the past or if the players would prefer to go with a non replica MLB jersey that is of higher quality material and construction, and will most likely cost a little more than what we have used in the past. Dave Banghart put together a quote from Teamwork Athletic Apparel. These jerseys can be designed using MLB team names but cannot replicate the trademark logos and fonts. Dick Smith is still working on finalizing quotes from local vendors for replica jerseys. It is believed that the cost for non-replica jerseys from Dave Banghart source would be only a few dollars more than the replica jerseys that we could acquire from local vendors. Chuck requested the input of the Board members help clarify the responses so that league members fully understand what is being asked of the question. It was suggested that the Teamworks website or a picture of a proposed design be added to the background of the question. The Board will discuss further the wording of the options via e-mail and get finalized so that the survey can get out the players as soon as possible. Ed Tworek asked that question #2; regarding the preference of the Double Headers vs. Byes (in the event that we have an odd number of teams for the season). Ed feels that the question needs to provide some background detail to inform every one of the ramifications of each choice. For ex sample, double headers would require additional (late) games times, and additional umpire fees to cover the extra game. This could possibly result in increased player fees. Question #7 is regarding the courtesy runner rule. Ed feels that this subject requires further discussion from the board and should not be included in the survey at this time. He suggested that a committee be formed to review the issue in depth and then send out as a separate question on another survey. The other option is the leave the question on the survey, calculate the responses and go with the majority. Ed Tworek made a motion to remove the courtesy runner question from the current survey. The motion was second by Dave Janda. The vote was 4-3 opposed to removing the question. Those voting opposed were Ron Kunert, Chuck Grubb, Dave Dye and Dick Smith. The motion failed and the courtesy runner question will remain on the current survey.
2. Electronic Registration - Chuck found a free website to use to develop an electronic registration form that will be put out on the website. This will allow players (returning and new) to submit their registrations electronically with payment processed through PayPal. Chuck has set up a PayPal account for NSS for receipt of payment. When using the electronic registration, players can submit payment using a personal PayPal account (if they already have one), or making payment with a bank check card or credit card. The previous method of printing the form and submitting via US postal services will also remain in place. All submitted registrations will go to the Director of Player registration, Dave Janda. Because the PO Box previously used for sending registration forms has expired, Dave will be setting up a new PO Box which would be better located to him. He will provide this new PO Box to Tom Herfordt to update the registration form on the website.
3. Advertising - Although the league does have a Nebraska Senior Softball banner which has been used in the past, Chuck would like to update it. He has obtained a quote from SignIT for a 5’ x 8’ banner with Hems and Grommets and 300 (5" x 7") window clings. The quoted cost for the banner is $280 and the quoted cost for the window clings is $1.50 each. He would also like to contract with a graphic designer to develop an updated NSS logo. He estimates the cost for a graphic designer to be $60-$120.
4. Managers - Dave Dye is concerned that we may not have enough Managers for the new season. Player registration is scheduled to begin Feb 1. He requests that the registration form include a note that players interested in being team managers get their registration in early so that an assessment of manager needs can be reviewed as early as possible. He can then set up timely meetings with managers to discuss player drafts for the new season. He will also be scheduling meetings with the Draft Advisory Committee in the very near future to begin outlining the draft process for the new season.
5. 2011 Operating Budget - Ed Tworek has put together a proposed budget for the 2011 year. Using conservative estimates for upcoming costs for the new year he is proposing the registration fees for the summer season be $90 all players (covers the expense of new team jerseys). Fall registration fee is proposed at $65 (jerseys not provided for new players for fall). Ed Tworek made a motion to set registration fees per his proposal. The motion was second by Dave Banghart. The Board voted 7-0 in favor of the proposed fees. The motion passed. Softballs Dick Smith has procured 240 softballs at a cost of $3 per ball to be used for the 2011 summer season, this should also provide a surplus for the start up of the 2011 fall season.
6. Updated Website - Ron Kunert asked if we intend to move forward with updating the Nebraska Senior Softball website. Paul Williams has submitted an example of an updated version to Steve Quinn (he has forwarded to the rest of the board). It was suggested that it would be best to discuss this topic at a later board meeting after we have the needs of the start up of the new season finalized. We could ask Paul to attend to provide a demonstration of the proposed updated version, and work on phasing in at a later date.
7. Open Forum - League members who attended the meeting this evening were invited to add input on whatever topic they chose, but were instructed that they would be given a 2 minute time limit to talk.
   • Bill Smuck - Likes the new format of inviting players to the meeting and giving them the opportunity to speak directly to the board. He asked how often the full draft would be held. Based on the results of the last survey, the majority of the responses were in favor on continuing with the 3 year rotation of full player draft.
   • Del Stokes - Expressed his thanks to the board and appreciates the struggle they have had with defining and policing the courtesy runner rule. If the goal is to sell the league to new people, then serious consideration should be given to procuring well designed jerseys to reflect the league in a positive light rather than settling on just a simple shirt.
   • Bob Williams - In regards to the courtesy runner rule, the intended purpose is to provide a courtesy runner in the event of an injured player. If a player uses a courtesy runner in a game, then that player should use a courtesy runner the remainder of the game. The board and league should consider utilizing players who are unable to play but would be willing to take over the role of team manager. Those people would be required to pay for their team jersey, but not pay any other fees.
   • Jim Price - Following the guidelines of the courtesy runner rule was the most stressful part of managing. He was pressured at times by his to put in a courtesy runner, while trying to follow the courtesy basis of the rule. In an effort to assist new managers, encourage returning players to wear old jersey (with their names) to the tryouts. This would help them identify all the players in the league.
   • Bill Weller - The competiveness of the league creates a problem with the courtesy runner rule and how it is to be managed by the league and the teams. He knows of players who would like to play in the league but are not able to play as much as the schedule dictates. Why do we no longer have and use pool players. The short answer is that the use of pool players was abused in the past.
   • Gary Dukat - Since we are going to be playing the summer 2011 summer season at the LaVista parks he wanted to inform everyone that that park does have a liquor license and alcohol can be purchased in the bar there. However, it must also be consumed in the building, and there will be no other consumption of alcoholic beverages allowed in the park or the parking lot. The no drinking rule is highly enforced at the LaVista parks.
   • Gary Kruse - is concerned with limit of the 3 proposed options of the courtesy runner rule on the survey. What happens if someone is not in favor of any of the options? It was suggested to add an open ended option that a respondent can add a recommendation for consideration in the future.
   • Torri Pantaleon - Appreciates the new transparency of the board meetings, and likes the direction the board is going.
   • Cort Fernald - Would like the league to consider implementing some of the tournament rules. For example the flip flop rule. This basically means that if the home team is behind at the start of the last inning, then they would bat first for the inning. In the past he has also gotten the permits for Churchich Park for the Saturday morning practices. The Omaha Parks department has implemented a $5/hr fee for use of parks. Will the league be covering the cost going forward? Steve informed everyone the effective April 1, we will access to all the LaVista softball fields as long as they are available and not requested or reserved by any other teams. He also suggested that the league should set up softball clinics to help re-introduce some of those retired players back to the game.
   • Gerry Storovich - If the majority of responses to the survey indicate that we go with non-replica team jerseys would we still be using the caps with the MLB team logos. The answer to that is yes. With consideration for new managers and the new draft will the skilled levels identified on the website be enforced for all players? The general consensus is that all our current players can qualify in 3 out of the 4 skills as defined in Player Qualifications in the guidelines.
   • Paul Kwaak - As a manager it is not important for him to evaluate returning players; he prefers to focus on new players. When spring tryouts are scheduled he would like to see tryouts for organized and focused on the new players. Put the new players in position they have indicated on their registration (example: why put an infield player in the outfield shagging balls).

The Meeting was adjourned at 9:40.
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Board members present: Steve Quinn, Ron Kunert, Ed Tworek, Dick Smith, Dave Dye, Chuck Grubb and Dave Janda. Dave Banghart participated from Florida via telephone. Players present: Rod Evans, Jim Price, Lee Towle, Bill Smuck, Gary Dukat, Bill Weller, Paul Kwaak and Paul Williams.

Steve Quinn opened the meeting and thanked the players for attending.

1. E-mail - Steve shared with everyone an e-mail he received from Duke Burgess. Duke expressed his appreciation for how the NSS League is run. He is now spending the winter months in Arizona and had struggled to find any teams to join. Fortunately he is now playing on a couple teams a few nights a week and enjoying himself. Duke felt that the survey could have described the options better for the situation when there are an uneven number of teams (bye versus double-headers). As Duke stated There is already a provision in our Guidelines for players who are not scheduled to play (bye) on any particular night. They will likely be able to play, assuming there are no Pool players and a team needs players. Duke also made a suggestion in regards to the courtesy runner. Per Duke’s e-mail In one of my leagues here in Arizona, the courtesy runner rule states that you can have as many courtesy runners as desired, but the courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out. Consequently, the manager has no choice in selecting the runner. If the player who made the last out is slower, injured, or whatever, he's the player that runs. Certainly makes the team and manager think twice before putting in the courtesy runner. In most cases, it will cause the manager to consider his line-up before the game begins to ensure he has his faster runners in before the injured or slow runner, and hope that one of those fast guys makes an out before the injured/slow guy comes to bat. As a final comment, Duke shared his concern for the Board’s response to a question posted at the previous board meeting regarding the ability rules of players; that all players currently in the league can pass 3 of 4 skill levels. Due to the fact that anyone can develop a health issue during the off season it is not possible to make an accurate assessment about any player until they actually step foot on the field and can be observed. Duke is a strong advocate for annual testing of all players.

   Board Responses - Dave Dye commented that in the past new players have been turned away due to concerns regarding health issues. However, players who are already in the league have been grandfathered in regardless of ability to meet all the skill levels. He is open to any suggestions of how to evaluate returning players since not all come to the pre-season practices. Also those practices are designed to focus on assessing new players; there isn’t enough time to evaluate 100+ returning players. Dave Banghart suggested that returning players who may not be able to pass 3 of the 4 skill levels may need to be re-evaluated. Dave Janda expressed concern on how to determine who those players may be. There are members of the league who play for the love of the game. It was suggested that the application form be updated with wording: Has your health/skills changed since the last season? Ron Kunert suggested trying to schedule in extra practices during the week. Some people have scheduling conflicts that will not allow them to make all the practices. It has been stated that as of April 1 we will have access to an extra field at LaVista, and maybe we could consider setting up some practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was decided that this matter should have further discussion at the next board meeting.

2. Update Website Proposal - Steve Quinn had approached Paul Williams (software developer) if he would be interested in researching the possibilities of developing an updated version for the NSS website. Paul was able to give a quick overview of what he has come up with so far. The goal was to update and modernize the site but still keep our costs minimal. Paul explained that there are several tools which can be used. Word Press is one software used to develop websites. It is a little more sophisticated as it has a database underneath to allow archiving players list, and creating links back to prior years and review all the previous information. Initially an Administrator would be named to update current information to the website, but each board member could have their own page which they would be able to maintain themselves. Certain areas can be secured to allow only specified users to make any changes. The only fees involved would be our hosting fees which are paid through November 2011 through the current website. Chuck suggested that we move forward and set up a committee to work with Paul to develop the new site. At this time Paul can set up a new site with the basic necessary information (player registrations, teams, game standings, etc). All the other extras can be developed over the next few months. It was agreed that Paul should proceed with developing a basic structure and move forward.

3. Survey Results - Dave Dye has tabulated the results from the Player Survey that was sent out during the month of January. It is believed that approximately 160 invites to participate in the survey were sent out. The majority were sent via e-mail. Steve Quinn attempted to contact any players without e-mail to invite them to also participate. There were a total of 129 responses, an 80% response rate. The results will be posted on the website. The board reviewed each survey question, the response and then voted to ratify each one.
   1. League Uniforms?
      56.7% Replica MLB jersey similar to recent NSS seasons
      43.3% Non-replica, upgraded fabric jerseys

      Discussion - Dave Banghart felt that the jersey options were not clearly communicated in the survey. The players may not have fully realized exactly what the 2nd option would look like. He suggested that maybe the question could be re-surveyed with more information provided. Since the jerseys cannot be ordered until after the draft has been held he has suggested that he could bring samples to the pre-season practices to allow players to get a visual of what they actually look like. However, if we offer Dave the opportunity to show his samples, we would also need to provide the same benefit to other vendors who are providing bids. Dick Smith reported that he has gotten bids from 2 local vendors and each came in at approximately $10 less per shirt. The Board took a vote to accept survey results of Q1: 5 In favor; 1 Opposed (Dave Banghart); and 1 Abstain (Chuck Grubb). Replica MLB jersey similar to recent NSS seasons.

   2. Scheduling of games in the event of an odd-number of teams?
      45.7% - Double-headers (to ensure all teams play each night of the schedule)
      54.3% - Schedule Byes on a rotating basis (one team does not play)

      There was no additional discussion for this issue. The Board took a vote to accept survey results of Q2: 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Schedule byes on a rotating basis.

   3. Allowing Team Managers to also serve on the NSS Board of Directors?
      67.7% - Yes. Managers should be permitted to serve on the Board of Directors
      32.3% - No. Managers should not serve on the Board of Directors.

      There was no additional discussion for this issue. The Board took a vote to accept survey results of Q3: 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Managers should be permitted to serve on the Board of Directors

   4. In 2010, how would you rate umpire quality in terms of their calls, technique, knowledge, etc? -
      39.5% - Good
      47.2% - Average
      13.4% - Poor

      As this was an opinion question, there was no further discussion and no vote by the Board was necessary.

   5. How should team awards be issued in the 2011 season?
      53.5% - Only champions of the Summer and Fall League
      44.9% - Champions and runner up of the Summer and Fall League
      1.6% - No response provided

      There was no additional discussion for this issue. The Board took a vote to accept survey results of Q5: 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Awards will be issued to only the champions of the Summer and Fall League.

   6. Limit (maximum) on the number of home runs allowed per team, per game?
      34.6% - 2 Home runs
      30.7% - 3 Home runs
      33.1% - 4 Home runs
      1.6% - No response provided

      Discussion Dave Banghart noted that the results were very close, and would like the board to consider splitting the difference and allowing 3 home runs per team, per game. It was questioned why the Board would override the survey results even though they are so close. Ed Tworek advises that the Board should not go against the survey results, as these responses are the voices of the players. Dave Banghart made a motion to split the options, and allow 3 home runs per team, per game. The motion was second by Dave Janda. The Board voted 3 in favor; 3 opposed (Kunert, Tworek, Smith) and 1 abstain (Dye). In the event of a tie vote, the Commissioner casts the deciding vote. In this matter, Steve Quinn votes opposed to the motion. The motion failed 4 opposed, 3 in favor, 1 abstain. Ron Kunert then made a motion to accept the option with the highest percentage (2 home runs). The motion was second by Ed Tworek. Board members voted 4 in favor; 2 opposed (Banghart, Janda); and 1 abstain (Dye). The motion carried forward. The league will limit (maximum) 2 home runs per team, per game.
      

   7. Courtesy runner?
      26.0% - Two runners per inning; a player may run only twice per game; runners enter at 1st base only.
      27.6% - Two runners per inning; a player may run only twice per game; runners can enter at any base.
      16.5% - Two runners per inning; a player may run only once per game; runners can enter at any base.
      28.3% - NSS board to study the rule further and provide a decision prior to the season opener.
      1.6% - No response provided

      There was no additional discussion for this issue. The Board took a vote to accept survey results of Q7:6 in favor, 1 opposed (Dye). The NSS board will study the rule further and provide a decision prior to the season opener.

4. Marketing and Promotions Report - Chuck Grubb provided details of things he has been working on:
   
   • Online Registration - Electronic registration of the 2011 Summer season is underway. To date, 27 players have used the online form.
   • PayPal - The league’s online payment option is operating perfectly. PayPal is processing bank and credit card transactions for those wishing to use this method to pay for their summer registration fees. As of February 7, 22 players have utilized the services of PayPal to make a safe and secure transaction and receive a confirmation and receipt immediately to their email address.
   • Corporate Sponsorship - In 2009, $250.00 was obtained in sponsorship donations; in 2010, income from corporate donors was $0.00. Chuck has prepared a formal Corporate Sponsorship program that consists of four levels and provides various perks for those businesses and individual entities who wish to be part of the NSS family. The four level system is aimed at allowing merchants to select their own level of comfort with advertising dollars and the promised delivery of services. The levels and fee structure are: Diamond League ($300); Touch em’ All ($200); Web Gem ($125); & RBI Club ($50). A few benefits (varying by degree) include: Ad space in a bi-monthly publication; Sponsorship Award for display; Logo and hyperlink on NSS website; 2 to 4 tickets for attendance at the annual end-of-year awards banquet; Ad space in the award banquet player’s program; 2 to 4 tickets to the NSS Night with the Omaha Stormchasers. Corporate membership under the new plan is good through April 30th, 2012. If anyone would like more information or knows of a business, regardless of size, that may wish to participate in the sponsorship program contact Chuck Grubb. Currently Chuck has secured commitments from 3 business entities for a total of $550.
   • Westroads Fair - On Saturday, March 19th, from noon to 3:00 pm, Westroads Mall is having a summer recreation fair to allow organizations the opportunity to meet the public and talk about the availability of the program and/or services. Our paperwork (insurance and registration) is already submitted and approved. The plan is to have two laptops logged on to the internet and available for immediate registration and payment with PayPal. A team of 14 players has been invited to participate and talk to potential new members.
   • Logo Development - Chuck has taken a stab at creating a new look logo for the league. He hopes to have a few selections put together and share with the league for a possible vote. The winner would then be taken to a professional designer. If you are interested in seeing some of the designs that Chuck came up with, please contact him.
   • Diamond Bits - (mentioned earlier) Chuck has designed a format using Microsoft Publisher that will be another method of communicating with the players and families and providing a venue for softball talk, fun article, celebrations, and miscellaneous pieces of information. The publication may be printed by will be easy to send in a high resolution file format (.pdf) to share with as many people as we wish, including other senior leagues nationwide.
   • Facebook Update - The Facebook page has 28 likes which essentially means people who have added the page as a destination to their profile. Approximately 120 pictures from the 2010 season were posted, by team, to the photo albums along with several shots of the fans and pictures from the annual awards banquet. A link to the Facebook page has been posted on the NSS website.
   • Awards Banquets DVD - Chuck has copies of the 9 minute DVD presented at the 2010 Awards Banquet available for $5 (covers cost of materials, software, design time, etc.) If interested, contact Chuck.
   • Miscellaneous Correspondence - Posted a message on the Senior Softball USA website (seniorsoftball.com) inviting players to visit our Facebook page and like us. Sent a similar promotion type email to a large distribution list provided by tournament director Steve Simmons in Minneapolis. Invited LaVista Mayor Doug Kindig and Recreation Department head Scott Stopak to throw out the first pitch marking our season opener on May 2, 2011.

5. Managers and Player Recruitment - Dave Dye has sent out an e-mail polling the existing managers regarding their interest to manage this year. To date he already has 10 players interested and 3 who have stated that they choose not to continue. He has also received a list from MOS of players who meet the age requirement for NSS. He has made contact with these people. Three have stated they will be signing up for the Spring season, two more for the fall. The others on the list were not interested as they were already playing in other leagues this year.

Steve Quinn opened the meeting with comments from League players present: Both Gary Dukat and Cort Fernald confirmed that they would be available to assist at the Westroads Summer Recreation Fair on March 19th. Rod Evans requested clarification on the new Home Run rules. The rule clarification is on the agenda and will be discussed by the Board during the meeting.

1. Summer Recreation Fair-Westroads Mall - On Saturday, March 19th, from Noon to 3:00 pm, NSS will join other summer recreation programs at Westroads Mall. We will have laptops available for online registration and payments. Also included will be a running picture show for casual view, posters and placards, brochures, and business cards. Several players will be on hand to discuss the league with shoppers and browsers. The players attending are encouraged to wear their league jerseys.
2. Marketing Report - Chuck Grubb presented his report of things he is working on to help promote the league.
   • Opening Day First Pitch - LaVista Mayor Doug Kindig and Recreation Department Coordinator Eddie Burns will join us on May 2nd and throw out the first pitch of the season. We encourage all players to show up early for this ceremony and celebrate the first day of play in 2011 and show the mayor our commitment and support of the league.
   • Promotional Efforts - Chuck has sent letters and NSS brochures to Tom Shatel of the Omaha World Herald and the La Vista Sun Sports and Recreation requesting stories about NSS and extending invitations to opening day. There has been no response from either as of 3/7/2011. He has also submitted text and graphics to air on Bellevue (BTV) and Papillion (Papio Vision) television; cable channels 17 and 18 respectively. Air dates to be determined. The graphic will encourage registration for the upcoming season and have website information along with phone and email contact information.
   • Corporate Sponsorship - As of 3/6/2011, a total of four (4) corporate sponsors are onboard. One Diamond League, One ‘Touch Em all’, and Two ‘Web Gem’ levels. Total money taken in: $750.00. Projected expenses associated with the sponsorships: $210.00. Chuck encourages all players league wide to offer sponsorships to businesses they think might be willing to be associated with our league. Affordable 14 month sponsorship plans range from $50.00 to $300.00. For further details contact Chuck Grubb.
   • Diamond Bits - The first issue was sent league wide on March 1, 2011 to nearly 300 email recipients. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with several offers to write articles for the next edition. The next issue should be released on or about May 3, 2011, maybe with a couple days delay to ensure we get opening day coverage in the publication.
   • Business Cards - Chuck has ordered 500 promotional business cards for board members and players to hand out to prospective players. The business cards provide our mailing address, website, and email information. Cost to the league: $0.00. These cards are available by contacting Chuck Grubb.
3. Courtesy Runner Rule Review and Conclusion - Based on the player survey results the majority of responses indicated that the NSS board should study the rule further and provide a decision prior to the season opener. As currently stated in the NSS rules article 3.b. COURTESY RUNNERS: Courtesy running is primarily intended as a safety measure for players with injury or physical difficulty. Normally the player on base will make the request. Managers must guard against abuse of this rule such as strategy of excessive courtesy running to optimize scoring. Ed Tworek gave a brief history of the courtesy runner rule. Ten years ago when the NSS league was developed the courtesy runner rule was a 2/1 rule; a maximum of 2 runners per inning, and a player could only run a maximum of once per inning. Application of the rule started changing about 5 years ago as more players became involved with tournament play where the rule is more relaxed. During regular league play it was perceived that players started using the rule in a more strategic manner to score more runs. Approximately 3 years ago it was clarified that the courtesy runner was for courtesy, not as a strategy for game competition. In the spring of 2009 the rule was modified to allow a player to run a maximum of twice per game. The rules were updated to include in print the initial intent of the rule. In 2010 between the summer and fall seasons it was discussed as to how can we better control the use/intent of the rule. The 2nd base rule was implemented for the fall 2010 season. A batter/runner advancing beyond first base may not be replaced by a courtesy runner unless injured or unforeseen circumstances occur. Suggestions submitted to the matter include:
   • Unlimited courtesy running
   • Continue with the current rule but limit players to running only once per game
   • The player who made the last out must be courtesy runner if one is requested
   • Once a player requests a courtesy runner in the game, must continue using a courtesy runner the remainder of the game
   • Managers declare which players will be using courtesy runners prior to the start of the game
   • Eliminate the rule altogether and not allow courtesy running at all.
   Most of these suggestions raised concern for the safety of players, those injured and with physical difficulties. Dave Dye stated that over the last few years the league has grown considerably. We have many more players who are more competitive than others. The bigger issue is enforcing the rule, rather than changing it. Steve Quinn suggested that the simple answer is 2 courtesy runners per inning; players are limited to running twice per game. Dave Banghart suggested simplifying it further by limiting players to courtesy running only once per game. A motion was made by Dick Smith and 2nd by Dave Dye: The Courtesy Runner rule should read as follows: Teams are allowed two (2) courtesy runners per inning; An individual may courtesy run only one (1) time per game; The courtesy runner may enter at any base; Violation of the stated Courtesy Runner rule will result in an out at the runner’s position when the courtesy runner touches the base. Board members voted 7 in favor 0 opposed; the motion carried.
4. Home Run Rule - As a follow up to the adoption of maximum of 2 Home Runs per team per game, a request for clarification has been asked of the Board of Directors. A Home Run is defined as over the fence; any additional home runs in the game will be considered a Walk and runners on base can only advance if forced; Teams are still capped at 5 runs per inning, if home run ball is hit and the results would produce an excess of the 5 run cap, the extra runs do not count, and the home run is still counted toward the maximum of 2 per team, per game.
5. Team Jerseys - Dick Smith reported that he has finalized a list of 14 team jerseys for consideration for the new draft. Six team jerseys are white with pinstripes with different colored team hats; eight team jerseys are solid colors with no repeated colors. Final decision will be based on number of teams per registrations. The league cost per jersey, which will include player name and number, will be $25.29; league cost per cap is $7.50. The NSS logo will again be on the left sleeve of the jerseys. Chuck Grubb had suggested updating the NSS logo at the February 2011 board meeting and provided some examples in his Marketing and Promotions report. Although not approved by the Board, Chuck used one of these samples in the inaugural edition of Diamond Bits. This particular logo is a contemporary design of a ball player incorporating NSS & Nebraska Senior Softball in the logo. The other examples included the state of Nebraska with a flaming softball on the states northeast border, and the third example was an aerial view of a softball diamond. Ron Kunert made a motion, 2nd by Dick Smith to update the NSS logo to the ball player design. The Board members voted 7 in favor – 0 opposed to adopt the new logo. If you wish to view, you can find it on the Nebraska Senior Softball Facebook page. Dick also reported that we should be supplied with enough games balls for both the spring and fall seasons. These were ordered before the end of the 2010 calendar year.
6. Corrective Action Panel (CAP) - Bill Smuck gave a brief presentation to everyone in attendance the overview of the CAP. This committee consists of 6 League members whose goal is to conduct a comprehensive, timely review of cases involving player and/or fan misconduct which would reflect NSS in a negative manner, and make recommendations regarding appropriate action to the Board of Directors if and when necessary. It is primarily the team managers who have both the authority and responsibility to apply corrective action toward players who fail to comply with the Player/Team Code of Conduct. The CAP only intervenes if there is a grievance brought forth. The CAP would then review the incident and present recommendations to the Board of Directors for their review for appropriate action to be taken (if needed). Currently the committee members are: Bill Smuck, Bob Kubat, Bill Bowes, Del Stokes, Jim Price and Lee Towle.
7. Umpires 2011 Season - Dave Banghart would like to see that NSS procure the best possible umpires for the 2011 season. He will research a list of good quality umpires who would be beneficial to our league and gauge their interest to working NSS games specifically on a rotating basis. Dave is to have feedback for the Board of Directors before the next meeting.
8. Board Member Items - Steve asked each Board member if they had any additional items to be discussed:
   • Dave Dye - There are no updates to the Draft process until the registration numbers are finalized. He suggests that a league wide email go out to remind and encourage everyone who is interested in playing this year get their registrations in before the March 15 deadline. Returning players will be required to pay a $25 late fee if their registration is dated after the 15th. New players have until Apr 1 to get their registrations submitted, and are not subject to a late fee. Dave has refurbished the score boards for the new season. He also would like the Board to review the catcher rule for the new season. In the past if a team only had 9 players available, the catcher was provided by the opposing team. Last fall a non-biased player from the spectators was asked to volunteer. Which option will be used for the 2011 season?
   • Dave Janda - To date we have received 81 registrations. This is only about half the number of players from last year. Paul Williams is working on the new website, running it on his own server alongside our current site to ensure all activity is working as it should. It is advised that we wait until registration has been finalized and closed before we set the new web site live.
   • Chuck Grubb - Although the player practices held during spring/summer at Churchich and Trendwood are not sanctioned by NSS, Chuck would like to see the league purchase some new balls for the players to use at these practices. Chuck made a motion, 2nd by Ed Tworek that NSS purchase 4 dozen (2 dozen for each location) for these practices. The Board voted 7 in favor 0 opposed. The motion passed. It was also noted that managers and players should donate used game balls from previous seasons to any practices.
   • Dick Smith - Has requested that the agenda for the April meeting include a proposed draft sequence to be presented to the Board of Directors for review. Ed Tworek was in agreement.
   • Ed Tworek - Requests that we have a clear start and stop of the board proceedings. Once invited guests are done with the open forum part of the meeting, all other comments should be limited to Board members only.
   • Ron Kunert - Suggested that the open forum be at the end of the board meeting. It was noted that the forum was moved to the front of the meeting in order to give guests a chance to speak and then leave early if needed.