Meeting at Rover Sports and Social Club at 9pm after the games on 3 July 2007

Present: Mark Norman (League Secretary, Oddsox - took notes), Barbara Young (Open Day Co-ordinator, Devils), Chris Dore (both Devils); Jamie Parish (Angels), Jen Edis (Treasurer, Angels), Simon Taylor (Spirits), Andy Meigs (Harriers), John Sullivan (Oddsox), Lat Lea (Tigers), Stewart Morin (Heat), Stella Bradshaw (Chair, Harriers)

Apologies: Roger Farrell (Vice Chair), Nicky Green (Div 2 rep.), Greensox rep.s

1. Review of the use of the 175 foot line
   

   We discussed this (and the rule that all outfield players should be behind the line until contact is made by bat on ball) and decided that the rule is generally good. However, 175 ft is quite deep. Maybe 150 ft could be better for next year. Maybe we should experiment with 150 and 175 alternatives during the grapefruits next year.
   
   

2. Adifferent points system

   This had been proposed by Mark Gower. The principle behind it was that teams who have played and lost should be at an advantage compared with teams who had failed to raise a team and forfeited. The proposal was 3 points for a win, (2 for a tie, if we continue to have ties next year), 1 for a loss, 0 for a forfeit. All present (although we did not vote) seemed to like the idea in principle.
   An alternative idea would be for teams who forfeit twice are given another loss/forfeit. Action Andy Meigs to put forward some text that covers this alternative. Either way, most present thought that we should seriously consider this during the winter.
   
   

3. Dates and difficulties for the Oxford Tournament (5 Aug or 2 Sept).

   We quickly agreed that the 5 August was too soon to get organised. And there were real problems (with model airoplane flyers) at Rover even on 2 September.
   
   Upper Heyford was suggested. Action Stella to find out about Upper Heyford.
   
   Some organisers were needed (probably not members of the committee, but the work would be supported by the committee). Action Norm to email around and appeal for volunteer organisers and to give a deadline for this.
   
   

4. End of season do

   We discussed alternative dates, but decided to try to stick with Fri 31 August, as advertised. Ideas: The Living Room, Pizza Express at Golden Cross, Jericho Cafe, Ocean and Collins, OUP Sports Ground, University Club, Laines Barn, a boat. Again Action Norm to email around and appeal for volunteer organisers
   
   

5. AGM - 14th August

   Nominations are due on/before 1st August. Mark Gower is happy to be returning officer. The current Executive should let people know who is stepping down.
   
   

6. Starting time of games

   The rule is: if a team causes a game to start after 7pm, then that team forfeits the game. We had an idea to sound an air horn at 7pm.
   
   

7. Financials

   The first set of league fees was very good - everyone paid. Rover (club) fees. Teams need to put 10 or 12 names and pay Rover as outlined in the Captains Packs.
   
   Action Jen: to produce a table of team names detailing what is owed in terms of league fees.
   
   

8. Independent umpires

   We really need 2 or 3 people from teams who are qualified to umpire. If this is done by each team on a bye night, each team would need 4 possible umpires (possibly more, given sickness/unavailability). This is likely to be stretching things a little. Maybe if we have 2 new teams next year, we would have 2 teams on a bye at any one time: this could help. Let's make a big effort to make this happen next year.
   
   Maybe we should run an in-house course?
   
   What should the penalty be for not supplying umpires? A points system (that contributes to teams' final placings at the end of the season) similar to that used in Bristol? Or bonus points for teams that do provide umpires?
   
   

9. Oxford development softball

   Stella has a contact with Oxford City Counclil and the Regional Development Organiser for Thames Valley. Primary schools: Girls -> fastpitch. Boys -> Baseball. We should try to offer help as a league. Coaching course for teachers? Stella is meeting with John Boyd (national development officer) and someone from Oxford City Council on 12 July. Stella may ask for help from us to go to schools as coaches or umpires. We could also lend gear occasionally.
   
   

10. Sophos mini league

    Jamie has been involved in organising this that will take place on Thursdays at the end of August (hopefully on days that are not needed for rain outs).
    
    The full committee was happy to support this. Also, we should encourage people to get experience umpiring and helping out with the Sophos mini league could be the perfect opportunity.