Metro Skaters Hockey League All-Members Meeting Thursday, August 26, 2004 Eddie Edgar Arena, 7:00 p.m. Joanne Lukasik called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. The July meeting minutes were reviewed and passed. Introductions were made to the 2004-05 Board of Directors. Treasurer's Report Kristin Drabicki reported the league account has $2,870.74, and the league fees received from the teams will be deposited in as well. Joanne Lukasik reviewed the operating budget at the meeting and informed everyone the league broke even last season. Ruicci Cup The Stingrays were thanked for an exceptional job of putting together and running the 2004 Ruicci Cup. Joanne L. stated the Cup will be held at Eddie Edgar Arena again, the 2nd or 3rd weekend in March, and will be hosted by the Stingrays. Rules & Regulations Terry Mathews highlighted the new MSHL Handbook that will be given out at a mandatory meeting for coaches and/or team managers on September 15 at 7 PM in Eddie Edgar. * The league is requesting a copy of their official USA Hockey roster from each team before their first game is played. These can be sent to the Division Director, who will then forward on to the Board. * A new position has been added to assist the league; Adrianna Sable will hold the Referee-in-Chief title and serve as a liaison between teams and referees. More information will be coming on this at next month's meeting. * The score sheet and scorekeeping section of the handbook has been revised. Extra score sheets are available through Terry Mathews. * A Goaltender Borrowing Policy has been implemented in to the league, and there is a section covering this in the handbook. Goalies will be allowed to sub on other teams that are in the same division or below where they currently play. * Additional wording for Women's "C" players (in regards to States and Nationals) has been added to the handbook. * There is a sign-off sheet at the back of the handbook that each team must submit to the league. Please print the handbook from the league web site and bring to the September 15 meeting. MAHA/USA Hockey Carrie Sirola advised the group there is now on-line registration available for USA Hockey. Players are able to register themselves though a team manager will be permitted to do that for them this year. An email confirmation is sent to the player, along with the waiver form that needs to be submitted to the team manager. Players will still complete a Code of Conduct and Consent to Treat forms. Division Structure Joanne L. handed out the list of teams with their division placement. The Lady Wings voiced concern that they were not aware they needed to hand in a roster with their letter of intent to help determine placement. They felt many of their players had played at a higher level and would warrant the team being placed higher. The Board explained the policy that the teams are reviewed half way through the season (December) to determine if movement is needed. Questions came up about dominating teams that remain in their division, and if the Board ever made a team move. It was made clear that ALL things are taken in to consideration when placing a team, including season statistics, game scores, and the Ruicci Cup. If there is a group that feels one team is dominating their division, they are welcome to communicate with the Board, either by attending meetings or sending an email to one of the officers. The suggestion was made to look at the division selection process earlier in the summer, before the league meeting, to allow for grievances at that time. One issue surrounding an earlier process would be the incomplete status of many team rosters until September. More suggestions were made to the Board that better representation from all divisions should serve on the Board. It was pointed out that the recreation, intermediate and advanced divisions do all have members on the Board. Division Schedule Joanne Lukasik asked the people who take on the role of Division Director to please take this role seriously and plan on attending all of the league meetings. If a Director is unable to make a meeting, they are responsible for sending a representative on their behalf. September 15 at 7:00 PM Eddie Edgar Arena The next meeting is MANDATORY for all teams!!! One coach/mgr. must be present with a copy of the 2004-05 MSHL Handbook. Honesty and respect, Renee Dobrzelewski MSHL Secretary