MSHL MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 14, 2004 

Overview
The President called the meeting to order, and noted that the Recreation B Division Director was absent from the meeting again.

The November meeting minutes were reviewed; Michelle Monson motioned to pass, and Carrie Sirola seconded.

Treasurer's Report
Kristen Drabicki, Treasurer, said the league's current balance is $7,863.42 minus the outstanding monthly web-site maintenance bill.  She is still collecting money for the Ruicci Cup (deadline is Feb. 1) and needs a couple of team rosters.

Old Business

Ruicci Cup
Adrianna Sable reported that Amy Martin had spoken with the Ruicci Cup Referee Scheduler from last year, and he is willing to handle things again.

The playoffs will not include an Advanced A division as most of those teams will be competing in the State Tournament the same weekend.

Michelle Monson indicated Ted Lindsey may not be able to attend the Cup this year but he will send someone in his place.

Ice Dogs Follow-Up
Joanne Lukasik and Carrie Sirola attended the Dec. 5 game vs. Windsor Rush.  They did not see anything that would warrant further action from the league at this time.  Carrie added that the game referees made a big difference in how the game was played this time - Steve Bessett did an excellent job.

MAHA/USA Hockey
The State Tournament (Chelsea, MI) has officially been moved to the same weekend as the Ruicci Cup.  Four teams from the Advanced A division are competing.  Bob Steele is looking for volunteers that weekend.  Val Edgington said she would ask around on the girl's teams to see if they would be interested in volunteering, as most of our league will not be available.

Spring Clinics
Terry Mathews said in the proposal we estimated a budget of $3200 but Bob Steele informed her MAHA would only be able to give us between $1-2,000.  Some adjustments will need to be made in light of the budget - one less clinic or no free jerseys might be some of the alternatives we need to consider.  One clinic will be held on Saturday, March 19 at Eddie Edgar Arena from 12-2:00 p.m.  The arena donated one hour to us, and reduced the price of the second hour.  The committee needs to look at other rinks for donated/reduced ice time.

New Business

Game Referees
In a game between Team Detroit and Black Beauty, one of the referees appeared to not be registered thru USA Hockey.  Adrianna Sable contacted Joanne Lukasik about this, as the referee was not wearing his patch from the current year.  Joanne stated that MSHL rules do require a certain level for the referees, and USA Hockey determines these levels.  

In another game between World Wide Sports and the Ice Cubes, another unregistered referee was used.  Joanne expressed concern that team managers are responsible for ensuring their team is using a registered official.  Ray Spaulding stated the referees are registered thru USA Hockey and that his team (WWS) was under the impression all referees were registered.  Joanne stressed the issue should have been addressed before the game as Adrianna and the Black Beauty team were aware of the situation.  

A team has a right to not play a game if an official isn't registered.  Teams may also agree to play the game using only one referee.  To determine if the game would count towards totals for States & Nationals, Black Beauty will need to obtain proof that both referees were registered so the game can count as part of the 10 minimum.

Carrie brought up the fact that Greg, a Ref. Scheduler, officiated a game that both Amy Martin and Adrianna Sable participated in, and that would be a conflict of interest as they essentially work for him in their referee capacities.  Adrianna stated she would advise Greg he should not be scheduled for games with Black Beauty.

If disciplinary action were taken on a referee, it would be done so after the season is complete, and retroactive for 2004-05.  Kristen asked Adrianna to write up something for the division directors explaining what to look for in terms of the officials.  Referees registered thru USA Hockey are given patches to wear at the start of each new season.

Carrie Sirola motioned to adjourn the meeting and Michelle Monson seconded.  The next meeting is January 18, 7PM at Eddie Edgar.

Happy Holidays!

Honesty and Respect, Always!
~ Renee Dobrzelewski
   MSHL Secretary