A description of the meeting, who was there, action items and the next meeting date.

Note: all minutes are marked “Draft” until official approved by the next committee meeting.

VPA SOFTBALL COMMITTEE
Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Members Present: Pat Hanifan, Burns Page, Milt Sanderson, Rob Black, Geri Witelac, Carleton Laird, David Capman, Todd Ordway, Jay Hartman, D.G. Weaver, Bob Johnson

Minutes:

- motion by Pat , second by David C., to elect Rob Black as committee chair. Vote – approved unanimously.

- motion by Geri, second by Todd to accept minutes of 12/22/06. Question on the issue of reconditioned helmets. Is this an issue in softball as it is in football. It does not seem to be. Football has much more of a safety issue. Bob will keep an eye on this. Vote – approved unanimously.

- correspondence – are the issues with Spaulding (mound) and Harwood (3rd base)  resolved? Dave Christiansen was to check on Harwood last Spring. Spald. did not host a game in the play-offs, so we will need to check on this. Bob J. will do so.

- review of 2007 season. All went well. Tournament went smoothly.

- NFHS rules revisions for 2008.
- metal cleats are now allowed.
- coach penalty on unreported substitution
- 10 second batter rule
- 2000/2004 bat mark
- eye shields must be clear
- other changes are primarily clarifications

- discussion on possible divisional alignment criteria. Baseball is using:
- enrollment number +5%
- # of sports offered in a season
- strength of the program over the past 3-5 years
- youth programs (grades 7/8)
- number of teams per division (balance numbers)
Rob will meet with ASC in 1/08 to discuss softball’s approach. Final decision on the criteria will be made in June 2008 at seeding meeting.

- dates and sites for 2008.
- March 17 - first day of practice
- April 7 – first game
- May 28 – last game
- June 13/14 – championships
Motion by Jay, second by D.G., to have championships in Poultney. Vote – approved unanimously.

- Revised Softball Guide

- adjourned.