August 24, 2009 Jr. Ram Baseball Meeting Minutes from July 30th meeting:
Bob Clone, Jr. Ram President, Jeff Steinhaus, Jr. Ram Vice-President, and Annisa Van Liew, Jr. Ram Treasurer, along with Brad Phillips, Holt Varsity Baseball Coach and Jr. Ram Advisory Board Member, called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. Fourteen parents of players in the program also attended the meeting.
Treasurer’s Report:
Anissa Van Liew reported that there were 3 players that had yet to fully pay for the 2009 season. They are still expected to pay their fees fully prior to the start of next season. Some scholarship money was available this year, and HJRB hopes to provide scholarships next year. HJRB may try to provide way for all families involved to donate monies to a scholarship form by indicated scholarship donations on sign-up form next year.
HJRB still has car window stickers available for fundraising; Bob Clone has those we have yet to sell.
HJRB is still awaiting the cash we will receive from the Holt Varsity Boosters regarding the U9/U10 tournaments we sold concessions for on July 12/13th. Bob placed call to Varsity Boosters asking for an update from them on this fundraiser. HJRB worked two tournaments for fundraising this year, and will pursue similar fundraising opportunities in future years.
Old Business:
HJRB Board thanked all the coaches and other volunteers (uniforms) for their work this past season. A number of teams finished highly in their Mason PONY divisions this year.
Bob stated that an evaluation form for players on each team was sent out to all head coaches to help the program understand how well players were placed, how they progress, and where they ended up regarding player development. Bob also has encouraged all coaches to forward statistics for each team to him for possible use in next year’s program development.
HJRB is still awaiting final paperwork from the government regarding approval of our 501(c)3 not-for-profit application for fundraising. We expect it will be complete in the coming weeks.
Regarding fundraising, discussion occurred regarding raising fees a small amount that could be returned to players if they volunteered a minimum amount of hours for fundraising, they may be credited for future playing fees. Those present recommended some fundraising be done when season is not being played, when kids/parents may be able to get more involved with work needed. Also talked about possibility of getting involved in Poker Room fundraisers, which we may pursue when 501(c)3 not-for-profit application is complete.
New Business:
HJRB is supporting a least one if not two teams with uniform use for teams pursuing play in a “wooden bat” league to be held in Charlotte this year. Some discussion occurred about running leagues hosted in Holt for fundraising, and then discussion about hosting a tournament in Holt for fundraising. Bob stated that whatever fundraising HJRB wants to pursue, the Board would review and help wherever possible, but we need action on fundraising, not just good ideas without being acted upon.
Discussion occurred about uniforms. They are being returned slowly to the HJRB uniform coordinators. They will review condition of uniforms, and recommend what uniforms may need to be replaced. Recommendation was made to consider purchasing catcher’s mitts next year for the teams.
Open Discussion:
Discussion about try-outs in the fall season occurred, as well as possibly having coaches be involved with player selections for teams. Possibly set up October try-out, between football and basketball (Jr. Ram) seasons. Also discussion on forming teams at U10, U12, and U14 levels that would play in 5-6 tournaments during the season, along with involvement in the Mason PONY league. Bob said any recommendations that can be shared with entire organization can be reviewed and potentially acted upon for the 2010 season, as asked for parents to submit defined plan for these possible upper travel team formation and implementation.
Discussion also occurred about player’s age grouping. Should we keep 9 year olds playing just with other 9 year olds? At what age group would we consider grouping kids with kids of different ages, based on 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14 year old current groupings.
Discussion on Dimondale U12 field occurred. Parents did not feel this field worked well with other uses of the field.
Bob stated that next meeting is when new Board members may be elected. Per our organizations guidelines, Board membership needs to be approved every 2 years, and terms are up for all 4 current Board members. Bob would like to step aside from presidency, and Anissa is definitely leaving the Board as Treasurer. If you’d like to become a Board member, or know someone who would like to serve, please contact Bob and provide that information.
Next Meeting:
Discussion about try-outs in the fall season occurred, as well as possibly having coaches be involved with player selections for teams. Possibly set up October try-out, between football and basketball (Jr. Ram) seasons. Also discussion on forming teams at U10, U12, and U14 levels that would play in 5-6 tournaments during the season, along with involvement in the Mason PONY league. Bob said any recommendations that can be shared with entire organization can be reviewed and potentially acted upon for the 2010 season, as asked for parents to submit defined plan for these possible upper travel team formation and implementation.
Discussion also occurred about player’s age grouping. Should we keep 9 year olds playing just with other 9 year olds? At what age group would we consider grouping kids with kids of different ages, based on 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14 year old current groupings.
Discussion on Dimondale U12 field occurred. Parents did not feel this field worked well with other uses of the field.
