Fall 2003

The meeting was called to order at 12:43 p.m. by State Director Ronn Kopp. Larry Duerkop volunteered to record the meeting minutes in the absence of the league secretary.

Board Members Present: Kopp, Duerkop, Loren Lathrop, Kevin Musolf, Matt Pronschinske, Bud Olson, Rick Radloff, and Joe Schaefer.

Guest Present: Bob Radawitz.

Board Members Absent: Secretary Steve Krupke, Jay Hrdlicka, Mark Nelson, Dan Slama, Mike White, Greg Spindler, and Bob Neville.

It was moved by Olson and seconded by Pronschinske that the minutes of the October 2, 2005 meeting be approved as presented to each member in printed form. All present voting aye. Motion carried.

It was moved by Pronschinske and seconded by Radloff that the report of the treasury be approved as presented in printed form. All present voting aye. Motion carried.

Bob Radowitz was in attendance to be recognized for his years of service on the NAFA board and UIC from October 2000 to October 2005. A commemorative plaque will be presented to Bob on opening night of the Rice Lake Invitational.

Lathrop talked about board membership and read the resignation letter of Jay Hrdlicka. Hrdlicka’s resignation from the board was effective immediately.

Discussion was held on possible candidates to replace Hrdlicka on the NAFA board. Jarrod Dulmes (Waldo), Chad Mix (Appleton), and Steve Vail (Baldwin) were named as three possible replacements. A vote was taken and Dulmes received six votes and Mix two votes

The board discussed the poor attendance of some board members.

Selection of award winners from 2005. The eight members in attendance voted. In addition, board member Mike White voted by proxy. Player of the Year: Josh Johnson, 6 votes; Scott Elmer, 2 votes; David Lay, 1 vote. Pitcher of the Year: Mark Stickney, 5 votes; Jeramie Holman, 3 votes; Bryan Lathrop, 1 vote. Manager of the Year: Holman, 5 votes; Greg Gehrig, 2 votes; Mike Watson, 1 vote; Saw-Dust City Staff, 1 vote.

Discussion was held on how to obtain more accurate statistics and more rapidly process and publish the statistics.

Lathrop announced 2006 travel league membership as 17 teams. Eleven of these teams have paid their entry fee or contributed a down payment toward that fee. Lathrop is in the process of completing the schedule.

Discussion was held on whether to allow a woman from Chippewa to paint faces at Casper Park during the travel league weekend there.

Motion was made by Musolf and seconded by Schaefer to allow the woman to have a face painting stand. 7 aye and Kopp abstained. Motion carried.

Last year’s T-shirt sales were discussed. While some money was made, discussion was held as to other possible income sources. Pronschinske will check into the possibility of the sale can coolers.

State tournament discussion was held regarding allowing out of state teams into the tournament. It was decided to continue the same as last year, that states bordering Wisconsin may enter, with Lathrop classifying them as A or AA.

Lathrop asked for the addition of a fourth member to the Appeals committee, in case one of the other three members is involved in the dispute. Radloff volunteered to be the additional committee member.

Schaefer mentioned there was only one rule change that applied to NAFA fastpitch. First Baseman mitts that are no more than 14” long can be used at any position in the field.

Protest committee members will now consist of: Lathrop, Neville, and the local tournament director.

Playing dates for NAFA World Series in Appleton are August 18^th-28^th, 2006.

Lathrop reported changes in classification of teams and players. The most significant one was Dan Wall, who is now eligible to throw NAFA AA and ISC II, based on the decision of an NAFA committee commissioned by Executive Director Ben Hedgecock and a similar committee of the ISC. In addition, Wilber Lime will be playing AA by ruling of the same committee, despite the view of some Wisconsin directors that Wilber Lime should be classified AAA.

The Appleton NAFA committee is requesting as many teams as possible be allowed to compete in the 2006 World Series, in order to achieve maximum economic output. In order to achieve this, Appleton wants more sanctioned NAFA events. The board discussed and decided that in order to qualify as a sanctioned NAFA event, the criteria should be: 1) Follow NAFA Rules. 2) Use NAFA softballs. 3) Have a UIC and use NAFA umpires. 4) Fences optional, with fastpitch distance fences preferred.

The umpire rate for NAFA events in WI is $27.50 and that is what NAFA tournaments should be paying if it is a sanctioned event.

Matt White’s disputed AA ALL-WORLD status has been resolved. A commenerative plaque is being sent to Mr. White.

The balls used in 2006 state tournament play will again be the diamond flyer.

It was moved by Pronschinske and seconded by Radloff that the meeting be adjourned. Aye 7, Nay 1, with Kopp voting nay. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 3:32 p.m.

Minutes taken by Larry Duerkop