Minutes of CSHL Meeting  Tuesday August 22, 2006

7 pm at Garfield Civic Center

Absent Programs: Cleveland Youth Hockey, Columbus Captitals, Elyria, and Gilmour
Absent Board Members: Mitch Green, Don Lewis and Tim O’Shaughnessy

Mike Cordish motioned to approve minutes from meeting of May 15, 2006 as written. Second Chris Kendel. All in favor, motion passed.

Preparations for PreSeason: deadline is Sept. 6 for program directors to submit ice slots and initial team projections, both numbers of team at each age level and projected strength ranking. Schedules will be ready for coaches to pick up when they arrive at PreSeason scheduling sessions on Saturday, Sept. 15. On-site game changes will be able to be made similar to regular season scheduling sessions. Please inform your coaches not to leave the scheduling meeting once they have their schedules in hand. They may have no problems with their schedule, but another team may be looking for them to make a change.

The RPI system will again be used with data collect during preseason games to positions teams within divisions for regular season. The league has received inquires from two other individuals who have devised their own ranking systems. We have invited them to review our data and use their programs to rank teams during preseason. The league will utilize all data from our sources to rank teams. The league is committed to finding the best way to rank teams, regardless of who has devised the ranking system.

Barry Lulas spoke on new standards of play and rule emphasis that will be incorporated for the upcoming season. Referees will be calling the game differently than in past years. Training seminars will be instructing referees on the new structure. Initial reports from early games where these new practices have been begun show an encouraging trend to more competitive play and a better game at all skill levels. Program directors are instructed to make their coaches aware of these new standards.

Tournament referee assigning: this service is offered at no additional charge for CSHL member programs. Please utilize this option on the referee website.

The Message Board periodically has issues with contributors getting out of hand. Barry Lulas as administrator will take action to delete all offensive posts and bar repeat offenders from access.

Treasurer’s Report submitted by Chris Kendel. Recap of 2005-2006 financial statement and projected budget for 2006-2007.

Committees: 2006-2007 Committees and Chairs were introduced. Division representatives were reviewed. Suggestions on how to improve and update website links and other information. Mike Cordish is working on having local papers report league scores.

Youngstown’s request to have Mite travel team participate fully in CSHL was discussed. Youngstown left in good standing after 05-06 season to join the PAHL. They have asked the league to allow their Mite teams only to play in the CSHL, being eligible for standings and playoffs. Their remaining teams will stay in PAHL. Per CSHL Bylaws a program must have 75% of its teams participate in the league to be considered a full scheduling members. It would require a 2/3 majority of voting programs to approve a waiver of this rule. Motion Tom Forcelllini to deny Youngstown request for Mite only full participation in CSHL 06-07. Second Mike Radosevic. Motion Mike Cordish for called roll vote, second Mike Radosevic. Votes 16 in favor to deny, 2 opposed, Motion carried Youngstown Mite team request denied.

19 programs in favor of requesting a waiver for tag up rule from USA Hockey.

Screening – please have a program in place. We recommend MidAm district’s screening process, all teams intending to participate in State Tournaments must have all coaches and adult team volunteers screened as part of credentials packet. Many program volunteers already must be screened by their municipalities.

New three 3 sheet facility rumored to be going up either in Westlake or Independence for new IHL team. Updates on improvements at Auburn rink, North Olmsted rink might be closed, just one of many possible changes being discussed for the entire city of N. Olmsted rec department.

Programs please make sure players leaving get releases.

Motion to adjourn Pam rice, second Mike Cordish. All in favor, meeting adjourned 9 pm.