Minutes of CSHL General Meeting September 12, 2006

Board Members not attending: Mitch Green, Barry Lulas

Programs not attending: Cleveland Barons. Columbus Capitals, Columbus Bluejackets, Cleveland Youth Hockey and Euclid.

Pam Rice motioned to approve the minutes of the August 22, 2006 general meeting. Second Mark Clendenin. All in favor, motion approved.

Tim O’Shaughnessy thanked all programs for efforts in submitting projected team placements and preseason ice slots in a timely manner. Preliminary team placements (the snake chart) has already been formulated and are on the website, along with team numbers. Drafts of schedules were distributed to program directors for review. These may not be the finalized schedules handed out on Saturday, these drafts must be returned at the end of the meeting. These drafts are NOT to be given to coaches. In addition coaches will have opportunity to make changes on Saturday, schedules will not be official until all coaches have reviewed the schedules, have made changes/added games if necessary, and receive finalized schedule before leaving the meeting.

Preseason ice slots and blackout weekends were submitted in a much improved format from last year. For next season an excel spreadsheet will be distributed, this will be the only format accepted.

Chris Kendel reminded that team scheduling fee of $150 per team is required at preseason scheduling. One check for all teams in the program is preferred. Chris provided a handout detailing game and referee fee costs for the season.

Cathy Fievet reviewed USA Hockey document requirements, including IMRs for insurance and TMA (Team Membership Applications). USA Hockey/MidAm registration fees can either be paid to Cathy or can be paid on-line during that registration process. Cathy will also be accepting team rosters for certification. Teams must have an approved USA Hockey roster before playing any games that count toward 10-20 rules for State Tournaments.

John Stojak gave coach/referee committee report: thanks to Geauga for invite to attend coaches meeting, also will be attending upcoming Mentor coaches meeting. John and Don have or will be attending referee meetings throughout the area to review rules that are particular for CSHL league play. Applying the new USA Hockey directive for standards of play seems to be extending game times due to number of penalties called. There appears to be uneven application of new playing standards from game to game and ref to ref. Once referees are more educated on how to call the game under new directives, and players and coaches go thru the learning curve how to adjust, things should improve. Usahockey.com has a video link on the website that is very instructive.

Reminder that a player receiving 3 game misconducts in an USA Hockey game is suspended for CSHL league games until a Board hearing. Coaches will be suspended after receiving 2 game misconducts.

Coaches are now required to wear helmets during on-ice activities, specifically practices.

The Board met in caucus prior to start of general meeting to discuss the following proposal: Playing Select teams in league games should be optional, not required of other teams. Teams are not considered to be formally Select until the team roster is officially set for regular season. A team that has more than the limit of 3 import players may change to non-select if one of more of those players leave the team prior to regular season play. For this reason the Board determined that a CSHL member program team may not decline to play against a team that has declared itself Select, if this is a League-scheduled preseason game. Teams are permitted to decline to play games vs. Select teams during regular season play only.

Upcoming coaching clinics are scheduled for our area. Go to usahockey.com, “Coaches” section, for dates, times, locations and registration information.

On a sad note, we mourn the loss of one of the league’s veteran coaches, Bob Chippy of Parma Hockey.  Bob passed away unexpectedly last month. Bob expressed a love for the game that was shared by all who knew him.  The family suggests contributions to the Chippy children’s education fund. Contact Tom Forcellini for details.

Motion to adjourn made by Mike Radosevic. Second by Jim Revak. Motion passed, meeting adjourned.