LCIHA Board Meeting Minutes

Time/Place: 7/14/02, 7:00 P.M., Jett Hall Rm. 283, NMSSU

Present: Eli Best, Chris Christeson, Wendy Hamilton, Peter Kane, Tom King, Andrew Lucht, Dave Rockstraw, Isaiah Rodriguez, J.P. Rodriguez, Roman Rodriguez, Patty Walters, Derrik Wootton

Minutes:

· Andrew Lucht, who is opening the new indoor skating facility (projected January 2003) came at Dave Rockstraw’s invitation to update the Board on his plans. Andrew has hired a professional roller hockey player, Chris Street, to run the hockey programs for him. In recent conversations between Dave and Andrew regarding Chris’ plans, Dave had begun to have some concerns that his program might not be compatible with LCIHA’s mission or goals. Andrew presented everyone with a handout that outlines Chris’ ideas and plans for League play at NMSS. He emphasized that this is merely a starting point, and asked that the Board and membership of the LCIHA provide input to Chris so that we can have a mutually satisfying relationship with NMSS. Chris is currently not affiliated with USAHI, and the League has just renewed its affiliation to run through May 2003. The current plan is to work out a rental agreement to allow us to play in the new facility for the Spring 2003 season, and use this approximate 5 month “grace period” to hash out differences of opinion on rules, regulations, fees, schedules and etc. The current feeling of the Board is that we have been happy with the relationship we have forged with USAHI, and the fact that they provide liability insurance is an important – but not the only -- reason to maintain our association with them. Dave has accepted a position on the NMSS Board of Directors, and will continue to represent the interests of the LCIHA while he serves in that capacity.

· Derrik began going over the proposed modifications of the by-laws. The changes will be posted in more detail (actual language) on the website at least one month prior to the next full membership meeting at which they will be scheduled to be ratified. In this manner, all interested parties will have the time to review them, and raise any questions or concerns they might have prior to said meeting. The by-laws as they are currently written are available on the LCIHA website as well. Following is a summary of the proposed changes, and any concerns raised:

1) Article 3, Section 1: Change to reflect that people living outside Dona Ana County may join league/play with the consent of the Board. Someone will check with Delores Archuleta to make sure that this does not conflict with our agreement with the City.

2) Article 7, Section 8: Do away with entirely. The League President, in conjunction with the Board during a team formation meeting, is currently acting in this capacity.

3) Article 7, Section 13: Add this section which will say that any vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors, and the full membership can vote on the appointment at the next regularly scheduled full membership meeting.

4) Article 8, Section 4: Since Board members and League Officers are elected for two year terms, change the wording of this Section to reflect that the Nominating/Election Committee be formed every two years rather than annually.

5) Article 8, Section 5: Remove the Board Member requirement for the Sport Development Committee.

6) Article 11, Additions/Clarifications/Changes:

(a) O16 fees to be waived for goalies.

(b)Players may play both 14-16 and O16 leagues if they are a goalie only in the O16 league and have the permission of the Board.

(c) New teams must have a coach.

(d)Returning teams must have 5 returning players and a coach.

(e) Players can skip one season (e.g. Fall or Spring) and return to the same team the following season.

(f) Coaches may not add players to their rosters without prior approval of the Board.

(g)New teams must submit their intent to play to the Board of Directors, and may have no more than five returning players on their proposed roster.

(h)Every effort will be made to keep friends and carpools together when forming teams, but there are no guarantees that all such requests can or will be accommodated.

(i) The Board will have the final say on all team formation matters.

· The idea of giving Summer League players who showed up and played consistently a $10 rebate coupon was discussed. This issue was raised because the summer “league” ended up being little more than organized pick-up hockey, and some people felt that since the product delivered wasn’t what was promised, there should be a refund for the fees collected. Several alternatives were discussed, and it was ultimately decided that since no one had complained or seemed upset that the money collected should be put back into the program instead.

· A brief discussion followed on proposed advertising for the LCIHA for the fall. J.P. will handle getting the word out through newspapers, radio spots, and through the current players in the public schools. Wendy volunteered to get the fall registration dates and website address posted in the Sunday Sun-News Sports section “Sign-Up Sheet” immediately.

· Dave suggested that the League purchase a domain name for the website that would be shorter and easier to remember than the one we have currently. The cost is thought to be around $25 per year, but Dave will do some additional research and provide the Board with a firmer estimate that can be included in the budget for the coming year.

· Chris raised some concerns that if a lot of new kids (with no experience) sign up as a result of our advertising, we will need to come up with a plan to teach them what they need to know in order to play. One idea might be to have a “Rookie League” immediately following the O16 games in the mornings, and have as many of the adults as possible (+ referees) stay there to work with them. Further discussion on this issue was tabled for a later meeting.

Respectfully Submitted: Patty Walters, Secretary, LCIHA