ROTHC
Meeting of the League Executive
August 29th – 7:00pm – Stanley’s
In Attendance:
Avalanche
– Graham Amano, Ken Whitehead
Cowboys – Doug Collins (President)
Evaders - Gord Gouthro
Island Sun – Rob Lang (Vice President)
Grey Hawks – Don Taylor
Roadrunners – Blair Morrison
Rusty Blades – Brian Newman
Sorcerers – Rob Middleton-Hope
Shogun Shooters – Fred Brome
1) Introduction of the New President – Doug Collins
a) Vision, Goals and Philosophy
Doug Collins introduced himself as new League President with a vision to continue the league in a spirit of cooperation and good fun. His predecessor, Bruce Imrie has big shoes to fill and it will require the help of all managers.
2) Report from Referees Meeting
a) Self Managed system
A meeting held earlier in the year with the Referees was quite successful, with most officials willing to return. Fortuitously, the Referees agreed to self manage themselves. If we provide a set schedule, they will ensure that they will be there, or find a replacement.
b) Rule changes and clarification
i) High stick double minor
The referee’s requested that an accidental Highsticking incident not be called Major Penalty, rather a Minor Penalty. Malicious Highstick will remain a major.
The Executive approved the change to our rules.
c) Culture of respect
Referees are in short supply and we want to keep them around. To that end, we must reduce or eliminate frivolous arguing and maintain respect to the officials at all times. Any unsportsmanlike action will not be tolerated. Should this become a problem, officials will be instructed to crack down on such behaviour.
d) Fee increases
With inflation, the cost of gasoline and competing forces, we agreed to offer the officials a pay raise, from $40 per game to $50.
It was suggested that they not be paid double for doing solos, rather $80 per game. This will be presented for acceptance by the officials.
e) Scoresheets and Game Reports
The officials and management request that the ROTHC have a standard score sheet issued and distributed to all teams, to be filled out consistently by each team every game. The document will be created and distributed via email and website for managers to download, print and fill out.
3) Financial Update
a) Gift for outgoing Commissioner, Bruce Imrie - $445.23
In a final meeting at the bank with Bruce Imrie, to hand over signing authority, Doug Collins presented a gift on behalf of all teams. Bruce was very pleased to receive a fine bottle of Scotch, along with custom engraved Whiskey Glasses and a $100 gift certificate to Earl’s Restaurant. The cost of $445.23 will be added to the League expenses in the coming season.
b) Pirates refund - $863
The Pirates hockey club folded during the pandemic and were still owed money from cancelled ice time when the virus closed rinks down. $863 in Accounts Payable was closed with a cheque issued to Tom Water of the now defunct Pirates.
c) Current Balance - $7233.33
The current balance of $7233.33 is considered a healthy contingency, however, with the above mentioned costs we are weaker financially.
d) Target Contingency - $8000
A target contingency (bank balance) of no more than $8000 was suggested by the President/Director of Finance. League fees will reflect that, but will not necessarily result in an increase of league fees.
4) Schedule
a) Start date, Christmas break, CARHA World Cup, number of games
It was requested that despite the shortened season due to the March 19th CARHA World Cup Tournament being held in Richmond, that we do not start early, instead start the usual 3rd week in September. Also, it was requested that we do not play the week before and after Christmas.
This would result in an imbalanced number of ice times and some teams playing less than others.
Following the meetings, four teams, The Evaders, Cowboys, Roadrunners and Shooters agreed to start on September 14th. The Evaders and Cowboys also volunteered to play on December 20th. (These 4 teams will play the full 28 game schedule) The Grey Hawks agreed to play only 26 games and the remaining 4 teams will play 27 games. League fees will be pro-rated accordingly.
b) Playoffs?
It was agreed that because of the World Cup, we will skip playoffs this season.
5) Proposed Budget
a) League fees – proposed: $6500 - $7000
It was loosely agreed that league fees should remain unchanged at $6500 per team. However, with the altered scheduled, the amount could adjusted downward.
b) Insurance
Traditionally all teams are responsible for their own, mandatory insurance coverage. However, if there is an economic benefit to obtaining league coverage, we will revisit the topic.
6) Over 65 (60) division
a) Ice Time
An ice time of 9:30pm has been offered for the purpose of cultivating an over 65 division of the ROTHC. This later ice time, and conflicts with other schedules causes this ice time to be rejected.
b) Response from players
There is keen interest in developing an over 65 (60) faction, but getting consistent participation will require the right ice time. It was suggested that we seek random ice time throughout the year and attempt to fill in with exhibition or pick up hockey for older players, with the hope of eventually building into a full division of teams.
7) Other business
a) Dave Atkinson of the Guns hockey team arrived unannounced and was welcomed to sit in on the meeting. He presented a proposal to have the Guns join the ROTHC.
While a 10th team is a welcome idea, the consensus was that the Guns were just too good for our league and would not enjoy good competition.
It was suggested that maybe they revisit the idea in the future when the over 65 division was established.
b) A suggestion was put forward, reminding us of a thought to allow 1 player per team of 50 years or older. The idea was rejected, for fear of abuse. We may revisit the proposal in coming seasons.
c) Brian Newman volunteered to collect game sheets and monitor penalty minutes for the league.
8) Adjournment at 7:57pm