Welcome to the home page for info on senior softball for north SD county.

June Managers Meeting

May 2, 2020 Summary

The league managers, commissioners, and committee members met on Tuesday, June 2nd, on a zoom video conference.

We were happy to report that everyone on the call and their families are healthy and safe. The managers also reported that none of their team members have reported catching the virus.

The first order of business was to decide what to do regarding Season 1 2020. Since we are now in the month of June and any resumption of games is still unclear, the group decided that the first season of 2020 will be cancelled along with the end-of-season tournament. Also, no team will be declared champion of this season, in part because less than half of the games had been played.

The topic was discussed regarding how to potentially resume play leading up to Season 2 2020. While we cannot determine with 100% certainty, we had a majority agreement on a framework on how it will be accomplished. These steps are subject to change as we learn more about state, county, and Carlsbad restrictions and requirements:

When softball can return, 2 to 4 weeks of practice games will be scheduled in accordance with state, county, and city requirements (eg practices may initially be limited to 12 people).
An email will be distributed to all members of the league with the new rules, Covid-19 requirements, and the practice game schedule.
Commissioners, managers, and others will get members to fill out the season 2 signup sheet and collect the fees at the first 2 weeks of the practice games.
Once the number of players is established, the number of teams and a season schedule can be determined.
If possible, the teams from season 1 will remain. If there are less than 10 teams, the players on those deferred teams that signed up for season 2 will be assigned to the remaining teams. The assignment process is not yet been determined.
If it is determined that the season 1 teams cannot remain, a new draft for season 2 will be necessary. If a new draft is needed, the timing will be as follows:
1. At the end of the 2nd week of practice games, the managers will do their first draft pick.
2. At the end of the 3rd week of practice games, the draft for season 2 will be held.
3. The 4th week of practice games will be with the newly drafted teams.
Provided the city requirements will allow, the season games will start play in the 5th week.

Roney Lewis announced that he will not be returning as a manager for season 2. Please join us in thanking Roney his commitment and outstanding effort.

The group requested the current commissioners (Leigh Peterson, Dave Ash, and Dave Koch) stay in their positions until the end of 2020.

The next managers meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday, July 7th. Special meetings may be held before July 7th if needed.

May Managers Meeting

May 5, 2020 Summary

The managers and commissioners held a video conference call on May 5th.

Everyone in the meeting was asked if they knew of anyone in the league that contracted the virus. As of the May 5th meeting, there were no confirmed cases reported.

Skip Moyer reported that the league has submitted to the city of Carlsbad our field requests for July to December.

Due to the continued 'stay at home' status, there is no projected timeframe to restart any softball games. Therefore, the managers agreed to put both the 'Proposed 2020 - Season 2 Budget', and the 'Season 1/ Season 2' issues from last month's meeting on hold.

New COVID-19 Rules: The group discussed various new rules that may need to be implemented in order to comply with 'social distancing' guidelines and to create a safer environment in which to conduct our games once they are resumed. This discussion included disinfecting equipment, mask usage, dugout utilization, and more. No final decisions were made in this meeting. The group will wait until the state, county, and/or city provides their guidelines to resume group sports.

The managers provided the commissioners with the responses they received from their team members regarding returning to play softball in the next season. The overall result was 121 yes, 12 no, and 11 maybe. Several of the 'no' replies were due to moving out of the area or retiring from play. But there was one consistent message from all the players regardless of their answer: concerns about return to play while the virus is still active. This concern makes our conversion in the issue above ("New COVID-19 Rules") all the more important. Below, you can provide more feedback to the commissioners and managers with your thoughts and ideas on how we can conduct our future games.

There were no additions to the Proposed Rule changes listed in the previous meeting notes.

April Managers Meeting

April 7, 2020 Summary

The manager’s and commissioner’s held a conference call on April 7.

Everyone in the meeting was asked if they knew of anyone in the league that contracted the virus. As of the April 7th meeting, there were none reported.

In season draft - Russ Roopenian joined the league and was assigned to Worden Williams. He was the only player available and Worden Williams was the only team with an open roster position. All teams now have 15 players on their rosters.

Skip Moyer reported that with the field closures, the league has accrued $1,110 in field rental credit thru the end of April.

Proposed 2020 - season 2 budget - given that we simply do not know when we can resume play and what that means for season 2, it was recommended that all active players be charged only $10 to participate in season 2. Any new players will be charged the regular rate.

Season 1/ Season 2 options - two primary options were presented and discussed related to season 1 and season 2. One option was to conclude season 1 when we are able to resume play with various adjustments give the remaining time available. The other option was to continue season 1 thru December and eliminate season 2.

**Note: It was clear that before any decisions could be made, more information is needed. This includes knowing when we can resume play and how many players intend on returning to play. The managers will hopefully contact their current players and get feedback from them to share at the next manager’s meeting on May 5.

We will continue to update players with any new information on the website.

6. Proposed rule changes - below are the 6 current items that have been suggested that the rules committee review as possible future rule changes:

Consider a proposed rule change related to a batted ball that hits the pitching screen. In certain situations,the batted ball be called a strike.
Consider a rule related to part-time players to eliminate abuse of the part-time status.
Consider reinstating the runner from home rule.
Review the inequity of the number of players in a line-up. That is, consider a rule to balance the line-ups if one team has 2 or more players in a game than their opponent.
Review the DEL rule, specifically as it applies to encroachment by the pitcher.
Review the pinch runner rule with the purpose of addressing the practice of an individual(s) running for multiple players throughout the game.

San Diego North County Senior Softball (NCSS)