It has been a long time since our last meeting. Much has happened in that time.

The Holiday Little League competition has come and gone. It was an eight team series this year. The reason for the reduced number of games was that we wanted the competition to be over by the 26th January, so as not to interfere with club training or with teams attempting to use that week to play any mid week games that they needed to.

Overall the competition did exactly what is it is intended to do – provide the opportunity for more Baseball for players to play in what is a ‘lost time’ for sport in Australia. Actually it is why Little League exists in the USA – to provide children with a competition to play during the long summer break. It brought four ‘new’ players to the sport.

The playing standard was not as good as last year, although the player attendance was better. It had the usual problems with some parents – all of these were that parents thought that the child was not getting enough playing time. This is our own doing by allowing teams to have 14 players in each team. This makes it difficult (and unfair) for coaches to be able to provide adequate playing time for all players.

The competition identified how poor the standard of pitching and catching (in particular) is in Hills. We have already started to thinking about next year’s competition. The changes being considered are:

# to make the competition an Under 13 competition with the eligibility date being 31 December and not 1 May as it is now. It is disappointing to deny our players the opportunity to play based on their date of birth. The only reason we conduct the competition is to allow players the opportunity to play more games – not to qualify for LL representative play.

# Squad size to be reduced to 11 players, 12 at the maximum. This will provide more playing time removing most of the parents’ angst.

# Players have to be available for 75% of the games scheduled to be guaranteed a place in a team. This year we had a player available for one day wanting to play!

# The Players’ Draft will not be performed coaches – it will be the responsibility of Nigel Hern, myself and Jeff Catt. We were disappointed with the draft choices this year, this is not a criticism of the coaches it is just that they do not have the depth of the knowledge of players that other people have.

# the biggest change comes in the thought to conduct two four team competitions rather than a one six team competition. A competition for 12 and 11 year old players also any 10 year old that is selected in the Under 12 State Cup team. The other four team competition will be for players not selected in the first competition and 10 year old players.

There is are risks to this concept

• (i) the competition may lose part of its ‘aura’ to the less talented players and
• (ii) we finish with basically a holiday competition of Southern Conference standard in the younger competition.

The representative teams have been selected. The teams are:

Hills South Lochie Adair (BH), Ryan Bartolo (KL), Mackenzie Bohan (BH), Jackson Bugdalski (K), Blake Dwyer (WH), Rhys Hopley Weir (BH), Adam McAlonan (WH), James McCallum (BH), Sam Ralston (BH),Tom Roberts (BH), Michael Robinson (KL), Joshua Smith (WH), Mitchell Williams (BH), Mika Zammitt (C).

Hills North Austin Clarke( CH), Joel Dyer (K), Dean Frew (O), Mitchell Ferris (CH), Liam Gilchrist (CH), Patrick Holm (CH), Jordan Lindsay (K), Ben Mawbey (K), Jordan McCarthy (CH), Cameron Power (H), Matthew Rofe (CH), Stefan Simic (CH), Alex Van Veen (CH), Jordan Wood (H).

All players have been individually advised of their selection. Ben Mawbey is the only player yet to accept the invitation.

There was a slight change to the policy determining whether a player is deemed a North or South player. The change is those players outside the Hills’ catchment area (T Roberts, M Zammit, R Bartolo) are selected according to whether their club is nominally North or South.

Greg Robinson has accepted the position as Technical Advisor for both teams rather than be linked to one particular team as a coach.

BNSW are unable to confirm the dates or format of the LL State LL Championships.

We have been very active in attempting to have the midweek games played. I suppose it has been successful however by my count there are approximately 12 games that were not played. Youth League and Leonard South were the worst.

Certainly there were roadblocks along the way with Quakers Hill, initially Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills in Youth League, Baulkham Hills in Leonard North and Winston Hills in Leonard South.

I am at the point where I do not want to budge from what has long been the accepted practice that says both teams are responsible to organize the replay (not the sole responsibility of the home team) and where there are difficulties that the matter is referred to Hills which sets the venue, date and time of the replay. Teams either turn up or forfeit.

In Leonard North Baulkham Hills forfeited at least three of its games – in Leonard South nothing happened but now teams want to claim forfeits… and I do not agree.

One of these games is a midweek game which teams knew about on 26th October to be played by 7 February. Arrangements were started on 16th December – no team would have been ready to play before 27th January and the team in question had two games to play. Even then there was no reference to me to resolve the problem. Oakville and Rouse Hill are equally responsible why its games against Winston Hills were not played.

This highlights the problem that exists in Hills and I guess junior sport generally. Clubs delegate responsibility to individual coaches rather than co ordinate the activities as a club responsibility.

Tonight we will very briefly discuss the Behavioral Standard Committee recommendations – these require that the Clubs to be proactive for matters particularly Child Protection matters within their club – just not take a laissez-faire approach. Child Protection is to be certain an issue for Baseball in the next few months.

One of the matters that has occupied a lot of Peter’s time in particular it is the drafting of a Heat Policy for Hills. We have been active on this since December. Twice we have had the Policy ready to issue only to find ‘grey areas’ that needed to be addressed.

The policy is generally based on a NSWJBL Policy. The effect heat has on sport is certainly not an ‘exact science’. There has only been one major study in Australia – that by South Australian Sports Medicine Association.

The accepted science seems to have shifted in the last decade or so. At one time, it was thought we could publish trigger numbers and rely on officials to use measurements from BOM observations that measure the climate and then decide whether to abandon a game or not. Basically, the flaw here is that the local points are places like Penrith, Badgerys Creek and Richmond –which are not relevant to grounds at Kellyville or Northmead etc. Measuring the climate is the change; something that was not practical 15 years ago is now possible with relatively cheap instruments available to do it.

These days, the research indicates that a decision to continue play or not needs to be taken by officials on the ground, on the day. Data like ambient temperature and WBGT are still valuable inputs to such a decision, but current expert thinking is clearly shifting back to wanting an actual person to make a decision, rather than blind reliance on empirical measurements and some conversion tables. Even more confusing, it seems that treating kids and adults differently may no longer be the right thing to do.

Frankly, there doesn't seem to be consensus out there. As administrators, all we can do is go with the flow and offer our members the best possible synopsis of the science from year to year.

That's what we'll do with the Hills Policy. In its current draft form, it does indeed have a table and require some climate observations at each field, but there's a hefty grey area between "safe" and "dangerous". Within that grey area, local officials will need to decide whether play should continue or not.

There is no official temperature trigger (say 40C for instance) when we suspend or abandon play. Moreover, it is a matter of awareness and common sense depending on the situation. It seems that sentence is dead right, at least for now.

In the end Saturday’s Decision to abandon all games was based on common sense given the circumstances of the days leading up to Saturday and the forecast for Saturday. It fitted within the guidelines of the Draft Heat Policy. Remember we were dealing with one – in – a 100 year event.

To assist in that decision Hills will purchase a device for each ground to measure the Wet Bulb Globe temperature (WBGT). The WBGT takes into account the ambient air temperature and the humidity. A sample of this device has finally arrived and will be at tonight’s meeting.

• Baulkham Hills are Minor Premiers in Youth League and in Hay League and almost certainly in Douglass League. As a result they will represent Hills in the Champion of Champions.
• During January we conducted three Holiday camps. The hot weather certainly was not kind to us, having to cancel one day and finish early on other days. In total there were 49 players involved in the camps. They made a small profit but the players were very ‘hard’ on equipment and as a result we need to replace some of our equipment – especially batting tees which were basically ‘abused’. Why are the player’s swings so bad that they cannot hit a ball off a tee?
• Winter Development is scheduled to commence on Tuesday 31st March. As was the case last year for Under 12 we will offer two programmes on Tuesday night.
  • 9 and some 10 year olds will be at 6pm to 7.15pm. Other 10 year olds and 11 year olds will be 7.00pm to 9pm. Participation will be by invitation only. A separate program will also be conducted for young catchers. Clubs are requested to submit names of players they consider have the potential to play at a representative level.
• Grand Final day for all Conferences other than Youth, Hay and Douglass will be Saturday 21st March at Bensons. There will be seven games in total.
  • Youth League will be a night game (Knights) on 13th March. With a ‘new’ format for Hay League finals we are investigating the possibility of playing the series, including the Grand Final (20th March) all as night games 5.45 start Douglass will be a Saturday grand final on 14th March
• We will again offer winter competitions in four age groups Under 9 T Ball, Under 12, 14 and 16. To be eligible players will need to be under that age as at 31st December, 2009. The Under 9, 12 and 14 competitions will be played Sunday morning. It is hoped that the Under16 competitions will be again a Friday night competition.
• The proposed move for Petroff / Daisley League into live ball is off. It is disappointing that not all clubs bothered to respond to the question asked in January. Those that did included the better teams and only two wished to move to ‘Live Ball’.
  • Staying in Mod Ball is the correct answer – there is nothing to be gained by moving to Live Ball if it becomes a ‘Walk a thon’. We do not want to push the players to a level where they cannot compete at.
  • Most of the best 10 year olds are already playing Live ball as high as in Douglass. There will be a draw issued for the last three weeks of competition. It will be a graded draw.
  • Those Under 10 teams wishing to gain Live ball experience should consider entering the Castle Hill Under10 Graduation Tournament which is to be held on Sunday 22nd March.
• The draw for Catt League from 22nd February will be issued by early next week. The format of the draw is already contained in the existing draw.
• There is a new Sports Show to be conducted on Community Radio 2CCR on FM 90.5. It can be heard at 9am from 14th February. Hills will make regular contributions to this show as from this week.
• Hills have 18 players in the All Star Games
  • Under 12: James McCallum, Mackenzie Bohan, Adam McAlonan, Dean Frew, Jordan Lindsay and JordanMcCarthy.
  • Under 14: Zachary Shepherd, Hayden Bray, Jordan Greenlees Brown, Tim Wakefield, Hayden Webster and Graeme Clark
  • Under 16: Jacob Younis, Joshua Blanco, Ben Cone, Joshua Guyer, Domonic Woodward and Harrison Garratt.
  • It is interesting to note that that in the Under 16 team Ryde Association Cup team had more players selected than a fully fledged Bankstown Association team.
• The Hills representative season has concluded. Both the Under 12 and 14 were two game final series competitions. Why? I cannot give you a logical answer. The Under 12 weren’t affected but certainly that tournament was not fair to Cronulla. The Under 12 did not play to their potential against Ryde and defeated Cronulla to finish second.
  • The Under 14 were successful. That was Hills’15th success in the 23 years in this competition. Unfortunately this tournament was blatantly UNFAIR to Manly and was a shemozzle.
    • The best two teams in the competition did not play in the finals nor did runs for and against count – despite Manly and Hills playing the same teams.
    • There can be absolutely no defense to why didn’t Manly play Hills in the only game on Sunday to determine the winner or have that game played next Sunday. You could say it was almost unbelievable – but you have to believe it happened.
    • Sadly BNSW appear to know no better. Associations, including Hills, are to blame as they allow it to happen and will not speak out demanding change. But then talk to Jeff and hear first hand how frustrating it is at the JLSC.
  • The Under 16 were soundly beaten in the elimination semi final of Youth League. From the time I arrived at the ground I witnessed a Hills team with no pride in its performance, really extremely poor body language and an attitude to match. The final score flattered Hills. Yet it had seven State players in the team!
    • Don’t blame the coaches fellows – critically look at your performance on the day. Not many of you can say that you played well.

The Secretary’s report was accepted.

Mr. Yard reported on the January meeting of NSWJBL

The IBA Program/tours was announced.

• Under 12/13                 Osaka, Japan               (August)

• Under 13                      Singapore                     (October)

• Under 15                      USA                            (August)

• Under 16                      Europe                         (August)

• Possibility of an Under 14 Girls’ tour to USA

The first of the trials for overseas tours will be held on 29th March at Boggabilla.  This will clash with Champion of Champions.  Players involved in that competition will be exempt from this trial.

NSWJBL is seeking a club to host the Pan Pacifics Championships to be held 15, 16 and 17 August.

Mr. Whatson reported on the December 2008 JLSC meeting.

• There was a presentation by Sports Passion on a service that it provides; it is similar to the application of Facebook.

• The All Star game will be 22nd February, 2009.

• John Chapman lost his appeal against his suspension, however the period of suspension was reduced to two weeks.

• The end of season debrief will be held in March.

• Representative Coaches are required to attend a minimum of two sessions of the Talent Identification Program.

• The introduction of accreditation will be introduced over two seasons.

• There is a DVD on ‘Yard Ball’ available

• Statement of Financial Position was presented.
• Payments were approved.
• Debtors and liabilities were disclosed.

Identification of Players – Mrs. Henderson queried how to implement Identification of Players. Mr. Yard replied that at present it is the responsibility of the clubs. A long, long time ago Hills looked at a Players Registration Card including a photograph, but this was not pursued Clubs verify the information as to players D.O.B.. to be correct – however Mr. Yard agreed that this was usually taken on advice from parent – there is no procedure for proof of age (e.g. birth certificate to be produced). As an aside, Mr. Yard stated there is some doubt about the eligibility of one player to play Under 10.

Quakers Hill membership - Mr. Schmidt advised that this matter was discussed in December however there was no decision taken at that time. Quakers Hill has not held talks with Greater Western, as it originally undertook to do. Cumberland still exists, however it is a ‘basket case’ and not a viable organisation without Quakers Hill. BNSW position on the Quakers Hill issue is in the Correspondence – it does not say how it would redevelop the Southern Boundary. The area is likely to be lost to baseball. Discussion took place on the various aspects of the affiliation.

• Schofields were concerned with the admission of Quakers Hill, particularly in relation to the use of Melrose Park. Mr. Yard stated that if the decision is to admit Quakers Hill that it be on the understanding:

  • that if Cumberland does actually grow again and becomes strong, that Quakers Hill returns to Cumberland. It is unlikely that Cumberland will grow to that level, however it is strategically a good position for Hills to be in.

  • not to take them alone, but also admit Eagles and Blacktown. That allows us to assist Cumberland rather than just ‘taking’ Quakers Hill out of Cumberland.

  • It may allow us leeway to move Conferences around a little to primarily have a Cumberland Conference within the Hills’ structure. When you vote to admit Quakers Hill, remember it will almost certainly mean that clubs will be playing games at neutral venues. Already Winston Hills, Carlingford, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills and Rouse Hill have no spare ground capacity. It is not necessary a case of admit them as it will not hurt you.

• Mr. Schmidt advised that Quakers Hill would have no claim on the Hills Finances whatever they are at the time they become members- those funds are ‘frozen’ and not available to any new clubs admitted to Hills. Their players would not be involved in this Winter Development Program.

• In summing up, Mr. Schmidt advised that Hills will not be relaxing its standards because of the admission of Quakers Hill.

• The vote to admit Quakers Hill was carried 8 – 1, with one abstention.

Claxton Shield - Mr. Yard reported that the NSW Claxton Shield team lost the final of that series 2 games to 1 (both the last two games were lost by one run).

Victorian Bushfire Appeal - It was resolved that Hills JBA will donate $1,000 toward the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. It was decided that this donation be made via the Channel 9 Telethon for the Bushfire Appeal.

Batting Tunnel - Mr. Frew advised that the Development Application for Colbee Park has been approved.

Ground Improvement - Mrs. Henderson advised that Northmead Reserve has been included on Council’s plan for ground improvements to be carried out.

Dispensation - Kings Langley requested a variation of the dispensation to allow Matthew Whitfield to pitch in Under 12 Southern Conference. Mrs. Henderson stated that it would be unfair to other clubs/players who have been prevented from pitching/catching all season. The dispensation was refused 7 votes to 1, with one abstention.

Judiciary - Mr. Catt reported on the Judiciary hearing heard before the meeting. Hawkesbury coach, F. Balzke, was reported by an umpire for actions toward an umpire. The Judiciary found Mr. Balzke to be guilty of a violation of the Hills Code of Conduct. There was no penalty imposed.

Midweek game - Mr. Cross wished to raise the matter of a mid week game not played and now ruled ‘no game’. Mr. Yard advised that the clubs had known since October that the ‘drop dead date’ for midweek games was 7th February, 2009. There was no application to Hills to set a date and time for the game. The procedure set down to resolve these issues was not followed.