> > 2008 - A Note from the Commissioner < <

BORED? - WINTER DOLDRUMS? – Try attending an EMASS Board meeting!
The 3 hour meeting on Feb. 5 resulted in the equivalent of an EMASS face lift.

The Board made decisions that will affect everything from our appearance, to the way the League is run, to the reorganization of the National Division, to our Cambridge tournament, and to lowering the age requirement in the American Division. Let’s take a brief look at what was accomplished:

Membership Fees – will remain the same despite that fact that field costs are uncertain.

Appearance – Instead of our traditional jerseys, this coming year we will all wear high quality cotton T-shirts. This was a decision based on economy and comfort. Every attempt will be made to duplicate the previous team color on the new shirts, which will also be numbered.

EMASS Booklet – This useful tool will be published again this year. Everyone who has submitted and paid their fees by the deadline of Tuesday, May 13 will be included in the Player Booklet. In order to defray printing costs we are looking for companies that might want to advertise in the booklet. Please contact Louise if you have any leads or need any information.

National Division (ND) – For many reasons (such as imbalance among teams and lack of 'home fields') the ND managers and EMASS Board agreed that it was in the best interest of EMASS to have a complete redistribution of its athletes. Manager evaluations of their players have been completed and a process is being devised to accomplish an open and equitable distribution of talent.

American Division (AD) – Because the normal flow of players from the AD to the ND has created serious roster attrition in the AD and because of the scarcity of AD caliber athletes at the 55+ age level, it was decided to lower the age from 55 to 50 ONLY for AD athletes. In order to maintain the balance of the AD, it was decided that all new recruits would be subject to a division draft. Athletes under the age of 55 that are not drafted by an AD team will be dealt with on an individual basis in order to maintain the integrity of all other EMASS Divisions.

By-Laws – By an 18-4 vote (with 1 abstention) a new set of By-Laws for the governing of our league was enacted. A link to view the adopted By-Laws can be found by clicking on the heading "EMASS."

Cambridge Tournament – While its tournament teams display interest in the event, there are not enough EMASS members who volunteer to help out and make the tournament a success. Because it lost money last year and is without leadership this year, the Board decided not to host it. However, the 70 year old team may still decide to conduct an event for that age group sometime during the summer.

All and all the meeting was historic in its accomplishments. But remember – like every other face lift – it will have its wrinkles.

Stay well – Keep fit – Spring is coming. ~ Stu Gray, Commissioner