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WSFL League Meeting Notes March 30th, 2008
Voting membership in attendance: Gil Soto
(Cardinals), Scott Kessler (Head of Referees), Andy Stopcynski (Rebels),
and Steve Goode (Stampeders). Todd Dillinder was present as a non-voting
member and competition committee member.
- Panel recommended minimum statistics recording requirement. The
competition committee would recommend a standardized form. Any team
wishing to provide input was to contact Scott Kessler. It was
recommended that stats were to be signed by referee, opponents
representative, or both. Recommend statistics must be turned in 48
hours after contest conclusion.
- Minimum standards for each team’s media guide contribution: Name
of team, logo, history (mission statement), 1 team picture minimum,
roster, home field(s) with address, team and league website
information, team contact information, chief team sponsor (can be
included in sponsorship packages), schedule, player information (any
former player mentioned but not currently on the roster must sign a
release and the league must be afforded a copy). These were
determine to be the minimum requirements. Teams must submit a
minimum 3-4 pages.
- Saukville Demons presented their team for re-consideration in the
league due to new management.
- Changes were recommended to the online new team proposal form.
Form should include potential
- Discussion on imposing Competition Committee term limits.
Specifics of discussion detailed in the 4/20/2008 meeting agenda in
action items.
- Discussion on Todd Dillinder’s position with the Competition
Committee due to a change in his status within the league. No
further action will be taken as no members in attendance took issue
with Todd remaining on the committee.
- Vote on "Action Item 1" requiring all teams to record
and present stats for league promotion. Motion: Scott Kessler 2nd:
Andy Stopczynski (Passed Unanimously)
- "Action Item 2" Motion Steve Good, 2nd Andy
Stopczynski (Passed Unanimously) "Any new team proposal must be
accompanied by a $250 refundable deposit with the deposit being
returned only if the league elects not to absorb the proposing team
into the league. A team’s self-withdrawal from consideration, or
inability to present a team from league competition will forfeit
their deposit to the league.
- "Action Item 3" Motion by Andy Stopczynski, 2nd
Scott Kessler (Motion failed 0-4). The competition committee shall
continue to determine which new team proposals are submitted for
league vote, and shall not merely make recommendations on teams.
- "Action Item 4" Motion Steve Good, 2nd Andy
Stopczynski to require that league dues be paid by March 1st
beginning in 2009 (passed 4-0).
- The league voted unanimously (4-0) to accept ruling of the
competition committee pertaining to the game ball as recorded in the
"League Meeting Notes" form 2/23/2008 following a motion
from Steve Good and support from Gil Soto.
- Accepted suggestions for Agenda Items in Other Business.
WSFL League Meeting Notes February 23rd,
2008
Voting membership present at the meeting: George
Kone (Vipers), Andrew Stopczynski (Rebels), Scott Kessler (Head of
Referees), Jason King (Timberjacks), Jim Heitman (Rattlers)
- Kenosha Cardinals and Kettle Moraine Titans presented their teams
for league consideration per competition committee request that they
present in person. Saukville Demons elected to present next month.
(Demons must re-present due to change in ownership).
- Jason King spilled ice water on himself. (1:37pm)
- Competition Committee made their recommendation on the game ball
changes. "The league will allow a 1 in wide strip (shoe
polish or paint) 3 inches from the point of the ball. Logo may not
be obscured. The league will continue to require an NFL Leather (no
composites) ball." Penalties for infractions are as
follows: 1st offense – 15 yard penalty and loss of
down, 2nd offense – 15 yard penalty, loss of down, QB
and Coach ejected, 3rd offense – forfeit game and a
$300 fine in addition to league mandated forfeiture fee, 4th
offense – 2nd forfeit and team expelled from league.
- A league vote determined to be held at the March Meeting on
whether or not to permit the whitening of the ball.
- After discussion, the league decided not to pursue a league wide
player database.
- Pursuit of All-Star Game tabled until next year when a
determination can be made on league compliance with mandatory
statistic recording and reporting.
- It was determined that a vote would follow on whether or not to
hold a North vs. South exhibition during halftime of the
Championship Game. Teams would consist of voluntary players.
- Discussion on statistics and vote to follow on making stat
recording and reporting mandatory.
- Discussion on moving due date for league dues up to March 1st
to expedite the finish of the league schedule.
- Scott Kessler indicated he would make on call referees available
for referee emergencies.
- Discussion followed over a voiced concern that the competition
committee exceeded their authority in disallowing a vote on the
Chicago Falcons, NEW Storm, and Lake Country Cyclones proposals.
Review of past discussions and meetings indicated that they acted
within their authority. A recommendation was made that the
competition committee should making recommendations as to actionson
teams, not ruling on which teams will be submitted to the league for
vote. Vote to follow in March.
- On Jake Tetting’s request the league voted unanimously to remove
him from the competition committee. Motion: George Kone 2nd:
Jason King
- Jason King (3 Votes), Jim Heitman (1 Vote), Steve Goode (1 Vote),
and Mike Hartman were all nominated for Jake’s position. Jason
King elected to position with 3 votes.
- A unanimous vote following a motion by Scott Kessler, 2nd
by Andy Stopcynski, mandated that the league would pursue a league
wide media guide. Every team must contribute at least 3-4 pages.
Teams will be afforded guides in accordance with the sponsorship
they contribute. The guides are to be distributed by dispersing them
to area business for free dispursal.
- Commissioner, Rick Hartman, advised teams to have players sign
their conduct codes for several years. This would prevent pirating
of their teams roster in the event of a new team in close proximity.
- Jim Heitman informed the league that the R.C. Rattlers would not
be merging with the Lake Country Cyclones. Jim offered for their
players to play on his team, but this would by no means be
considered a merger. He reported no further contact after his
decree.
- In "Other Business" the league reps heard
recommendations for agenda items for the March Meeting.
Review of Business from January 1st, 2008
Meeting called to order. Jason King (Timberjacks),
George Kone (Vipers), Stephen Good (Stampeders), Andy Stopczynski
(Rebels), Scott Kessler (Head of Referees), Todd Dillinder (Competition
Committee Member), Mike Hartman (Force), and Jim Heitman (Rattlers) were
all league representatives present in Appleton for the meeting.
- Presentation by Vojo’s All Sports followed by question and
answer. Vojo’s offers on and off field equipment, awards, and
clothing. Willing to sponsor league and even set up booths at games.
- Unanimous vote accepted new format for league meeting. Agenda
items will be discussed and must be submitted to the commissioner 2
weeks prior to league meeting. Only posted agenda items will be
voted upon, except in cases when a decision is time sensitive.
Agenda will be posted on league website prior to meeting.
- Responsibilities of competition committee were reviewed: Recommend
necessary rule changes, determine desired number of teams for the
season to control growth, determine which proposed new teams will be
submitted for a vote, and team quality control.
- Team presentations by Lake Country Cyclones, and NEW Storm.
Questions and discussion followed. Teams sent to competition
committee for consideration.
- Team presentations by Rick Hartman on behalf of Chicago Falcons,
Kettle Moraine Titans, and Kenosha Cardinals. Recorded questions to
be asked of teams. Competition committee to consider teams.
- Discussed blocking below the waist. Was determined that no new
rule was necessary. Teams were encouraged to remark on referee
evaluations if calls were missed or neglected habitually.
- Discussed the need for a media guide. Forwarded to action item for
February meeting. Mike Hartman commented on reliability and
reasonableness of printer.
- Motion (Scott Kessler) to change cut-off date for new team
applications, beginning 2009 season, to March 15th.
Second George Kone. Failed 6-2.
- Motion (Stephen Good) to change due date for new team proposals to
January 15th (beginning 2009 season). Second Mike
Hartman. Motion Passed Unanimously.
- Motion by Todd Dillinder, supported by Mike Hartman to accept
commissioner’s recommendation to change new team voting procedures
to allow for anonymity. New teams will be presented, followed by
opportunity to ask questions. The competition committee will then
use the information to decide which teams will be subjected to a
vote. Vote will be conducted via e-mail to sustain voting integrity.
Teams will be noticifed within 2 weeks of the meeting at which they
presented. Beginning with the 2009 season all teams will be
presented after the January 15th deadline. Motion passed
by 6-2 margin (Scott Kessler and Stephen Good against).
- Other business: Took nominations for agenda items for February
Meeting.
Review of Business from April 22nd, 2007
Meeting
Present for Voting: Don Evans (Milwaukee Rattlers),
Jake Tetting (Saukville Demons), Andy Stopczynski (Oostburg Rebels), Ann
(West Bend Junkyard Dogs), Jason King (M&M Timberjacks), George Kone
(Bay Area Vipers), Todd Dillinder (Stateline Hawks), Corey Larrabee
(Racine Horsemen), Jim Heitman (River City Rattlers), Steve Good (Summit
Stampeders) and Scott Kessler (Head of Referees)
- A 10-1 vote passed the notion to pursue not-for-profit status for
the league. This decision does not prevent teams from being for
profit. Researching whether 501c3 status or UNA status is
preferential.
- Discussion of "Quality Control" to help teams remain or
become competitive prompted the motion to form a competition
committee headed by Scott Kessler and involving four team
representatives. Motion passed unanimously. The competition
committee will review all new team proposals prior to presentation
to the league board, review team performance and competitiveness,
and aid struggling teams with strategies for improvement. The
committee may encourage solvency of a team if the team is largely
non-competitive and a threat to the credibility of the league. The
committee shall be responsible for defining "competitive",
and recommending a course of action to be voted on by the league.
- Nominations for the Competition Committee: Andy S. (Rebels), Todd
D. (Hawks), Paul Z. (J.Y. Dogs), George K. (Vipers), Corey L.
(Horsemen), Steve G. (Stampeders), Mike H. (Force).
- Playoff format was established. A unanimous vote adopted 3
divisional winners and 3 wildcards would comprise the field. Top 2
win/loss records would receive a first round bye with all teams
being seeded by record and previously established tiebreakers when
necessary. An 8-2 vote established that the second team in each
division would assume the wild card regardless of records across
other divisions.
- Decisions on WSFL player exclusivity and mandating videotaping of
games were tabled to next meeting. Due to cost associated with
videotaping it was determined a quorum must consist before a
determination can be made.
- Random drawing determined interdivisional crossover games.
Review of Business from March 11th, 2007
Meeting
Teams Represented at Meeting: Timberjacks (Jason King), Junkyard Dogs
(Paul Zimdars),Milwaukee Rattlers (Jesse Rowell), River City Rattlers
(Jim Heitman), Horsemen (Corey Larrabee), Hawks (Todd Dillinder), Rebels
(Andy Stopczynski), Stampeders (Stephen Good), Demons (Jake Tetting),
Force (Mike Hartman), Hawk (Todd Dillinder), Vipers (George Kone),
Bobcats(Beto Serrano), Head of Referees (Scott Kessler)
- The M&M (Marinette/Menominee) Timberjacks were unanimously
accepted for the 2007 WSFL season. The Milwaukee Rattlers were
accepted into the league for the 2007 season by a 7-6 vote with
commissioner Hartman providing the tie-breaking vote.
- Disciplinary actions were taken:
- A Vote was called to assess a $1000.00 fine on the Patriots for
conduct violations relating to assertions of racism against the
Junkyard Dogs. An amended motion was issued by Jake Tetting,
supported by Stephen Good, to vote on dismissal of the Washington
County Patriots from the league by a 10-2 vote.
- A motion to eliminate the Rock County Gladiators was from the WSFL
was made by Jake Tetting, supported by Stephen Good, for violation
of league policies and rules relating to Carter Linneman’s use of
rogue message boards to defame the league and its governing
officials. A 7-5 vote eliminated the Rock County Gladiators from
league participation.
- A motion was made by Scott Kessler, supported by Stephen Good and
Mike Hartman, to retain fines ($1000.00 for team owners, $500 for
players and personnel) for the individual’s who perpetrated the
offenses relating to the dismissal of the Patriots and Gladiators.
The persons involved, amounts fined, and result of vote are as
follows: Derek Diehl $1000 (12-0), Erik Hansen $500 (12-0), Carmello
Vasquez $500 (10-2), Carter Linneman $1000 (12-0), Jesse Booker $500
(12-0).
- It was decided that the league message board would be closed to
the public. Each team representative will be given a user name. The
team representative may give access to anyone he/she wishes, but
will be held accountable for all content posted with that account.
- The league voted to adopt the NFL Tie-Breaker rules for the 2007
season by a 9-1 vote. (Jesse Rowell and George Kone had left by this
point of the meeting for other engagements).
- A 10-0 vote empowered the league to govern transfer of team
interests by adopting – "The WSFL shall retain the right to
refuse to acknowledge the transfer of team control via merger or
acquisition to preserve the integrity of the league. A transfer of
team interests and control, without prior league authorization, does
not guarantee that team may persist as a recognized entity of the
WSFL.
- The league voted by a 12-0 count to cap the league at 12 teams for
the 2007 season.
- Teams were asked to prepare a 3-4 page presentation for inclusion
in a possible media book. Teams were asked to help develop a
standardized stat sheet. Teams were reminded that all forms and
money were due on 4/22/07 in order to fulfill their team requirement
to be scheduled.
Review of Business from February 11th,
2007 Meeting
Teams Represented at Meeting: Junkyard Dogs (Jeremy Lambie),
Gladiators (Carter Linneman), Rattlers, Patriots (Derek Diehl), Horsemen
(Corey Larrabee), Hawks (Todd Dillinder), Rebels (Andy Stopczynski),
Stampede (Stephen Good), Head of Referees (Scott Kessler), WSFL Website
(Jason King)
- Watertown Rattlers voted into league unanimously.
- Add Central States Football League to list of interleague contacts.
- Decided not to vote for postseason honors as only 3 teams qualified.
- Vote on Championship site postponed.
- Voted 7-3 to have ONE official site for championship as opposed to
different venue each season.
- Voted 9-1 to begin season on 1st Weekend of August.
- Voted 9-1 to use 1" kicking block.
- Unanimous vote to establish policy on telephone votes.
Representatives given two days to respond for called vote. If rep
fails to reply in 2 days, their vote will not count. May appoint
secondary representative.
- Unanimous vote to require all personnel affiliated with team to sign
Code of Conduct.
- Change wording in Charter regarding ‘Officials Association’ to
‘Officials Registry.’
- League dues unanimously voted to be set at $1000 per team.
- Rosters set at 53-man maximum with no practice squad. Roster to be
locked Wednesday after second week of the season.
- Maximum of 33 active players to be considered for adding replacement
players mid season. Still must show reasonable need for addition of
players.
Review of Business from December 10th, 2006 Meeting
Teams Represented at Meeting: Demons (Jake Tetting), Rebels (Andy
Stopczynski), Force (Mike Hartman), Gladiators (Carter Linneman),
Junkyard Dogs (Paul Zimdars), Vipers (George Kone), Hawks (Todd
Dillinder), Patriots (Stan Stankowski), Stampeders (Stephen Good).
- Review of Meeting Rules
- Unanimous vote to withhold Racine Threat's portion of Championship
money for Rebels' cleanup of locker room, sidelines, and parking lot.
Proceeds, $120, donated to league.
- Vote to remove Racine Threat from league approved unanimously.
- Vote to remove Racine Horsemen failed 5-2.
- Review fallout from Horsemen/Hawks brawl.
- New Team Votes:
Summit Stampeders Approved 6-0
Bay Area Vipers Approved 7-0
Rock County Gladiators Approved 6-1
- Review League Goals
- Players indebted (money or equipment) to a previous team may not
play for another in this league until the debt is repayed.
- All rogue message boards associated with the WSFL are to be removed.
- Vote to allow punishment by Head Referee, to be upheld by
commissioner, approved unanimously.
- Reinstatement of official WSFL Message Board. There is to be one,
and only one, WSFL Message Board to be run by the WSFLonline.net
administrator, Jason King.
- Discussion to move starting date for season tabled pending further
review.
Review of Business from May 7th 2006 Meeting
Meeting Teams Represented at meeting: Junkyard Dogs
(Jeremy Lambie), Horsemen (Corey Larrabee), Demons (Jake Tetting),
George Kone (Bobcats), and Rebels (Rick Hartman).
- The voting representatives passed a $200 credit to the Saukville
Demons (for work performed by Jason King with the website)
unanimously.
- The Hawks will be allowed this year with only blue jerseys by a
unanimous vote.
- Divisional cross over games were picked by lots with the North
Division team representatives picking. (Corey Larrabee picked for the
Eagles in Bryan’s absence, and Jake Tetting picked for the Force in
Mike Hartman’s absence).
- League Dues were collected along with "Intent to
Participate" forms.
- Scheduling requests were tabled and discussed.
Review of Business from April 9th 2006
Meeting Teams Represented at meeting: Patriots (Derek
Diehl), Junkyard Dogs (Scott Hall), Head of Officials (Scott Hall),
Horsemen (Corey Larrabee), Threat (Ben Adrian), Demons (Jake Tetting),
Hawks (Garret/Scott), Elite (Scott Lang) and Rebels (Rick Hartman).
- Two 5-team divisions were established. The North Division will the
Green Bay Bobcats, Fox Valley Force, Oostburg Rebels, West Bend
Junkyard Dogs, and the Washington County Patriots. The South Division
will consist of Beloit Hawks (Possible name change), Racine Threat,
Racine Horsemen, Milwaukee Elite, and Saukville Demons. It was
determined that divisional teams would be played twice and two games
would be played with a team from the other division. On recommendation
from Derek Diehl it was determined by a unanimous vote that a lottery
format would determine interdivisional games. Note: At the time of the
printing of these notes no contact had yet been made with the Green
Bay Eagles. Recent message board posts suggest that they intend to
play. If they do play, a vote will be required as to if we maintain a
divisional schedule and lengthen the schedule significantly due to bye
weeks, or if we adopt a non-divisional format and play everyone once.
- Scott Kessler recommended that the mercy rule remain intact, which
passed by unanimous vote. A 35-point lead after the half will result
in a continuous clock.
- Also adopted unanimously on Scott Kessler’s request was a
25-second clock on an official blow in. Every other situation would
have a 45-second play clock.
- Security was discussed, and while not mandated, off-duty police
officers were recommended.
- Home game times were discussed: Rebels – 6:00pm Saturdays,
Patriots – 1:00pm or 7:00pm Saturdays if lighted field is completed,
Horsemen and Threat will play some Saturday and some Sunday games time
TBD, Elite - 1:00pm Sundays, Demons – 2:00pm Sundays, Hawks at time
of this copy were still unsure. Any changes or additions must be made
by May 15th. The Head Referee and the opposing team after schedule is
submitted must confirm time and day changes.
- Playoff format was discussed and accepted. The top 3 teams from each
division would be accepted into the playoffs. Teams will be seeded by
record with the best record in each division receiving a bye for the
first round. 2nd and 3rd seeded teams would play with the higher seed
hosting the playoff game in the divisional semi-final game. The winner
of that game will then travel to the number 1 seed for the divisional
final match-up. Winners of Divisional final games will then meet for
the league championship at Arrowhead Field (the previously determined
neutral field).
- The Oostburg Rebels were granted by unanimous vote a $300 credit on
their league dues for costs previously incurred with the league
website and trophy.
- League ID’s were discussed and it was determined that due to
highly involved process it would take to get the ID’s, we would
operate in good faith until an infraction was discovered. The league
would then readdress the issue if needed.
Review of Business from March 19th 2006 Meeting
Teams Represented at meeting: Threat (Ben Adrian), Bobcats (George
Cone), Patriots (Derek Diehl), Junkyard Dogs (Scott Hall), Demons (Jake
Tetting), Force (Mike Hartman), Rebels (Rick Hartman).
- Charter was reviewed and ratified as the governing document of the
league. Teams were advised to maintain copies of meeting notes as an
adjunct to the charter.
- Roger Ahnen was dismissed from refereeing in the WSFL for founded
examples of bias and overcharging teams for refereeing services. Work
was to begin on finding new referees in that region. At time of this
printing, Scott Kessler was in contact with Mike Nukkles, but nothing
was yet confirmed.
- Scott Kessler requested that every team attempt to submit a local
referee contact.
- The Beloit Hawks and Fox Valley Force were both accepted as WSFL
teams for the 2006 season by 6-1 votes.
- By unanimous vote the league permitted the Patriots to participate
with only a white jersey, and the Bobcats with only black. Another
unanimous vote decided that teams participating with only one jersey
color would not have a uniform exception as per the league charter.
- Referee pay was unanimously increased to $65 per referee split by
the two teams. ($325 for a 5-man crew -- $165/team. Recommend $165 per
team for good faith).
- Team commitment form (Appendix B in the Charter) is due along with
$800 league dues by May 15th to be included on this years schedule.
Please make a copy of Appendix B as it is our hope that you will use
it again next year and in years to come.
- Player conduct forms (Appendix A in Charter) should also be copied
and signed by players as quickly as possible. Please remember no
player will be recognized as part of a team until form is signed and
returned to the commissioner. Again, you will need to make copies for
1 per player.
- Unanimous vote upheld NFL rulebook allowing for a 53 man active
roster. Rosters will be closed by the Wednesday after the second week
of the season. Additional players may be added based on need with the
competition board determining need. The board will be individually
contacted by phone by the commissioner.
- Unanimous vote indicated to pursue Hartland/Arrowhead stadium for
Championship Game.
- Discussed team funding. Player dues were encouraged. Derek Diehl
introduced the benefits available at www.wisesavings.com for a
fundraiser. Rick Hartman displayed the printed schedules with listed
sponsors. Brat fries, Raffles, and other smaller fundraisers also
indicated fun and effective.
Review of Business from February, 2006 Meeting
Teams Represented at meeting: Rebels, Junkyard Dogs, Elite, Demons
(Formerly Warriors), Bobcats, Threat, and Horsemen.
- It was established that the 2006 season would begin the weekend of
August 5th/6th.
- The league reached a unanimous decision to absorb the Washington
County Patriots into the WSFL for the 2006 season.
- The representatives in attendance voted to permit the Racine
Horsemen and the Milwaukee Elite to participate with only one set of
jerseys for the 2006 season. The Horsemen will were purple with gold
print and the elite will be wearing orange.
- The members in attendance decided that the message board should, for
now, remain. If the subject matter deteriorates the league will pull
the message board.
- It was decided that the league will pursue a Tax I.D. number.
- Scott Hall (West Bend Junkyard Dogs) inquired about the feasibility
of adopting a new league logo. No representatives protested. Scott was
given OK to attempt to develop a new WSFL logo.
- League Charter was reviewed and changes were recommended. Rick will
present the Charter with changes at the 3-19-2006 meeting at which
point it is the goal to ratify the charter following review and the
charter will become the governing document of the WSFL.
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