POLAR T-BALL 1

Discussed at this month's meeting. Elections The following positions were filled, some on an interim basis as noted: President: Robert Posma (Interim) Secretary: Pamela Gifford Vice-Pres BB: Bill Henderson Treasurer: Robert Posma Player Agent: Cathy Maccabee (Interim) Safety: Cathy Maccabee Budget Proposed nearly $60k was presented along with some options on funding. Rasmuson Foundation grant Rasmuson Foundation has given us a challenge grant of nearly $7 in matching contributions for construction of batting cages and protective screens for the league. Holiday Gift Wrap As a significant fundraiser, the Board authorized pursuing this activity. Polar's Pin Design competition for the 2004 participation pin will be held. Newsletter A November newsletter will be sent out explaining the budget and other activities of the Board and the League. Other new The Senior Baseball players are meeting with Mark Robinson and Bill Henderson getting ready for next year. Robert Posma & Cathy Maccabee are running a softball class as part of Creekside Community School Program on Friday's through the end of the term.

Polar is a chartered Little League serving the children of Mt. View, Airport Heights, Russian Jack and Northeast and Scenic Foothills area (areas north of Debarr and East of Muldoon Road). Our all volunteer league served 250+ children in this area in 2003 but wish to extend those opportunities to more of the 3000+ children. Participation in Little League is not contingent on monitary contributions, but volunteering is greatly encouraged. We are in need of community members to help expand the league. We invite those interested, with or without children in the program, to attend our Board of Director's Meeting on November 9th at 5:30 pm at the Mt. View Lions Club, 501 N. Pine Street. If you have questions or need directions, please contact or leave a message for Robert Posma, 646-7609, email PolarLL@gci.net,

On Tuesday, October 7, the members of Polar Little League held their annual meeting. Initial conversations started the meeting about the demise of Polar as an entity. This would have been the case if a board of directors couldn't have been elected. Fortunately, of those attending, 7 agreed to fill part of the approved board of 10 directors. Those volunteering included: Mark Robinson Bill Henderson Tina Henderson Cathy Maccabee Rhonda Bush Robert Posma Pamela Gifford The members decided to pursue finding additional board members from the community. The next board meeting was set for November 9 to elect officers. Welcome all to the new season.

Your input will be used to evaluate and strengthen our Polar Little League and provide direction to the Board of Directors in the 2004 Season.

The local league Board of Directors, elected from and by the adult members of the league, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the league within the rules, regulations and policies of Little League. This board does not have the authority to alter, suspend or change any of the rules, regulations or policies of Little League. However, wide latitude is given to this board in many areas of operation so that the local needs of the community may be met. For instance, the local league board of directors is entirely responsible for choosing a method for selection of Tournament Teams (or "All Stars"). Annually, the regular membership of each Little League is required to meet and elect the board of directors. Following the election, the board of directors meets to elect its officers from within the newly elected board. The officers required are: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, player agent, safety officer and information officer. The board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the league as it may deem proper. The board has the power to discipline, suspend or remove any director or officer or committee member of the league, subject to provisions of the local league constitution. Members of the local league board of directors, particularly the officers, should not be involved as members of other boards when such membership may cause a conflict of interest. The following positions will be filled from the board of directors: President Apart from all other considerations, sound leadership, couched in knowledge, experience and common sense, is the greatest requirement and most exemplary qualification of the man or woman selected as president of a Little League. While efficient organizational and administrative abilities are desirable credentials, the search for good leadership must transcend all other attributes in the adult who gives direction to the Little League movement in the local community. Dedication to the goals and purpose of Little League is inherent in the volunteer aspect of those who serve, but not everyone who serves is gifted with the quality of leadership. Presidents must reflect these qualities if they are to be of benefit to children. The president has many responsibilities in the administration of the league. Each President is elected by, and is accountable to, the local league board of directors. Duties of a president are described within the limits of the rules and regulations, and within the local league constitution, giving each president the ability to oversee the affairs of all elements of the league. As the chief administrator, the president selects and appoints managers, coaches, umpires and committees. As such, no person becomes a manager, coach, umpire or committee member without the approval of the president. However, all appointments are subject to final approval by the local league’s board of directors. Importantly, the president is the officer with whom Little League Headquarters maintains contact. The president also represents the league in the District organization. The president should be the most informed officer of the league. Each president must know the regulations under which Little League operates and in authorizing the annual application for charter, binds all members of the league to faithfully observe the regulations. Little League Baseball International Headquarters reserves the right to require a league to remove any officer who does not carry out the terms of charter application. Serious violation can result in loss of the league’s charter by action of the Charter Committee in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Beyond the requirements of league administration, the president should personify the best public image in reflection to the community at large. Each president should take an active role in gaining support and winning friends for the league program. The president presides at league meetings, and assumes full responsibility for the operation of the local league. The president receives all mail, supplies and other communications from the Little League Headquarters. The president must not manage, coach or umpire, unless the local league has received explicit written permission to allow this from Little League Baseball International Headquarters. Vice Presidents This vice president presides in the absence of the president, works with other officers and committee members, is ex-officio member of all committees, and carries out such duties and assignments as may be delegated by the president including: 1. Recruit for approval managers and coaches. 2. Participate in preparation of team schedules and coordination of changes. 3. Attend district advisory meetings. A vice president may manage, coach or umpire, provided they do not serve on the protest committee. Secretary The secretary maintains a register of members and directors, records the minutes of meetings, is responsible for sending out notice of meetings, issues membership cards and maintains a record of league’s activities. Treasurer The treasurer signs checks co-signed by another officer or director (or as directed by the local league’s constitution), dispenses league funds as approved by the board of directors, reports on the status of league funds, keeps local league books and financial records, prepares budgets, and assumes the responsibility for all local league finances. Player Agent The player agent conducts annual tryouts, is in charge of player selection, assists the president in checking birth records and eligibility of players and generally supervises and coordinates the transfer of players to or from the Minor Leagues according to provisions of the regulations of Little League Baseball. Separate player agents may also be selected to oversee individual divisions within the league. The player agent must not manage, coach or umpire in the division over which he/she has authority, unless the local league has received explicit written permission to allow this from Little League Baseball International Headquarters. Safety Officer The safety officer coordinates all safety activities including supervision of ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program), ensures safety in player training, ensures safe playing conditions, coordinates reporting and prevention of injuries, solicits suggestions for making conditions safer, and reports suggestions to Little League Headquarters through the ASAP system. Information Officer The information officer manages the league’s official home page on activeteam.com, manages the online registration process and ensures that league rosters are maintained on the site, assigns administrative rights to league volunteers and teams, ensures that league news and scores are updated on a regular basis, collects, posts and distributes important information on League activities including direct dissemination of fund-raising and sponsor activities to Little League Baseball, district, public, league members and media, serves as primary contact person for Little League and myteam.com regarding optimizing use of the Internet for league administration and for distributing information to league members and to Little League Baseball, and displays enthusiasm for using the Internet for league administration, for sharing information and for creating a more enjoyable and efficient Little League experience.