In Attendance (9): Jay Zaslaw, Tim Mester, John Heim, Mike Bavaro, Steve Lebo, Arnie Traub, Harry Noga, Jeff Ruda, Elmer Mason.

NOT Present (2): Wade Moran, Dave Score (dropping from B.O.D.)                                               

1.) Dave Score – Dropped from the Board; the VP position is vacated until new elections are held. (7-0 in favor).

2.) Fall 2026 sign-up link and info will be sent out to the league’s players on Monday 8/3/26. (7-0 in favor).

3.) Depending on the number of fall registration sign-ups:

12 players per team (96 spots) OR

11 players per team (88 spots).

11-man teams MUST field 11 players per game.

          12-man teams MUST field 12 players per game.

Replacements will be on a line-for-line (like-for-like) basis.

          Team managers can bat their substitute players anywhere in the                  batting order. 

If a last-line replacement cannot be found from other teams or the sub-list, only then can a manager move up one line.

Managers must exchange line-ups BEFORE the game and verify all pick-ups and substitutes no later than the END of the game.

If any team manager uses an illegal substitute, that team will take a 7-0 FORFEIT LOSS after the completion of playing the game.

A substitute player can only be used once per team every 7 games and only once per team in the tournament. (7-0 in favor).

 

4.) INCORPORATION OF GRADUATED SANCTIONS

NSBSSA will employ the use of graduated responses, defined as immediate consequences for rule violations. Graduated Sanctions include:

Verbal Warning

Written Warning

Ejection and/or One Game Suspension

Two Game Suspension

Rest of Season Suspension

Year Suspension: Current season and two more. 

Permanent Suspension

 

The type of violation will dictate which level of discipline the Board implements.  It does not necessarily require starting with “Verbal Warning.”  It can be any level the Board deems appropriate.  For example, cursing may start with a verbal warning and physical contact may first be a season suspension.  The past history of the player’s disciplinary record & severity of the offense may be aggravating or mitigating factors.  (7-0 in favor)

 

5.) ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE USE POLICY

 The City of New Smyrna Beach forbids the use of alcohol, smoking, vaping and illegal drugs in its parks.  This includes anywhere on the property of the NSB Sports Complex.  A violation of this policy will result in consequences defined by the “Graduated Sanctions Paradigm,” as determined by the Board.  At the time of the offense, a player or attending individual will be alerted of the policy and warned to curtail usage.

The City upholds the comprehensive ban of these substances.  Anyone caught violating these policies is subject to “code enforcement citations and fines,” in addition to the aforementioned league sanctions. Unfiltered cigars and “Special Event Exceptions” are exempt from this policy.  These paragraphs will be documented in the “Player Waiver and Release of Liability” form, which managers or Board-Represented officials will require players to sign at registration, collect and turn in. This specific paragraph will need to be initialed by each player. (7-0 in favor)

 

6.) MEMBERS RESIGNING FROM BOARD

BYLAW AMENDMENT 4.1A The election of Board Members will be conducted in odd years. In order for the newly elected members to take office in January, they will be selected during the fall season.  This will be done by a vote of active players.  Ballots will be printed and given to players at a game and date determined by the current Board. (7-0 in favor)

7.) Propose/discuss/vote to change the run-rule/mercy rule to end a game at:

12 runs after 5 complete innings. (7-0 in favor)

10 runs after 6 complete innings. (7-0 in favor)

If a team has an 8 run lead entering the 7th inning, the trailing team is flip-flopped and continues batting. (7-0 in favor)

8.) Propose/discuss/vote on playing our games with a 60-minute time limit and a “final inning warning” at the 50th minute. (Still to be reviewed)

 

9.) Propose/discuss/vote on the use of volunteer umpires. We have a good pool of experienced players that could ump the games. Once a player/volunteer has umped 4 games, his sign-up fee would be refunded. That could be a big money saver for the league, allowing us to keep our fee structure unchanged. We could have a group text thread with the volunteers to ensure that we have coverage for all 4 games on both nights. (Still to be reviewed)

 

10.) NEXT Board Meeting to be held on Tuesday 8/11/26. (7-0 in favor)