Constitutional Addendum

I am very frustrated by recent events where civility and courtesy have seemingly been ignored. This has been a great league over the years and for the most part all of the owners have been courteous to their fellow owners. There are no specific rules within the constitution with regard to courtesy or behavior other than those mentioned about ethical behavior. While ethics are important to the integrity of the league, so too is the common courtesy owners should show to their fellow owners.

I am deeply saddened by the resignation of Jim Werschler. He was a good friend and I will miss him being in this league. Jim was a terrific owner and this league is somewhat diminished with his leaving.

That being said, I am not going to blame anyone specifically for his departure because it takes two to tango.  The league will go on despite Jim's departure and will continue, if I have anything to say about it, for years to come. Rather, I am going to introduce an addendum to section 12.00 of the league constitution. This is by executive order and not subject to debate. This will also be effective immediately from this day forward.

Addendum 12.04 – Manager/GM Responsibilities

Owners must show the same manner of respect and consideration for others in the league as they wish to be shown in return. Disrespectful language directed toward any owner, even in response to the same, will be grounds for immediate removal from the league without the possibility of reinstatement.  

There will be no tolerance for the following:

• Cursing at another owner via instant messaging, e-mail or any other contact medium


• Virulent criticism of another owner


• Any written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression about another owner

I was hoping that a rule such as this would never be necessary in the constitution. As a matter of common decency I would think that everyone in the league would treat everyone else as they themselves would want to be treated.

I am not saying that I am perfect. I have made mistakes in the past as we all have. I am not saying that everyone should turn into a tattletale and rat out anyone showing the slightest sign of disrespect, but if an issue cannot be resolved peaceably then it should be brought to my attention and if any of the items introduced in this addendum have been violated I will remove said owner(s) from the league.

I do not believe that any of us are barbarians. On the contrary I believe we are all civilized people, and I hope that I will never have to enforce this rule.