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IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER 2010
APR. 1 . . . . . . . Final date for submission for 2010 inductionapplications into the Softball Alberta Hall of Fame.
. . . . . Low Participation' Status application deadline.
APR 16 -18 . . Board Meeting in Edmonton
MAY 1 . . . . Official Residency Date for all categories.. . . . . Deadline For SLO-PITCH Teams Letter of Intent &
Bond .
MAY 15 . . . . . Final Dates for accepting Bids to Host Provincials.
JUNE 1 . . . . . . Deadline For Team Entry to Provincial Playoffs (ALL CATEGORIES)
JUNE 1 . . . . . . Deadline For Team’s ‘Letter of Intent’ & Bond for allcategories that advance to Post Provincial play.
JUNE 15 . . . . . Deadline for MINOR TEAM roster submission for Provincial Playoffs.
JUNE 30 . . . . . Deadline for ADULT TEAM roster submission forProvincial Playoffs.
SEPT. 1 . . . . . . Deadline for Scholarship Applications. . . . . . Deadline for Nominations for Annual Awards.
SEPT. 1 . . . . . . Deadline for Prov. Hosting Grant Applications.
SEPT. 1 . . . . . Bid to Host Applications for 2011 Provincials.
SEPT. 10 - 12 . . Board Meeting in Edmonton
OCT. 22 - 24 . . 2010 Annual General Meeting
NOV 11 - 14 . . 2010 Softball Canada AGM in Saskatoon
NOV 19 - 21 . . Board Meeting in Edmonton
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President's MessageWelcome to another season of “The Original Gameof Summer”, this should once again prove to be abusy and exciting season.
Some special events for 2010: Alberta SummerGames in the Peace Region (July 19 – 25), WesternCanadian Pee Wee Championships in Strathmore(Aug 5 – 8) and the Western Canadian Senior BMen’s & Women’s FP Championships in Irma (Aug12 – 15); plus all of the Provincial events.
Thank you to returning members; your continuedsupport of programs and all the volunteers are whatmake this organization a well recognized and
respected organization in the sporting community. You are Softball Alberta! Wealways welcome new members, as we have the confidence that we can fulfill yourneeds in a softball program.
Some of you may have experienced the Olympic Torch event as the “Torch” made itsreturn journey through Alberta or you may have traveled to experience WinterOlympic events first hand. Many of you may be aware of what is now old news - thatSoftball in not an event in the Summer Olympics for 2012 & 2016. However, theOlympic movement plays a very large part in the direction of all sports in Canada –in funding and development. E.g. the new Coaching Certification program and theLong Term Player Development (LTPD) models are direct results of Canada’s placingin the 1996 Olympics. Softball Canada has completed the LTPD program model andis in the process of completing the Coaching Certification process which follows theLTPD guidelines.
The focus of LTPD is the development of our athletes through appropriate practicesessions with applicable competition that are conducive to the maturation of theathlete. (Note: that not all sports are alike in the development scale, e.g. gymnasticsversus softball). Programs in softball are evolving to follow LTPD – e.g. the “Learn toPlay” program and the new Pitching Rule in the Provincial Mite category and comingto the Western Canadian Pee Wee category. Over the next few years, more and moreprograms and Championships will evolve to follow LTPD. I encourage you to reviewthe LTPD resources on Softball Canada’s website (www.softball.ca/main.asp) and theCanada Sport for Life website (www.canadiansportforlife.ca).
Whether we play, coach, or administer the game; let us always remember this gameis for the player. Following LTPD guidelines, players will develop a love for a sportthat can be enjoyed a lifetime while developing essential team “Life Skills” - havingfun is essential to playing the sport and hopefully, develop senior players and adultsinto the coaching and officiating ranks. This is a game that continues to be enjoyedfor the recreation, competition and camaraderie aspects of a team sport; may all havea successful and rewarding season.
We look forward to your continued support throughout the year and hope to see youat the ballpark.
Yours in Softball, Paul Wagner
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INDEX2010 PROVINCIAL PLAYOFF DATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 42010 WESTERN & CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP DATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 42010 SOFTBALL ALBERTA EXECUTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 62010 SOFTBALL ALBERTA DISTRICT ORGANIZERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 72010 PROVINCIAL ZONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
GENERAL OPERATING RULES
GENERAL AND DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATION
APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12FEES & REGISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13 - 14RESIDENCY AND ELIGIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 - 17
PROVINCIAL PLAYOFFS
ENTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18FEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21COACHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 24GUIDELINES for TRAVEL to PROVINCIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25PLAYER PICKUPS for PROVINCIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26INJURY REPLACEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28PLAYOFF PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 29ZONE PLAYOFFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 34PROVINCIAL PLAYOFFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 35
SOFTBALL ALBERTA HALL OF FAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 37 - 39
POST-PROVINCIAL PLAY
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 44FEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 45PICKUPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 45
INJURY REPLACEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 46UNIFORMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 46TRAVEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 46
HOSTING GUIDELINES
BID TO HOST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 47ZONE & PROVINCIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48HOSTING & TRAVEL PACKAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48HOSTING GRANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 49
PROTESTS & SUSPENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50 - 55
TOURNAMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 56
CATEGORY SPECIFIC RULES
MINOR BALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 57ADULT FAST PITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 62SLO-PITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 64MODIFIED / ORTHODOX FAST PITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 66
OFFICIATING / UMPIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 67
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2010 PROVINCIAL DATES
Please check our website for the most current dates & locations.
www.softballalberta.ca
2010WESTERN CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
PEE WEE GIRLS & BOYS AUG 5 ‐ 8 STRATHMORE, AB
BANTAM GIRLS & BOYS AUG 5 ‐ 8 RICHMOND, BC
MIDGET B GIRLS & BOYS JULY 30 ‐ AUG 2 UNITY, SK
JUNIOR B WOMEN & MEN AUG 5 ‐ 8 WINNIPEG, MB
SENIOR B MEN & WOMEN FP AUG 12 ‐ 15 IRMA, AB
MASTERS MEN & WOMEN FP AUG 5 ‐ 8 MOOSE JAW, SK
2010 CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPSBANTAM A GIRLS JULY 31 ‐ AUG 4 VICTORIA, BC
MIDGET A GIRLS AUG 1 ‐ 8 SAINT JOHN, NB
MIDGET A BOYS AUG 1 ‐ 6 STRATFORD, ONT
JUNIOR A WOMEN AUG 3 ‐ 8 SASKATOON, SK
JUNIOR A MEN AUG 2 ‐ 8 ST. CROIX, NS
SENIOR A WOMEN FP AUG 11 ‐ 15 KITCHENER, ONT
SENIOR A MEN FP AUG 29 ‐ SEPT 5 CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI
SENIOR MEN & WOMEN SP AUG 9 ‐ 14 SURREY, BC
** Please note: Any of the dates & locations listed above are subject to change.
Please also check on the Softball Alberta website for the most updatedlistings.
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2010 Softball Alberta Executive
PRESIDENTPaul Wagner
140 Silver Ridge Cl NWCalgaryT3B 3T4
DIRECTOR - MinorAnita Beaudin
Box 18, Site 15, RR #1Strathmore
T1P 1J6403-934-9271
DIRECTOR - FinanceShelley Jones
18-1033 Youville Dr WEdmontonT6L 6V9
DIRECTOR - FastpitchDwayne Singer
218 Panamount Villas NWCalgaryT3K 6K1
UMPIRE-IN-CHIEFGrant Hood
56 Castlegrove PL NECalgaryT3J 1S2
DIRECTORAl Shenduk
17 Haythorne CrSherwood Park
T8A 3Z9780-464-2526
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2010 Softball Alberta District Organizers
ZONE ONEGloria Gouthreau59 Cougar Rd NLethbridge, AB
T1H 6H2403-328-4046
ZONE TWOJim Songhurst
112 Hillview RdStrathmoreT1P 1W2
403-901-0547zone2 @softballalberta.ca
ZONE THREEBarb Bockman
186 Harvest Park Circle NE Calgary
T3K 4M9403-226-1769
ZONE FOURSharon Falk
6403 ‘B’ - 49th AvenueCamroseT4V 0P6
ZONE FIVEReiner Grab
82 Callingwood CoveSherwood Park
T8G 1B2780-922-3887
ZONE SIXJulie-Ann Dron
8020 - 149 A AveEdmontonT5C 2X2
ZONE SEVENSharonn Earl
Box 261 / 4729 - 50 st KitscotyT0B 2P0
ZONE EIGHTSharon Henitiuk
Box 874ManningT0H 2M0
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PROVINCIAL ZONES
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SOFTBALL ALBERTA* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
REGISTERED UNDER THE NON-PROFIT CORPORATIONS ACT OF ALBERTA
CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, REGULATIONS
AS AMENDED AT CAMROSE, OCTOBER 2009
Constitution / Special Operating Rulescan be found on our website
www.softballalberta.ca
THIS IS THE OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF SOFTBALL ALBERTA. SHOULDTHERE BE ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE PREPARATION OF THISHANDBOOK, THE OFFICIAL INTERPRETATION SHALL BE MADE BY THEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL MINUTES OFTHE MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION OR THROUGH ITS EXECUTIVEMEMBERS.
SOFTBALL ALBERTA USES THE
'CANADIAN AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION' OFFICIAL RULEBOOK AND REGULATIONS
FOR ITS INTERPRETATION OF PLAYING THE GAME OFSOFTBALL.
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GENERAL OPERATING RULES(AS REVISED & AMENDED AT THE A.G.M. - OCTOBER 2009)
FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
MINOR FAST PITCHADULT FAST PITCH
SLO-PITCHMODIFIED / ORTHODOX PITCH
ARTICLE I
GENERAL AND DEFINITIONS
A. All affiliated teams, leagues and associations will have complete charge over their ownoperation and business.
1. Except in the case of a dispute, where any affiliated team, league or association shallhave the privilege of appealing to Softball Alberta through writing to their own leagueand/or association.
Exception for Provincial play: the rules applying to Provincial play will be in effect asspecified by Softball Alberta.
2. Any affiliated team, League or Association has the privilege to request a “LocalDispute Hearing”. This shall come at the request of a Team, League or Associationthrough the Executive Director, and shall be signed by the President of their localAssociation and be accompanied by a non-refundable certified cheque, or cash, for$100.
3. The President of Softball Alberta shall upon the completion of the above criteria,name a committee of three (3) to five (5) Individuals to hear the dispute. Onemember of the “Local Dispute Hearing” shall be an umpire.
4. The results of the “Local Dispute Hearing” shall be binding on all parties and shall bethe last right of appeal.
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B. AMATEUR: (Definition of)
An Amateur softball player is one who engages in Softball solely for the pleasure andphysical, mental or social benefits he/she derives from it.
NOTE: An AMATEUR within the context of the Canadian Amateur Softball Association'sBy-Laws shall be recognized by the Canadian Amateur Softball Association(Softball Canada) and its Provincial/Territorial affiliates for a player who does notderive his/her livelihood by accepting monetary reward in return for his/hersoftball services. Notwithstanding, compensation for bona fide expensesactually incurred because of his/her softball participation for travel, meals,accommodation and/or income lost due to absence from employment(substantiated by genuine receipts) where possible, and when deemed necessaryby the officials concerned, shall not jeopardize said player's AMATEUR statusas defined herein.
C. The President or a person delegated by him will have the power to suspend any affiliatedteam, player, coach, trainer or manager for improper conduct on or off the playing field.The offence may be against any umpire or official of Softball Alberta, player or fan.
D. Any person not satisfied with a decision made by a Board Member or staff person mayappeal to Softball Alberta by doing so in writing to the Executive Director within 48 hours.Softball Alberta will appoint an appeal committee and shall render a decision within areasonable time frame. The results of the decision shall be binding on all parties.
E. TEAMS that apply for membership will have all rights allotted by Softball Alberta and theprivilege to play for Provincial titles. A team must have at least nine (9) players for Fastpitch and ten (10) players for Slo-Pitch to be eligible for admission into Softball Alberta.
F. LEAGUES that apply for membership will have all rights allotted by Softball Alberta.Leagues must have at least four (4) teams and a league Executive to be eligible foradmission into Softball Alberta.
G. ASSOCIATIONS that apply for membership will have all rights allotted by Softball Alberta.A softball association must have at least two (2) or more recognized divisions in operationto qualify for admission.
H. DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS must have two (2) or more softball associations or leagues inoperation to qualify for admission into Softball Alberta.
I. PROVINCIAL UMPIRE ASSOCIATIONS will qualify for membership into Softball Albertaif they have three (3) or more area umpire associations or branches in operation.
J. DISTRICT OR BRANCH UMPIRE ASSOCIATIONS will qualify for membership intoSoftball Alberta if they have ten (10) or more umpires in their association.
K. Clubs, societies, or any organization whose sole purpose is the organization and/orpromotion of a tournament or tournaments qualify for admission into Softball Alberta.
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ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATION
A. APPLICATION:
1. Players must be registered on an approved Affiliation Form for the current softballseason and must confirm their residency and citizenship in order to be eligible forparticipation with a registered team.
a) These forms must be delivered by the team or league to the District Organizerfor their Zone or to the Softball Alberta Office by the roster deadline.
b) An approved Affiliation Form is one to which the Affiliation Fee has beenapplied and may be one of:
i) the Softball Alberta Affiliation Formii) a League Roster Form / List acceptable to Softball Alberta ( the form must
contain, as a minimum, information per the Softball Alberta Affiliationform.),
iii) or, a Softball Alberta Provincial Roster.
2. Teams who do not wish to participate in Provincial Playoffs may affiliate at any timeduring the current softball season.
3. Teams affiliated with Softball Alberta are covered by the Softball Alberta Insurance& Benefits Program and rosters must be submitted as soon as possible to ensurecoverage of registered players.
a) Affiliated teams attending tournaments will be covered by the insurance &benefits program ONLY if the tournament is sanctioned by Softball Alberta.
b) Affiliated teams attending competitions outside the province of Alberta mustobtain a travel permit to be covered by the Insurance and Benefits Program.Permits can be obtained at no charge from your District Organizer or the SoftballAlberta Office.
4. Adult teams who select the “Insurance Only” option with Softball Alberta, may onlydo so if the League is first affiliated with Softball Alberta:
a) Rosters must be submitted as soon as possible to ensure coverage of teammembers,
b) “Insurance Only” teams do not have any other “member” privileges.
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B. FEES & REGISTRATION:
1. Team affiliation forms must be registered with the District Organizer in theirZone.
2. No team shall register more than twenty (20) players on an approvedAffiliation Form during the current season.
NOTE: A team must have at least nine (9) players for Fast pitch and ten(10) players for Slo-Pitch to be eligible for admission into SoftballAlberta. (Refer to applicable category Specific Rules section forthe maximum Provincial roster size)
3. The annual fee for the membership in Softball Alberta will be determined bythe Executive Committee at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date ofaffiliation of Teams, Leagues and Associations.
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4. AFFILIATION FEES:
a) League & Association Affiliation $75 per League / Association
b) Learn-to-Play, Coach Pitch, T-Ball $50 per team
c) MITE Team Affiliation $75 per team
d) MINOR Team Affiliation [Squirt - Midget] $100 per team
e) JUNIOR Teams $100 per team
f) ADULT FP i) Insurance ONLY* $60 per teamii) Affiliation (includes Insurance) $100 per team
g) ADULT SP i) Insurance ONLY* $60 per teamii) Affiliation (includes Insurance) $75 per team
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -* Adult Insurance ONLY option:
i) REQUIRES League Affiliationii) Team Roster Submitted for coverageiii) Fee to include Affiliation after MAY 15th
a. ADULT FP $50 per team (plus Insurance Option)b. ADULT SP $25 per team (plus Insurance Option)
5. All NSF cheques will be charged a $25.00 fee plus clearing bank charges over andabove the amount originally requested. (Fees, registration fees, sanctions,merchandise, etc)
6. The INSURANCE program effective period is date payment as received through toMay 7th of the following year. (Effective 2007: Insured members needing to producea certificate of insurance for ‘3rd Party Liability’ will be charged a $25 fee.)
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C. RESIDENCY AND ELIGIBILITY:
1. DEFINITION OF TERMS USED
a) "BONA FIDE RESIDENT OF ALBERTA" means a person who considers theiractual and exclusive home to be in Alberta. Residency is a question of fact to bedetermined in each case. In order to assist in determining bona fide residency,it is proper to consider all factors which are relevant including employment,length of stay and any other factors which are useful to consider in order todetermine whether the intention of the player is to make Alberta their permanenthome.
b) "DEEMED BONA FIDE RESIDENTS" are any of the following:
(i) players who are full-time students in the year of competition in attendanceat an educational institution in Alberta or a post secondary educationalinstitution in Canada may elect to be deemed bona fide residents ofAlberta, provided their parent(s) or legally appointed guardians are bonafide residents of Alberta, or
(ii) players who are or were in continuous full-time attendance at a postsecondary educational institution anywhere within six (6) months of theofficial residency date of the year of competition may elect to be deemedbona fide residents of Alberta if their parents are bona fide residents ofAlberta or if the player is employed in a full-time job in Alberta at theofficial residency date;
(iii) Canadian citizens participating in American college softball competition,or in a professional sport competition (other than softball or baseball) maybe exempted from the official residency requirement provided they returnto Canada immediately following the event;
(iv) players employed full-time in Alberta and having a residence in Alberta;
(v) any player who is a Canadian citizen living within forty (40) kilometres ofa border of the Province of Alberta (subject to ‘release’ requirements of theout-of-Province/Territory)
c) “POST-PROVINCIAL PLAY" means a Canadian Championship or a WesternCanadian championship competition.
d) "OFFICIAL RESIDENCY DATE"
(i) For categories NOT LEADING TO POST- PROVINCIAL PLAY, the officialresidency date shall be the date for filing of the official team rosters:
MINOR - JUNE 15TH
ADULT - JUNE 30TH
(ii) For categories LEADING TO POST-PROVINCIAL PLAY, the officialresidency date shall be:
MAY 1ST
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2. SOFTBALL ALBERTA AND SOFTBALL CANADA RULES OF ELIGIBILITY
a) In order for a player to be eligible to compete on teams competing in ProvincialChampionships leading to Post-Provincial play they shall meet all of theeligibility requirements of this Association as well as the eligibility requirementsof Softball Canada. If there is any difference in the rules of player eligibilitybetween the rules of this Association and those of Softball Canada, therequirements of this Association will govern.
3. ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS ON TEAMS IN CATEGORIES NOT LEADING TO POST-PROVINCIAL PLAY.
a) The residency requirements shall be as per the "Official Residency Date" listedin Section C. 1. d).
b) The citizenship qualifications are the same as for players participating on teamscompeting in Post-Provincial play provided that in addition thereto thecitizenship rules may be waived on application to the Association through theExecutive of the Association or through the District Organizer of the zone inwhich the team is registered.
4. ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS ON TEAMS IN CATEGORIES LEADING TO POST-PROVINCIAL PLAY.
a) Other than the exceptions in paragraph d), in order for a player to be eligible toparticipate as a member of a team competing in divisions which advance toPost-Provincial play they must possess the following residency and citizenshipqualifications.
b) RESIDENCY QUALIFICATIONS ARE:
(i) be a bona fide resident of Alberta or a deemed bona fide resident ofAlberta on the official residency date of the year of competition
(ii) not be a registered member of another Provincial or Territorial team(s) and,
(iii) meet any zone residency requirements provided for in the Operating Rulesof this Association.
c) CITIZENSHIP QUALIFICATIONS ARE:
(i) be a Canadian citizen by the official residency date of the year ofcompetition, or
(ii) be a landed immigrant of Canada who has obtained their status by theofficial residency date of the year of competition, or
(iii) be neither a Canadian citizen nor a landed immigrant of Canada asdescribed but having been a continuous bona fide resident of Alberta fora period of one (1) year prior to the roster deadline.
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(d) EXCEPTIONS TO THE FOREGOING QUALIFICATIONS ARE:
See Softball Canada Rulebook - Special Operating Rules (Participant Eligibility& Residency)
JUNIOR ‘A’ FP ONLY: Each team participating in a Provincial Championship may have on theirroster up to one (1) player who is a Canadian citizen living outside ofAlberta and/or Canada who returns to Alberta and/or Canada after theofficial residency date and registers for softball participation by theProvincial roster deadline date.
SENIOR ‘A’ FP ONLY: Each team participating in a Provincial Championship may have on theirroster up to three (3) players who are Canadian citizens living outside ofAlberta and/or Canada who returns to Alberta and/or Canada after theofficial residency date and registers for softball participation by theProvincial roster deadline date.
NOTE: Only one of these three players can be a pitcher.
Exception: Softball Alberta Border Boundary RuleException: Softball Canada - SOR Part 2, Article 2 Residency, Section 2.4
Players, Coaches and Managers that are not Canadian citizens or landedimmigrants may participate in a Canadian Championship provided that theyhave been continuous residents of Canada for one calendar year prior to thedates of the championship in which they wish to participate and meet all otherresidence requirements.
Each team in the Junior and Senior categories at a Canadian Championship willbe allowed one player exception subject to all of the following requirements.
• They meet Softball Canada official residency date of May 1st
• They have full time residency in the Province/Territory where they areregistered
• They represent the Province/Territory in which they were registered by theofficial residency date.
Note: These players would be considered imports and be subject to andpart of the numbers of the import rules under Softball Canada SORs2.6 a, 2.6 b and 2.6 c, iii
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ARTICLE III
PROVINCIAL PLAYOFFS
TEAM ENTRY & FEE DEADLINE - JUNE 1ST
A. DATES
Provincial Playoff categories not bid for by May 15th are subject to cancellation. Anycategory that does not have a confirmed location on the day prior to the ProvincialEntry Deadline shall be canceled for the current year.
Softball Alberta reserves the right to combine Provincial Playoff categories/locationswhere the number of entries and/or location is beneficial to teams and conducive tohosting the Playoffs.
B. ENTRY:
1. The following dates will apply to ALL teams entering Provincial Playoffs:
PROVINCIAL TEAM ENTRY deadline for all teams/categories - JUNE 1st
Completed Roster Deadline - Midget Teams & down - JUNE 15th - Adult Teams - JUNE 30th - Provincials in August - JULY 15th
a) ALL PROVINCIAL TEAM ENTRY FORMS MUST BE PROCESSED THROUGHTHE DISTRICT ORGANIZER (or Softball Alberta Offices) and then forwardedto the Softball Alberta Office.
b) Where the provincial team entry, or roster deadline, falls on a Saturday orSunday the official deadline date shall be 4:00 pm on the first work dayfollowing the deadline date.
c) MINOR players released on or after June 15th and ADULT players released onor after June 30th will be allowed five (5) working days to sign with a registeredteam, roster permitting. LIMIT: One (1) addition.
d) Where a team withdraws from Provincials on or after the roster deadline, allplayers on that team’s provincial roster shall have five (5) working days to signwith a registered team, roster permitting. Limit one (1) addition. Movement ofthese players shall be to the same caliber or higher, based on the teamsProvincial designation at the time of entry.
2. Teams failing to pay Provincial Entry Fees to Softball Alberta by JUNE 1st of each yearshall be ineligible for Provincial Play in this Association during such year.
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3. Teams entering Provincial Playoffs do so with the understanding that in cases of morethan ten (10) teams entering a specific category, they may be required to participatein a ZONE Playoff for the right to advance to the Provincial Championships.
EXCEPTIONS: < Adult FP, Slo-Pitch, Modified Orthodox FP - a maximum of 20 teams.< ALL FP categories advancing to Post-Provincial play and Mites are Open
categories. ( All entries are accepted - no zone playoffs needed)
NOTE: Zone Playoffs are considered a part of the Provincial Championships andwill be subject to all rules and regulations as set forth for Provincialcompetitions, including fees, bonds, suspensions etc.
4. All categories of Provincial Playoffs, exclusive of the following exceptions, will usea MODIFIED ROUND ROBIN playoff.
Exception: Modified Orthodox & Slo-Pitch - where the entries in a category aregreater than five (5) teams, the Host will have the option of thedouble knockout or modified round robin format. The selectedoption is to be announced upon being awarded the Provincial event.[Softball Alberta's choice of preference is the Modified Round Robinformat.]
Exception: In all categories of ADULT FP that advance to a Western or Canadianwhere a category has two (2) entries, the format shall be a best of five(5) series. The series will be held over a 2 day period with 2 gamesscheduled for Day 1 and 3 games for Day 2.
a) In categories advancing to Post- Provincial play, the first place finisher(s) afterthe round robin shall receive two (2) lives in the playoffs, all other playoffqualifiers receive one (1) life.
b) In categories NOT advancing to Post-Provincial play, all teams qualifying forplayoffs shall compete in a single knockout playoff.
5. Teams that enter Provincial Playoffs do so with the understanding that the round robinformat constitutes more games and therefore, teams may expect to begin ProvincialPlayoffs as early as FRIDAY MORNING, depending on the category and the numberof teams accepted into the playoff.
In all instances, Softball Alberta will try to schedule Friday games based uponpracticality and the need for the games to be completed to accommodate theweekend schedule.
Provincial draws will be posted on the Softball Alberta website at least 2 weeksprior to the event: www.softballalberta.ca
While pairings of the opening round remain a draw situation, the opening games mustinvolve the pairing representing the closest teams to the Provincial Site in their first(1st) games. Consideration will be given to the host team to have prime time for theirsecond game of the day. If two (2) host teams (2 categories) - same consideration, butnot scheduled at the same time. (Exception - Zone Playoffs)
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6. During Provincial Round Robin play, no team will be scheduled to play more thanthree games in one day with no more than two games back to back.
EXCEPTIONS: a) Adult Slo-Pitch: No more than four games in one day with nomore than two games back to back in scheduled round robinplay.
b) Delays caused by weather or other unforseen circumstances.
7. Players may participate in the Alberta Summer Games and Provincials in the sameyear.
8. All players are allowed to register on both a Fast Pitch and a Slo-Pitch ProvincialRoster. Minor & Adult players are allowed to register on more than one Affiliation Roster butonly ONE Provincial Roster in Fast Pitch.
(See 'Rules Specific to Adult Fast Pitch' & 'Rules Specific to Adult Slo-Pitch)
9. Teams in Minor, Junior and Masters divisions must furnish satisfactory evidence as totheir age before being approved by Softball Alberta. Satisfactory evidence shall bein the form of a birth certificate, Alberta Health Care Card, Drivers Licence and/or abaptismal certificate.
10. All teams are expected to enter a playoff category which corresponds to theirdemonstrated team capability. It is the Association’s responsibility to seek to achievethis result. If it is brought to the attention of the association through a writtencomplaint accompanied by a deposit of $100, (prior to June 15th) by an affiliatedmember that a particular team has entered a category which creates unfaircompetition then the situation will be dealt with in the following manner:
a) The District Organizer or an appointed designate for the Zone in question, willbe responsible to collect any and all relevant information, to observe theperformance of the team in question as well as the other teams entered in thatcategory and interview coaches and other stakeholders.
b) The District Organizer and/or appointed designate will then forward theirevaluation and report to an appointed Committee of the Board of Directors ofSoftball Alberta (the Hearing Committee).
c) The Hearing Committee in consultation with the District Organizer and/or anappointed designate will then have the responsibility to determine whether ornot the team in question has been entered into the appropriate category of play.Any decision made by the Committee will be made prior to the July 1st of thecurrent year and the Committee or Executive Director will advise all affectedparties of the decision of the Committee.
d) Any affected party may appeal the decision of the Hearing Committee by doingso in writing to the Executive Director within 48 hours. The appeal will be dealtwith in the same manner as provided in Article I (d)
If the final decision supports the written complaint, the $100 deposit shall bereimbursed to the affiliated party making the complaint.
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11. The 'Boundary Border' for border communities is forty (40) kilometres in case(s) ofout-of-province players participating on Alberta teams for Provincial play. (subjectto ‘release’ requirements of the out-of-Province/Territory)
12. Teams competing in one zone and residing outside of this zone must enter theprovincials in the zone in which they reside. A teams zone residency shall bedetermined by the zone residency of the majority of players.
C. FEES: (Entry fee & Travel fee includes 5% GST) - due June 1st
CATEGORY ENTRY FEE TRAVEL AFFILIATION TOTAL
SENIOR A & B FP $315.00 $157.50 $100.00 $572.50SENIOR SP $315.00 $157.50 $75.00 $547.50JUNIOR A & B $315.00 $157.50 $100.00 $572.50JUNIOR C $315.00 $100.00 $415.00INTERMEDIATE B / C $315.00 $100.00 $415.00MASTERS $315.00 $157.50 $100.00 $572.50
MIDGET A & B $315.00 $157.50 $100.00 $572.50MIDGET C & D $315.00 $100.00 $415.00BANTAM A $315.00 $157.50 $100.00 $572.50BANTAM B C D $315.00 $100.00 $415.00PEE WEE A $315.00 $157.50 $100.00 $572.50PEE WEE B C D $315.00 $100.00 $415.00SQUIRT $210.00 $100.00 $310.00MITE $210.00 $75.00 $285.00
1. Provincial entry fees can be paid by cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard or money order.All NSF cheques will be charged a $25.00 fee plus clearing bank charges over andabove the amount originally requested.
2. A $200 late fee will be charged to any team applying to enter provincials after theprovincial Entry (June 1st ) deadline. Acceptance of the late application is subject tothe approval of the Softball Alberta Director in charge of the applicable category inconjunction with the Softball Alberta administration.
3. Teams who withdraw their Provincial Entry or do not participate in the ProvincialPlayoffs forfeit their Provincial Entry Fee.
4. All teams / players who enter to participate in Provincial Playoffs must be affiliated bythe roster deadline.
5. Pee Wee and higher category teams which are eliminated through a Zone Playoff willreceive a $100 refund on their Provincial Entry Fee.
6. Provincial classification of 'A', ‘B', C' or 'D' must be placed on the 'Team Entry forProvincial Play' form (Deadline June 1st ) and cannot be changed after this date unlessExecutive approval is granted.
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7. Teams participating in a category that leads to Post-Provincial play in the same year,will complete and submit a “Letter of Intent” and shall also post a performance bondequivalent to the potential fine for withdrawing from said championship.
Teams in a category which leads to a Canadian Championship AND a WesternCanadian Championship shall post the higher of the two bonds.
The due date of the performance bond with Softball Alberta is June 1st .
< Canadian Championships - $1000< Western Canadian Championships - $500
Teams which have signed the “Letter of Intent” and posted the applicable bond, shallforfeit the bond if after qualifying for a Post-Provincial play renege on their “Letter ofIntent” agreement or fail to comply with the Softball Canada accommodationrequirements.
Teams advancing to Post-Provincial play which occur a year or more after qualifyingthrough Provincial playoffs, shall post a performance bond equivalent to the potentialfine for withdrawing from said Championship. The due date of the performance bondwith Softball Alberta is May 1st.
Softball Alberta Annual AwardsEach year Softball Alberta strives to honor our most accomplished members. We proudlypresent awards to players, coaches, umpires or volunteers, thereby showing our appreciationfor their contributions to the sport of softball. The criteria for these awards is available on ourwebsite.
Award Categories are as follows:
Zone Merit AwardMinor: Player Of The Year - Female & Male / Coach Of The Year
Adult Slo-Pitch: Player Of The Year - Female & Male / Coach Of The YearAdult Fastpitch: Player Of The Year - Female & Male / Coach Of The Year
Umpire Recognition Award
For more information about the annual awards or to obtain an application form,go to our website or contact the Softball Alberta office(s).
www.softballalberta.ca
The deadline for all nominations is September 1st
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D. COACHES:
1. Any team entering provincials, must have a Level 1 NCCP Certified Softball coach(THEORY, TECHNICAL, PRACTICAL) or (beginning in 2008, a coach who hascompleted the Community Sport On-Going Course & Making Ethical DecisionsModule) in attendance at all games and on the team’s bench during provincials; thiscoach must be listed on the team's Provincial Playoff Entry Form and the team rosterby June 15th / 30th or that said team’s application will be returned to them.
The Mite category, Slo-Pitch and Modified Orthodox FP categories are exempt.
EXCEPTIONS: All Post-Provincial play FP categories require a level 2 NCCPCertified Softball Coach ( Competition Intro) in attendance at allgames and on the team’s bench and listed as per above. Post-Provincial play FP categories include:
PEE WEE ‘A’ BANTAM ‘A’ MIDGET ‘A’ & ‘B’
JUNIOR ‘A’ & ‘B’ SENIOR ‘A’ & ‘B’ MASTERS
A copy of the coach’s ‘Certification Card’ or documentation is to accompany theprovincial registration form.
EFFECT: If a team arrives at Provincial Playoffs without their Certified Softball Coach,provided that they have the Certified Softball Coach listed and approved on theirroster, the team WILL BE allowed to play, however, NO person shall be allowed inthe coaching boxes during the entire playoff games for that team.
2. Certified Coaches are permitted to sign only one roster per provincial playoffweekend.The total number of signed coaches and managers on a provincial roster shall notexceed four (4).
3. Managers and coaches MAY NOT participate as players unless they are so registered
4. COACHES MEETING: A Coaches Meeting will be held prior to the commencementof all Provincial Championships. In some instances, this may not occur as stated dueto a Friday morning or evening start of the Provincial Championships. In this case,the meeting will be held after the commencement of the Provincial Championships(ie. - later Friday or early Saturday morning).
a) The meeting time and location will be determined through mutual agreementby the Softball Alberta Office, the Softball Alberta Representative and the Hostof each particular Provincial Championship.
b) The Softball Alberta Representative will chair the Coaches Meeting. Decisionsmutually agreed upon at this meeting ( i.e. Tournament procedures, coin toss,etc.) will be binding throughout the Championships; however, no changes inthe playing rules will be entertained.
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c) Team representatives (ie. coaches and/or managers) are strongly recommendedto attend the Coaches Meeting. Should a team representative fail to appear ata coaches meeting, that team will not be permitted to question or dispute anyitem that was agreed upon at the coaches meeting.
d) It is the responsibility of each team to contact either Softball Alberta or the Hostfor the time and location of the Coaches Meeting.
E. UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT:
1. All players on a team shall wear uniforms alike in colour, trim and style. Pants orshorts may be worn at the individual players discretion.
Ball caps must be alike and:
a) are mandatory for all male players and must be worn properly.
b) Caps, visors and headbands are optional for female players but must be alike inteam colour.
c) Any defensive player or coach may wear an approved helmet of identical colourof the team caps. A helmet worn for defensive purposes does not require earflaps.
2. UNIFORM NUMBERS:
An arabic number of contrasting colour at least 15 cm. (6 inches) high, must be wornon the back of all uniform shirts. No manager, coach, or player, on the same teammay wear identical numbers (numbers 1 and 01 are examples of identical numbers).Players without numbers will not be permitted to play. Numbers to a maximum oftwo (2) digits will be allowed.
Note: Zero (0) is not considered a number in Softball Canada competitions.
There is no penalty for a player wearing a wrong number. Correct the number in thescorebook and on the line up card and continue play.
There is no penalty for duplicate numbers. One player may change jerseys, or asubstitute may enter for one of the players.
3. Managers and coaches shall wear uniforms. These uniforms may differ from that ofthe players (ie. sweatsuits or slacks), but those that are worn must be alike in colour,trim, and style in accordance with the colour code of the team.
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4. The Softball Alberta representative in consultation with the tournament Umpire-in-Chief shall judge the acceptability of uniforms. Teams with unacceptable uniformswill be dealt with as follows:
a) If possible, an individual will be warned before a game appearance.
b) An individual participating in a game will be instructed to immediatelycorrect the uniform deficiency.
c) An individual failing to correct the deficiency will be ejected from thegame.
5. All teams must carry a minimum of five (5) helmets at all times. A helmet is one thatis fully enclosed, with two (2) ear flaps and a foam liner with a peak.
Exceptions: MINOR - also require a strap securely fastened under the chin
An “approved face mask/guard” is required as part of the protective batting helmet forthe Mite to Pee Wee categories.
Effective in the 2010 season: an “approved face mask/guard” is required as part ofthe protective batting helmet for the Bantam categories and Midget categorieseffective in 2011.
Note: Refer to CASA SP/FP Rule 3-6 “ Protective Equipment” for permissible usesby defensive and offensive players.
6. Each team/player will be required to present all bats for inspection and/or testing. Allapproved bats will be marked for that championship and returned to the teams. Anynon-approved bats will be held and returned to the team once they have beeneliminated from further play in that championship.
Once the championship has started any further bats not previously inspected and/ortested must be presented to the tournament UIC/DUIC a minimum of 45 minutesprior to their next game for inspection and/or testing.
Any uninspected bats discovered being used during the game will be removed for theremainder of the game and until it is inspected and/or tested and approved
F. GUIDELINES for TRAVEL to PROVINCIALS:
1. Carry the Softball Alberta team registration form and Player Pickup Releases, plusAlberta Health Care cards or numbers for players.
2. If possible, bring along pins or trading items to be given out to players or other teams.
3. Have own scorekeepers even though there is an Official Scorekeeper and check scorewith official scorekeeper at regular intervals.
4. Confirm with the Host on times and dates you play and advise Host upon arrival inthe area.
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G. PICKUPS for PROVINCIALS: (Categories NOT leading to Post-Provincial play)
ANY team that enters Provincial Playoffs in a category which does not lead to Post-Provincial play IS entitled to pickups after the roster deadlines.
1. Teams are allowed two (2) pickups for Zone or Provincial Playoffs.
< These pickups may be selected from affiliated teams and of teams in the sameclassification or lower.
MINOR - from within their own zone.ADULT - as per the guideline for the team roster.
< Teams may use these two (2) pickups to fill out their roster but cannot drop orrelease players for the purpose of picking up.
< Maximum roster size for ALL Minor softball teams is 17 players (includingpickups).
2. Pickups MUST be registered players at roster deadline with an affiliated teamincluding a team that has been eliminated, to be picked up by Provincial teams fromwithin their zone. Players can only be picked up once and MUST be carried to theProvincial Finals.
3. Player Pickup Releases must be approved by the District Organizer in the team’szone or by the Softball Alberta office. The Player Pickup Releases must accompanyteam rosters to the Provincial / Zone Playdowns and must be presented to the SoftballAlberta representative or delegate at the coaches meeting, prior to the team’s firstgame. Player Pickup Releases are available from your District Organizer or theSoftball Alberta office / website.
Softball Alberta Annual Scholarships
Each year Softball Alberta awards scholarships to qualifying student-athletes to assist them with their post-secondary education. For moreinformation about the individual scholarships or to obtain a scholarshipapplication form, go to our website or contact the Softball Albertaoffice(s).
www.softballalberta.ca
The deadline for all scholarship applications is September 1st
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4. Players registered with affiliated teams of the same classification or lower are eligibleto be picked up by Provincial teams from their zone.
Exception: Minor Teams registered in the ‘C’ and ‘D’ categories may not pickupfrom the ‘A’ category of the division lower.
Players of teams which have qualified for Post-Provincial play are noteligible to be picked up.
Note: Pickups shall not be approached until the players team has beencompletely eliminated from competition in specific categories.
Examples:
Category Level Category eligible for pickups
Midget C Midget C, D, Bantam B & lowerD Midget D, Bantam B & lower
Bantam B Bantam B, Pee Wee A & lowerC Bantam C, D, Pee Wee B & lowerD Bantam D, Pee Wee B & lower
Pee Wee B Pee Wee B, C, D, Squirt A & lowerC Pee Wee C, D, Squirt B & lowerD Pee Wee D, Squirt B & lower
Squirt A Squirt A, B, C & MiteB Squirt B, C & MiteC Squirt C & Mite
Mite A Mite A , B & lowerB Mite B & lower
Adult / Minor Categories Crossover:
Category Level Category eligible for pickup
Intermediate FP B Intermediate B, C / Junior B & C / Midget B &lower
Intermediate FP C Intermediate C / Junior B & C / Midget B &lower
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5. LOW PARTICIPATION CATEGORY - (MINOR ONLY)
Low Participation Status may be granted in any category except those categorieswhich lead to Post-Provincial play. An application for Low Participation Status mustbe submitted annually by April 15th and is only granted upon recommendation by theZone District Organizer.
Low Participation Status meaning: upon request to the Zone District Organizer, theapproval to pick up to four players from the surrounding area prior to a Zone orProvincial Playoff. No additional pickups would be allowed should the team advancepast the Zone competition.
H. INJURY REPLACEMENT
Teams may be allowed to replace injured players. Injured players and/or legalguardians for minors must submit to the Softball Alberta office a signed Doctor’scertificate indicating the nature of the injury.
Documentation must be received by the Executive Director prior to the first scheduleddate of the Zone, Provincial, Western Canadian or Canadian Championship.
Replacement players for Zone or Provincial playoffs must be affiliated (at the rosterdeadline for Minor and Fastpitch only) and must not be registered on anotherprovincial team and are subject to all applicable pick-up rules.
Replacement players for Post-Provincial play must be affiliated (at the roster deadlinefor Minor and Fastpitch only) and are subject to all applicable pick-up rules.
Injured players will be ineligible from further participation at Zone & ProvincialPlayoffs, Western Canadian Championships or Canadian Championships.
Any one team will only be allowed a maximum of two (2) injury replacements peryear.
Any false claims will be subject to suspension of offending player, coach and/ormanager.
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I. PLAYOFF PROCEDURES
DEFINITIONS:
ZONE PLAYOFF: Will be the Playoff of more than one entry per category where morethan the maximum number of teams allowed have entered.
ZONE FINAL: Will be the game to determine the Zone winner. Zone Playoff Finalsto be played two weeks prior to Provincial Playoffs wheneverpossible - with the rainout date being the following weekend.
PROVINCIAL PLAYOFF: Will be the games between Zone winners or as provided abovefor the Provincial Championships - with the rainout date beingthe following weekend.
OPEN PROVINCIAL PLAYOFF: Will be the acceptance and playoff of all entries intosaid category - i.e. NO Zone playoff will be held.
1. A Softball Alberta representative or delegate must be in attendance at all games; thatperson is considered the Tournament Chairperson of the Playoff.
2. The Province shall be divided into EIGHT (8) zones.
Zone 1 Zone 5Zone 2 Zone 6 (Edmonton)
Zone 3 (Calgary) Zone 7Zone 4 Zone 8
Boundaries for the eight zones - PG 8
3. The progression of Playoffs will be Zone Playoffs (where necessary) and thenProvincial Championships.
a) Softball Alberta will endeavor to eliminate zone playoffs, wherever possible.The ideal maximum of ten (10) teams constitutes one team from each zone (8),plus the host team, plus a pro-rata entry based on the zone with the highestamount of entries in that specific category.
b) The MITE category and ALL FP categories advancing to Western or CanadianChampionships will use an Open Provincial Playoff. In all other categories, thenumber of teams allowed will be limited. If the total number of entries are morethan the maximum number allowable, Zone Playoffs must be held.
c) Each Zone may be allowed more than one team if the maximum of ten (10) ortwenty (20) teams, as applicable, have not entered in the Provincial Tournament.
d) In cases of question, the Hosting Zone is to get the extra team to bring the totalto the maximum number of teams allowable.
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e) In all Provincial Championships where each zone is not represented, and wherethere is the opportunity for other zones to provide additional teams to bring theChampionships to the maximum allowable teams, each zone with two or moreapplying teams will be given the opportunity to send additional teams indescending order according to the number of teams registered in that zone forthat category.
4. Zone Playoffs will be played two weeks prior to listed Provincial Playdown dates forthat said category, whenever possible. This is to be left to the discretion of the DistrictOrganizer in consultation with the teams involved. If an agreement cannot bereached teams must adhere to the decision of the District Organizer or face expulsionfrom further competition.
5. If the Zone or Provincial Playoff cannot be played or completed due to weather orextenuating circumstances, the tournament is to be completed the following weekend.In cases of two or three teams competing for the Championship where a more suitablearrangement can be made, the Tournament Chairperson along with the managers ofthe teams involved have the option to select different dates. Once again, ifarrangements cannot be worked out, the conclusion of the competitions will beplayed or completed on the following weekend.
6. All Zone and Provincial Playoff games must be played in accordance with the rulesset down in the Softball Alberta Handbook. The Handbook shall take precedencewhen discrepancies arise, particularly with regard to those rules regarding equipment.
7. Playing fields must conform to at least minimum size as stated in the rulebook.Conditions should be best available. Provincial Playoffs take precedence over league,or Zone Playoffs as to available facilities. If the proposed playoff site is not adequate,the host must have written approval from Softball Alberta authorizing permission touse other than legal playing facilities.
8. All players and coaches participating in the playoffs must sign the signature sheetbefore their first game and players must sign again prior to their semi-final and/or finalgames. Any player arriving late must sign the original signature sheet prior toparticipating. Any official Tournament Chairperson may approach a player or teamat any time to request signatures.
9. All teams must have in their possession a copy of their signed Team Registration Form& Player Release / Pick Up Forms all validated by Softball Alberta. These must bepresented to the Softball Alberta representative. No team is allowed to play withoutany of these.
10. All communication from teams to Executive members shall be at the expense of theteam unless previously advised to the contrary.
11. Officials must be registered with Softball Alberta. In the event they are not available,non-registered Umpires must be cleared with the Umpire-in-Chief or hisrepresentatives, or a Softball Alberta representative before commencing the firstgame. Registered officials must be in an official uniform. No officiating umpire is tobe assigned as a Softball Alberta representative to a Provincial or Zone Playoff.
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12. No participating coach, manager, player or any person connected with a ball team,while playing a game, shall consume any alcoholic beverage at the player's bench orvicinity of the player's bench or diamond while their game is in progress.
EFFECT: First offence, coach or manager will be warned.Second offence will warrant forfeiture of the game.
13. All teams shall be responsible for the conduct of their fans. Should a fan or spectatorthat can be identified as a supporter of one of the two teams playing be guilty ofobjectionable conduct, the game official may stop the game and the team warnedabout the conduct of their fans and/or spectators.
If after the warning, the conduct of the spectators, fans does not improve then thegame official shall suspend the game until a reasonable amount of time is providedto remove the fans / spectators from the ball park.
14. MERCY RULES:
a) All games to be of seven innings duration except if after 4 ½ , 5, 5 ½ or 6complete innings of play, one team is leading the other by 7 runs, then the teamleading shall be declared the winner.
Exception: Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee C & D - 15 runs after 5 inningsPee Wee B - 10 runs after 5 inningsBantam B, C & D - 10 runs after 5 inningsModified / Orthodox FP - 15 runs after 5 inningsSlo-Pitch - 15 runs after 5 innings
b) For all fast pitch categories, if a team is leading by 15 runs after 2 ½, 3, 3 ½, or4 complete innings of play, the team leading shall be declared the winner. Should this occur, the maximum runs for / against for the specific category shallbe awarded to the leading team for tie breaking purposes.
Exception: Leading by 20 runs – Modified Orthodox and minor categoriesusing a mercy rule of greater than seven runs as noted above.
Note: If a game is forfeited, the score of the forfeited game shall be the sameas the Mercy Rule in favor of the team NOT at fault. Forfeiture mayresult in coach / team suspensions.
15. There will be no grace period from designated start time of a game. Result would beforfeiture. Pertains to all categories of softball.
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16. TIME LIMITS: (for ALL Categories that do NOT lead to Post-Provincial play):
Minor: NO new inning shall start after a 1 hour & 45 minute time limit for ALLgames EXCEPT the Championship games; NO new inning shall start aftera 2 hour time limit for ALL Championship games.
Exception – MITE – No new inning shall start after a 1 hour and 30minute time limit for all games except Championship games, NO newinning shall start after a 1 hour and 45 minute time limit for ALLChampionship games.
• “Championship Games” refers to the medal games in Provincial Playoffs andthe qualifier games in Zone Playoffs
Adult FP: NO new inning shall start after a 1hour & 45 minute time limit for allgames except the semi-finals and finals.
17. TIED GAME PROCEDURES:
Seven innings will constitute a legal game, except if tied after seven (7) innings orexpiration of the time limit. THERE WILL BE NO TIE GAMES, additional innings areplayed at the end of the game to resolve the tie with the Softball Canada TiebreakerRule (FP Rule 5-7) in effect at the top of the next inning.
18. All Zone and Provincial Draws are made by drawing the teams from a hat. In a 2 or3 team draw in Zone Playoffs, the tournament will be played in one day.
a) The entire Zone Playoff structure will be the responsibility of the DistrictOrganizer for that Zone.
b) The Provincial Office is responsible for the Provincial Championships.
19. All games called by the Umpire due to darkness or rain shall be regulation if five ormore completed innings have been played, or if the team second at bat has scoredmore runs than the other team has scored in four and one-half (4½) or more innings.
20. If on account of darkness or weather or any other extenuating circumstance, wherethe regulation game cannot be immediately continued, the Tournament Chairpersonshall direct when and where the game shall be played. Such game is to be continuedfrom the point where it was abandoned and is to be played at the earliest possiblemoment so as not to unduly delay the series.
Double Knockout Draw Format: if on account of weather or extenuatingcircumstances, it becomes impossible to complete the Tournament as a two losstourney, all teams that have lost one game will be eliminated and those teams in thewinner's bracket will continue to play on a single loss basis.
21. “Rainout date” is normally the weekend following the original scheduled playoff date.
22. Courtesy Runner: as per Softball Canada FP Rule 4 –11 ‘Replacement Runner”.
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23. BATTERS BOX - all FP categories
After entering the batters box, the batter must remain in the box with at least one foot,between pitches and while taking signals and practice swings.
Exceptions: a) If the ball is hit foul or fairb) On the swing, slap, or check swingc) If forced out of the box by a pitchd) On a wild pitch or passed balle) If there is an attempted playf) If time out has been calledg) If the pitcher leaves the 8 ft circle or the catcher leaves the
catchers box.h) On a three ball pitch that is a strike, which the batter thinks is
a ball.
Effects: If the batter leaves the batters box and delays play, and none of theseexceptions apply, the umpire may warn the batter or call a strike. Note:any number of warnings and called strikes can be made with each batter.No pitch has to be thrown and the ball is dead.
2010 PEE WEE Boys & Girls
Western Canadian SoftballChampionships
August 5 ‐ 8Strathmore, AB
www.2010peeweewesterns.com
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J. ZONE PLAYOFFS:
1. Teams that must play in a Zone Playoff, will consider the Zone Playoffs as thebeginning of the Provincial Playoffs for that category in regard to fees, bonds,suspensions and whatever. Teams who do not advance past the Zone Playoff are stillconsidered to have entered and participated in Provincial Play.
NOTE: Host teams for Provincials DO NOT participate in the Zone Playoffs.
2. Zone Playoffs involving more than 2 teams shall use a double knockout format. Inthe event there is no host for the playoff, all participating teams will share the costsand income of the playoff equally.
One of the following formats must be used for a two (2) team playoff:
a) HOME AND HOME SERIES: The first 2 games on the home diamond of TeamA and the 3rd and 4th games on the home diamond of Team B. Games 1, 3 and4 shall be Championship games under all ordinary circumstances. Game 2being an exhibition, non-Championship contest.
If Game 4 cannot be played and the teams have divided Games 1 & 3, the resultof Game 2 shall decide the Series. If both Games 3 & 4 cannot be played afterTeams have traveled, then Game 1 alone shall decide Series.
If games 1 & 3 are the only ones that can be played and the teams are tied aftercompetition, total runs shall decide the winner.
The Hosting Team will pay for Umpires, balls and grounds in all Series.
b) TWO OUT OF THREE GAMES: In a two out three Series, Game 1 will decidea winner if Games 2 &3 are rained out. If Games 1 & 2 are played with Game3 rained out, then total runs will decide the winner.
A coin toss will determine the home team in Game #1. The team losing thecoin toss will determine the home team in Game #2. If a 3rd game is necessary,a coin toss will determine the home team.
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K. PROVINCIAL PLAYOFFS:
All categories of Provincial Playoffs, exclusive of the following exceptions, will use aMODIFIED ROUND ROBIN playoff.
EXCEPTION: Modified Orthodox & Slo-Pitch - where the entries in a category are greaterthan five (5) teams, the Host will have the option of the double knockoutor modified round robin format. The selected option is to be announcedupon being awarded the Provincial event. [Softball Alberta's choice ofpreference is the Modified Round Robin format].
EXCEPTION: In all categories of ADULT FP that advance to a Western or Canadianwhere a category has two (2) entries, the format shall be a best of five (5)series. The series will be held over a 2 day period with 2 games scheduledfor Day 1 and 3 games for Day 2.
1. In categories advancing to Post-Provincial play, the first place finisher(s) after theround robin shall receive two (2) lives in the playoffs, all other playoff qualifiersreceive one (1) life.
Exception: Fastpitch Only: The “if” game is eliminated (in categories advancingto Post-Provincial play) where four (4) teams or more are entered.
2. In categories NOT advancing to Post-Provincial play, all teams qualifying for playoffsshall compete in a single knockout playoff.
3. A COIN TOSS WILL BE USED TO DETERMINE HOME TEAM FOR EVERY GAME.
Exception: Slo-Pitch: After the completion of the round robin, the team(s)finishing in first place and receiving a double life, willHAVE CHOICE OF INNING (i.e. HOME or AWAY) intheir first game of the playoff round.
In the championship game, the undefeated team in thechampionship round will have choice of inning. (i.e.home or away) A coin toss will be used to determine thechoice of inning (i.e. home or away) in the "IF' game.
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SOFTBALL ALBERTA HALL OF FAME
CROWN WELL OILERS EDMONTON TEAM 2009
HAROLD APPLEBY CAMROSE ATHLETE 2009
DALE CREWSON BEAUMONT SPORT BUILDER 2009
DENNIS MILLIGAN SEXSMITH SPORT BUILDER 2009
GEORGE STEWART FALUN SPORT BUILDER 2008
BILL TAINSH EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 2008
STAN KERN LEDUC ATHLETE 2008
MUTTART BLUES EDMONTON TEAM 2008
GEORGE CHAPMAN EDMONTON ATHLETE 2007
LES BARBER EDMONTON ATHLETE 2007
1984 CAMROSE MERCHANTS CAMROSE TEAM 2007
JOHN SIMPSON LEDUC SPORTBUILDER 2007
LINDA EDEY EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 2006
HOWARD SINGER EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 2006
RAY MCMILLAN MORINVILLE ATHLETE 2006
AL SHENDUK SHERWOOD PARK OFFICIAL 2006
ARDROSSAN HEN HOUSE
COIFFURES ARDROSSAN TEAM 2006
PETER BROWN CAMROSE ATHLETE 2005
JOE FELLER LETHBRIDGE OFFICIAL 2005
WALTER BRAUL ELLERSLIE SPORT BUILDER 2005
CALGARY TIMAC TIRE CALGARY TEAM 2005
WILDA DROST (WENSTROM) SPRUCEVIEW SPORT BUILDER 2004
MARILYN SNEDDEN WETASKIWIN SPORT BUILDER 2004
LLOYDMINSTER JR LINERS 90 -93 LLOYDMINSTER TEAM 2004
CAMROSE IMPERIALS CAMROSE TEAM 2004
GLENDA CAMPBELL LLOYDMINSTER SPORT BUILDER 2003
CLARK BOSCH LETHBRIDGE ATHLETE 2003
LETHBRIDGE NORTH STARS LETHBRIDGE TEAM 2003
MARY HODA EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 2002
BERNICE LECHNER DARWELL ATHLETE 2002
1979 GOTSCHNA LETHBRIDGE TEAM 2002
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EMILE BERUBE CALAHOO SPORT BUILDER 2001
SHELLEY (BERUBE) GADOURY CALAHOO ATHLETE 2001
GARY SCHURMAN EDMONTON ATHLETE 2001
PAT MOFFITT EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 2001
GREAT WEST TIRE / SUPER SAM LETHBRIDGE TEAM 2001
JOHN HECK EDMONTON OFFICIAL 2000
BRYAN SOSNOWSKI LEDUC ATHLETE 2000
BARRY HOUSE EDMONTON ATHLETE 2000
BUCK & MARIANNE SCHRADER EDMONTON SPORT BUILDERS 1999
DENNIS KING MULHURST SPORT BUILDER 1999
KEITH VINCENT CALGARY SPORT BUILDER 1999
ALBERTA BRAKE & CLUTCH CALGARY TEAM 1999
GLEN JEVNE WETASKIWIN ATHLETE 1998
DON EMMETT CASTOR SPORT BUILDER 1998
MARLENE SAUNDERS CALGARY ATHLETE 1998
JEANETTE LEINWEBER CALGARY ATHLETE 1997
FRED VILLNER EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 1997
CALGARY COMETS CALGARY TEAM 1997
CORRIDO SANTONI LETHBRIDGE SPORT BUILDER 1996
ROLLY SWALM MEDICINE HAT SPORT BUILDER 1996
NORMA ANNE CLELAND BOW ISLAND SPORTSWOMAN 1995
RALPH 'LEFTY' ESHPETER LETHBRIDGE SPORTSMAN 1994
GEORGE SANTONI LETHBRIDGE ATHLETE 1994
WILLIAM 'BILL' CREW EDMONTON SPORTSMAN 1994
STAHELI CONSTRUCTION EDMONTON TEAM 1994
SPARTANS
JIM McCOOL CALGARY ATHLETE 1992
DYAN (VIRGIL) GALLEY FT SASKATCHEWAN ATHLETE 1991
GEORGE RAYMENT CALGARY OFFICIAL 1991
JIM REED CAMROSE SPORT BUILDER 1991
HOWARD KINSHELLA EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 1990
BONNIE WRIGHT (HANSCH) EDMONTON ATHLETE 1990
BLANCHE WILLIAMS EDMONTON ATHLETE 1990
CONNIE INGVALDSON LOUGHEED SPORT BUILDER 1990
VIVIAN KORTGAARD SEDGEWICK ATHLETE 1989
MILDRED (WARWICK) McAULEY EDMONTON ATHLETE 1989
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EDNA (HARRISON) SQUIRE EDMONTON ATHLETE 1989
JIM FINNEY CALGARY ATHLETE 1989
JIM HALEY CALGARY ATHLETE 1989
DOUG FRIER LETHBRIDGE SPORT BUILDER 1989
CALGARY ORIOLES CALGARY TEAM 1989
ALEX BARNES SPRUCE GROVE OFFICIAL 1989
EDMONTON MORTONS EDMONTON TEAM 1988
ALISTER ARNER GWYNNE SPORT BUILDER 1988
KELLY QUINN KITSCOTY ATHLETE/SPORTSWOMAN 1988
PAT TYLER KITSCOTY ATHLETE/SPORTSWOMAN 1988
ROY BORSTAD GRANDE PRAIRIE SPORT BUILDER 1988
CLAYTON MONAGHAN FALUN SPORT BUILDER 1987
MARILYN ARCHIBALD EDMONTON ATHLETE 1987
NELS RISSLING EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 1987
MIKE WYROSTOK LETHBRIDGE SPORT BUILDER 1987
ARMY & NAVY PATS EDMONTON TEAM 1987
PARKHILL VICS CALGARY TEAM 1986
TOM MOORE CALGARY SPORTSMAN 1986
MAUREEN O'CONNOR EDMONTON ATHLETE 1986
ED FOYCHUK LETHBRIDGE ATHLETE 1985
ELSIE BARLOW EDMONTON ATHLETE/SPORTSWOMAN 1984
ED CORBETT CALGARY SPORT BUILDER 1984
CLARE HOLLINGSWORTH EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 1984
BERTO PEGORARA CALGARY SPORT BUILDER 1984
JOAN FRENCH CALGARY ATHLETE/SPORTSWOMAN 1983
JIM MILNE EDMONTON ATHLETE 1983
LAURIE RASMUSSEN EDMONTON SPORT BUILDER 1983
MARY BALL ARDROSSAN SPORT BUILDER 1982
HENRY SINGER SPRUCE GROVE SPORT BUILDER 1982
PETER SAVINKOFF CALGARY ATHLETE 1982
GEORGE LEHNERT CALGARY SPORT BUILDER 1982
KEN KNOWLES EDMONTON ATHLETE 1982
MERRIE MCGREEVE EDMONTON ATHLETE 1982
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3. MODIFIED ROUND ROBIN FORMAT
a) TWO TEAMS ENTERED
Play a best two out of three series
A coin toss shall determine Home team for the first and third game (if applicable)between pairings. The team losing the coin toss will determine the home teamin the second game.
EXCEPTION: Senior A & B FP, Junior A & B & Masters FP - Play a best threeout of five series
b) THREE TEAMS ENTERED
Play a double round robin, each team plays four games. The top two teamsadvance to the playoff round.
A coin toss shall determine Home team for the first and third game (if applicable)between pairings. The team losing the coin toss will determine the home teamin the second game.
EXCEPTION: (Masters FP) - Play a single round robin.
c) FOUR TEAMS ENTERED
Play a complete round robin, each team plays three games. The top two teamsadvance to the playoff round.
EXCEPTION: Minor & Adult SP - the top four teams advance to the playoffround.
d) FIVE TEAMS ENTERED
Play a complete round robin, each team plays four games. The top two teamsadvance to the playoff round.
EXCEPTION: Minor & Adult SP - the top four teams advance to the playoffround.
e) SIX TO NINE TEAMS ENTERED
Each team plays four games in a modified round robin. The top four teamsadvance to the playoff round.
f) TEN TO NINETEEN TEAMS ENTERED
Teams are split into two pools. Each team plays four games in either a completeround robin or a modified round robin, whichever may apply (maximum of fourgames per team). The top two teams in each pool advance to the playoff round.
g) TWENTY TEAMS OR MORE ENTERED
The teams will be split into four pools. Each team plays four games in either acomplete round robin or a modified round robin, whichever may apply(maximum of four games per team). The top team from each pool will advanceto the playoff round.
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4. STANDINGS AT COMPLETION OF THE (Modified) ROUND ROBIN
a) WIN / LOSS record (no tie games in round robin)
b) Games played against each other.
c) i) Runs for and against with a maximum per game being:
Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee C & D 15 runs Adult FP 7 runs
Pee Wee B, Bantam B, C & D 10 runs Adult SP 15
Pee Wee A / Bantam A / 7 runs Modified/Orthodo 15
ii) least runs allowed in all games by each team
iii) total runs scored in all games for each team
NOTES:
i) No team will be eliminated by criteria b) or c) – a tiebreaker game is required
ii) When using criteria b), if one team has beaten all the other teams who they aretied with, then that team will be ranked highest regardless of whether or not theremaining teams have played one another.
iii) When using criteria c), full team records of the entire round robin, and only 4,5, 6, etc. full innings in 4 ½ , 5 ½ , 6 ½ , etc. inning games are to be used.
iv) If the game is over and the bottom one-half of the inning is not required, thehome team does NOT bat in the bottom of the inning. Runs for & against willbe determined based on full innings.
5. TIE BREAKER GAMES
a) The above criteria ranking establishes the standings after completion of the roundrobin. However, if after the win/loss criteria, a tie includes the last playoff positionor where it represents the right to play for the gold, silver or bronze medal, it will bebroken as follows:
(i) If two teams are tied, a sudden death playoff game will be held
(ii) If three teams are tied, a bye shall go to the team ranked highest who will thenplay the winner of a game between the other two.
(iii) If four teams are tied, then ranking shall be used to determine pairings for the tiebreaking games. Tied teams will be ranked 1, 2, 3 ,4 with team #1 playing team#4 and team #2 playing team #3, then the winners will play a game.
b) All other positions will be settled by a coin toss
c) If no tiebreaker games are required, then the playoff round may begin in the time slotsreserved for tiebreaker games.
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6. PLAYOFF ROUND
a) FORMAT FOR CATEGORIES NOT ADVANCING TO POST-PROVINCIALPLAY
MINOR Three (3) teams or less:
Top two teams play a single game playoff
MINOR Four (4) to nine (9) teams entered:
Top four teams play a single knockout playoff. ie. 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3, winnersadvance to championship game, losers play for bronze medal.
ADULT Five (5) teams or less:
Top two teams play a single game playoff
ADULT Six (6) to nine (9) teams entered:
Top four teams advance to a single knockout playoff. ie. 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3,winners advance to championship game.
ALL Ten (10) to Nineteen Teams
Top two teams from each pool advance to a single knockout playoff. ie.1A vs 2B, 1B vs 2A, winners advance to championship game - Minor:losers play for bronze medal.
ALL Twenty (20) or more teams entered:
Top team from each pool advances to a single knockout playoff. ie. 1A vs 1C, 1B vs 1D, winners advance to championship game -Minor:losers play for bronze medal.
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b) FORMAT FOR CATEGORIES ADVANCING TO POST-PROVINCIAL PLAY
MINOR Three (3) teams or less:
Top two teams advance to playoffs. First place qualifier shall receive 2lives and the second place qualifier receives one life.
MINOR Four (4) to nine (9) teams entered:
Top four teams advance to playoffs. First & 2nd place qualifiers shallreceive 2 lives and the 3rd and 4th place qualifiers receive 1 life.
Exception: Fastpitch Only - The “if” game is eliminated where four (4) teams ormore are entered
ADULT Five (5) teams or less
Top two teams advance to playoffs. First place qualifier shall receive 2lives and the second place qualifier receives one life.
EXCEPTION: Masters FP (3 teams only) - After completion of singleround robin, 3rd place plays 2nd place. Winner plays 1stplace. First place must lose twice.
EXCEPTION: Adult SP (3 teams only). After completion of the doubleround robin, 3rd place plays 2nd place. Winner plays 1stplace. First place must lose twice.
Adult SP (4 or 5 teams only). Top four teams advance tothe playoffs. First and second place qualifiers shall receivetwo lives and the 3rd and 4th place qualifiers receive one(1) life.
ADULT Six (6) to Nine (9) Teams:
Top four teams advance to playoffs. First & 2nd place qualifiers shallreceive 2 lives and the 3rd and 4th place qualifiers receive 1 life.
ALL Ten (10) to Nineteen (19) Teams:
Top two teams from each pool advance to playoffs. 1st place teams ineach pool receive two lives. 2nd place team receives one life. 1st placeteams from each pool play against each other, winner advances to thefinal, loser is to play the winner of the game between the second placeteams, winner of this game advances to the final and must beat other teamtwice to win championship.
ALL Twenty (20) or more teams entered:
Top team from each pool advances to a single knockout playoff. E.g. 1A vs1C, 1B vs 1D, winners advance to championship game - Minor Only:losers play for bronze medal.
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ARTICLE IV
POST-PROVINCIAL PLAY
A. 1. Qualifying categories for Post-Provincial play:
Western Canadian Championships Canadian Championships
PEE WEE A
BANTAM A BANTAM A Girls
MIDGET B MIDGET A
JUNIOR B JUNIOR A
SENIOR B SENIOR A
MASTERS
NOTE: Where two Post-Provincial Championships are filled with teams from onecategory (e.g. Bantam A Girls to a Canadian and a Western Championship),the Canadian Championship teams are the first qualifying teams
2. In the case where a provincial championship has been cancelled due to no host therewill be no teams sent to represent Alberta at that Post Provincial Championship.
B. PROVINCIAL PARTICIPATION:
1. All teams qualifying for or attending Post-Provincial Play, must participate in thecurrent year’s Provincial Playoff.
Effect: Coaches and team will be suspended and forfeit all fees and bonds.
Exception: Where only one team has entered a category, that team automaticallywill attend Post-Provincial Play.
2. Defending Canadian Champions:
Should the Defending Canadian Champion win the Provincials, then the 2ndplace team at the Provincials would be declared the Provincial Representative.
3. Defending Western Canadian Champions:
Alberta teams that win a Western Canadian Championship will notautomatically return to the Western Canadian Championship the following yearto defend their title.
4. Where Alberta receives the right to send an additional team to attend the followingyears championships, the Provincial Champion will receive the travel assistance andthe additional team will attend at their own cost.
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C. FEES
Each team that enters a Canadian Championship will be charged a registration fee. MinorCategories (Midget and below) will be charged $400. Senior categories (Junior, Senior andall Slo-Pitch) will be charged $500. Each team will pay Softball Alberta, who will in turnpay Softball Canada.
D. PICKUPS - Fast Pitch Only
1. The Post-Provincial roster is completed with ALL players on the Provincial roster.Pickups are allowed following the Provincial Championships, if the Provincial Rosterallows for it, from categories of equal or lower calibers.
2. Individuals meeting age requirements, but playing in higher categories MAY beallowed to be picked up should their team not advance past the ProvincialChampionship and that categories decline of this person as a pickup for their Post-Provincial play. This may be granted through a request of the Executive.
Exception: ‘B’ category teams can only pick up from categories of equal or lowercategories regardless of the age of the player.
3. Individuals playing in a lower category may be picked up by a higher category toparticipate in a Canadian Championship and still be eligible in their own category ata Western Canadian Championship.
4. A Provincial team may add up to ‘3' players in all categories leading to a WesternCanadian or Canadian Championship providing their roster allows for it.
5. Players may be eligible to participate in multiple Canadian Championships – refer toSoftball Canada SOR 2-1.1 “Eligibility”.
6. Teams adding pickup players shall select in the following order, (Exception: Wheretwo Post-Provincial Championships are filled with teams from one category, theCanadian Championship teams will have first cycle of pickups and then the WesternChampionship teams will cycle through the pickup order):
a) Provincial Champion [i.e. Alberta 1]b) Hostc) Defending Champion d) Pro-Rata Teams(s) in order of their finish in the Provincial Championship, thene) Roster permitting, teams who are in need of additional players after completion
of above selection order.
7. Players who refuse to join a team attending a Canadian or Western Championshipcannot participate in that championship with another team.
8. In instances where players are playing out of their age category, the category in whichthe player is participating shall govern first right to pick up. If they are not contactedwithin 96 hours, (4 days) they shall become eligible to other categories.
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9. Pickup Notifications
a) The Provincial Champion has 48 hours, from the time of winning the provincialchampionship, to notify the Executive Director of Softball Alberta.
b) The Host, Defending Champion and Pro- Rata Team(s) have 48 hours from thetime they are notified by the Executive Director of Softball Alberta.
10. Pickups shall not be approached until the completion of the Championship.
E. INJURY REPLACEMENT - see Article III, G. Injury Replacement
F. UNIFORMS:
At ALL SENIOR FP/SP CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, each team must have more than oneset of uniform tops in a Canadian Championship Game. When 2 teams have identicaluniforms, the home team will be given the choice of colour.
G. TRAVEL ASSISTANCE:
1. Qualifying teams for Western or Canadian Championship travel assistance include:
a) Provincial Champions in respective categories
b) Defending Canadian Champions
Qualifying teams who will be attending the Western Canadian or CanadianChampionships will be given travel assistance to attend the Championships. Thistravel assistance will be determined annually at the discretion of Softball Alberta.
2. If the qualifying team is either hosting or attending the Western Canadian or CanadianChampionship in their own city/town and is deemed as the Provincial Champion thenthe Travel Assistance will be awarded to the next highest placing team that requirestravel and accommodations to the Championship event. If all Alberta teams are fromthe host city/town, then the Provincial Champion will be awarded the TravelAssistance.
3. Slo-Pitch: All Categories Advancing to Post-Provincial Play
The winning team of a Provincial Championship will be reimbursed a cash awardtotalling the current years Provincial entry fee and travel fund. This award will bededucted from the dollars available to that category from that teams portion of thetravel fund.
The remainder of SP Travel Fees will be awarded to the winning team for the nextavailable Post-Provincial competition. This funding will be forfeited if:
a) A team eligible for that Championship chooses not to attend. b) A period of two years elapses since the year of the Provincial Championship
where the award was earned.
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ARTICLE V
HOSTING GUIDELINES
A. BID TO HOST:
1. Organization must be an affiliated body of Softball Alberta.
2. ‘Bid to Host’ applications are reviewed at the September Board meeting. Subsequentapplications are reviewed periodically until February, after which applications will beon a “first come first serve” basis.
3. The successful bidder to Host Provincial Playoffs is given an automatic BYE into theProvincials.
4. Bid to include:
a) Full description of facilities.
b) Letter from Umpire Branch stating availability of Official umpires.
c) Contact person for the event.
d) Description of available accommodations.
e) List the accommodations, campgrounds and swimming pools in area. Also listattractions occurring at that time.
f) Rainout & inclement weather contingencies (include the following weekend).
g) Include a letter of approval / support from the District Organizer of the zone inwhich you are planning to host the Provincial Playoff in, which alsoacknowledges that your Bid Application is complete.
5. Host responsibilities include:
a) Payment of all umpires fees / expenses. See Umpires Fee’s - Article IX
b) Assist with travel arrangements.
c) Publicity.
d) An Emergency Response Plan to include availability of First Aid, emergencyphone numbers (e.g. ambulance) and street address of facility (for directions toEMT).
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B. ZONE & PROVINCIAL:
1. Draw will be made up by Softball Alberta in accordance with Softball Alberta PlayoffRegulations. Make up one large draw sheet that can be hung up to be kept up-to-dateafter each game.
2. Umpires - ensure your umpires are booked.
3. Diamonds should be relined after each game.
4. Official Balls should be supplied for each game. Two new ones, one used.
5. Official Double Base is mandatory in all Zone & Provincial Playdowns.
6. Official Scorekeepers are YOUR responsibility (participating coaches if necessary).
7. Scoresheets of games shall be signed by a representative of each team and the OfficialScorekeeper.
8. If possible, facilities for the umpires should be made available, along with a copy ofthe draw.
9. Host pays the umpires and keeps track of how many games they have worked on acopy of the draw.
10. Host responsible for ALL expenses not covered by Softball Alberta.
11. Concession should be made available. Washroom facilities MUST be available.
12. Players / coaches attending a Zone or Provincial Playoff MUST NOT be charged gateadmission.
13. Hosts must submit a completed draw and one copy of each game scoresheet to theDistrict Organizer within 72 hrs of completion of the Tournament.
C. SOFTBALL ALBERTA HOSTING & TRAVEL PACKAGES:
1. Advise Host of how many teams participating and which teams if possible.
2. Copy of player registration form should be sent to the Softball Alberta Delegate inCharge, the District Organizer or the Host.
3. Presentation of awards: Gold, Silver and Bronze medals (where applicable) will beprovided by Softball Alberta.
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4. Package to be given to Zone winner at time of Zone Playoff Final should include thefollowing information:
a) If completed, a copy of draw for Provincial Championship (Draw may be madeahead of time with just zone numbers).
b) Player Pickup Release forms.
c) Contact name and phone number of Host.
d) List of accommodations and campgrounds available in the area of ProvincialChampionship i.e. Hotels, swimming pools, and events in the area.
e) Maps.
f) Copy of guideline for Provincial traveling team.
D. HOSTING GRANTS:
1. Hosting Organizations for zone playoffs in all divisions will receive a hosting grantof $150 per team in attendance less the number of teams that advance from thisplayoff to the provincial championships.
2. Hosting organizations for provincial playoffs in all divisions will receive a hostinggrant of $150 per team.
3. In Mite provincials the hosting grant will be for a maximum of ten (10) teams.
4. Hosting Grant applications MUST be submitted to Softball Alberta by September 15th
of the current year. Hosting grants will be paid by Softball Alberta within 30 days ofthe grant being submitted.
Annual General Meeting Oct 22 - 24, 2010
Camrose
Hospitality Evening * Workshops * Information Seminars * Elections Annual Awards Banquet * Hall of Fame Inductions
**********************************For more information about the AGM, please call your
District Organizer or the Softball Alberta Office - 780-461-7735
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ARTICLE VI
PROTESTS & SUSPENSIONS
A. PROTESTS:
1. No protests shall be considered if they involve a decision made by an umpire basedsolely on the umpires judgement. Protests that will be received and consideredconcern matters of the following types:
a) misinterpretation of a playing rule;
b) failure of an umpire to apply the correct ruling to a given situation, and
c) failure of an umpire to impose the correct penalty for a given violation;
d) failure of a player or team to comply with the eligibility requirements asspecified in these Operating Rules; (eligibility protests)
2. A protest may properly involve a matter of judgement and the interpretation of a ruleand in such an instance the finding of fact by the umpire cannot be the subject of theprotest but the application of the rule to the facts as found by the umpire may be thesubject of a protest.
3. With respect to any protest regarding the matters referred to in Section A. 1. a), b) andc), (hereinafter called game-play protests) notification of intent to protest must bemade immediately before the next pitch, and
a) the manager or acting manager of the protesting team shall immediately notifythe plate umpire that the game is being continued under protest. The plateumpire shall in turn notify the opposing manager and official scorekeeper, and
b) all interested parties shall take notice of the condition surrounding the makingof the decision that will aid in the correct determination of the issue. [Note: onappeal plays, the appeal must be made before the next pitch, legal or illegal, orbefore the defensive team has left the field. For the purpose of this rule thedefensive team has "left the field" when all players have left fair territory on theway to the bench or dugout area].
c) the protest committee dealing with game-play protests shall be appointed by thePresident or the Executive and at least one member of the protest committee willbe an umpire.
d) for Provincial Championship competitions:
i) the Protest Committee named in the coached meeting shall be deemedappointed as above.
ii) all game-play protests shall be dealt with immediately and before playresumes.
iii) the results will be announced by the plate umpire.
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4. Eligibility Protests
a) Eligibility protests arising from matters referred to in Section A. 1 d) must be filedwithin twenty four (24) hours after the scheduled start time of the game in whichit is alleged an ineligible player participated. If the tournament or competitionin which the breach took place is concluded prior to the aforesaid twenty four(24) hour period, the protest will be considered to be officially lodged when thesame has been posted and addressed by ordinary mail to the office of theAssociation. Copies of all such eligibility protests shall be sent to the DistrictOrganizers for both clubs and the coach and manager of the team with whichthe challenged player is alleged to have participated.
b) The form of an eligibility protest shall contain the following information:
(i) the date, time and place of the game.
(ii) the name of the umpires and score.
(iii) the rule and section of the official rules, local rules or operating rules underwhich the protest is made.
(iv) all essentials facts in the matter protested.
The essential facts must be confirmed by statutory declaration of a personhaving knowledge of the facts central to the eligibility protest.
c) An eligibility protest will not be acted upon unless it is accompanied by a fee of$100.00 payable to the Association and evidence that the protest has beenmailed or given to the club with whom the alleged ineligible player hasparticipated.
d) The eligibility protest will be considered by a protest committee appointed bythe President of the Association or the Executive as the occasion arises and atleast one member of such protest committee will be an umpire. After givingrepresentatives of both teams such opportunity to be heard as the protestcommittee in their discretion may determine appropriate and upon hearing fromthe person who filed the complaint, a decision will be made as expeditiously aspossible with the results to be announced by the President of the Association.After giving both teams and the complainant an opportunity to be heard, nofurther evidence may be introduced and the decision of the protest committeeshall be considered final and binding on all parties and no further appeal orreview of the decision will be available to any person or party.
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e) The decision made in the case of an eligibility protest must result in one of thefollowing:
(i) if the protest is found invalid the game score stands as played;
(ii) all games the ineligible player, coach, manager has participated in shallbe forfeited;
(iii) the team using the ineligible player, coach, manager shall be disqualifiedfrom further competition and will be suspended.
(iv) the protest committee will apply the results of game(s) forfeiture to thetournament format and will restate the results. If the protest committeeconsiders it fair and reasonable it may declare one team the winner of thecompetition even though the competition format was not followed (ie.declaring the results based on tournament standings or based on the resultsof contests between the remaining eligible teams). If the protest committeedoes not consider that a fair and reasonable determination can be made itshall reschedule a game or games between the non-offending teams todetermine the winner.
NOTE: For the purpose of Section 4., an ineligible player shall be defined as aplayer, coach or manager declared ineligible as a result of an eligibilityprotest.
Softball Alberta Annual AwardsEach year Softball Alberta strives to honor our most accomplished members. Weproudly present awards to players, coaches, umpires or volunteers, thereby showingour appreciation for their contributions to the sport of softball. The criteria for theseawards is available on our website.
Award Categories are as follows:
Zone Merit AwardMinor: Player Of The Year - Female & Male / Coach Of The Year
Adult Slo-Pitch: Player Of The Year - Female & Male / Coach Of The YearAdult Fastpitch: Player Of The Year - Female & Male / Coach Of The Year
Umpire Recognition Award
For more information about the annual awards or to obtain an applicationform, go to our website or contact the Softball Alberta office(s).
www.softballalberta.ca
The deadline for all nominations is September 1st
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B. SUSPENSIONS:
Any member violating the Bylaws of the Association, or refusing to abide by the decisionof the Executive Committee shall automatically be expelled or suspended with the right toappeal to the Board of Directors.
1. Members of this Association are subject to suspension for the following:
a) Improper conduct;
i) Any player, coach, manager or umpire on being reported to theAssociation for any improper conduct or having received paymentinappropriately for their services, if found guilty, shall be suspended fromcompetition, participation or officiating in games under jurisdiction ofSoftball Alberta and affiliated members.
ii) A player, coach or manager ejected from any game for fighting,intentionally dangerous or rough play, profane or abusive language toanother player or spectator, striking or hindering an umpire in theperformance of their duties, before, during or after a game, shall besuspended from playing/participation until his/her case has been reviewedby the District Committee (or by the Provincial Playoff Committee forincidents occurring during Provincial Playoffs). This suspension may carryover from one season to another if necessary with no participationallowed.
iii) Any player, coach, manager or umpire who is involved in any physical orabusive confrontation will immediately be suspended from all softball untiltheir case has been reviewed by a committee appointed by the SoftballAlberta President. The committee appointed shall render a decision withintwenty-one (21) days of the occurrence, otherwise the player, coach,manager or umpire shall be automatically reinstated. Any player, coach,manager or umpire who fails to appear at a duly called hearing withoutproperly notifying Softball Alberta shall lose the right of appeal.
iv) All players, coaches and managers of any team which intentionally defaults(forfeits) or refuses to play any game in the Provincial Playoffs, shallimmediately be suspended pending further review by a committeeappointed by the President of the Association.
v) In order that the game of Softball, as controlled by Softball Alberta and itsaffiliated members shall not be affected by financial interest, any appeal tocourts of law, or to a lawyer in anticipation of legal action, BEFORE allprocesses of appeal through Softball Alberta and if applicable, throughSoftball Canada are exhausted, shall be deemed unsportsmanlike conduct.Any team, manager, coach, player or umpire who resorts to suchprocedure shall automatically and immediately be suspended from allprivileges and affiliations with Softball Alberta and Associated Leagues.
b) Knowingly permitting betting;
c) Offering, agreeing, or attempting to lose a game or being interested in any poolor wager thereon;
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d) Knowingly participating in a game with a suspended member;
i) Any player, coach or manager participating with a team that has beensuspended or expelled or having on its roster, any suspended players,coaches or managers will be subject to suspension.
ii) Any team using a suspended player, coach, manager, or otherwise will besubject to disqualification and suspension.
iii) Any team, player, coach, manager or umpire participating in a gameofficiated by a suspended umpire may be suspended.
e) Knowingly using a player under a false name or certification and failure toproduce certificates or evidence of eligibility as may reasonably be required;
i) Failure to produce certificates or evidence or eligibility on demand willautomatically forfeit the games at which these are demanded.
ii) Using an ineligible player under his/her right name shall automaticallycause forfeiture of the game and, at the discretion of the ExecutiveCommittee, may cause suspension of the player, coach and manager forthe balance of the season.
iii) Using a player under a false name or certificate shall automatically suspendall players, coach and manager for the balance of the season and the coachand manager for an additional season.
2. Length of individual suspension will be dealt with according to the severity of thecircumstances.
3. Any member charged with an offence or offences named above shall have theprivilege of appealing any decision to the Board of Directors of Softball Alberta. Startof the appeal period is the date when suspension is levied. Verbal notice of appealmust reach the Softball Alberta Office within 72 hours of suspension date, writtennotice of appeal by registered mail to the Softball Alberta Office within 21 days fromthe date of suspension.
4. Any suspension request to Softball Alberta must be submitted verbally within 72hours from the date of the incident and written notice within 10 days to the SoftballAlberta Office.
Softball Alberta Annual Scholarships
Each year Softball Alberta awards scholarships to qualifying student-athletes to assistthem with their post-secondary education. For more information about the individual
scholarships or to obtain a scholarship application form, go to our website or contact the Softball Alberta office(s).
The deadline for all scholarship applications is September 1st
www.softballalberta.ca
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5. A League or Association wishing Softball Alberta to honour their suspension mustsubmit a letter stating the individuals whom they are suspending and the reasons forthe suspension. The letter must be supported with:
• all documentation leading to the suspension, ie: the complaint, the noticeof the organized hearing, the decision and the reasons for the decision.
• full contact information of the suspended individual,
• the length of the suspension,
• proof that the suspended individual was:
- notified of the original organized hearing- notified of an opportunity to appeal the decision- and notified of the results of the appeal hearing, if any,
including the reasons for the decision on appeal.
• minutes of the appeal hearing, if any.
The request will then be discussed at the next Executive Committee meeting with theresponse following as soon as possible.
6. Any member of Softball Alberta, who has been suspended by Softball Alberta for aperiod of one year or more, must apply in writing to the Board of Directors of SoftballAlberta for reinstatement of membership privileges. Those parties suspended and notreinstated, will have the right to an appeal process.
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ARTICLE VII
TOURNAMENTS
SANCTION FEES: For all Adult & Minor Tournaments
AFFILIATED MEMBERS - $25.00 NON- MEMBERS - $50.00
Apply online at www.softballalberta.ca
A. Tournament Sanctions should be obtained at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of thetournament.
B. Sanction fees are payable by cash, cheque visa, mastercard, or money order, to SoftballAlberta. This fee must be forwarded to one of the Softball Alberta offices prior to a sanctionbeing issued. All N.S.F. cheques will be charged a $25.00 fee plus clearing bank chargesover and above the amount originally requested.
C. Tournaments must use Provincial classification when inviting teams to participate in theirevent. (Senior A, Intermediate B, Junior A, etc. NOT Division 1, Division 3, Division 5 etc.)
D. The tournament sanction, if granted, will be issued by the Softball Alberta Office(s).
E. NO sanctions will be issued in conflict with scheduled playoffs in the area.
F. Tournament Sanctions MUST be posted at all times during the tournament.
G. Any irregularities, problems, conflicts, etc. must be reported to the District Organizer andTournament Chairman within 72 hours after the completion of the tournament.
H. To avoid unnecessary confusion and turmoil at the tournaments in the event of inclementweather, it is recommended that all tournaments adopt some form of rainout rules. Teamsshould be advised of these rules before they participate in a tournament.
I. Officials MUST BE registered with Softball Alberta. In the event they are not available, non-registered umpires must be cleared with the Umpire-in-Chief or his representative, or aSoftball Alberta representative before commencing the first game. Registered officials mustbe in an official uniform.
J. Travel permits will be required by all teams from outside Canada. They must be presentedto the Tournament Organizer.
K. Teams attending competitions outside the Province of Alberta must obtain a travel permitto be covered by the insurance and benefits program. Permits can be obtained at no chargefrom your District Organizer or the Softball Alberta office(s).
Travel Permits may not be issued where there is a potential for conflict with the teamrequesting a permit and a Provincial sanctioned event.
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ARTICLE VIII
CATEGORY SPECIFIC RULES
A. MINOR BALL: AGES - To be eligible for the 2010 Season.
MIDGET Boys & Girls - Under 19 PRIOR TO Jan. 1st of the current year.Born in 1991 or later.
BANTAM Boys & Girls - Under 16 PRIOR TO Jan. 1st of the current year.Born in 1994 or later.
PEE WEE Boys & Girls - Under 14 PRIOR TO Jan. 1st of the current year.Born in 1996 or later.
SQUIRT Boys & Girls - Under 12 PRIOR TO Jan. 1st of the current year.Born in 1998 or later.
MITE Boys & Girls - Under 10 PRIOR TO Jan. 1st of the current year.Born in 2000 or later.
CATEGORY PITCHING DISTANCE BASELINES
Boys Girls Boys Girls
MIDGET 46' 43' 60' 60'
BANTAM 42' 40' 60' 60'
PEE WEE 40' 38' 60' 60'
SQUIRT 35' 35' 55' 55'
MITE 30' 30' 45' 45'
PLEASE CHECK THE SOFTBALL ALBERTA WEBSITE FOR THE OFFICIAL SOFTBALL TO BE USED FOR
ALL THE MINOR PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
ALL HOSTING CENTERS MUST BE PREPARED TO USE THE OFFICIAL SOFTBALLFOR ANY SOFTBALL ALBERTA PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
See Softball Canada Rulebook / Western Canadian Softball Association website for the Official Softball to be usedin Western & Canadian Championships
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1. Team Roster is a maximum of seventeen (17) players.
2. All Minor teams from Mite to Midget, in both Boys and Girls categories shall followthe standard softball pitch as outlined by Softball Alberta and the Canadian AmateurSoftball Association.
3. Male teams in categories NOT leading to Post Provincial play may have on their rosterup to two (2) overage players for the purposes of Provincial play. These players maybe affiliated players or pick ups but may not play in the field as either a pitcher orcatcher. Furthermore, these players must be players who are one year advanced fromthe current playing category of the team in question
4. EQUIPMENT
a) Shoes (youth/minor): No metal cleats are allowed. NO hard plastic, nylon orpolyurethane spikes similar to a metal sole and heel plate, or shoes withdetachable cleats (unless detachable cleats made of rubber) that could leave anexposed fastener are allowed.
b) Boys and Girls in ALL categories of Minor Ball (under 19) are required to weara Protective Batting Helmet while on deck, batting and running the bases whencompeting in Zone & Provincial Playoffs. A Protective Batting Helmet is onethat is fully enclosed, with two (2) ear flaps, a foam liner with a peak and a chinstrap fastened securely under the chin.
EFFECT: A player not wearing a helmet will be warned by the Umpire. If, inthe umpires judgement the helmet is intentionally removed,interference shall be called and the player whose helmet wasremoved shall be declared out.
An “approved face mask/guard” is required as part of the protective battinghelmet for the Mite to Pee Wee categories.
Effective in 2010: An “approved face mask/guard” is required as part of theprotective batting helmet for the Bantam categories and Midget categorieseffective in 2011.
c) Catchers in all categories in Minor Ball are required to wear the protectiveHelmet AND mask with the attached throat protector. In addition, minorcatchers MUST wear the protective Helmet AND mask with the attached throatprotector when warming up a pitcher prior to the game and between innings.
d) Catchers in all categories in Minor Ball are required to wear: the appropriateglove, chest protector, shin-guards which offer protection to the knee cap, andathletic support with cup (for boys and girls). All of this equipment is to fitproperly.
e) In all categories not leading to Post-Provincial play, a bat that is legal in allaspects other than the wording " Official Softball" shall be declared legal.
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5. Minor Ball categories of Provincial Play are:
MITE: A, BSQUIRT: A, B, C ( C is for girls only)PEE WEE: A, B, C, D ( C & D is for girls only)BANTAM: A, B, C, D ( C & D is for girls only)MIDGET: A, B, C, D ( C & D is for girls only)
6. 'LOW PARTICIPATION CATEGORY'
Low Participation Status may be granted in any category except those categorieswhich lead to Post-Provincial play.
An application for Low Participation Status must be submitted annually by April 15th
and is only granted upon recommendation by the Zone District Organizer.
Low Participation Status meaning: upon request to the Zone District Organizer, theapproval to pick up to four players from the surrounding area prior to a Zone orProvincial Playoff. No additional pickups would be allowed should the team advancepast the Zone competition.
7. T-BALL / COACH PITCH / LEARN TO PLAY
a) Is defined as any form of minor softball which does not utilize one of the teamplayers as the pitcher. There will be no age restrictions or requirements.Playing rules to be determined by local leagues and organizations.
b) Teams must complete affiliation forms and the league / association / team mustsubmit participants list to be covered by the Insurance & Benefits Program.
8. MITE
a) Pitchers may pitch a maximum of three (3) innings per game. Should a pitcherthrow (1) pitch this is classified as a complete inning pitched. In the event ofextra innings the pitching rule is not in effect. The penalty for pitcher(s)exceeding the limit of innings pitched is that the coach is ejected, player(s) isremoved from the pitching position and all illegal innings are void
b) There shall be an “A” & “B”category in the Mite division, regardless of thenumber of teams entered.
c) The Mite Provincial Tournament will be held with an unlimited entry of teams.(Note: The Hosting Grant will be for a MAXIMUM of 11 teams).
d) Substitution – The substitution rule does not apply. Defensive players may besubstituted freely without penalty. All players shall be listed onthe lineup card and shall bat in the order shown
e) The 'Infield Fly Rule' WILL NOT be in effect.
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f) A five (5) run rule per inning per team will be in effect throughout the game.Once the fifth (5th) run is scored all other runners are stranded. THEY DO NOTstart on base next inning. The game is declared over:
i) once the alloted time has expired and the home team is behind by morethan five (5) runs, or
ii) if the home team is behind by 15 runs after four and one half (4 1/2)innings."
g) The fifteen (15) run Mercy Rule is in effect.
h) The 'Conference Rule' (in regard to pitchers) IS IN EFFECT
i) The 'Designated Player' rule IS NOT permitted.
j) The batter is out on the third strike, regardless if the ball is caught or not, and theball remains alive.
k) Co-ed Mite teams may enter the Provincials in the Mite Boys Category.
9. SQUIRT
a) The 'Infield Fly Rule' WILL NOT be in effect.
b) A five (5) run rule per inning per team will be in effect throughout the game.Once the fifth (5th) run is scored, all other runners are stranded. They DO NOTstart on base the next inning. When the team behind cannot score enough runsto win in the allotted time period or after 4 ½ innings, the game is declaredover.
c) The fifteen (15) run Mercy Rule is in effect.
d) The 'Conference Rule' (in regard to pitchers) IS IN EFFECT
e) The 'Designated Player' rule IS NOT permitted.
f) The batter is out on the third strike, regardless if the ball is caught or not, and theball remains alive.
g) Co-ed Squirt teams may enter Provincials in the Squirt Boys A & B Level
10. PEE WEE
a) A seven (7) run rule per inning per team will be in effect throughout the gamefor PEE WEE C & D. Once the seventh run is scored, all other runners arestranded. They DO NOT start on base the next inning. When the team behindcannot score enough runs to win in the allotted time period or after 4 ½ innings,the game is declared over.
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b) Mercy Rule is in effect:
(i) ‘A’ - Seven (7) runs(ii) ‘B’ - Ten (10) runs(iii) ‘C’ & ‘D’ - Fifteen (15) runs
c) The 'Conference Rule' (in regard to pitchers) IS IN EFFECT
d) The 'Designated Player' rule IS NOT permitted.
11. BANTAM
a) A seven (7) run rule per inning per team will be in effect throughout the gamefor BANTAM C & D. Once the seventh run is scored, all other runners arestranded. They DO NOT start on base the next inning. When the team behindcannot score enough runs to win in the allotted time period or after 4 ½ innings,the game is declared over.
b) Mercy Rule is in effect:
(i) ‘A’ - Seven (7) runs(ii) ‘B’, ‘C’ & ‘D’ - Ten (10) runs
c) The 'Conference Rule' (in regard to pitchers) IS IN EFFECT
d) The 'Designated Player' rule IS permitted.
12. MIDGET
a) A seven run (7) rule per inning per team will be in effect throughout the gamefor MIDGET C & D. Once the seventh run is scored, all other runners arestranded. They DO NOT start on base the next inning. When the team behindcannot score enough runs to win in the allotted time period or after 4 ½ innings,the game is declared over.
b) The seven (7) run Mercy Rule is in effect:
c) The 'Conference Rule' (in regard to pitchers) IS IN EFFECT
d) The 'Designated Player' rule IS permitted.
2010 Senior “B” Men & Women
Western Canadian Softball Championships
August 12 ‐ 15 ‐ IRMA
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B. ADULT FAST PITCH
AGES - To be eligible for 2010 Season
JUNIOR A, B Men & JUNIOR A, B & C Women -
Under 23 PRIOR to Jan. 1st of the current year. Must be born in or later than:1987
PITCHING DISTANCE BASELINES
Male Female Male Female
46' 43' 60' 60'
FAST PITCH RANKINGS: SENIOR 'A'JUNIOR 'A'SENIOR ‘B’INTERMEDIATE 'B'MASTERSINTERMEDIATE 'C'JUNIOR 'B'JUNIOR ‘C’
1. Team Roster is a maximum of seventeen(17) players.
Exception: Masters FP - twenty (20) players
PLEASE CHECK THE SOFTBALL ALBERTA WEBSITE FOR THE OFFICIAL SOFTBALL TO BE USED FOR
ALL THE ADULT FASTPITCH PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
ALL HOSTING CENTERS MUST BE PREPARED TO USE THE OFFICIAL SOFTBALLFOR ANY SOFTBALL ALBERTA PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
See Softball Canada Rulebook / Western Canadian Softball Association website for the Official Softball to be usedin Western & Canadian Championships
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2. Adult FP Players will be permitted to sign a provincial roster on a Modified OrthodoxFP Team and/or a Masters FP Team AND one (1) of the following Adult FP categories:
Senior A or Senior B / Intermediate B or C / Junior A or B or C
PLUS one (1) of each of the following Adult SP categories:
Senior SP / Co-Ed SP / Masters SP
They may participate in all the provincial categories in which they are signed,providing the dates for the Provincial Playoffs do not coincide.
3. All Adult teams in both male and female categories shall follow the standard softballpitch as outlined by Softball Alberta and the Canadian Amateur Softball Association.
4. EQUIPMENT:
a) Metal spikes ARE permitted in all categories of adult fast pitch. Cleats must notextend more than 2.0 cm (3/4") from the sole or heel of the shoe.
b) ALL Adult teams, both male and female, are required to wear protective battinghelmets while on deck, batting and running bases in Zone and Provincialcompetition.
c) Batting helmets with two (2) ear flaps are mandatory for all categories of FP.
d) Catchers and their substitutes MUST wear a mask, helmet and throat protectorprior to the game and between innings, when warming up a pitcher.
Specific League rulings take precedence for league play in regards to the use ofbatting and running helmets.
5. MASTERS FAST PITCH:
a) AGES - To be eligible for 2010 Season
MASTERS WOMEN FAST PITCH
Players MUST be thirty-five (35) years of age in the current year toparticipate in Provincial Playoffs. Born no later than 1975.
MASTERS MEN FAST PITCH
Players MUST be forty (40) years of age in the current year to participatein Provincial Playoffs. Born no later than 1970.
b) DESIGNATED RUNNER is permitted in Masters Fast Pitch. (See the currentyear’s Softball Canada Rulebook)
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C. SLO-PITCH
PITCHING DISTANCE BASELINES
Male Female Male Female
55' From 50' to 55' 70' 65'
SLO-PITCH RANKINGS: SENIOR MASTERS
1. Team roster is a maximum of twenty (20) players.
EXCEPTION: Senior Men / Women SP - seventeen (17) players.
CO-ED: Twenty (20) players with 5 men and 5 women and a maximum of ten (10)players per gender.
2. Adult SP Players will be permitted to sign a provincial roster on:
One (1) Senior SP team AND
One (1) Co-Ed SP team AND
One (1) Masters SP team
PLUS the following Adult Fast Pitch categories:
A Modified Orthodox FP Team and/or a Masters FP team
AND one (1) of: Senior A or Senior B / Intermediate B or C / Junior A or B or C
They may participate in all the provincial categories in which they are signedproviding the dates for the Provincial Playoffs do not coincide.
PLEASE CHECK THE SOFTBALL ALBERTA WEBSITE FOR THE OFFICIAL SOFTBALL TO BE USED FOR
ALL THE ADULT SLO-PITCH PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
ALL HOSTING CENTERS MUST BE PREPARED TO USE THE OFFICIAL SOFTBALLFOR ANY SOFTBALL ALBERTA PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
See Softball Canada Rulebook / Western Canadian Softball Association website for the Official Softball to be usedin Western & Canadian Championships
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3. EQUIPMENT:
Specific League rulings take precedence for league play in regards to the use of battingand running helmets.
4. The categories for Slo-Pitch offered in the Province of Alberta shall be:
Senior Mens, Senior Women’s, Co-Ed, Master Mens, Master Women’s and Co-EdRecreational SP.
5. A provincial championship will be held annually in all SP categories. Teams thatfinish 1st in each division may qualify to advance to the Canadian Championship.Teams that finish second and below may qualify to advance to the Western CanadianChampionships.
Teams finishing in 2nd place and below may petition Softball Alberta to participatein the Canadian Championships.
Note: Teams advancing to a championship which occurs a year or more afterqualifying shall have a minimum of eight (8) returning players from theoriginal qualified team to retain that right.
6. MASTERS SLO-PITCH:
a) Players must be thirty-five (35) years of age in the current year of play to beeligible for the Masters Category.
EXAMPLE: A person turning thirty-five (35) years of age in 2009 would beeligible for 2009 Canadian and/or Western CanadianChampionships.
b) +35 & +40 Masters Mens SP teams entering the Provincial Playdowns will doso with the understanding that the provincial winner will advance to theCanadian Championships and will qualify for travel assistance from SoftballAlberta. Teams must indicate on their Provincial Entry which SP Age Categorythey qualify for.
c) If there are NO Provincial Playoffs, the teams will be allowed to pickup to aMAXIMUM allowable limit for a Canadian Championship or WesternChampionship - whichever it may be. All pickups must be from an affiliatedteam.
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D. MODIFIED / ORTHODOX FAST PITCH:
1. Team roster is a maximum of twenty (20) players. For Co-Ed, a maximum of fourteen(14) players of either gender will be allowed.
2. Modified / Orthodox FP must have a minimum of 3 players of each gender in thegame at all times. Substitutions will be male for male and female for female.
3. PITCHING RULES - see current Softball Canada Rulebook - "Rule 6 PitchingRegulations (Orthodox)"
Exception:The ball may be outside the pitchers wrist at the top of the back swing andduring the complete forward delivery. A slingshot type pitch is allowed. ( asling shot type pitch is defined as turning the body towards first or third base andbending the elbow during the backswing) The top of the back swing may notproceed past a vertical position to the pitchers head. During the forwarddelivery the pitchers hand must be within one foot of the body and may notcontact the body or leg.
4. Pitching distance - 43 ft. - Male or Female
5. a) A seven run rule per inning will be in effect with the last inning being open withno run restriction.
b) All games to be of seven inning duration except when one team is leading theother by 15 runs at the completion of five or six innings of play. The teamleading shall be declared the winner and will advance.
c) A double run rule for provincial playdowns shall be in effect: where if a team isleading by 20 runs after the third or fourth inning of play, a + 15 run ratingshall be awarded to the leading team for tie-breaking purposes.
6. EQUIPMENT:
a) masks, body protectors and helmets (See Softball Canada Rulebook)
b) Metal cleats are not allowed
c) Batting helmets with two (2) ear flaps are mandatory.Specific league rulings take precedence for league play in regard to the use ofbatting and running helmets.
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ARTICLE IX
UMPIRES & FEES
A. At least two (2) official umpires MUST be used in each Provincial Playoff game. Normally,with a six team or more Playoff, 3 umpires are assigned per diamond with 2 umpiresworking in one game and one resting, and then they work on a rotating basis.
Exceptions: 1. In the event of limited availability of umpires, Softball Alberta mayapprove use of a one umpire system for categories not leading toPost-Provincial play.
2. If after starting a game with two officials and it becomes necessary tocomplete the game with one, that official shall assume full charge.
3. All categories leading to a Canadian Championship and all Adultcategories leading to a Western Canadian Championship shall use athree umpire system in all games at Provincial Championships.
4. Minor categories leading to a Western Canadian Championship shalluse a three umpire system in the Championship round at ProvincialChampionships.
B. Hosts must arrange for umpires for their Provincial Playoff event through their UmpireBranch and are responsible for payment of their fees. The Umpire Fee Schedule forProvincial Playoffs is:
CATEGORY BASE FEE THREE UMPIRE SYSTEM
MIDGET and lower $25.00 $60.00 per game
JUNIOR $30.00 $75.00 per game
INTERMEDIATE $35.00 $75.00 per game
SENIOR A & B MEN FP $35.00 $90.00 per game
SENIOR A & B WOMEN FP $30.00 $75.00 per game
SLO-PITCH $25.00 $60.00 per game
MASTERS $35.00 $90.00 per game
MODIFIED / ORTHODOX $30.00 $60.00 per game
If three umpire system rates at Provincials are negotiated between the Host Committee andthe Umpire Branch Executive responsible for that area, a firm rate must be established priorto the “Bid to Host”.
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C. Official umpires using their automobiles travelling to and from such events shall be paida rate of $0.30/km. Umpires coming from the same area will be paid based on 2 umpiresper vehicle. Mileage will be paid when the umpire is required to be ‘away from home’where ‘away from home’ is defined as more than 20 km from the outer boundaries of theumpires home city, town or village.
When hotels and meals are required ‘away from home’, hotels will be based on the doubleoccupancy per night plus tax. Meals are based on the following:
Breakfast - $8.00Lunch - $11.00Supper - $16.00
D. Umpires shall check the measurements of the diamond to the satisfaction of both teams andshall make a record of any objections raised by either team. Umpires shall, to the best oftheir ability, enforce the rules as written and may not, even with the concurrence of bothcompeting teams, vary the rules, or refuse to administer all penalties the rules call for.
E. UNSANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS: To facilitate the promotion of softball on a communitylevel, umpires may officiate at unsanctioned tournaments and games between unaffiliatedteams sponsored by church groups, fraternal organizations, within their own communityleague or recognized recreation district as long as all participants are members of thatcommunity league or recognized recreation district and so long as officials are NOT paidfor their services. Umpires officiating at unsanctioned tournaments or at games betweenunaffiliated teams outside their own community leagues or recognized recreation districtsand unaffiliated leagues WILL BE SUSPENDED.
F. Umpires who wish to officiate outside their registered branch require permission from boththeir branch UIC and the UIC of the branch in which they wish to umpire.
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Alberta Softball Umpires AssociationExecutive:
President Grant Hood Calgary (403) 285-8492
Vice President Mike Clancy Calgary (403) 278-0025
Secretary/Treasurer Daryl Helmer Airdrie (403) 948-7399
Branches:
Battle River
Dan Baron Ponoka (403) 783-5856Tom Chelmick Camrose (780) 608-7795
Calgary
Daryl Helmer Airdrie (403) 948-7399Hilary Lewis Calgary (403) 236-3721
Calgary Minor
John Gheran Calgary (403) 604-9820Jim Portman Calgary (403) 251-6835
Edmonton
Frankie Billingsley Edmonton (780) 641-7708Dave Roethlingshoefer Edmonton (780) 430-7053
Edmonton Minor
Ken Jones Edmonton (780) 463-1593David Triska Jr. Edmonton (780) 475-6915
Flagstaff
Bill Kropinske Hardisty (780) 888-2424Dale Delowski Hardisty (780) 888-2182
Ft. McMurray
Al Grandison Ft. McMurray (780) 743-2175
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Highway 43
Dave Thomas Hinton (780) 865-7353
Highwood
Andy Makelki High River (403) 601-0838
Lakeland
Lethbridge
Kelly Keenan Lethbridge (403) 381-7958Tom Jepp Lethbridge (403) 381-6478
Medicine Hat
Peace Country
Red Deer
Ross Towers Red Deer (403) 343-0755Connie Anderson Sundre (403) 638-2896
Official Supplier to Softball Canada Officials
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PRODUCT CENTER ORDER FORMITEMS # ORDERED PRICE TOTAL COST
SOFTBALL ALBERTA PINS __________ $2.00 _______
LINE-UP CARDS / 4 COPY __________ .20¢ _______
LINE-UP CARDS BOOKLET __________ $5.00 _______
2009 - 2010 SOFTBALLCANADA RULE BOOK __________ $11.00 _______
SCOREBOOKS __________ $5.00 _______
CAN Pitch DVD __________ $20.00 _______
LEARN TO PLAY CD __________ $13.00 _______
LEARN TO PLAY MANUALSLEVEL 1 2 or 3 __________ $6.00 _______
DIAMOND DRILLS __________ $5.00 each _______
FP Pitching Sliding HittingFielding Baserunning Defensive DrillsBunting Drills Throwing Offensive DrillsCatching Drills
Please make cheque or money order payable to the: TOTAL ORDER: __________
Softball Alberta Add 5% GST: __________
Add 10% Postage & Handling: __________
TOTAL: __________
