COACHES/MANAGER
2017 LTP
INFORMATION PACKAGE
SASKATOON MINOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE
BOX 8700
SASKATOON, SK
S7K 6S5
Ph: 374-5155 fax 374-2808
E-mail: [email protected]
To keep up to date on all softball happening be sure to
Check out www.smsl.ca
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SASKATOON DIAMOND ADDRESSES
ZONE 1-HUSTLERS
Dr. Gerhard Hertzberg Park
Ernest Lindner Park
Less Kerr Park
Sidney L. Buckwold Park
Sutherland Park
Wildwood Park
Silversprings Park
Lakewood Park
Forest Park
Arborcreek Park
Wallace Park
Acadia Dr. & Campion Cres.
Cowley Rd. & Rodgers Rd.
115th & Kellough Rd.
Degeer Street & Boychuck Dr.
113th Street & Egbert Ave.
Avondale Rd. & Rosedale Rd.
Konihowski Road
Heritage Cres.
Nelson Road
Kenderdine Road
Stensrud Rd & Addison Rd
ZONE 2-RAIDERS
Adelaide Park
A.S. Wright Park
Brevoort Park
Briarwood Park
Canon Smith Park
Crocus Park
George Vanier School
Harold Tatler Park (North)
Harold Tatler Park (South)
Holliston School
Lakeview Park
John Lake School
Nutana Kiwanis Park
Buena Vista School
W.W. Ashley Park
Lakewood Park
2621 Cairns Ave.
East Drive
Early Drive & Webb Cres.
Briarwood Road
Taylor St. & Cumberland Ave.
Waterbury Rd
Wilson Cres.
Louise Ave. & Woodward Ave.
Jarvis Dr. & Estey Drive
1511 Louise Ave.
Whiteshore Cres.
2606 Broadway Ave.
Porter St. & McEown Ave.
Lorne Ave. & 5th Street
Landsdown Ave. & Taylor Street
Heritage Cres.
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ZONE 3/5-FALCONS/LASER
G.D. Archibald Park
North Park School
Robert Hunter Park
Rochdale Park
Umea Park
W.J.L. Harvey Park (1-5)
W.J.L. Harvey Park (10)
Umea #4
BJM #1
A.H. Browne park
Archibald McDonald Park
Dr. Seager Wheeler Park
Dundonald Park
Henry Kelsey Park
Parc Canada
Westmount Park
Senator Gladstone Park
Dragon Car Park
Spadina Cres. & Windsor Street
9th Ave. & Balmoral Street
Ravine Dr. & Churchill Crt.
Redberry Rd. & Reindeer Rd.
Ravine Crt.
Silverwood Road & Ball Cres.
Lenore Drive
Behind Lawson Mall
Pinehouse Drive
37th Street & Ave. E
33rd Street & Matheson Drive
Richardson Road & Ave. W
Wedge Road & George Road
33rd Street & Valens Drive
John A. MacDonald Road
Rusholme Road & Ave. J
Ross Cres. & 37th Street
Hampton Blvd East
ZONE 4-PHANTOMS
Boughton Park
Cahill Park
Gordie Howe Park
H. S. Sears Park
James Girgulis Park
Meadow Green Park
Montgomery Park
Pacific Park
St. Andrew Park
Holiday Park
Optimist Park
Glenn Reeve
Morris T Cherneski
Ave. O & Wellington Street
21st Street & Avenue X
Ave. P & 11 th Street
Pendygrasse Road
Gropper Cres. & McCormick Road
18th Street & Ave. Y South
Caen Street & Crerar Drive
Centennial Drive
13th Street & Ave. M
Ave. M & Schuyler Street
Ave I & 19th Street
Ave P & Dudley Street
320 Hart Road
Check website for more information: Under Sport fields
http://www.saskatoon.ca/org/parks/park_locations/index.asp
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BLASTBALL
THE PHILOSOPY BEHIND THE PROGRAM
1.
There are fewer and fewer children deciding to play softball each year.
2.
The biggest area of concern is with our youngest ages. Once kids have been in the sport for a while and
have learned the skills, they tend to stick with it.
3.
Softball must become more appealing to the modern generation of both parents and kids. (i.e.: more
action/activity in a short period of time).
4.
Softball must be able to compete with sports like soccer and basketball in order to maintain and/or
increase its numbers.
5.
Entry level softball players have had little or no prior exposure to the game. Therefore they must not be
thrust into situations that demand complex fine motor skills and a high level of competition. These
situations only lead to failure and discourage kids from participating.
6.
Softball is a game that demands the development of fine motor skills in order to achieve success.
Children must be taught these skills if we want them to continue in softball. A major objective of the
game must be to motivate children to want to continue to play softball and improve their skills.
7.
Sessions must be compact and action packed.
8.
With shorter sessions we will be better able to maintain a child’s ever decreasing attention. It will also
place more of the emphasis on proper planning and time management by the coaches.
9.
Fewer players per team will keep players active and will move the games along.
10.
We must keep kid’s minds and bodies occupied during the sessions. All efforts must be made to move
the game along and keep all players as active as possible. (i.e.: not just the pitcher, catcher and batter).
11.
Blast Ball is a proven success because it allows kids to learn at their own rate while having fun.
Applying this philosophy as the kids go through this sport will help to keep them in the game.
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Updated 2017 BlastBall Rules
Note that these recommendations are slightly different than the ‘official’ Blastball rules but have been
used with great success in our communities
1. BlastBall teams should be 6 – 8 players
2. The teams will stay together for warm up and discovery skill development.
3.
Sessions begin at 6:30pm. and should wrap up by 7:30pm. or shortly after.
4. Sessions should include warm up games, skill development and a BlastBall game. Try to keep the
games to less than 45 minutes. Below is a recommended practice/game outline.
a. 6:20-6:30 – set up your practice in the outfield.
i. One team in left field and the other in right field.
ii. all three bases (we have the space and this lets the kids part of the game longer than just
running to 1st and back.)
b. 6:30 – 7:00 practice
i. Include short warm-up and run the bases
ii. Play catch with their parent
iii. Work through stations: 2 or 3 hitting stations, a fielding station
c. 7:00 – 7:30 a 2 inning game (coaches can decide if more innings want to be played later)
i. All players bat with the last hitter running all the way around
 Having a parent help put players in order on the “bench” with helmets ready can
speed up the game.
ii. All three bases are used and runners advance 1 base at a time
 Note that at the Blastball Jamboree only one base is used because there is limited
space.
iii. Fielding team lines up a safe distance and takes turns fielding the ball and throwing to
first base as much as possible.
 Note that the first baseman must wear a helmet for safety.
5. A BlastBall Jamboree will be arranged for all teams – refer to the last page of this document for the
date.
a. The rules for the Jamboree are the same for regular games except that there is less time and
space and therefore the games start after a quick warm-up and only one base is used if there isn’t
enough space.
6. The SMSL BlastBall Coordinators will be available for assistance at least once a week. They can also
be used to help coordinate games against other BlastBall teams.
7. The SMSL will try to schedule BlastBall diamonds whenever possible.
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What is it?
BLASTBALL is a developmental game invented and marketed by the ATEC Athletic Training Company in the
United States. It is a very simple concept utilizing the skills of Softball in a fun, fast paced activity for young
players. It has been piloted with a number of groups and the results have been outstanding. In Saskatoon it has
already been introduced to number of elementary schools. It has received very favorable reviews. It appears
that the game is best suited as an entry-level activity for players five and six years old. Seven year olds liked the
game but we needed to add more challenging aspects.
The game is an exceptional introduction to Softball and Baseball for a number of reasons:
 It is fun
 It does not cost a great deal to register
 It is easy to play, players have instant
 It allows very efficient use of facilities (5 or
success
6 games at a time on a diamond)
 It is fast paced
 Minimal special equipment required
 No gloves or special equipment is needed by
 Minimal instruction for volunteers
the player
 It runs within a time frame
Equipment - The SMSL and the Zones have purchased a number of sets of Blast Ball equipment.
A Blast Ball set includes:
Blast Base (and hopefully 2nd and 3rd base)
Blast Ball (2-Pac)
Cone
Blast Bat
Blast Tee
Line
Marker
These are the traditional Blastball Rules:
The defensive players take an infield or outfield position. A Blast Ball is placed in the Blast Tee and the first
batter hits the ball and runs to the Blast Base. If the batter reaches the Base (the only base used) before a defensive player
either catchers the Blast Ball in the air (an automatic out) or fields it and yells “BLAST”, he scores a run. If the ball is
caught or fielded and “BLAST” is yelled before the runner gets to the Blast Base, then the runner is out. It’s just that
simple! You will end the (half) inning by batting once around the line-up. Everyone bats, every inning and keeping score
is optional.
The Blast Base is audible, emitting a loud “HONK” whenever the runner stomps on the base. When fielded, the
defensive player can throw the Blast Ball back to another player, an adult or Sports Net J positioned near home plate
(safely away from the Tee). Gloves/mitts are not needed because of the softness and size of the Ball. The fear factor of
being hit is eliminated from the game all together. While batting helmets are not needed because the Blast Ball is not
being pitched or thrown to make the out, safety helmets are recommended.
Our pilot projects found that 5 players was optimum team size but that is open for discussion. A smaller number,
such as 2-3 players per team works equally well. The critical decision is to know when to add difficulty to the game. The
kids catch on very quickly. The novelty of the noisy base wears off. You must be ready to add small incentives to the
game to keep the kids challenged remembering at all times that attaining success is the number one priority to having fun.
Some additions are as follows:
 Add one throw and subsequent catch to anyone by the defensive player who fields the ball. This throw can be to
anyone on the defensive team anywhere on the field.
 Add one throw and subsequent catch to one specific person on the defensive team.
 Lengthen the distance of the base.
 Rotate the defensive player’s position on the field after each batter.
 Widen the vector for the hitters.
 Add outs to the game instead of all players hitting each inning.
 Reduce the size of the ball and or bat.
 Add a coach pitcher and lob the ball to the hitter.
 Have three teams on the field – one hitting, one defense, and one doing fundamentals. Rotate every 2 innings.
This is a game that has the potential to create a great deal of interest in softball for players of a very young age. It offers an
exciting recreational event with a minimum of administration. One short Volunteer education session would suffice.
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Updated 2017 - ROOKIE BALL LEAGUE RULES
 Teams should be made up of 6-8 players.
 6:15-6:30 – coaches should have practice set up
o Home team sets up on the diamond so the Blue Flame mechanical pitching machine is ready for the
game
o Visiting team sets up practice in the either left or right field
 6:30-7:00 – practice and skill development
o Warm-up/run the bases
o Fielding and hitting stations making sure players get opportunities to hit off of the pitching machine
o
 7:00-7:30ish – 2 innings but coaches can decide in more inning can be played with players staying
interested.
o All pitching will be done with a Blue Flame mechanical pitching machine.
o Home team starts in the field with players spread out across the infield – there is little point to have
players in the outfield. Rotate the players positions each time out in the field.
 Pitcher(s) (players beside the pitching machine) and 1st baseman must wear helmets for
safety.
o No strikes or balls but each batter gets 5 chances to hit the ball from the pitching machine
 The coach running the pitching machine has 5 balls and if the batter does not hit the ball by
the 5th pitch he/she will still run to first base.
 The coach behind the plate collecting the balls will roll out a ball so the fielding
team can make a play to first.
 Runners advance 1 base at a time and there are no “outs” as everybody gets to hit.
 This encourages the players to learn the game while “doing” and avoids more
sitting on the bench.
 The last batter for the inning will run all the way around on his/her hit (or 5th pitch) and the
inning is over.
o No score is kept as all players hit and run the bases
o Batting team coaches run the pitching machine and act as ‘catcher’
o It is encouraged that fielding team has a coach out in the field with the players

Other notes:
o Home team is responsible for setting up the diamond with bases including pitcher machine. Please
make sure the pitching machine and bases are anchored into the ground securely.
o Distance between bases – 45’ Distance from Home to 2nd base – 63’8” but don’t need to be official
o Ball: Indoor balls used for games.
o Having a parent help put players in the batting order on the “bench” with helmets ready can speed up
the game. Alternating the order is great but this should be done quickly.
o NO STEALING ALLOWED
o No advance on an overthrow (runners go to the base they are heading for at the time of the throw and
no more).
o Coaches must communicate to each other to discuss rainouts and rescheduling of games.
To reschedule rained out games:
Office Hours:
Phone S.M.S.L. Office 374-5155
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon - Fri
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



Updated 2017 - MITES LEAGUE RULES
CURFEW: 8:00 pm.
6:15 – 6:30 – set up practice
o Home team sets up on the infield and the visiting team in left or right field
6:30 – 7:00 – practice and skill development
o Warm-up/run the bases
o Fielding and hitting stations making sure players get opportunities to hit off of the pitching machine
o Pitching station
7:00 – 8:00 – 4 inning game
o 1st two innings with the pitching machine as it is already set up.
 Have a player catch the pitching machine if possible.
 Pitcher(s) (players beside the pitching machine) and 1st baseman must wear helmets for
safety.
o Hitting team:
 Have 5 balls at the machine and if the ball isn’t hit by the 5th pitch the catcher will roll the ball out
to the field while the batter runs to first – try to roll it out to a player who hasn’t fielded a ball yet.
 All batters hit and advance one base at a time with the last batter running all the way around.
 Get the players who will catch next inning to bat first so he/she can get ready for the next
inning.
o Last 2 innings:
 Players pitch – make sure you and the coach have decided on the best distance to the rubber
 Use a catcher but collect balls like you did with the pitching machine
 Coaches should decide on the following before the game but it is recommended that pitchers will
throw to 4 batters then switch pitchers
 Pitchers will throw up to 7 pitches (have the 7 balls with the coach) for the batter to hit but
if the 7th pitch is missed or is a ball, the coach/umpire will roll the ball out for the fielding
team to field while the batter will run to first.
Other notes
o No score is kept as all players get to hit.
o Try to get a parent to help with the next 2 pitchers to practice pitching while they are waiting to hit
o No stealing allowed
o Home team is responsible for setting up the diamond with bases including pitcher machine. Please
make sure the pitching machine and bases are anchored into the ground securely.
o Distance between bases – 45’ Distance from Home to 2nd base – 63’8” but don’t need to be official
o Ball: Indoor balls used for games.
o Having a parent help put players in the batting order on the “bench” with helmets ready can speed up
the game. Alternating the order is great but this should be done quickly.
o NO STEALING ALLOWED
o No advance on an overthrow
o Coaches must communicate to each other to discuss rainouts and rescheduling of games.
To reschedule rained out games:
Phone S.M.S.L. Office 374-5155
Office Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon - Fri
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SASKATOON MINOR
SOFTBALL FUN
NIGHT
AT BOB VAN IMPE STADIUM
MAY 24, 2017
COME OUT AND ENJOY THE EVENING
FEATURING BLASTBALL TEAMS FROM THOUGHTOUT
THE CITY, PLAYING AT 5PM & 5:45PM
FOLLOWED BY 2 FEATURED GAMES INCLUDING MANY
PAST SASKATOON MINOR BALL PLAYERS.
Game Starts @ 6:45 pm
All players will receive free hotdogs and
Drinks starting at 5:30pm
Player contests, draws, giveaways and lots more!
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INCIDENT FORM
This form is to be filled out for any incident that occurs within Saskatchewan minor Softball League to include:

Ejections from any games or tournaments

Includes of travesty of the game or incidents that are detrimental to the game of softball. IE: players, coaches, umpires or
parents.
DATE: _______________LOCATION: _____________________LEAGUE:____________
Visiting Team:___________________Coach:____________________Phone:___________
Home Team:____________________Coach:____________________Phone:___________
Umpires:_____________________________________________Phone:________________
_____________________________________________Phone:________________
Description of Incident: ________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________
PLAYER:
Section A
ANY EJECTION FROM GAME WITHIN S.M.S.L.
1. Umpire abuse
2. Player abuse
3. Language abuse
Carries an automatic 1 game suspension with a $ 25 fee for an appeal
Section B
SECOND EJECTION WITHIN SAME SEASON WITH SAME CRITERIA AS SECTION A
Carries an automatic 2 game suspension with a $ 25 fee for an appeal
Section C
THIRD EJECTION WITHIN SAME SEASON and criteria as Section A and Section B will
carry an automatic indefinite suspension with right to a hearing. There will be a report sent to
Softball Saskatchewan. Notice of appeal must be in writing accompanied by $ 25 within 7 days.
Section D
FIGHTING Indefinite suspension, report to Softball Sask. and notice of appeal in
writing within 7 days accompanied by $ 25.
NOTE:
All ejections need to be recorded on game sheet
COACHES:
Section A
Any ejection from a game within S.M.S.L. has the following criteria
1. Umpire abuse
2. Harassment
3. Travesty of the game
Carries an automatic 1 game suspension with no appeal
Section B
Second ejection within same season from game with some criteria of Section A will carry an
automatic 2 game suspension with no appeal.
Section C
Third ejection within same season with some criteria of Section A & B will carry indefinite
suspensions and reported to Softball Sask. Notice of appeal must be in writing within 7 days
for the right to committee hearing.
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ATHLETIC ACCIDENT CLAIM FORM
(Please Print)
_____________________________________________________________________
Last Name
First Name
Birthdate
___________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address
Postal Code
__________________________________________________________________________
Name of Parent
Home Phone
Business Phone
Date of Accident:
_____________________
Team: _______________________________
Location: _______________________
Division:
_______________________
Attending Physician or Dentist: __________________________Hosp # ________________
Describe in full how the accident happened:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Coaches Name: _____________________________________________________________
Phone: (Home)__________________________
(Business) _______________________
Coaches/Manager Signature: __________________________________________________
Witness Signature: __________________________________________________________
INSURANCE CLAIM FORMS CAN BE PICKED UP FROM THE S.M.S.L. OFFICE TO BE SUBMITTED
TO SASKATOON MINOR SOFTBALL WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE ACCIDENT
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