1
SAFE STAR Saskatchewan User Guide
What is SAFE STAR?
The SAFE STAR Program was originally designed by Softball Ontario and adopted by Softball Canada for
use by all Provinces/Territories on an individual basis in the hopes of promoting best practices in Softball
Association management and administration. Softball Saskatchewan is proud to implement this program
in 2013.
The SAFE STAR Program is a quality assurance program that will award Softball Associations with a STAR
rating from one (1) to three (3), based on a series of standards in four categories:




Organizational Development
Volunteer Development
Long Term Player Development
Provincial Participation
Softball Associations who receive a SAFE STAR Rating will be able to promote themselves as a ‘SAFE
STAR Rated Softball Association’, and will receive free promotional materials to assist them in
marketing their programs to the public. The promotional materials and the SAFE STAR Rating will help
Softball associations to build a better brand for themselves and benefit from a greater perceived quality
of programs available.
Here is a brief overview of what it takes to become a SAFE STAR Rated association:
2
Marketing
There are many ways to market the SAFE STAR program. Some of these ways may include adding a SAFE
STAR section to your website, presenting the program at your AGM or a Board of Directors meeting, and
e-mailing association presidents directly with the information. In marketing the SAFE STAR program, be
sure to outline the many benefits of the program, some of which are listed below.

Increased Registration-People will feel comfortable signing up to be a part of an association that
takes accountability for the development of their coaches and umpires. The public will also
know that the association is dedicated to running a quality softball program.

Retaining Members-The development of coaches, officials, athletes and volunteers that a SAFE
STAR association values promotes the continued involvement of members even after they have
moved on from competing, coaching, or officiating,

Continuous Improvement-Becoming a SAFE STAR rated association gives them access to many
programs and resources through Softball Saskatchewan, therefore allowing continuous
improvement to the association’s program as a whole.

Funding- becoming a SAFE STAR rated association will give you access to a variety of funding
opportunities and programs provided by Softball Saskatchewan.

Developing Coaches-The SAFE STAR program encourages associations to hold training
opportunities for their coaches, therefore improving the quality of instruction that the players
receive on the field.

Increase in Volunteers-SAFE STAR also encourages associations to run volunteer-friendly events,
and to provide training for their volunteers. The happier the existing volunteers, the more other
people will want to volunteer, which is essential for a well-run program!

Raised Profile-SAFE STAR will soon be well known in the Softball Saskatchewan community and
any SAFE STAR rated association will be known as a quality softball program.

Marketing and Communication-Associations are able to use their SAFE STAR rating to promote
the association at tournaments, registration days, etc.
3
Application Process
The Application Form
Each association applying will be required to submit a general information form, as well as completed
scoring forms. The scoring forms consist of each of the four categories, broken down into individual
criteria with a corresponding score. The association will go through and check off each of the criteria
that they have in place in their association, and will be rated accordingly.
Process for your Provincial/Territorial Association
Once an association has submitted their application, it will be reviewed by the Provincial Association.
From the submission of the application to when the association receives their approved rating, it could
be up to 30 days. There is a review committee of two people who review and eventually rate the
associations that apply. The review team will also request a minimum of five supporting documents
from the association. Once they have reviewed the entire application and have found that the
association does enough to earn a rating, they approve the rating and it becomes official.
Each association’s rating is valid for two years from the date it becomes approved. Softball
Saskatchewan will post details about each association’s rating on their website. If complaints arise
regarding the association’s rating, the review team will look into them. Otherwise, after two years, the
association must apply again.
If an association wants to improve their rating within those two years, they may do so by re-submitting
their application with the appropriate additions. If this re-application is approved, the two year period is
restarted.
Process for Applying Associations
For each association, one person will need to be named the “SAFE STAR Representative”. This person
will be responsible for all communications between the association and Softball Saskatchewan. The
association will then complete both the general information form and the scoring forms. They will then
submit their application to Softball Saskatchewan. They may also be required to submit supporting
documents. Upon receiving all necessary forms and documents, Softball Saskatchewan will add up the
association’s score and will notify them of their SAFE STAR Rating.
Resources
In order to further support the associations affiliated with us, Softball Saskatchewan has developed a
number of Best Practices and Templates in each category that the associations may use to further
develop their existing programs, or start new projects. These same Best Practices and Templates are
available for your associations to use, as well.