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Subscribe to our NewsletterRegistration Details - Frequently Asked Questions
7 April, 2023
Thank you for all the questions and early registrations! Here are some clarification notes:
Playing Up a Level
Q: Can my child bump up a division?
A: All players must sign up in the proper division based on birth date. After registration numbers are in, some “bumping” may occur to balance divisions. RARELY will a player be bumped up based on skill level. All divisions require quality players to lead and inspire.
Bring a Friend
New for 2023 - You can name and match one friend on your registration. Your friend must also name you on their registration. We will try our best to honor those matched names for team-mates. Please keep in mind that the draft of "friends" is not 100% guaranteed. We will try to balance the teams with numbers, experience, parent coaches, and positions. Some of the best friendships are made while meeting new team-mates. For the most part, if your daughter's friend does not end up on the same team, they will be playing against each other or at the field at the same time.
Sibling Players
Siblings are entitled to a discount per player. Requests for sisters to register and play on the same team will try to be honoured. We understand the schedule might otherwise require back-to-back games and parents would not be able to drive back and forth between games.
Number of Players
Everyone who registers before May 1st, 2023 will be drafted to an appropriate team. There is no limit to the number of players per division. The more players, the more teams. Everyone plays!
Important League Dates
Game Nights: Monday through Thursday either 6-8 or 8-10 p.m.
Monday and/or Wednesday: U9, U11, U13, U19
Tuesday and/or Thursday: U15, OPEN
Sunday practices: Handley field is available 12-4 and/or 6-8 p.m. Coaches will share practice times.
Regular registration runs from now until May 1, 2023
Pre-Season Conditioning: MAY 8 AND 9, 2023 - 6-8 P.M. AND 8-10 P.M. AT BOTH HANDLEY AND KELLY FIELDS
Season Opens: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 (weather dependant)
Fun Tournament: June 3 and 4, 2023
Playoffs - Tournament Format: August 19, 20, 2023
Volunteers
Parent volunteers are always appreciated and there is a place on the registration form for you to indicate your committment. Student volunteers will earn volunteer hours for high school - whether or not they are players. For example, if your son/brother wishes to volunteer at a tournament or BBQ, please let us know.
Coaches
All coaches are required to have a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Check. If you are interested in coaching or assisting a coach, please indicate this on your daughter's registration form.
Equipment - New for 2023
Players will be given a team jersey or shirt for games. This year we will have black ball pants available to purchase for only $10, prior to the season. These are second hand pants from prior years and need not be returned after purchase. Players will be expected to wear black ball pants for games (no leggings or shorts). There will be more information on our clearance sale soon. There are many different sizes available. Unforturnately, we cannot take reservations or holds. Players will be expected to wear their jersey tucked into black ball pants for all games. Please do not wear your team jersey for practices. Players should have their own glove, ball cleats (plastic cleats only not metal), pants, socks, and water bottle. Bats, batting helmets (with cage) and infield masks will be available to the coaches in a team equipment bag. Coaches will also have two sets of catcher gear available.
Philosophy of Play
This is house-league softball. Coaches will give equal / fair playing time to all players throughout the season. Players are encouraged to play different positions if they are interested, but will not be expected to play anywhere they are not comfortable. For example if a weaker player does not want to try a more difficult position, they will not be forced to try that position; players are encouraged to attend team practices to learn new skills. The batting cages at Handley Field belong to our association and all registered players will have an opportunity to practice there, with their coach and team. Players who are interested in more competitive play are encouraged to try out for a Select team. All players are encouraged to have open, respectful communication with their coach. Coaching is a volunteer position and we ask all players to show respect to thier coach by letting them know if they will miss a game or practice, or if they have a good reason for arriving late.
Select Teams - Blaze
Back this year after covid interruption! We will be holding tryouts for several select (travelling) teams - watch the FB page for try-out dates. Players must be registered to play in the regular league to be eligible for Select Teams. Additional fees may be required for those chosen to represent the North Bay Blaze Select teams. Please see the select information on this web-site.
Umpires
We are lucky to have some very skilled umpires, who do an excellent job night after night. Please remember mistakes can happen - umpires are human - please show respect. Our Umpire-in-Chief will be orgainizing some clinics for new umpires, this spring. Please watch the face-book page for details.
Sponsors
Our fees are some of the lowest in sports, thanks to all our our sponsors! Please support our sponsors.
Please continue to monitor the FB page for further updates.
