Tips for High School Coaches dealing with Club Softball Players

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Tips for High School Coaches dealing with Club Softball Players.

by Sean Hall

First of all I have a ton of respect for all of the High School Coaches out there. I get a chance to coach against the best High School Coaches and the best Club Coaches and I personally see no difference when you are talking about the best coaches in each. There are some great coaches all over the country. I want to talk about things I have seen/heard over the years that I think might help some coaches. I have also heard from many high school coaches that have had issues with KNOW IT ALL PLAYERS. I am hoping these tips help players and coaches.

The biggest issues I have heard when it comes to players or parents complaining about coaches generally deals with hitting. Specifically, coaches trying to change their swing. This is tough because hitting can be a very complicated subject. I have coached for 32 years but the more I study different hitting instructors and listen to different people, I sometimes come away more confused.

Here are some thoughts on the subject…

#1 Allow the player to take ownership of their own swing. Many parents spend a lot of money with hitting instructors and/or hitting clinics. To expect that you will be able to come in and help them change their entire swing in a few months is unrealistic and counterproductive.

#2 NEVER put the players between two coaches. If Sally is working with a hitting instructor don’t put pressure on her to SWING your way. The first thing this will do is get her thinking too much and worry about pleasing you and/or her hitting instructor instead of just hitting the ball.

#3 That being said, they still need help. Ask them what they are working on with their hitting coach and how you can help. This may seem like a small thing but now everyone is working together. If you have time it would also be great to talk to the hitting instructor. This works even better if that instructor is working with a lot of your players. When you do this the player WINS! Now you have a TEAM approach to the players swings and will have much more confident hitters.

#4 I would suggest using the word TRY more than the word do. Save the word DO for when you are absolutely sure they are doing something wrong. If you are going to be respective of them they need to be respective of you. For this to work both ways when you suggest a player TRIES something they NEED to make sure they try to make it work. If you run into the player that tries to make sure it doesn’t work then I would keep my eye on that player. The more cooperative the player is when I am trying to help the more she could get the benefit of the doubt. The kid that knows it all better keep hitting or they will be on thin ICE! That being said, if a player is hitting well while standing on their head I probably wouldn’t mess with them too much.

The previous comments are ASSUMING their hitting instructor/coach knows what they are doing. If their hitting coach tells them to “Squash the Bug” then forget the last 4 points I just made! Also someone may have a swing that works well against weaker pitching but will struggle at a higher level. I would start making those adjustments. For many smaller schools the high school coach probably is the “hitting guru” in town.

#5 Focus on your strengths as a coach. Many coaches make the mistake thinking they have to know everything about all facets of the game. This is false. Focus on what you know and don’t try to be an expert on the things that you don’t know as much about. If you don’t know a lot about pitching try to hire some assistant coaches that can help in that area. If you don’t know a lot about pitching and you try to change a pitcher you may lose credibility and then they will be less likely to trust you in the areas you are sure about. Also don’t be too proud to think you can’t learn from your players. A lot of players have put a lot of time in so don’t hesitate to ask questions about who taught them this skill and how do you think it helps you?

#6 Be yourself. I made a mistake my 2nd year at Saint Bernard’s thinking I needed to coach more like a former coach did to be successful. The problem is that wasn’t me. Players will see through it. Once I became myself I was much more comfortable and did a much better job.

#7 If you REALLY want to work for the players ask their club coach to get you a list of the things that their player needs help with. The coaches that work together for the player’s best interest are really doing things for the right reasons.

#8 IF ANOTHER COACH NEEDS TO BE BAD FOR YOU TO BE GOOD THEN YOU AREN’T A VERY GOOD COACH. The coaches that constantly criticize other coaches are insecure and want it to be all about them. A really secure coach will say great things about other coaches. This works both ways with Club Coaches and High School Coaches.

#9 Even though you may decide to allow input from players you are still the one in charge. If players get too opinionated then you probably need to slow them down and remind them who is in charge. But if you can develop good relationships with your players it makes things easier.

#10 The toughest job of a High School Coach is trying to get players playing time in 20 games when EVERY GAME is important. Your most difficult job is filling out a line-up. If you want to show your players how hard it is have them write the line-up down for 3 fictional games. Then if you want to scare them, tell them to sign their name to it and pass it around for everyone to see. You might see a line-up you like? But players will realize how hard this can be and will hopefully understand how hard it is to fill out a line-up.

These are just my opinions and are based on listening to many issues over the years while being a High School and Club Coach. I hope you can take one or two things out of this list that may help. Remember it’s about the girls and the worst thing we can do is pit coaches against each other.

Reposted with permission.

https://www.facebook.com/sean.hall.14203

Springfield, Missouri to host 2020 Women’s National Team during “Stand Beside Her” tour

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Springfield, Missouri to host 2020 Women’s National Team during “Stand Beside Her” tour

Dec. 04, 2019, 2:04 p.m. (ET)

OKLAHOMA CITY — The 2020 USA Softball Women’s National Team (WNT) will play an exhibition doubleheader in Springfield, Mo. as the “Stand Beside Her” tour rolls through the United States in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Playing at Killian Softball Stadium (2141 E Pythian Street, Springfield, Mo., 65802) on June 3, 2020, Springfield will host the Red, White and Blue as they look to capture the Gold Medal in Tokyo where the sport of softball returns to the Olympic program for the first time since 2008.

“We are so excited to be heading to Springfield, Missouri for a stop on the ‘Stand Beside Her’ tour,” said 2020 WNT member, Valerie Arioto. “Missouri is playing an instrumental role in hosting and facilitating our training in pursuit of a Gold Medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. There is no doubt that Missouri will bring a great atmosphere and the fans will be a vital part of our journey.”

In Springfield, fans can watch the Red, White and Blue compete in a doubleheader with game one taking place at 5:30 p.m. CT and the second game approximately 35 minutes after the conclusion of game one. Tickets for the game will go on sale on March 3, 2020 with premium chair back seats for $25, infield bleacher seating for $15 and outfield bleacher seating will be $12. Groups of 10-or-more will be able to purchase group tickets in the outfield for $10 each.

“What a great opportunity our city has to watch some of the best softball athletes in the world as they move closer to the 2020 Olympics,” said USA Softball of Missouri Commissioner, Joey Rich. “Even non-softball fans will enjoy this rare opportunity.”

With the return of softball to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games program, the “Stand Beside Her” tour provides much-needed training and competition for the 2020 WNT in their preparation for the Olympic Games while also giving fans a chance to watch the Red, White and Blue in person. Olympic competition will start July 22, 2020 with the Gold Medal Game being played on July 28.

The “Stand Beside Her” tour evokes a powerful message of unity aimed to inspire communities to stand beside HER – the members of the WNT, America and the future generation of female athletes.

Springfield has hosted the U.S. Olympic Softball Team twice before, in 2004 and 2008 and Springfield Mayor, Ken McClure, says he looks forward to the team’s return.

“It is a tremendous honor for Springfield to be included in the USA Softball ‘Stand Beside Her’ tour,” said McClure. “Our city has such a rich history dating back to the early 1920’s and our Springfield Amateur Softball Association was founded in 1935. Killian Sports Complex Softball Stadium, where the games will be played, is home to Missouri State University Softball and has hosted numerous state and national championships, including the NAIA World Series earlier this year. The Stand Beside Her Tour continues that strong heritage. We wish Team USA every success on their way to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.”

Additional stops for the “Stand Beside Her” tour will be announced at a later date. For more information on the “Stand Beside Her” tour, please visit StandBesideHerTour.com.

 

 

California Commotion Softball

Kirk Walker Named Head Coach of New NPF California Commotion Team

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California Commotion Softball

Kirk Walker Named Head Coach of New NPF California Commotion Team

Nov. 18, 2019

The California Softball Commotion have named Kirk Walker as Head Coach of the newest club to join the ranks of National Pro Fastpitch. Walker will combine the coaching duties with a position as Assistant General Manager for the newly formed team.

“We know that assembling this team and being competitive in our first season out, will depend heavily on designating the right person to lead the way,” commented Commotion General Manager, Deb Hartwig. “To be able to land a Head Coach with the success, experience and expertise Kirk brings to this position, is a huge win for this team. I look forward to working with Kirk in his capacity as Head Coach and Assistant General Manager and with this announcement, am anxious to begin putting our team together.”

Walker has a diverse and accomplished resume, both as a player and coach. Most recently, he was a member of the NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year, as a member of the National Championship UCLA Bruins staff of 2019. That title marks his seventh as a staff member of the Bruins, combined with the titles of ’84, ’85, ’88, ’89, ’90 and ’92. Four times along the way, he and his fellow staff members were named NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year.

Walker began his coaching career while an undergrad at UCLA and spent eleven seasons there as an assistant (1984-1994), prior to taking on the Head Coaching position at Oregon State in 1995. Through an eighteen year tenure, Walker led the Beavers to ten post season NCAA Tournaments en route to becoming the winningest coach in OSU history. While there, he coached 79 All PAC 10/12 players, 28 NFCA All-Region players, and 10 NFCA All-Americans.

On the women’s amateur side, Walker, as Head Coach of the California Commotion Women’s ASA team, led his highly decorated squad of superstars to four consecutive National Titles in the Women’s Major Division. Players on those teams included Lisa Fernandez, Dot Richardson, Sheila Douty, Lori Harrigan, Michele Granger, Gillian Boxx, Leah O’Brien, Laura Berg, Amy Chellevold, Karen Walker, Pam Newton, Jennifer Brundage, Jill Justin, Debbie Doom, Jenny Condon, Janice Parks, and Lisa Longaker.

Walker has also been a member of the Team USA coaching staff. First, as a member of the twelve person coaching staff for the quadrennium of 2000-2004, which led up to the Athens Olympic Games of 2004, and later as an Assistant Coach on the 2017 Junior Women’s Team that won Gold at the World Championships.

As a player, Walker has been a longtime pitcher in the Men’s Fastpitch Division. Most recently, in 2018, he was a member of the NAFA Men’s A National Championship team, where he was named to the All World Team for the sixth time in his career.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to lead the new Commotion team and to help grow the professional level of fastpitch on the west coast,” stated Walker.  “The history of the California Commotion is based on putting high level athletes with great passion and character on the field to produce a winning culture. It is an honor to work with Damon and Deb to build an organization that can extend the opportunity for high level collegiate athletes to compete and perform on the professional stage.   California and the west coast have a rich tradition for impacting the sport of softball from the grass roots level and beyond.  With the great year round weather and the huge numbers of young women playing the game here on the west coast, there is a huge opportunity to entertain, educate, motivate and inspire the next generation of athletes and the fans of the game.”

The Commotion become the first west coast presence for the sixteen year old league since 2005, and begin play in the spring of 2020. Exact schedule details will be made available in January by the league and its respective teams.

The California Softball Commotion begins play in the National Pro Fastpitch League in the 2020 season. The goal of the Commotion is to deliver professional softball entertainment to California by expanding competition of the league to the west coast on a consistent basis. Through their presence, the California Commotion aims to inspire the next generation of softball players, and to engage a broad and enthusiastic fan base to support and encourage their endeavors to be professional athletes.
About National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)

National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2004, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in fastpitch softball beyond their collegiate and amateur success.  The NPF affiliate teams consist of the Aussie Peppers, Beijing Shougang Eagles, California Softball Commotion, Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois, Chicago Bandits, and Cleveland Comets. Three complete competing teams will represent their respective countries in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Those teams are Softball Australia, Softball Canada, and Team Mexico, who participate in the NPF as Aussie Peppers, Canadian Wild and Cleveland Comets.  National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the United States, Australia, Canada, China, and Mexico, and represent the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.

 

 

Athletx Sports Group Inks Exclusive Partnership with Elizabethtown Sports

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Athletx Sports Group Inks Exclusive Partnership with Elizabethtown Sports Park & Sports Facilities Management in Kentucky

Posted at 13:00h in Partners, Press by athletxsports

November 5, 2019

Athletx Sports Group, home of multiple nationally recognized sports event brands, and Elizabethtown Sports Park, one of the nation’s premier venues for baseball and softball events, have agreed to a multi-year partnership making Athletx the exclusive host of all diamond sports events at Elizabethtown Sports Park.

Athletx Sports Group and Elizabethtown Sports Park have worked together since 2012 to establish a significant diamond sports footprint from the Great Lakes to the Southeast, hosting over 50 events for youth athletes from all over the country. In 2019, the two organizations partnered on four week-long tournaments, three individual player events and three weekend team-based tournaments, hosting over 5,000 athletes and their families. The new partnership paves the way for massive growth in event opportunities for baseball and softball players ages 7 to 18 as Athletx Sports Group plans a full slate of exciting new events for spring, summer and fall of 2020.

As a state-of-the-art facility with 12 fully lit fields, spacious practice areas and a large pavilion that is perfect for ceremony space, Elizabethtown Sports Park is amply equipped to accommodate Athletx Sports Group’s growing need for increased tournament dates. Additionally, the park recently accepted a $2.6M bid from Georgia-based AstroTurf to convert all 12 infields to synthetic turf, further enhancing the park’s attractiveness to youth baseball and softball players and their families across the state, region, and country.

“At Athletx, we are all about making big, bold moves and this new and innovative partnership with Elizabethtown Sports Park is another example of that. Following two of our core values to ‘create unforgettable memories’ and ‘swing for the fences,’ I can assure you that Athletx will be fully vested in making sure we deliver amazing event experiences with both the existing and new events we are working hard to create,” said Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer Aaron Flaker. “With the addition of turf to all 12 of the diamonds’ infields coupled with our ability to market and execute events on a high level, this partnership is sure to be a home run in 2020 and beyond.”

“Congratulations to the team at the Elizabethtown Sports Park and the Athletx Sports Group,” said Janna Clark, Executive Director of the Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau.” “This partnership elevates our area to a whole new level of youth travel sports. The combined experience and industry respect of these two groups is truly unprecedented. Athletx is a familiar client at the park, having put on some of the most successful events since the park opened in 2012. The team at Athletx knows our community and is committed to bringing visitors to town to play sports and enjoy all there is to do in Elizabethtown.”

“We are excited about this new partnership and the opportunities it will bring the sports park, our community, the teams and their families,” said Sports Facilities Management LLC’s Todd Yancey, General Manager of Elizabethtown Sports Park. “This will allow us to continue to support our local businesses while developing our co-owned tournaments. Athletx shares the same vision as we do — delivering an experience for all involved that will last a lifetime. We look forward to building this unparalleled experience together.”

While 2020 events for Youth Baseball Nationals, Game Day USA and Youth Softball Nationals have been publicly announced and are currently accepting registrations, Athletx Sports Group plans to announce its full spring and summer lineup in the very near future.

ABOUT ATHLETX SPORTS GROUP:

Athletx Sports Group brings together multiple nationally-recognized brands under one family, including Youth Baseball Nationals, Pastime Tournaments, Game Day USA, Baseball Youth, Mid-America Baseball, Youth Softball Nationals, Softball Youth and Drive & Company. Athletx Sports Group has over 50 years of combined tournament experience. Collectively, in 2019, Athletx Sports Group brands will represent over 600 team-based and individual player events across the nation, featuring over 12,500 teams, 165,000 players, 35,000 coaches and 367,000 spectators. In addition to producing first-class events, Athletx boasts a strong media presence with over 590,000 social media followers across its brands’ various Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms. Athletx maintains offices in Louisville, KY (headquarters), Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN. For more information, visit www.athletx.com.

ABOUT SPORTS FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:

Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC (SFA) and Sports Facilities Management, LLC (SFM) are both headquartered in Clearwater, FL. Founded in 2003, SFA has served more than 2,000 communities, produced more than $10 billion in institutional-grade financial forecasts, and provided funding strategies and solutions for more than 120 youth and amateur sports and recreation complexes worldwide. SFM provides industry-leading, results-driven management solutions for sports, fitness, recreation, and event venues nationwide. Since 2014, SFM-associated venues have hosted more than 100 million guests and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact. For more information, visit: www.sportadvisory.com.

ABOUT ELIZABETHTOWN SPORTS PARK:

Elizabethtown Sports Park is a true destination for events of all sizes and caliber with three quads for baseball and softball, two championship-style turf fields, three large pavilions for events, and one accessible field with spectator seating. We believe in creating experiences for people who yearn to be in the big leagues. This is the perfect place to play. A place for athletes to play like the pros. A place where everyone becomes a champion. For more information, visit www.etownsports.com. 1401 West Park Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Board of Governors starts process to enhance name, image and likeness opportunities

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Board of Governors starts process to enhance name, image and likeness opportunities

Each NCAA division directed to immediately consider modernization of bylaws and policies

In the Association’s continuing efforts to support college athletes, the NCAA’s top governing board voted unanimously to permit students participating in athletics the opportunity to benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness in a manner consistent with the collegiate model.

The Board of Governors’ action directs each of the NCAA’s three divisions to immediately consider updates to relevant bylaws and policies for the 21st century, said Michael V. Drake, chair of the board and president of The Ohio State University.

“We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes,” Drake said. “Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education. This modernization for the future is a natural extension of the numerous steps NCAA members have taken in recent years to improve support for student-athletes, including full cost of attendance and guaranteed scholarships.”

Specifically, the board said modernization should occur within the following principles and guidelines:

  • Assure student-athletes are treated similarly to non-athlete students unless a compelling reason exists to differentiate.
  • Maintain the priorities of education and the collegiate experience to provide opportunities for student-athlete success.
  • Ensure rules are transparent, focused and enforceable and facilitate fair and balanced competition.
  • Make clear the distinction between collegiate and professional opportunities.
  • Make clear that compensation for athletics performance or participation is impermissible.
  • Reaffirm that student-athletes are students first and not employees of the university.
  • Enhance principles of diversity, inclusion and gender equity.
  • Protect the recruiting environment and prohibit inducements to select, remain at, or transfer to a specific institution.

The board’s action was based on comprehensive recommendations from the NCAA Board of Governors Federal and State Legislation Working Group, which includes presidents, commissioners, athletics directors, administrators and student-athletes. The group gathered input over the past several months from numerous stakeholders, including current and former student-athletes, coaches, presidents, faculty and commissioners across all three divisions. The board also directed continued and productive engagement with legislators.

The working group will continue to gather feedback through April on how best to respond to the state and federal legislative environment and to refine its recommendations on the principles and regulatory framework. The board asked each division to create any new rules beginning immediately, but no later than January 2021.

“As a national governing body, the NCAA is uniquely positioned to modify its rules to ensure fairness and a level playing field for student-athletes,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said. “The board’s action today creates a path to enhance opportunities for student-athletes while ensuring they compete against students and not professionals.”

NCAA Press Release: https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/board-governors-starts-process-enhance-name-image-and-likeness-opportunities

NFCA announces Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship to Encourage and Inspire Young Female Coaches

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NFCA announces Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship to Encourage and Inspire Young Female Coaches

February 26, 2019

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association has announced the addition of the Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship in partnership with the Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) and the Glasco Family.

The scholarship is dedicated in the memory of Geri Ann Glasco, an aspiring coach and elite former student-athlete.

Glasco, a 24-year old University of Louisiana volunteer assistant softball coach, was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle accident on January 24. The scholarship has been created to honor her memory and encourage and inspire young softball coaches and their pursuit of education.

The scholarship will be awarded to one female assistant coach in the first five years of her career at the collegiate level.

Each year the scholarship will cover costs associated with attendance to the NFCA National Convention in December. The memorial scholarship includes registration fees, travel, and rooming costs related to the trip.

NFCA member coaches who are interested in applying or nominating a fellow coach may access the scholarship in their NFCA Coach’s Box. The application deadline will close on Sept. 1 of each year.

Glasco, a four-time NFCA All-Region honoree who played at Georgia in 2013-14 and Oregon in 2015-16, had a passion for the game of softball and a love for the softball community. Glasco was just weeks away from beginning her coaching career alongside her father, Louisiana head coach Gerry Glasco, in the dugout this season.

“The NFCA is honored to partner with the Natasha Watley Foundation to create the Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship,” said NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman. “The NFCA Convention will open many doors to the scholarship recipient as attending the Convention is a top-notch educational experience and quite frankly, can be life-changing. The recipient will learn from the best speakers/clinicians in the nation as well as many high-level professionals in our mentoring/networking sessions. The NFCA will honor Geri Ann’s legacy for many years to come.”

 

For information on the Natasha Watley Foundation-Glasco Family Fund and to make a donation, please visit https://natashawatleyfoundation.org/.

 

About Natasha Watley Foundation

The Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) was founded by two-time Olympic medalist Natasha Watley to create opportunities for girls in under-served communities to learn and play the game of softball. NWF uses the medium of sport to inspire young women to reach their full potential while fostering character development and awareness of social issues that affect women.

CHICAGO BANDITS TO HOST USA SOFTBALL

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CHICAGO BANDITS TO HOST USA SOFTBALL TRAINING STOP IN JUNE 2019

ROSEMONT, IL (November 30, 2018)– The Chicago Bandits, in coordination with USA Softball, announced Wednesday afternoon an agreement to host the Women’s National Team for a one-week training stop from June 10-17, 2019, at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois.

The Bandits, members of National Pro Fastpitch, will provide USA Softball with full access and use of the facilities at Parkway Bank Sports Complex, including all amenities at its ballpark and dome.

“We are thrilled to welcome USA Softball to our facilities in Rosemont,” Bandits general manager Toni Calmeyn said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to host the Women’s National Team and look forward to learning from USA Softball’s hard-working collection of athletes and staff.”

In addition to its most recent first-place finish at the 2018 Japan Cup, USA Softball’s Women’s National Team also claimed the top spots at the USA Softball International Cup and Women’s Softball World Championship and qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The Bandits were represented on a large scale for Team USA at the Japan Cup. The Women’s National Team roster for the event featured a number of connections to the Bandits 2018 roster, including pitcher/infielder Ally Carda, infielder Courtney Gano, pitcher Danielle O’Toole and infielder Delaney Spaulding.

Chicago Bandits team personnel will assist USA Softball in performing functions throughout the training stop and will help facilitate requests made by the Women’s National Team.
“The Village of Rosemont has provided a great facility and environment for members of our Women’s National Team to train,” USA Softball executive director Craig Cress said. “The amenities and facilities that Parkway Bank Sports Complex offers for our athletes, coaches and staff will greatly assist our program as they train for the 2019 international season. In addition to the training opportunities, we look forward to exhibition games against teams within the NPF that will help prepare our team for an intense international schedule.”

The Women’s National Team will be provided a designated area where USA Softball may sell merchandise during the duration of the training stop.

USA Softball is expected to provide the Bandits organization in the coming weeks with the identity of the NPF league teams it would like to play exhibition games against during the training stop, as well as a proposed schedule of game dates and times. Broadcast rights belong in full to USA Softball.

Additional details, including ticket information, will be released at a later date.

About National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)

National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2004, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in fastpitch softball beyond their collegiate and amateur success.  The NPF affiliate teams consist of the Aussie Spirit, Beijing Shougang Eagles, Chicago Bandits, Cleveland Comets, and USSSA Florida Pride. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the United States, Australia, Canada and China among which are the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.

Softball Canada Joins National Pro Fastpitch

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Softball Canada Joins National Pro Fastpitch

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 30, 2018)–National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), in conjunction with Softball Canada, Rent One Park, and presenting sponsor, visitSI, announced the addition of the Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois to the league today.

The Wild becomes the sixth affiliate NPF team set to compete in the 2019 season.

“Obviously, this is a tremendous addition to the league for a number of reasons,” commented NPF Commissioner, Cheri Kempf. “To add an international team of the quality of Canada, currently ranked third in the world, and to add the operational excellence of the administration at Rent One Park, is a home run for all of us.”

Softball Canada CEO, Hugh Mitchener remarked, “We are delighted to be announcing our entry into the NPF in 2019.  Commissioner Kempf has been incredibly helpful in setting up our partnership with the Miners organization and we can’t wait to get going next year.”

“With the growth and interest in girls’ and women’s softball over the last decade, this is an incredible opportunity for fans to see world-class, best-of-the-best talent right here at Rent One Park,” Miners COO Mike Pinto said. “These women, including former and future Olympians, could be incredible role models for young girls in our area to see what can be achieved with dreams and hard work.”

Softball Canada recently finished third at the 2018 Women’s Softball World Championship in August, and is currently ranked third in the world by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). They will play a 50-game schedule in National Pro Fastpitch overall, facing off with some of the best players in the world, including current and former Olympians.

National Pro Fastpitch will be entering their 16th season in 2019. Teams currently hail from three continents, with players representing the national teams of six different countries. They include the best of the best softball players in the world, including current and former members of Team USA, Olympians, Women’s College World Series Champions and MVP’s, NCAA record holders, various conference players of the year and many All-Americans.

“We are thrilled that Southern Illinois was chosen as the host region for Team Canada,” Shannon Johnson, CEO of visitSI, said. “visitSI is extremely honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Wild. This gives us an opportunity to showcase our region on an international front. We are also excited about the potential economic impact this could have, both during the season and in the future, as members of the various NPF teams experience beautiful Southern Illinois.”

Fans can follow the Wild on Facebook at Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois, as well as on Twitter and Instagram at CanadianWildSI as they prepare for the 2019 season.

About National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)

National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2004, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in fastpitch softball beyond their collegiate and amateur success.  The NPF affiliate teams consist of the Aussie Spirit, Beijing Shougang Eagles, Chicago Bandits, Cleveland Comets, and USSSA Florida Pride for the 2018 season. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the United States, Australia, Canada and China among which are the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.

New transfer rule eliminates permission-to-contact process

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New Transfer Rule Eliminates Permission-to-contact Process in Division I College Sports

DI Council hopes change brings transparency and opens conversation between students and coaches

By Michelle Brutlag Hosick, NCAA

June 13, 2018- Beginning in October, Division I student-athletes will have the ability to transfer to a different school and receive a scholarship without asking their current school for permission.

The Division I Council adopted a proposal this week that creates a new “notification-of-transfer” model. This new system allows a student to inform his or her current school of a desire to transfer, then requires that school to enter the student’s name into a national transfer database within two business days. Once the student-athlete’s name is in the database, other coaches are free to contact that individual.

“The membership showed today that it supports this significant change in transfer rules,” said Justin Sell, chair of the Division I Transfer Working Group and athletics director at South Dakota State. “I’m proud of the effort the Transfer Working Group put forth to make this happen for student-athletes, coaches and schools.”

The previous transfer rule, which required student-athletes to get permission from their current school to contact another school before they can receive a scholarship after transfer, was intended to discourage coaches from recruiting student-athletes from other Division I schools. The rule change ends the controversial practice in which some coaches or administrators would prevent students from having contact with specific schools. Conferences, however, still can make rules that are more restrictive than the national rule.

Additionally, the proposal adds tampering with a current student-athlete at another school to the list of potential Level 2 violations, considered a significant breach of conduct.

Nicholas Clark, a recent graduate of and former football player at Coastal Carolina who represents the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee on the Council, said the rule change promotes fairness and the well-being of college athletes.

“This creates a safe place for student-athletes to have a conversation with their coaches and makes the whole process more transparent,” Clark said. “This will clean the process up and give more influence and flexibility to the student-athlete.”

The Transfer Working Group first introduced the proposal in fall 2017, aiming to detach a student-athlete’s pursuit of transferring to a different school from the process of receiving a scholarship at the new college or university. The new rule was developed based on a series of principles the Division I Board of Directors developed for the working group, including any rule changes should support the academic success of student-athletes, be based on data and create the least restrictive environment possible for student-athletes.

Another financial aid element, autonomy legislation that governs when a school can reduce or cancel aid, may be adjusted next week by the autonomy conferences. Currently, a student’s notification of intent to transfer at the end of a term is not one of the listed reasons a school can use to cancel aid. The autonomy conferences will consider, by an electronic vote, two different proposals to allow schools to cancel the aid.

The rule change takes effect Oct. 15.

The Transfer Working Group will continue working on other transfer issues, including rules surrounding postgraduate transfers, and still is exploring the possibility of uniform transfer rules.

Courtesy of NCAA

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Women’s National Team set for training camp at Scrap Yard Sports Complex; Live streaming and ticket information available for weekend exhibition games

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Women’s National Team set for training camp at Scrap Yard Sports Complex; Live streaming and ticket information available for weekend exhibition games

June 12, 2018, 12:03 a.m. (ET)
OKLAHOMA CITY — Members of the Red, White and Blue have arrived in Houston, Texas as the 2018 USA Softball Women’s National Team (WNT) will hold a training camp at the Scrap Yard Sports Complex from June 11-17, 2018. Both the World Championship roster and the Japan All-Star Series roster will take part in a series of workouts and practice sessions before participating in exhibition games at the Scrap Yard Sports Complex.

Click here to learn more about the USA Softball Women’s National Team Houston Training Camp

“Last year we began our journey through the qualifying process to get to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” said World Championship Head Coach Ken Eriksen. “Today is another destination in this Journey to Japan. We must set our immediate sights on qualifying for the Olympic Games by being very successful at the 2018 (WBSC) World Championship. The training this week and throughout the summer will include competitions against some very worthy opponents. The Scrap Yard Softball Organization has graciously provided an opportunity for us to not only train but to have some competition that will ready the U.S. program for the rest of the summer. I think it’s also important to recognize the willingness of programs, collegiate and professional, that have allowed their star players the opportunity to represent the United States internationally this summer. If we can put in a great next 50 days of hard work and focus, I believe we will defend our 2016 World Championship.”

“It’s exciting to work with this group of athletes,” said Japan All-Star Series Head Coach Laura Berg. “This week will be important for us to get some games under our belt and build team chemistry before we leave for Japan.”

In preparation for international competitions this summer, both USA Softball WNT rosters will play exhibition contests against Scrap Yard Fast Pitch with all games live streamed on the USASoftball.com platform for fans to access and watch for free throughout the June 15-17 weekend.  Fans will also have the opportunity to attend exhibition games in person, with general admission tickets available for $5 per day.  Military, first responders, youth athletes in their player uniform and children under six years old will receive free admission.

Immediately after training camp, players on the Japan All-Star Series roster will head to Tokyo for a three-game series against the Japan National Team before joining the World Championship roster in Irvine, Calif. to compete against many of the top-ranked teams in the world at the USA Softball International Cup July 9-15.

The Scrap Yard Sports Complex is situated on 82 acres just north of Houston, Texas and includes 10 all-turf fields, 14 indoor batting cages/pitching lanes and a 15,000 square foot indoor training facility.

 

About USA Softball

USA Softball is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., and is designated as the National Governing Body (NGB) of Softball in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic Committee. One of the nation’s largest sports organizations, USA Softball sanctions competition in every state through a network of 69 local associations and has grown from a few hundred teams in the early days to over 150,000 teams today, representing a membership of more than 2 million.  USA Softball is dedicated to providing people of all ages the opportunity to play the game they love at a variety of levels by offering recreational, league, tournament and competitive play for fast pitch, slow pitch and modified pitch.  USA Softball annually conducts thousands of tournaments throughout the country including over 100 National Championships.  The USA Softball umpire program is among the nation’s largest and are widely known as the best trained umpires in the game. As the NGB for the sport of softball, USA Softball is responsible for training, equipping and promoting the six USA Softball National Teams that compete in events such as the Olympics, Pan American Games, World Championships and other international and domestic events. For more information on USA Softball, including its founding and history as the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA), please visit, www.USASoftball.com.

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