Fair treatment and equal playing time in all divisions
In younger divisions (Timbits U9, U11, U13) players should be rotating through every possible position. As the girls get older, not everyone will want to or be able to play the positions of catcher and/or pitcher in game situations. Within all of our divisions no player should sit out more than one inning at a time.
If your coach is playing the Universal rule then no player should sit out more than one inning until every player on the team has sat out one inning. If your coach is playing by the ABC rule then B and C players will alternate every inning and A players play the entire game. If this is not happening, talk to the Team Manager, VP or League President.
Visit the Calgary Minor Softball website for more details on these rules.
In older divisions (U15, U17, U19) we start to see more position specialization. There is less emphasis on each player playing every position. However, West Valley and Calgary Minor Softball insist the principle of equal playing time is followed. At the end of the season, no player should have sat out more innings (as a percentage of the player’s availability) than any other player on the team. The Team Manger should be able to document this. All players should have opportunities at infield and outfield. If this is not happening, talk to the Team Manager, VP or League President.
Tournaments
Tournaments are an amazing experience for players. They help create teamwork and friendships that last beyond the final game.
Tournament listings can be found on the Softball Alberta website. The information changes often so check for updates. Typically all tournaments have their own set of rules to follow and require fair play.
All tournaments that West Valley teams attend must be sanctioned by Softball Alberta or the respective governing body for the province you are traveling to. If teams are traveling out of Alberta they will require a Travel Permit from Softball Alberta.