General Info
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What is Softball?
Fast pitch softball is characterized by a 'wind mill' pitch and is very similar to baseball with base stealing and bunting. However, base runners are not allowed to lead off until the ball has left the pitchers hand.
Boys Softball
If you have a boy who would like to play softball (and not baseball in Cochrane), please register them with Calgary Boys Fastpitch. This league will be based in Calgary and coordinated centrally.
Objective/Philosophy
Please see: http://www.cochraneminorball.ca/content/objective-and-philosophy
Volunteering
All parents will be asked to volunteer throughout the season. Parents can sign up to be a coach, assistant coach, or manager. If you will not be in one of those positions, parents will be asked to volunteer to score keep, umpire, take care of the equipment, help set up the diamonds for play, etc. The manager will help coordinate these tasks at a team level.
Respect In Sport
One parent/guardian of the player must the Respect in Sport Parent Program and coaches are required to complete the Respect in Sport Leader certification. RIS can be transferred from other sports. See http://www.cochraneminorball.ca/content/respect-in-sport
Coaches
Coaches are generally parents or volunteers from the community. More information: http://www.cochraneminorball.ca/content/coaches1
Age Category/Game Nights
U11 - Tuesday/Thursday/Friday (house league) Tuesday/Thursday (travel team)
U13 - Monday/Wednesday/Friday (house league) Monday/Wednesday (travel team)
U15 - Tuesday/Thursday
U17 - Monday/Wednesday
U19 - Monday/Wednesday
Proof of Age
Players must provide proof of age - birth certificate or Alberta Health Care card (upload a photo into RAMP)
House League U11 and U13
CMB has a House League format for our U11 and U13 divisions, allowing for more efficient use of our diamonds and local play for our athletes. There will be evaluations to create 3-4 balanced teams in each division. These teams will practice and play each other throughout the season, and participate in a championship tournament at the end. Teams are able to register in tournaments and schedule exhibition games outside of Cochrane at their own discretion.
Calgary Minor Softball (CMSA)
U11 and U13: Depending on interest at registration, CMB will create a CMSA team in U11 and/or U13 for those players who wish to play with other like-skilled players and compete within the Calgary Minor Softball league. These teams will be determined by evaluations, and the top 12 scores will be placed on the team.
U15/U17/U19: All teams will participate in the CMSA and teams are expected to travel to Calgary and surrounding area for games. Practices and home games will be played in Cochrane and surrounding area. Where there are enough players to create 2 or more teams in one division, evaluations will be held to tier teams and place them in the appropriate division within CMSA (Division 1, 2, 3)
Policies
Registration, team formation, evaluations, etc: http://www.cochraneminorball.ca/content/policies-registration-team-formation-evaluations
Fees
See registration
Schedule
See Important Dates for the most up to date season specific information. Opening dates are tentative and based on The Town of Cochrane.
CMSA TEAMS: The regular and playoff season schedule is organized by Calgary Minor Softball Association (CMSA). League standings will also be available on their site: http://calgaryminorsoftball.com/divisions.php
Games
CMSA Teams: Games begin at 6:45pm. Home games are in Cochrane/Calgary and away games are in Calgary or surrounding areas. See division categories for more information.
House League: Rotating schedule for U11 and U13 House league teams, released in April.
Practices
Pre-Season Indoor Practices - Once teams are formed, coaches can arrange SLS turf for indoor practices at the team’s expense. Outdoor practices can be arranged by individual teams based the Town of Cochrane’s Diamond Opening Date.
House League U11/13 - practices will be scheduled in the season rotation.
CMSA Teams - 1 scheduled practice/week and 1 scheduled practice on the weekend.
Season - Teams are able to contact admin@cochraneminorball.ca to book any additional diamond time for extra practices or exhibition/make-up games. *Subject to Diamond availability*
Tournaments
Tournaments are optional and are decided on a team by team basis and are not included in fees.
Rain outs
Teams try to make up rain outs. Depending on the situation, CMSA may determine a rain out or the Town of Cochrane may close the fields. Team managers will be in close contact as sometimes it is pouring rain in Calgary but sunny in Cochrane.
Town of Cochrane Rain-out line: 403 851 2552 (call after 4pm)
Equipment
Players must have their own glove, infield mask, and batting helmet. Helmets must be must be CSA approved with dual ear flaps, fastened chin strap, and attached face mask. All pitchers are required to wear a fielding mask. New in 2024 - players in the infield (U11-U19) must wear a fielding mask. CMB does supply some bats and back catcher equipment. A batting size guideline can be found here: http://calgaryminorsoftball.com/page.php?page_id=37101
Uniforms
Jerseys, socks and visors are provided by CMB. Players must provide their own black pants, shoes (runners or non-metal cleats) and jill protective gear. Ball pants and sliding shorts are recommended (players do slide). Fees do include a pair of team socks to match jerseys.
Questions?
If you have questions or need a more information, send an email to vpsoftball@cochraneminorball.ca
