General Info

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/Sunday (house league format, no travel)
U13 - Monday/Wednesday (possible house league format with 1 travel team for 2023)
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)

Policies

Registration, team formation, evaluations, etc:  http://www.cochraneminorball.ca/content/policies-registration-team-formation-evaluations

Fees

See registration

Schedule

Practices will begin after evaluations.  Practice times and days will vary.  Most teams will get 2 practices before the season starts - about one per week, maybe two as the season start approaches.  Generally games begin the last week of April and finish by the end of June or July depending on the division.  See Important Dates for the most up to date season specific information.

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

Games begin at 6:45.  Home games are in Cochrane (with some exceptions at U16/U19), away games are in Calgary or surrounding areas.  See division categories for more information.

Practices

Pre-Season Indoor Practices - Cochrane Minor Ball (CMB) books the turf at Spray Lakes Recreation Centre and/or school gyms for pre-season practices.  Schedules to be announced.  Regular season practices are determined by the coach.

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 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 2023 - players in the infield (U13-U19) must wear a fielding mask.  It is strongly encouraged for U11 but not mandatory.  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 and hats are provided by CMB.  Players must provide their own black pants, socks, shoes (runners or non-metal cleats) and jill protective gear.  Ball pants 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