Dunkirk Tournament

37th Annual Dunkirk 1st Ward Falcons Men's Fast Pitch Tournament
Date: Friday July 20th - Sunday July 22nd

The City of Dunkirk will once again be a contributing factor with the tournament this year. Food stand, bounce houses for kids, beer tent, Friday night band at Stadium, the Sunday chicken BBQ and several vendors will be on site at the 2012 Dunkirk Tournament

Tournament Director: Tim Wdowiasz (Dopey) 679-6797 or dopeywdowiasz@hotmail.com

Entertainment:
Family Fun - Beaches, Skate Park, Playgrounds, Batting Cages and Volleyball Courts all within walking distance of ball fields. Lake Erie State Park 8 miles west along Route 5.

Night Life - First Ward Falcon Club and Dance Clubs on the water 1 mile from ball fields. 10 miles from Sunset Bay Night Club. Live Music at Stadium on Friday night. Live Music at the First Ward Falcon Club on Saturday Night.

PRIZES - $3500 in prize money paid to top 4 teams (based on 16 teams)
Entry Fee = $300
Round Robin Style if 13 teams are not reached (prize money based on amount of teams entered)

Lodging
8 Hotels/Motels within 5 miles of fields and entertainment contact Tim Wdowiasz for lodging information

Deadline for entry fees is July 7th

Blackburn tournament revived for 2012

Blackburn used to host a tournament a few years ago - they are bringing it back for 2012.

BMFL Summer Sizzler
Date: June 7th-10th
Location: Blackburn Hamlet (Arena Diamond)
Entry Fee: $250

Based on 8 teams, each team would get a 3 game minimum.

Any caliber of ball players welcome. Just remember this is a rec. tournament.

If you have any questions or want to sponsor the tournament please email Derek Martin at derek.t.martin@hotmail.com.

In other news, registration for the 2012 BMFL season will be held on March 5, 2012 and March 20, 2012. Both registrations will be held at Wally's from 7 pm to 9 pm. The cost is once again $225.

Au Sable Forks, NY tournament filled already

As per the organizers, the Au Sable tournament is full already with ten teams for this July and has a waiting list. It is the 50th anniversary and I am sure it will be an oustanding event. Lots of local content in the teams appearing, including 3 GOFL teams:

Mountain Brook Lodge Blitz - Wilmington, NY / Ottawa
Carp I4C Victory - Carp, ON
Knoxville - Pennslyvania / Ontario
Team Quebec - Quebec City
Donnacona Blue Sox - Donnacona, QC
Razzano's Trucking - Johnstown/Au Sable Forks, NY
CPI Classics - Oswego, NY
Scooter's - Forestport, NY
Au Sable Spirits - Au Sable Forks, NY
Broadway Barrhaven Blues - Ottawa

Caveman not a football fan

Caveman spent the first half of the Super Bowl playing mini-sticks hockey with Fitzroy Junior in the basement.

He came upstairs just as the first half ended to start getting ready for bed. He sat down with me for a bit while the halftime show was on.

"Daddy, what's this show?"

"It's the Super Bowl, Caveman."

"Who is that lady, Daddy?"

"That's Madonna, Caveman."

Watches it for a few minutes.

"So, the Super Bowl is a bunch of people dancing and Madonna singing?"

"Pretty much."

New league for the Upper Valley in 2012

Good news has been received from the Upper Ottawa Valley - there will be a new men's recreational fastball league in the area for 2012.

Jerry McIntyre is working hard at putting the league together for men ages 16 and older. It will be a draft format, with all skill levels welcome.

The league, scheduled to begin May 22 and end on July 31, will have each team playing once a week on the Cobden and Micksburg diamonds. Playoffs will follow.

There will be a restricted pitchers list as this is a rec league and the league will be trying to develop young pitchers. All pitchers under 18 years old will be required to wear a mask.

Jerry wants all pitchers to contact him before April 1 and all other players by April 7.

For more information or to register, contact Jerry at jtmb16@yahoo.com or 613-735-0725.

Much nicer to be posting about a new league starting up rather than a league folding!

Greater Ottawa Fastball League winter meeting February 13

Once again, the 'braintrust' of the Greater Ottawa Fastball League will hold a winter meeting to discuss the upcoming season for the premier men's fastpitch softball league in eastern Ontario and west Quebec.

The meeting will be held in the top secret league boardroom on Monday February 13 at 7pm.

Any teams out there with an interest in entering the league for 2012 can contact fastball(at)fitzroyharbour.com or any other manager in the GOFL to make arrangements to attend the meeting.

Get in the Game Symposium

Softball Ontario is proud to announce the sixth annual Get In The Game Symposium on Saturday February 25, 2012 at the Sport Alliance Building in Toronto. The Symposium is a great opportunity for Softball Associations across Ontario to come together and work towards improving softball in Ontario.

The 2012 Get In The Game Symposium will once again include a series of Workshops and Presentations focused on improving participants’ Softball Associations. The Symposium is highly recommended by past participants: a Board Member from Pickering Softball Association said, “I found all information relevant and applicable to our league`s house league & select programs,” while a member from Aurora Diggers Girls Softball Association said what she liked best was, “The interaction with other Associations, solutions and problem solving.”

Travel (mileage) and accommodations will be provided by Softball Ontario for those who qualify.

The Get In The Game Symposium is a great opportunity for Softball Associations to learn from each other and work together to improve our game throughout the province.

Date: Saturday February 25, 2012
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Registration and Breakfast begins at 8:00 AM)
Location: Sport Alliance Building, 3 Concorde Gate, Toronto, ON, M3C 3N7
Cost: FREE

Attending the Get In The Game Symposium can earn your Softball Association up to 20 points towards your Softball Association Fundamental Excellence (SAFE) Star Rating!

Let us know if you are planning to attend the 2012 Get In The Game Symposium on Softball Ontario’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SoftballOntario.

For more information about the 2012 Get In The Game Symposium, visit the Softball Ontario website at www.softballontario.ca or email Lisa Crompton at lcrompton(at)softballontario.ca .

Softball Ontario is the governing body for the sport of softball in Ontario. Our goal is to promote and develop the sport of softball for its athletes, officials and volunteers by providing programs and services at all levels of competitions.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Their mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario by strengthening the capacity of the voluntary sector, through investments in community-based initiatives.

Caveman birthday (now with trivia answer)

The Caveman celebrated his 7th birthday yesterday in fine style.

What gifts do you get for the Caveman who has everything?

- Hockey Trivia books: Very useful for testing his Rainman-like knowledge of hockey trivia. For instance, can you name the five teams that have only won the Stanley Cup once in the modern era? The Caveman can! (Answer below)

- New hockey stick: Appropriate for use on the outdoor rink in Fitzroy Harbour. I brought him and Fitzroy Jr. out on the outdoor rink when it first opened this winter for the "youth shinny" night. He was blown away by the concept of choosing up teams but throwing the sticks in the middle ("What are they doing daddy? Will I get my stick back, Daddy?" and thoroughly enjoyed it when the 'big kids' magically parted in front of the net and let him score a goal. "Daddy, why didn't you bring me to this before Daddy!"

- Forest Police Lego: Give him a box of Lego and he'll obsess until it's completed.

- Pound of bacon: Given to him as a bit of gag gift since he loves bacon so much. When he 'unwrapped' it he gave it a big hug and said "is this all for me"?

Whoops forgot to post the trivia answer in the original post: Carolina, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Calgary and Anaheim.

AAU Results from Orlando

A little late on this, but Florida Faspitch, which featured several GOFL players ended their trip to Orlando with a 0-4 record, including two one-run losses. The team played against three squads from Venezuela and another from Mexico.

Hill United with Adam Folkard on the slab won the 48-team tournament.

Nominate a softball coach for an award

from Softball Ontario

Nominate your Softball Coach for a Coaches Association of Ontario Coaching Excellence Award

Toronto, ON- Softball Ontario is pleased to share information about the Coaches Association of Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards Program. Please see the information below and be sure to nominate your Softball coach!

Coaches Association of Ontario- Coaching Excellence Award Program

For five years, the Ontario Coaching Excellence Award Program has been celebrating the dedication and commitment of exemplary individuals who inspire, innovate and share knowledge of sport with others.

The Awards recognize the importance of leadership, performance and the value of human insight which are all integral to great coaching. This years awards will be presented at a special ceremony during Ontario Coaches Week in Toronto on Saturday April 14, 2012. Click here for the award descriptions and to download a nomination form.

The Coaches Association of Ontario invites you to nominate deserving individuals with outstanding season achievements; those who have advanced their sport; those who inspire youth every day at practices, and those who are blazing a new trail. Nominations will be accepted until February 10, 2012 in the following categories:

Grass Roots Coach- two award recipients will be selected in this category; a dedicated male coach and a dedicated female coach who primarily coach youth or children. Coaches recognized in this category are inspirational role models in the community garnering the confidence and glowing praise from parents and local program leaders. The coaching focus would be on introducing children and youth to a sport, on instruction and developing fundamental movement skills while creating a positive environment for healthy development and instilling a life-long love to be physically active and stay involved in sport. A coach in this category would measure their daily success in the number of smiles achieved.

Good to Great Coach- Two award recipients will be selected in this category; an outstanding male coach and an outstanding female coach who have coached athletes that have achieved a high standard of performance in competitive sport. The coaching focus is on performance excellence and competing to win. The coach would be recognized as the primary coach who identifies talented individuals; who creates a training environment that further develops athletic skills and abilities to a higher level of success in competition over a period of time. An example of a coach in this category would likely have athletes they coached be selected on a national team to represent Canada.

Trailblazer Coach-Up to one outstanding individual in the Province will be selected in this category. The Trailblazer coach is an innovative out-of- the-box thinker, a creative change agent who inspires others to follow, has made a difference in their sport or for the athletes they coach. Whether coaching a community rep team or top performing provincial athletes, the coach who pushes the envelope, invents new approaches to old challenges and breaks through barriers should be nominated for this award. Taking the road less travelled is often bumpy and this coach embraced the goal, persevered and made things better for their sport for years to come.

Everyone Matters Coach- The "Everyone Matters" Award recipient has influenced the culture of their team, their organization or community by embracing diversity and differences. Over a sustained period of time they have demonstrated the value of an inclusive approach through acceptance and accessibility. Examples in this category include success in reaching out to and actively welcoming different genders, different age groups, newcomers to a sport program or a coach who successfully integrates athletes with a disability into the program. One award will be given to a coach who leads with vision, resolve and courage to challenge the status quo.

Andy Higgins Lifetime Achievement Coach-One award recipient in Ontario may be selected in this category; an outstanding coach who has made a significant contribution to coaching in Ontario over a very long sustained period of time; 20+ years. Andy Higgins, an Olympic decathlon coach, an educator and all around good human being, has devoted his lifetime to instilling positive values, citizen development and making a difference in people's lives through sport. A coach who dreams big, looks for the possibilities, and focuses on a lasting legacy would be an ideal award recipient in this category.

Softball Ontario is the governing body for the sport of softball in Ontario. Our goal is to promote and develop the sport of softball for its athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers by providing programs and services at all levels of competitions.

Surely somebody in Ottawa is worthy of a nomination!

5th Annual Gil Read Memorial Tournament

5th Annual Gil Read Memorial Tournament - Ottawa

The 5th Annual Gil Read Memorial Men’s Fastpitch tournament will be held once again at the Carp Fair Grounds in Carp Ontario the weekend of July 27th, 28th and 29th 2012.

The first 12 teams will be accepted with entry fee set at $450.00. This is an Open class tournament without restriction.

Prize money will be handed out as follows (Based on a 12 team format):

1st Place $1,800.00
2nd Place $700.00
3rd place tie - $250 each

Last year’s winners were: Team Quebec -$1,800 - Napanee North Key Express-$700, - Kars Aces & Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric - $250 each

Fantastic beer garden with the best burgers around, all in support of the Gil Read Memorial Foundation. www.gilreadmemorial.com

Contact Info
Al Read
aread225@gmail.com
ph 613-435-3199

Locals lose first game at AAU in Florida

info from Trevor Power

At the AAU Tourmanent in Orlando, Florida Fastpitch lost their first game in a 11-10 shootout against the Brewers from Venezuela.

The Florida Fastpitch team features several local players from the Greater Ottawa Fastball League. The got down 6-1 after two innings but clawed back to make it close. Corey Alkerton took the loss and had relief from Paul Ceppi.

Their second game is against another Venezuelan team at 9am Friday.

50th Annual Au Sable Forks Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament

From all accounts, this one is a beauty, and I would think that they will be doing things up pretty big for the 50th.

50th Annual Au Sable Forks Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament

July 13th-15th, 2012
Au Sable Forks, NY
10 Team Limit
4 game guarantee
Entry Fee $300
Prize List: 1st $1600 2nd $800 3rd & 4th $300

For more information visit our website or e-mail Team coordinator Tom O'Neill.

Congrats to Jamey Mick

from Softball Ontario press release

Please Welcome our new Regional Coordinators!

Softball Ontario's Participation Program is proud to announce our eleven (11) new Regional Coordinators!

What is a Regional Coordinator?

A Softball Ontario Regional Coordinator is to act as a liaison between Softball Ontario, the Participation Committee, and the House League Softball Associations within his or her region as well as promote Softball Ontario Programs and Services to the House League Softball Associations within the region.

In a province as large as Ontario, it can be difficult to make sure everyone receives the most up-to-date news and opportunities from Softball Ontario. The new Regional Coordinators will help to ensure that Softball Associations in each of the eleven (11) regions are kept in the loop on Softball Ontario's programs and services.

Region 10: Renfrew, Lanark, Leeds-Grenville, Prescott & Russell, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Carleton
Jamey Mick – Pembroke, ON
Jamey is very active within Micksburg Minor Ball, and is a Regional Pitching Instructor for Softball Ontario’s CANpitch Program. He has been a softball coach for the past fifteen (15) years, and has played fast pitch all his life most recently playing with the Micksburg Twins.

Congrats, Jamey, looking forward to helping you spread the word about softball in our area.

Ellsworth captain of Team Canada

An article about Jeff Ellsworth of PEI, this year's captain of Team Canada at the AAU.

"Mr. Softball" from Verona

This article appeared in the Kingston Whig about Roger Bauder from Verona. He clearly had a big influence on softball players in that area, including Steve Price. Thanks to Blair Setford for the tip on the article.

Banners honour softball leader
By Doug Graham/The Whig-Standard

Banners from Ontario Amateur Softball Association championship years on display at the Verona Lions Club on Monday paid tribute to the man regarded as Mr. Softball in the village.

He was Roger Bauder, the manager and architect behind more than two decades of very successful Verona Merchants softball clubs.

Bauder, 72, died last Thursday. The funeral service was Monday morning at the James Reid Funeral Home. Following the service, family and friends gathered at the Verona Lions Club to celebrate Bauder’s life.

“He loved the sport, he loved promoting softball. He was very, very dedicated and respected by all,” said Jim Cashman, who played on Bauder’s Merchants for 22 years.

The Merchants, an intermediate men’s team, won seven provincial titles from 1972 to 1987. Bauder did coach some teams, but primarily worked as the team manager.

“He made sure everything was up and running. He made us a much better team,” said Cashman, a pitcher and a good bat on those teams.

The Merchants after a couple of provincial wins at the Intermediate C level, stepped up to the Intermediate A bracket and won five titles in seven years.

Cashman said the pennants were all on display Monday, leading to many memories centred around Bauder.

“Lots of laughs and good memories. It was not just our team Roger was helping. He helped kids ball, too,” Cashman said.

Past OASA president Mike Goodridge said Bauder received the highest award the provincial association hands out — the Mr. Softball Award — several years ago.

“At the time, Roger was the first person east of Oshawa to win that. It was a real honour and well deserved,” Goodridge said.

“He was such a wonderful person. He affected so many lives, not only on the ball field but in every walk of life. He touched peoples’ lives in a positive way.”

As an example of that, Goodridge said Verona’s Steve Price was helped along at the elite level of the sport by Bauder. Price, a pitcher, ended up playing for Canada and winning a gold medal at the 1990 Pan-American Games.

“Steve brought his gold medal and put it in the casket. That showed the effect Roger had on his life,” Goodridge said.

An umpire, Goodridge said working championship games on a Thanksgiving weekend, with fans huddled in blankets, wasn’t such a chore — thanks to the way Bauder ran the Verona organization.

“He instilled in the fans and the players’ wives the right way to support the team,” Goodridge said.

“They didn’t say bad things about the other team. They were there to cheer in a positive manner.”

Goodridge said whenever he met with softball people recently, they often asked about Bauder.

“He was not only well known in Kingston and Verona, but all over the province,” Goodridge said.

“He was regarded as a fine softball man, but also as a finer person.”

Jim Bradford Classic 2012

Cobourg 2012 Jim Bradford Classic
22nd year of the Classic
Cobourg Legion Fields
June 8-10 - 2012
Entry $450
Guaranteed 3 games
12 - 16 teams
Contact : Steve Bedard
sjbgolf(at)hotmail.com or sjbgolf(at)sympatico.ca
905-885-0821

Been to this one a few times - Steve and his gang put on a good tourney.

Elkland Tournaments for 2012

2012 Elkland (PA) Tournament Dates as per Al's Fastball

2012 6th Annual Molly Sherman Memorial Tournament
May 25th – 27th (Monday, May 28th – Rain Date)
Entry Fee: $300 per team
16 Team Limit
3 game guarantee
ESA Pitchers Restriction List will be used
Prize Money: 1st Place - $1,200, 2nd Place - $600, 3rd Place - $300
•Champion of tournament will receive free entry fee into the 2012 Durk Sherman Classic Tournament

2012 19th Annual Elkland First Weekend Tournament
August 24th – August 26th
Entry Fee: $250
16 Team Limit
Double elimination event
ESA Pitchers Restriction List will be used
Prize Money: 1st place - $1,000, 2nd Place - $500, 3rd Place – 300

2012 60th Annual Durk Sherman Labor Day Classic Tournament
August 31st – Sept. 3rd
Entry Fee: $250
24 Team Limit
3 game guarantee
Any class of pitching allowed
Prize Money: 1st Place - $2,500, 2nd Place - $1,200, 3rd Place - $600, 4th Place - $400, 5th Place - $100, 6th Place - $100

Any interested teams in any of these events can contact Tournament director Bill Sherman at: esabill30@yahoo.comor by calling (814) 258 7096 Home, (814) 258 5229 ESA

www.elklandsoftball.com

West Carleton to host kid's pitching program

by Courtney Symons, West Carleton Review EMC

A local softball association is looking to host a workshop to teach kids to pitch.

CANPitch, Softball Canada’s national pitching program, provides a standardized curriculum for youngsters who want to learn to pitch, and they approached the West Carleton Minor Softball Association asking to start a six-week session this spring.

“Softball is a very pitching-centric type of sport,” said Adam Brown, an executive of the local association. “And it’s a lot easier to do when you have some specific training.”

A trained representative from Softball Canada would visit West Carleton to teach youth between the ages of six and 12 the basics of pitching – proper grip, and how to deliver the ball toward the target.

While many of the details are still to be determined, Brown said that between 12 to 20 kids would be required to host the program which will be offered to youth in West Carleton first, but will be opened up to the broader Ottawa area if more participants are required.

Weekly sessions would see kids practice their pitching for an hour while another participant catches, then they would switch roles for the next hour.

Brown said the association is looking to rent out a local school gym where breakable items won’t be found, unlike at a community association hall.

Brown, who has been coaching softball and playing the sport for years, said that anyone interested in the sport should consider the program.

“It’s a good way to improve your skills, even if you’re not the pitcher on your team,” he said. “It’s a skill than can carry you through to adulthood. I wish I would’ve had something like this when I was a kid.”

The local softball association hosts their regular season from May to June, with options ranging from T-ball for four-year-olds to teams for high-school students.

Their recreational league is a more affordable alternative to other sports, Brown said, with games across West Carleton.

“You don’t have to travel across hell’s half acre to get to games,” he said.

Last year’s coaching clinic hosted by the association was such a success that they will re-introduce the workshop this spring for parents and volunteers looking to learn how to coach softball.

To sign up for the CANPitch program or to learn more about their softball teams, visit the association’s website at www.wcminorsoftball.ca or contact Brown at adam.w.brown[at]sympatico.ca.

Woodstock Tournament

Crush Victoria Weekend May 2-4 Tournament in Woodstock

The Crush Men's Fastball team will again be hosting the Annual Woodstock Victoria Weekend Fastball Tournament for 2012

This tournament runs:
May 19th, 20th, 21st (Possibly to have games on Friday, May 18th)

Our goal is to have 16 teams this year.
Entry Fee : $400.00
Cheques to be made out to: "Crush Mens Fastball Club"

Prize Money: TBD based on a pending # of teams
Format : TBD based on a pending # of teams
We would like to again have Pool Play with "A", "B", "C" Finals
3 or 4 game guarantee depending # of teams participating

Eligibility:
This tournament will be open to all positional players who have and have not played at the Senior level in the past. However, we will not allow any Senior pitchers who have current PRAWN status (as a pitcher) to pitch in the tournament.

There will be a licensed beer garden, with food.

There is a Midway with rides for the kids of all ages.

Victoria Day Parade on the Monday Morning.

We are again going to try and negotiate a discount with local hotels etc. for any teams travelling from any amount of distance

For more information please contact

Darryl Wharram
Phone: 519-521-0156
d.wharram(at)on.aibn.com

Three new mini-Blitzos arrive - all on the same day

Congratulations are in order for three members of the Ottawa Blitz fastball club - they all welcomed healthy new children to their families, and amazingly, all the babies were born on January 6th and all within an ounce of the exact same size. What are the odds?

The line-up:
#2 Beckham Bruce (8lbs 2oz) - dad Andrew
#4 Tea Searle (8lbs 3oz) - dad Tony
#11 Elise Blakely (8lbs 3oz) - dad Jamie

As per Andrew Bruce "We were all surprised to learn that each other had cashed in a runner on the same day. We'll be hitting them grounders to get them used to the ball any day now."

In other news, at the Fitzroy Fastball household, I got to respond to two of the top things that the father of a six-year old really doesn't want to hear, both in the same car ride back from the rink.

Caveman questions:

1) Q: "Daddy, I know you told me I came from Mommy's tummy.....but how did I get in there?"
A: "Go ask your Mommy." (Not sure how Mrs Fastball handled that one.)

2) Q: "Daddy, next year I really want to be a goalie in Novice hockey. Can I be a goalie, PLEEEEASE?"
A: "Well, Caveman, I guess we'll see next year. But remember, your sponsor Combat Sports Group does not make a goalie stick" (Seriously, hockey for two lads costs the Fitrzoy Fastball pocketbook enough - I really don't need to buy goaltender equipment.)

Financial assistance to host an Umpiring Clinic

From Softball Ontario

OFSAA offers an Officiating Clinic Subsidy Program

Toronto, ON- Softball Ontario would like to share information about Ontario Federation of Secondary School Athletics Association (OFSAA)'s subsidy program to Ontario Secondary schools who are interested in hosting an Officiating clinic for students. OFSAA’s goal is to encourage students to get involved in sport as an official by reducing/eliminating the cost barrier associated with certification. The softball community is encouraged to approach their local Secondary school to generate interest to host a Softball Ontario Junior Development Umpire Clinic or an Intermediate Umpire clinic. The Officiating Clinic Subsidy Program will engage students who are not necessarily interested in being an athlete but still want to be involved in sports (in our case Softball). Other benefits of the program include building student confidence, provide an opportunity for employment and assist in the development of new Umpires in Ontario.

How to Apply?

1) A teacher or school administrator must complete the following application prior to hosting the officiating clinic. Applications may be faxed to 416-426-7317 or emailed to michael@ofsaa.on.ca. Applications must be for hosting a clinic and not for sending students to a clinic hosted by a sport club or outside organization. Here is the link to OFSAA’s Officiating Clinic Subsidy Application Form:
2) If the application is approved, OFSAA will provide notification by email of the approved amount for the clinic. A reporting form will be provided which must be submitted following the clinic along with applicable copies of invoices. Reporting form must be received within 30 days of the completion of the course.
3) Once all paperwork is received, OFSAA will process a payment for reimbursement to the school. Softball Ontario is pleased to promote OFSAA's Officiating Clinic Subsidy Program for the 2012 softball season. Our goal is to build and develop the sport of the Softball for umpires by providing clinics for all levels of competition. Softball Ontario offers clinics and programs to ensure that Ontarians have the skills and knowledge to participant in our great sport.

The following clinics are eligible for OFSAA’s Officiating Clinic Subsidy Program include:
Softball Ontario Umpire Clinics:
- Junior Development: is designed to provide youth umpire between the ages of 12-16 with basic introduction to officiating.
- Intermediate: was developed for young officials between the ages of 15-18 to be able to officiate at house league games and to prepare them as they advance in their umpiring career.
- Level 1: This clinic is considered to be beneficial to all Umpires. It is important to know the proper Mechanics and Rules prior to stepping on the diamond.

Secondary Schools who are interested in hosting a Softball Ontario should visit the Softball Ontario website to download a Softball Ontario Clinic Bid form. Here is the link.

Do not pass up on the opportunity to improve the quality of young officials by providing valuable training for the officials of tomorrow.

If you have any questions about Softball Ontario Umpiring clinics, please contact Steph Sutton at ssutton@softballontario.ca or by calling 416-426-7150.

AAU Tournament Schedule - Orlando

The AAU Tournament in Orlando, Florida will be held January 26 -29 and features some local talent again this year.

GOFL players from Barrhaven include Trevor Power, Steve Edgerton, Paul Ceppi, Trevor Lahey, and Lindsay Medynski, as well as Kars players Matt Alkerton and Corey Alkerton. All are playing with the "Florida Fastpitch" team entered in this 48-team event which features squads from across Canada, USA, Mexico, Venezuela, Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Game times for the "Florida" team are 1pm Thursday (Jan 26), and 9am and 5pm on Friday (Jan 27).

Best of luck to the GOFLers playing - if anyone else from the area is going feel free to let me know in the comments or with an email.

For the full schedule, see here, courtesy of Al's Fastball.

Fitzroy Junior - tougher than his dad

Long time, no post. Best of the holiday season to all blog readers, belated Merry Christmas (if that's what you celebrate) and Happy New Year to all. Sorry for the long delay between items, but been busy with things as I am sure you have too.

From a fastball perspective, our friends at Fastpitch West have this news - Owen Sound senior men's fastball is folding for 2012, which sucks. Let's hope that they get it back together for 2013.
In the world of big time hockey, Fitzroy Junior's team is in this Bell Capital Cup tournament. Have you heard about this thing? It's absolutely nuts, 400+ teams from across the world converge in the Ottawa area for some furious Atom and Peewee hockey excitement. In Fitzroy Junior's category alone there are 60 teams! (Makes we weep when I think that we had a 3 team fastball jamboree at Fitzroy Jr's age group this summer.....but anyway, we're working on that.)

Today, Junior's team finished the round robin with a highly unexpected 3-0 record to advance to the playoff round. The good news is that Fitzroy Junior notched two assists in the crucial 4-1 win over Embrun, thanks of course to his Combat Sports Group stick.

The bad news is that at the end of the second period, there was an incident that as a parent it makes you a bit sick to the stomach. Fitzroy Junior is a first year atom player, and as nine-year olds go, he's a bit wee. So he's skating at his blue line, looking back in his zone for the pass and turns WHAMMO right into a much larger opponent. He bounces of the other player like he's hit a brick wall, falls backward and whacks his head - hard - off the ice, his helmet actually bouncing.

I'm looking on, more than somewhat worried. Mrs Fastball hasn't seen it (gabbing with another mom) but sees him on the ice and is worried as well. The Caveman - well, there's music during the breaks in the play, so no worry for him, he's dancing to the tunes.

Now over the last three years or so, Fitzroy Junior and I have had a few chats about how one should play the game of hockey. Some of these discussions have included the topic of being a wuss. For example, for small bumps and bruises, you don't want to be the kid that lies on the ice like you've been shot rolling around. GET UP, and get off the ice. Only stay down if you are REALLY hurt, I told him.

Well obviously he's listened. After whacking his Bauer off the ice surface, the poor little guy tries to get up - and goes Bambi legged, wipes out and back down. But the young lad doesn't give him, gets to his knees, wipes out again, then finally struggles to his skates and gets off the ice just as the trainer is coming out to help him.

Given the severity, he went to the room for the remainder of the game. Turns out (thankfully) he seems to be OK, no headaches or nausea or anything and he should be fine to play in their next game on Saturday morning.

Tears just barely welling in his eyes as I helped him to the dressing room, he was more mad that the other kid didn't get a penalty than anything else. "He meant to do that, Daddy" (actually he didn't).

Gotta say, I would have given him a mulligan on this one - he definitely could have / should have stayed down. But he showed he was the toughest one in the family on that play.....they probably would have just got the Zamboni and scraped me off the ice if it would have happened to me.

Softball Canada Men's Developmental team announced for the AAU

Softball Canada News Release

2012 Men`s Development Team
Monday, December 19, 2011(Ottawa, ON) Softball Canada is pleased to announce the list of players who have been invited to compete at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) International Men’s Fast Pitch tournament with the Canadian Men’s Development Team. The event will take place from January 26-29, 2012 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. At last year’s AAU tournament, the Canadian Development Team swept its round-robin games and kept rolling by winning four playoff games before losing 9-5 in the gold medal game against Chicago/New York.

The athletes selected to the 2012 Developmental Team are:
1. Tyson Barkman (Abbotsford, BC)
2. Ryan Boland (St. John’s, NL)
3. Jeff Ellsworth (St. Lawrence, PEI)
4. Blair Ezekiel (Harbour Main, NL)
5. Jason Hill (St. John’s, NL)
6. Adam Hiller (Elmira, ON)
7. Brandon Horn (Waterloo, ON)
8. Mark Johnson (Glencoe, ON)
9. Derek Mayson (North Vancouver, BC)
10. Brennan Pokoyoway (Saskatoon, SK)
11. Mathieu Roy (Saint-Gervais, QC)
12. Jason Sanford (Durham, NS)
13. Don Scott (Stratford, ON)
14. Jeremy Tracy (Waterville, NB)
15. Ben Wideman (Elmira, ON)
16. Brady Woods (Stonewall, MB)

Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Don Bates (Saskatoon, SK)
Assistant Coach: Les Howey (Saskatoon, SK)
Assistant Coach: John Stuart (Vancouver, BC)
Assistant Coach: Glenn Boles (St. Catharines, ON)
Athletic Therapist: Adam Davies (Ottawa, ON)

Jeff Ellsworth and Derek Mayson are veterans of the Men’s National Team program, and helped Canada win a Bronze medal at the 2009 ISF Men’s World Championship in Saskatoon, SK. In addition, Tyson Barkman and Mathieu Roy are former Junior Men’s National Team members, earning a Bronze medal at the 2005 ISF Junior Men’s World Championship in Summerside, PEI. 'This Developmental Team roster features many new faces as we begin our preparations for the 2012 Pan American Qualifier and the ISF World Championship to be held in March, 2013' said Harvey Stevenson, Operations Manager for Softball Canada’s National Teams. 'The AAU Tournament will allow our younger players to experience international softball and how it feels to represent Canada in a highly competitive event.'

AAU Tournament - Canadian Development Team Schedule
January 26: Canada vs. Caguas (Puerto Rico) – 3:00pm EST
January 26: Canada vs. Cutro (USA) – 7:00pm EST
January 27: Canada vs. Los Venezolanos (Venezuela) – 3:00pm EST
January 28: Playoff Round
January 29: Playoff Round

John Konkle

Some sad news to pass on. Thank you to Robert & John Craig for forwarding this information below, and my condolences to Konks and his family.

It's with heavy heart I pass along this sad news, so close to Christmas, regarding the father of a legend in fastball in this area! As a fastball family, let's join together to support Dan and his familyon the loss of a husband, father and grandfather, and a big supporter of this wonderful game! Rest in peace, my friend!

KONKLE, John Harold

Suddenly, with his wife by his side, Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the age of 65. Dearly loved husband of 42 years to Beverly (Nee Dowdell). Beloved father of Tammy (Jack), Dan and Derek (Eryn). Cherished grandfather of Darren, Jenna, Annika, Camden and Kallum. Dear brother of Bryan Smith (Christine). We will miss him terribly, but his 5 year old granddaughter said "He will never leave us because he is in our hearts forever." Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 580 Eagleson Road, Kanata, Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Service Wednesday in the Chapel at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations to the University ofOttawa Heart Institute or Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation are appreciated.

Friday rumour - Micksburg Twins back for 2012?

Word from up the line is that the Micksburg Twins may be forming once again for a tournament or two in 2012. I had heard this from a few "sources" in the fall and it looks like there may indeed be a good chance of it happening.

It would be great to see the Twins back on the field this upcoming season, representing the Upper Ottawa Valley. A one-two pitching combination of Corey Costello and Joran Graham would obviously make them contenders in any tournament they may enter.

Let's hope this happens this season.

Changes to Canadian Championships

Some rules have changed for Canadian Championship coordinated by Softball Canada. Here are a few highlights that might interest fastball players. (courtesy Mike Branchaud, Softball Canada)

Canadian Championships Changes from the 2011 Softball Canada AGM
- No import player will be allowed to play in 2 separate Canadian Championships in the same year with 2 different provinces or territories.
- In Canadian Championships with 7, 8 or 9 teams, 6 teams will play in the Championship round with the top 4 having double life and the next 2 with a single life.
- The 2012 Championships will be considered open to all levels of teams whether it is A, B, C, Tier 1, Tier 2, select etc. Teams will be accepted based on Provincial/territorial approval with Softball Canada and each Host setting the limits based on diamonds, volunteer base etc. The format for all Championships will be determined by Softball Canada based on the number of teams attending. There will be intent to register forms available on the Softball Canada website to allow teams to express their interest in attending.
-The Championship game (Gold Medal) will be considered complete after 5 innings of play if the game has to be called due to weather.
- One of the registered coaches must be fully certified Level 2 – softball (theory, technical, practical) or Competition Introduction certified in the NCCP and must be in attendance at all games. The effective date is the 2014 season.

(There were some other changes, most relevant to slo-pitch - and as blog readers know, we don't go there.)

Softball Ontario seeks Softball Associations to host a Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluation Clinic

Toronto, ON- Softball Ontario Coaches Committee is seeking four (4) Softball Associations to host a Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field clinic by March 31, 2011. The goal of the On Field Evaluation clinic is provide Softball coaches an opportunity to move from “trained” (attended What to Coach, How to Coach and completed Make Ethical Decision On Line test) status to “certified” status. The Evaluation clinic is subsided by Softball Ontario and the Quest for Gold Program-Coach Enhancement category.

The four (4) Evaluation Clinic Hosts will receive:
- Up to $500 to cover the rental costs of a Classroom and Gymnasium
- The opportunity to Certify twelve (12) Coaches at a local On-Field Evaluation Clinic
- An opportunity to provide your athletes with free skills instruction from guest Coaches
- Get a jump-start on the 2014 Canada Coach requirements for participating in a Canadian Championships
- Earn up to 32 points towards your Association SAFE STAR Rating

What is “Competition-Introduction Softball”?
Competition-Introduction, Softball is the first coaching clinic that is available in National Coaching Certification Stream. In the Competitive stream, Coaches usually have previous coaching experience or are former athletes in the sport. Coaches in this category tend to work with athletes over a long term to improve performance, often in preparation for provincial, national or international competitions. There are four (4) components to Competition-Introduction, Softball which includes:
- What to Coach (16 Hours)
- How to Coach (16 Hours)
- Make Ethical Decisions On Line Evaluation (3 hours)
- On Field Evaluation (2 hours)

The On Field Evaluation component (OFE Clinic) is the final step in becoming “Certified” in Competition-Introduction, Softball. Who can host a Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluation clinic?Any Softball Associations who is interested in hosting a Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluation should contact Steph Sutton via email at ssutton@softballontario.ca

What are the requirements of a Softball Association to Host an On Field Evaluation Clinic?
In order to host a successful On Field Evaluation Clinic, it is necessary for a Softball Association to supply the following:
- 9 softball players of the same age group for a morning and afternoon session for two days
- A Double gym with an adjacent classroom- class room you need a TV and DVD player available
First Aid Kit
- Ball (preferably indoor balls)-Softball
- A set of indoor bases
- 9 bats for Players to use

When can Softball Associations host an On Field Evaluation clinic?
Softball Associations hosting an On Field Evaluation two (2) day clinic before March 31, 2012 to receive facility funding assistance.

Why would Softball Association want to host an On Field Evaluation?
If any Softball Association has Coaches who are participating in a Canadian Championships in 2014, the requirement of Coach Education for Coaches involved is to be Competition-Introduction, Softball “Certified”. This opportunity allows softball Coaches to obtain certification in their local association reducing time commitments and travel time as well as providing an opportunity for athletes to receive additional training from a guest coach.

Interested?
Interested Softball Associations are encouraged to send a letter of interest to the Softball Ontario office indicating that they are able to secure a facility with a classroom and double gym for 2 days; able to supply nine (9) athletes of the same age group and help recruit Coaches to attend the clinic. Once a letter of interested is received, Softball Ontario will follow up with the interested host to work out the details of a Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluaton Hosting Contract.

Softball Ontario delivers the National Coaching Certification Program and Coach Education on behalf of Softball Canada and the Coaching Association of Canada in the Province of Ontario for the sport of Softball.

If you have any questions regarding the Softball Ontario Coaches Program or the National Coaching Certification Program, please contact Steph Sutton via email at ssutton@softballontario.ca.

Semi-regular collection of miscellany

In fastball related news, the West Carleton Minor Softball Association is going to look into hosting a "CANPitch" program for boys and girls this winter or spring. If anyone knows of young person that would like to get into fastball pitching, please contact me at fastball[at]fitzroyharbour.com and we'll get them on the list.

A few other items to share :

- Some proof attached that Fitzroy Junior does indeed use a Combat hockey stick, as per his sponsorship agreement. Season is going well as Jr is up to four goals in Atom house league action. Recently, he showed that he had his mother's temper. After getting his stick lifted in front of the net and missing a scoring opportunity, he followed the defenceman into the corner and promptly laid him out with a forearm shiver to the helmet (2 minutes for roughing). Definitely gets that from the Mrs Fastball side of the family tree.

- I took the Caveman and Fitzroy Junior to the Senators - Vancouver NHL game on Saturday night. As can be expected, they were looking forward to this for quite some time. So, it was a bit worrisome when during our pre-game meal at McD's, the Caveman puked up his chicken nuggets in a feces-filled toilet in the men's room. (Turns out his chocolate milk had soured and he was too busy chugging it down to notice.) However, tough little nut that he is, he recovered quickly and insisted on attending the game, where he polished off two pieces of pizza and a Sprite. My appetite however, after witnessing that, just returned on Monday.

- Commuting to the City from the far reaches of Fitzroy means that sometimes I take public transit. Occasionally I see interesting things on the bus. Yesterday, it was a midget. A surly, cursing, swearing little person wearing an Elmer Fudd hat. Good times.

U21 Men's Softball back in the Canada Games for 2017

Good news from Softball Canada - Men's U21 Softball is back in the Canada Games for 2017 after being dropped for previous games.

This is subject to appeal at this stage, but things are looking good for our sport to finally return to this important youth event.

Congratulations to Mike Branchaud and the staff at Softball Canada for getting men's fastball the recognition it deserves at this national multi-sport level.

Softball Ontario offering $500 awards

Earn $500 for your Softball Association! Make Sure to Apply by December 23, 2011!

TORONTO, ON - Could your Softball Association use an extra $500 to help train your coaches, umpires or volunteers? Softball Ontario's Softball Association Fundamental Excellence (SAFE) Awards are a great way to fund your volunteer training for 2012! Apply by December 23, 2011 at 12:00 PM to be eligible for one of twenty-four (24) SAFE Awards.

What is a SAFE Award?
A Softball Association Fundamental Excellence Award is an award of $500 for Softball Associations to use in one of four (4) categories:
Volunteer Development
Community Coach Development
Competitive Coach Development
Umpire Development

The Awards will help Softball Associations to train volunteers for the 2012 softball season, thereby increasing their volunteer capacity and the quality of their programs. Softball Associations receiving a SAFE Award will receive a special presentation of a SAFE Award Plaque at one of their Softball Association’s events. In addition, the SAFE Award will help Softball Associations to work towards improving their SAFE STAR Rating!

How do I apply for a SAFE Award?Applying for a SAFE Award is easy! Just follow these three (3) steps:
Step 1: Become a member of the Play Softball Network by 12:00 PM on December 23, 2011
It’s free and easy to join, with lots of benefits for your Softball Association! Download an application form here:
http://network.playsoftball.ca/modules/download_gallery/dlc.php?file=3
Step 2: Submit your SAFE STAR Rating Application by 12:00 PM on December 23, 2011
Download a copy of the SAFE STAR Rating Application Form here:
http://www.softballontario.ca/content/view/448
Step 3: Complete the SAFE Award Application Form and send it to the Softball Ontario Office by 12:00 PM on December 23, 2011

Download a copy of the SAFE STAR Rating Application Form here:
http://www.softballontario.ca/content/view/447

Softball Associations are encouraged to set up a telephone meeting with Participation Program Coordinator Lisa Crompton by email lcrompton@softballontario.ca or by phone at 416-426-7150 to review applications prior to submission.

Complete all three (3) Steps in the SAFE Award Application Process by 12:00 PM on December 23, 2011 to be eligible for a SAFE Award. To assist Softball Associations in their application, sample application materials are available in the SAFE STAR Section of Softball Ontario’s web site at www.softballontario.ca under Association Awards.

If you would like to find out more information about the Softball Association Fundamental Excellence (SAFE) Awards, the SAFE STAR Ratings Program, or if you have any questions please contact Lisa Crompton at lcrompton@softballontario.ca or call 416-426-7150.Softball Ontario is the governing body for the sport of softball in Ontario. Our goal is to promote and develop the sport of softball for its athletes, officials and volunteers by providing programs and services at all levels of competitions.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Their mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario by strengthening the capacity of the voluntary sector, through investments in community-based initiatives.

Softball Ontario looking for Pitching Instructors

Softball Ontario Seeks Regional Pitching Instructors for the 2012 CANpitch Program Season

TORONTO, ON - Softball Ontario is now accepting applications for the position of Regional Pitching Instructor (Fast Pitch) for Softball Canada’s CANpitch Program. Softball Ontario has seventeen (17) trained Regional Pitching Instructors located throughout all of Ontario ready and able to deliver the CANpitch Program. Softball Ontario is looking for new Instructors to join our team!The CANpitch Program is Softball Canada’s national pitching program created to provide a nationally standardized curriculum based on Softball Canada’s Long-Term Player Development framework to introduce and develop the skill of windmill pitching.

What is a Regional Pitching Instructor?
A Regional Pitching Instructor (RPI) is responsible for delivering the 6-week Program and become the pitching expert in their host location within Ontario. The RPI will receive instruction and support from Softball Ontario and the Master Pitching Instructor(s) who will train and mentor throughout the 6-week Clinic. The Regional Pitching Instructor (RPI) is responsible to Softball Ontario. The primary role of Softball Ontario’s RPI is to be the pitching expert in their host location within Ontario. RPIs will receive instruction and support from Softball Ontario’s four (4) Master Pitching Instructors (MPIs) through mentoring and professional development opportunities. RPIs will deliver the CANpitch Program throughout Ontario.Duties and

Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
Accountable and Responsible to Softball Ontario for a two (2) year term.
Responsible for delivering one (1) 6-week clinic per clinic season.
Attend all training sessions, workshops and participate in conference calls hosted by Softball Ontario, when necessary.
To communicate regularly with Softball Ontario Master Pitching Instructor(s) and Softball Ontario about the CANpitch Program and Clinic delivery
To promote the CANpitch Program to local Softball Associations in their area.

The ideal candidate must have the following Qualifications:
Demonstrate a commitment to pitching instructor using the CANpitch Curriculum
Have strong communication skills
Have strong leadership ability
Be a positive role model
Experience in Pitching a Requirement; Coaching experience an Asset.

Regional Pitching Instructors are compensated for their delivery of the CANpitch Program at a reasonable hourly rate. Becoming a Regional Pitching InstructorFor those individuals interested in becoming a Softball Ontario Regional Pitching Instructor please send a letter of interest along with a resume outlining your Fast Pitch pitching experience to the Softball Ontario office “Attention- Carly Laxton – CANpitch Program Coordinator” by Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by 4:30pm.

In the coming weeks Softball Ontario will collect and evaluate all applicants, however Softball Ontario will be focusing on areas of need when choosing individuals to join the CANpitch Instructor team.

All candidates MUST attend the Greater Toronto Area FULL two-day training weekend on January 14 and 15, 2012. Partial attendance will not qualify. This two-day training weekend will allow our Pitching Committee Members to further evaluate your skills and theory to help determine if you will be a good fit for the delivery of the CANpitch Program.

Attending the two-day training does not mean you are chosen as a Regional Pitching Instructor. For more information about Softball Canada’s CANpitch Program please visit the Softball Ontario website: www.softballontario.ca or contact Carly Laxton at claxton@softballontario.ca or call (416) 426-7150.

67s deals from Pugs

I was corresponding with local fastball afficianado Shawn "Pugger" Williams, and he advised that he has some deals available for fastball players and fans (sorry: no slo-pitchers need apply).

Pugs has lead responsibility for suite rentals for Ottawa 67s hockey games. He's offering $50 of as follows, if you use the secret code word "FitzroyFastball".

10 seat suites regularly $300 on for $250 + HST
12 seat suites regularly $350 on for $300 + HST
16 seat suites regularly $375 on for $325 + HST

In addition, any business owner or any business decision maker advertising or marketing that is looking for branding opportunities at 67s games for their business should contact Pugger.

And finally, if anyone who is looking for a group outing with tickets in the arena bowl, he can help out for groups of 20 or more.

Please contact the big man at shawn@ottawa67s.com or 613.232.6767, Ext. 258 or 613.302.5019 by phone or text. And make sure to tell him "FitzroyFastball" sent you.

Miscellaneous updates

Been away from the blog for a while due to a road trip to the Vanier Cup / Grey Cup in Vancouver with 14 other lads. Good time, good times. I highly recommend attending the 2012 Grey Cup in Toronto - next year is the 100th anniversary. Even if you have zero interested in Canadian Football, it's still a great roadie. Our group welcomes new attendees (email me if interested), and we ever have a rookie of the year award!

In other news:

The hockey season continues at our house. Fitzroy Fastball Junior, thanks to his Combat hockey stick, is having a pretty good season, including recently notching a game winner in Atom House B hockey action.

I have also joined a hockey league in Arnprior that seems to be just my level - the Arnprior 40+ Hockey League. (I'm actually an underager until early in the new year.) Despite NOT having a stick deal with Combat, I have managed to pot 7 goals in 9 games. I'm thinking it might be the Movember duster that makes me closely resemble Wendel Clark and scares off the 60 year old opposition defencemen and arthritic goalies. I also recorded what I like to refer to as an "Oldtimers Gordie Howe Hat Trick" the other night, with a goal, assist and penalty in one game - the penalty was a minor for hooking - c'mon I'm not gonna scrap in this league.

Note you can still donate to the Movember cause here (bonus: photo now online). Thanks a lot to those that donated, much appreciated. I have raised over $300, the majority of the donations from blog readers. Despite what I though was a pretty good 'stache, Fitzroy Junior says the other day: "Daddy, Ranjit at school has a thicker moustache than you." Ranjit is his grade 4 classmate of east Indian descent!

The Caveman is doing well, doing his best at initiation hockey and obsessed with NHL games and players. His newest Rainman thing in memorizing time zones, since he has been checking out schedules on NHL.com and wants to figure out when games from out west are on TV here. "Daddy, Vancouver, that's 3 hours different right, Daddy?"

Caveman does however need to work on his geography a little bit. Fitzroy Junior was reading a book about the earth and its composition. He's looking at one section about the molten core of the planet and says to us: "Hey, Daddy did you know it's 4000 degrees Celsius at the centre of the earth?" Caveman, listening in to the conversation says "Where's the centre of the earth? Toronto?" Had a good laugh at that one. Seriously, I couldn't make this stuff up.

Anyway, in fastball news, I haven't heard too much. Still waiting to see about the possibility of a new tournament in the area coming on board. I can't say too much but I will say this - it's not completely "new" as it would be the resuscitation of an old tourney from years gone by. I'll let readers know when I have a concrete announcement.

Combat Sports New Model

Do yourself a favour and check out the new poster boy for Combat Sports Group softball equipment on their website - one moustachioed Quebecker!

Also remember that Combat hockey sticks are the official equipment of Fitzroy Junior and the Caveman.

Article on the new U18 Women's team

An article on the new U18 women's team in Ottawa - thanks to Scott Searle for the heads up.

Ontario Intermediate Men's Provincial in Sudbury

from Roger Legendre

For the first time in more than 30 years , Sudbury has been awarded a most elite fastball championship. Next August the 11th to the 13th, Sudbury under the direction of chairperson Roger Legendre, well known in fastball throughout the North will help host this fine tournament of men’s fastball. It will be the top eight teams from the province with the eventual winner going to the Canadians on the East Coast in the Summer of 2013. Roger has already mentioned that he will apply to have the 2014 Canadians played in Greater Sudbury. The ball will start rolling now for this coming August with the tournament committee having prominent names on it : deputy mayor Ron Dupuis , well known and former great ladies fastball players of the 70’s Judy Dunn and Noreen Davidson. Other members of the committee are Ron McDonald, well affiliated baseball person Shirley O’Oneil, umpire in chief Larry Pedersen and well known sportsperson Randy Pascal. Legendre intends to have his committee meet once a month then increase the meetings to twice a month. Under the appointed coach Derek Pinkerton a local team will be selected from a a list of players already mentioned . At the moment Frank Cox just two years removed from team Canada will be the primary pitcher. Further details for this major tournament coming to greater Sudbury will be up coming in the next few weeks. Roger can be reached by email at er_legendre@sympatico.ca for further details.

Condolences to the K-Dog

Condolences to Kenny "K-Dog" Grenier and his family on the sudden death of his father Donnie. K-Dog was the manager of the Arnprior Arrows and Prior Sportsbar teams in the old Arnprior Men's Fastball League and Donnie was a fan of the team and occasional heckler from the stands.

T-giving

Happy "US American" Thanksgiving to all my readers south of the border, especially those in Elkland.

Photos from the GOFL Showdown

I was sent some photos from fastball fan Jonathan Thomas about two months ago and I forget to post them. Here is a photo album from the Greater Ottawa Fastball League showdown event in Quyon in September.

Respect my Game - from Softball Ontario

New Resource Available: Respect My Game Report Card

Toronto, ON- Softball Ontario is pleased to introduce a new resource for local softball association to use with their own Respect My Game program, the Respect My Game Report Card!

In 2008, Softball Ontario developed the Respect My Game program to address the abusive situations that were taking place on the diamonds amongst the game’s participants, players, coaches, umpires and other stakeholders of the game. The creation of the Respect My Game Program brought to life to raise awareness of abuse in softball and to encourage fair play and respect.

The Respect My Game Report Card is like a comment card that is completed by Umpires immediately after a game. The Softball Ontario umpire is to rate the level of respect on that they witnessed on the diamond. By completing the Respect My Game Report Card it will help determine the effectiveness of the whole Respect My Game Program within your Association.
In 2011, Softball Ontario piloted the Respect My Game Report card at six (6) major Provincial Championships (male and female) and local league play in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Below are some highlights from the Respect My Game Report Cards Results:
144 of the cards completed were evaluating Rep Level of ball (Fast Pitch and Slo-Pitch)
47% of the games that were evaluated for Respect My Games principles were at the Minor level (U19)
Officials overall satisfaction rating of compliance with Respect My Game principals with 55%
For the 2012 season, Softball Ontario will pilot the Respect My Game Report Card at the Slo-Pitch Ontario Eliminations to determine the effectiveness of the Respect My Game Program within the game of Slo-Pitch.

Other free downloads available for the Respect My Game Program include:

• The Respect My Game Card- to be distributed to various stakeholders within your Association (i.e. League Executive, Members, Divisional Coordinators, Coaches, Players, Parents, etc.)

• The Respect My Game Umpire Card-each Umpire who registers with Softball Ontario will receive a laminated copy of the Respect My Game Umpire Card which was designed to be included in the Umpire’s Place Conference prior to each game

• Respect My Game Posters- available with both Female and Male players. Ideal to hang these posters in your League Clubhouse and at Tournaments to promote the Association’s participants in the Respect My Game Program

• Respect My Game Guide for Parents and Guide for Coaches- is a resource designed to help parents or coaches identify whether their behaviour is abusive and help them better understand the (ten) 10 most misunderstood rules in the game. It also contains the Parents’ and Coaches’ Code of Conduct

• Respect My Game Code of Conduct for Players of the Game- use the Respect My Game Player’s Code of Conduct to encourage respect amongst players as well as towards the people in leadership roles (Coaches, Umpires, League Executives, etc)

• The Respect My Game Clinic Manual- to be used for in all of Softball Ontario training opportunities and provides strategies and gives exams of how to build mutual respect between Umpires and Umpires, Umpires and Coaches, Players and Umpires, Players and Coaches, Parents and Coaches
• The Respect My Game Brochure- promotional material that provides an overview of the Respect My Game Program

For more information about the Softball Ontario’s Respect My Game Program, please contact Steph Sutton @ ssutton@softballontario.ca or 416-426-7150.

Softball Ontario is the governing body for the sport of softball in Ontario. Our goal is to promote and develop the sport of softball for its athletes, officials and volunteers by providing programs and services at all levels of competitions.

Movember update

Thanks to all who have donated to the Movember cause - including a couple of people I have never actually met - your contribution is much appreciated. Thanks as well for all that left kind words about the blog. If anyone else would like to chip in, here is the link: http://mobro.co/fitzroyfastball.

In an unrelated item, check out the photo accompanying this news article. Shameful how grooming standards for local junior hockey officials has gone downhill.

Junior Men's Nationals to return to Owen Sound

As per Bayshore Broadcasting, the Softball Canada Men's Junior Nationals return to Owen Sound in 2012, this time as a U21 event since the ages have changed.

New U18 Women's team in Ottawa announced

from Scott Searle

There will be a new U18 womens team in Ottawa next summer.

It will be coached by Scott Searle and Jenny Allen. Scott and Jenny coach the University of Ottawa Women’s team and have both coached several teams in the Ottawa area. Jenny Allen is one of the top athletes ever to play in the Ottawa Area. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards for her efforts including the Ottawa Sports Award “Softball player of the year” in 2009, as well as an Outstanding Youth Award in 2007 when she was only 18 years old. Jenny played most of her softball career with the Orleans Rebels, leading them to Provincial and Eastern Canadian Championships in 2005. Jenny was named the MVP of the tournament in 2005 as she drove in all 3 of her teams runs in the final game. In a strange twist, she changed teams in 2006 and holds the unique distinction of leading 2 separate teams to 3 Eastern Canadian Championships in a row between 2004 and 2006. She played with the Kars Aces when they won in 2004 and in 2006. She also led the Orleans Seniors to a National Bronze medal in 2009. Most recently she has played with the Pickering Heat where she got a Silver Medal at the Nationals in 2010. Jenny is also a personal trainer and currently works at Algonquin College

Scott has been the Head Coach of the UOttawa Women's team since 2007, is an instructor for the PWSA's "Colour your Dream" Long-Term Athlete Development Program, as well as the Mens Team Ontario program. A graduate of the National Coaching Institute with a degree in High Performance Coaching Studies (Level 4/5), Searle also holds a degree from the University of Ottawa in Honours History, as well as a Masters in Science in Teaching from the State University of New York at Potsdam.

The team will be hosting "Open-Gym Nights" from January-March for any interested athletes. The Off-season training will focus on developing: base skills technical skills, mental training , cardiovascular levels, strength for softball (Core Strength, Legs, Forearm Muscles), technical hitting skills, speed, agility, quickness, and softball specific anaerobic conditioning.

All athletes will be invited to these sessions with a minimal charge to cover the cost of the facility.

Team tryouts will be held outdoors in the Spring. Once the team is selected, we will pick practice locations based on the geography of the athletes on the team. We will work to vary practice locations throughout the season to try and equalize travel time for athletes. Our goal with this flexibility is to allow athletes from outside the Ottawa area to play on the team.

The team will be run based on the principles of the Long-Term Athlete Development Model produced by Sport Canada and Softball Canada. Details can be found on the Softball Canada website at www.softball.ca. We will compete in the CCFL, and look to enter approximately 6-7 tournaments.

We are hosting a parent information meeting on November 29th. If you are interested, please email Scott Searle at Scottsearle[at]rogers.com