Softball 2004 Newsletter

Softball 2008 Newsletter

	Registration Begins Registration for the 2008 summer softball season is underway! Whether you are a new team or renewing - pick your night of interest and turn in a roster of 10 players by with the $135.00 sponsor fee by Monday, April 14, 2008. The remaining $210.00 league fee is due on May 1st. Yes, you may change your roster later or add players up to the league limit of 20 - but we need the roster filled out with captain information and 10 ball players. Early registration helps ... and in some instances, is necessary to avoid being shut out of a spot. Six teams were left out of the fall league and one out of last season's Thursday League because no spots were available. Monday and Thursday Men's Leagues could possibly fill before the April 14 deadline. Please fill out the enclosed roster form with your info and 10 player names. Mail or fax it to the following. Fax number is 920-563-7784 & address is: Fort Parks and Rec. Dept. 30 N. Water Street W. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Print a Roster Form - click here	Basic Softball Roster Rules Fort Atkinson Parks & Rec. softball leagues have no residency requirements and teams can be as large as 20 players. For captains of a few years back, we no longer have emergency subs or 4-game subs. Since we went to a league fee instead of individual player fees we gave captains the freedom to add players during the season until the 20 player maximum is reached. Those player additions could happen in the first week or the last week - if you have openings on your 20 person roster. The Department may deny or remove late additions that may affect the competitive balance of the league that was established at the start of the season. Players must participate in a minimum number of games to be eligible for the play-offs. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Understanding Fees: Sponsor & League Fees have changes this season 2008 season. Suggested sponsor fees are now $135 & League fees are $210, so the total fee to participate is $345. These fees may be mailed or dropped off at the Parks & Rec. office by Friday, April 14 for sponsor fees and May 1st for League fees. Team fees cover umpires, scorekeepers, first half & final team statistics, field maintenance, lighting and game softballs. **************************************** A.S.A. Bat Rules Used in Fort Leagues 2006 softball season marked the transition from USSSA to ASA rules concerning softball bats. If you wish to periodically check the illegal bat list please check the ASA web site at www.softball.org click on the "certified equipment" icon, then select "bats," and click on the photo list of non-approved bats.. For 2008 , note that legal Miken bats will be allowed. Should Arch Limit Change? We are seeking input from teams concerning the arch limit for pitching. Currently our leagues have followed a 6 to 10 feet (from ground) arch limit. We are considering raising the maximum height to 12 feet. When sending your roster form please indicate if you prefer a 10 foot or 12 foot maximum arch limit. Or call Scott Lastusky Parks and Recreation Director at 563-7781 to voice your opinion. Thank You Softball Fields Improvements The infield lip on the North diamond was removed during the Fall season and the South Diamond lip was removed in November (but needs sod replacement this April). Old light poles have not been removed yet, but will come out for the new blacktop area between the diamonds. Do teams want covered bench areas? If you believe your team would appreciate a shaded bench area please let our department know by calling 563-7781. We are seeking donated funds to possibly complete this project. Your comments will help set the priority of improvements.
	Rec. Dept. Seeking Umpires for Upcoming Season Could you help us two days a month? We'll even pay you. If you think your experience would benefit the softball program please consider the offer. The success of our leagues is dependent upon the behind the scenes staff, scorekeepers and umpires. We are looking for people to be on the scorekeeper substitute list for the upcoming season. Keeping a softball scorebook is the experience needed and patience with captains and players is helpful! We are always looking to have a larger roster of umpires. Fridays, Thursdays & Mondays were a little shorthanded in past years. Umps are scheduled monthly and flexibility for days off is excellent. We have a rules meeting just prior to the season and equip you with umpire's gear. Minimum pay is $11.00 per game, but is adjusted depending upon experience. If interested call Scott Lastusky at Fort Parks & Rec. at (920) 563-7781.

	FORT SOFTBALL 2008 - LEAGUES AVAILABLE Monday Men's "C" & "D" Starts Monday, May 5 No games May 26 No Residency Rules - Open Roster Small Diamond - 3 Home Run Rule in effect Plate & Mat Strike & Safety Extension Used Entry Fee: Sponsor $135 Due by April 14 League Fee $210 Due by May 1 Tuesday Co-Ed "D" & Possibly "D+" Starts Tuesday, May 6 No Residency Rules - Open Roster Man walks with 1 strike, woman must hit Plate & Mat Strike & Safety Extension Used Men use 28" Parks & Rec. Bat Entry Fee: Sponsor $135 Due by April 14 League Fee $210 Due by May 1 Tuesday Women's Starts Tuesday, May 27 No Residency Rules - Open Roster Plate & Mat Strike & Safety Extension will be used Entry Fee: Sponsor $100 & League Fee $125 Teams must register by April 14 Fees due by May 21 Wednesday Co-Ed "B" & "C" Starts Wednesday, May 7 No Residency Rules - Open Roster Plate & Mat Strike & Safety Extension Used Man walks with 1 strike, woman must hit Men use 28" Parks & Rec. Bat Entry Fee: Sponsor $135 Due by April 14 League Fee $210 Due by May 1 Thursday Men's "B" & "C" Starts Thursday, May 1 No games on July 3 Small Diamond - 3 Home Run Rule in Effect Plate & Mat Strike & Safety Extension Used Entry Fee: Sponsor $135 Due by April 14 League Fee $210 Due by May 1 Friday Men's 30+ "B" - "C" Starts Friday, May 2 No games July 4 Players must turn 30 during the calendar year Plate & Mat Strike & Safety Extension Used Small Diamond - 3 home run rule in effect No outs spotted if player injured and no subs but player may not return to the game Entry Fee: Sponsor $135 Due by April 14 League Fee $210 Due by May 1