Athletes - Spirit Softball

About Spirit Softball

The Spirit Softball Program is an initiative, by the Melfort Minor Softball Association (MMSA), to provide a competitive softball stream for female athletes, throughout the North East, wanting to train, develop, and compete at a higher level of softball.  The Spirit Softball Program requires greater commitment from both athletes and families (time, travel, work ethic, money, etc.) to practice, attend leagues & tournaments, compete at Provincials and potentially Canadian Championships (A level) or Western Canadian Championships (B level) in the following age groups and levels:

• U11 Girls (New Softball SK age division started in the 2022 season)

• U13 ‘A’ Girls & U13 'B' Girls (if numbers allow)

• U15 ‘A’ Girls & U15 'B' Girls (if numbers allow)

• U17 ‘A’ Girls & U17 'B' Girls (if numbers allow)

• U19 ‘B’ Girls (if numbers allow)

Spirit Softball Core Covenant

Spirit Softball Eligibility

The Spirit Softball Program is open to all eligible female athletes who meet the age and residency requirements set by Softball Saskatchewan (Softball SK Handbook).

Although, NOT necessary to attend Spirit Softball Tryouts, the MMSA requires the following residency documents be completed by athletes/parents, and approved by necessary authorities, to be sure athletes are eligible to play on Spirit Softball Teams as per Softball Saskatchewan Residency Rules.  Documents can be obtained from Softball SK website: Softball SK Forms

1. Players from District 8, but outside of MMSA catchment area, complete and submit:

   • 2022 Softball SK Player Release Form

2. Players from outside District 8 complete and submit both:

   • 2022 Softball SK Player Release Form

   • 2022 Softball SK District Transfer Form

Spirit Softball Athlete Selection

The MMSA uses Tryouts to evaluate athletes for spots on Spirit Softball Teams.  A Tryout is a workout crafted to get each player evaluated in every aspect of the game.  Athletes participating will receive a Spirit Softball Tryout - Athlete Evaluation Report consisting of individual objective scores based on Position Classes, Categories, and Metrics.

The MMSA schedules two Spirit Softball Tryout dates (usually in January) for evaluating athletes for the Spirit Softball Program.  Athletes interested in trying out for one of the Spirit Softball Teams must attend one of the tryout dates set by the MMSA.  In unique situations, where an athlete cannot attend any of the tryout dates, the MMSA follows the MMSA Spirit Tryout Attendance - Board Policy.  Tryouts will be separated into age divisions including: U11, U13, U15, U17, U19.  Selection of athletes is focused on, but not limited to, the following:

• Spirit Softball Tryout evaluation scores

• Softball skill

• Softball IQ

• Commitment to development and improvement

• Ability to perform in various situations

• Coach-ability

• Communication skills

• Ability to be a team player 

• Leadership ability

Spirit Softball Teams are usually formed by February allowing teams to practice and train throughout winter months. 

Spirit Softball Fees

Spirit Softball Program Fees are divided into two separate fees including:

1. MMSA Registration Fees (to be paid to MMSA) - which includes:

• • Spirit Softball hat.

  • Spirit Softball Program t-shirt.

  • Spirit Softball clothing for coaches.

  • Softball SK Player Affiliation & Insurance fees.

  • Softball SK Coach(s) and Manager Affiliation fees.

  • League fees - SMSL (if applicable)

  • Provincial Championship Tournament fee.

  • Tournament fees for two tournaments during the season.

  • Entry fee for MMSA’s fundraiser tournament - 222’s Fastpitch Shootout. 

  • Team softballs, supplies (scorebook, lineup cards, coaching boards, first-aid supplies) and practice/training equipment.

  • MMSA operating/sponsorship fee.

  • Priority registration into MMSA Off-Season Athlete Training Program (pitching, catching, hitting, fielding, etc.).

2. Spirit Softball Team Fees (to be paid directly to team Treasurer) - Fees that will slightly vary from team to team based on what team participates in throughout year.  May include:

• • Gym rental fee for winter team practices.

  • Diamond rentals for team practices and games.

  • Umpire fees for team games.

  • Additional tournament fees and expenses.

  • Attending Canadian or Western Canadian Championships

  • Any additional fees identified by team (eg. team clothing, team building, etc).

Please Note: Jerseys and other personal items are not included in these fees and will be required to be paid by each player separately.  

Late Fees

A $20.00 late fee will be applied to registrations after the specified date identified by MMSA annually.

Spirit Softball Commitment

Commitment of Spirit Softball Athletes & Families:

• Participate in team winter (when available) and spring/summer practices and other scheduled training events.

• Participate in required fundraising (identified below).

• U11 Spirit Softball teams are developmental teams that will practice and participate in at least one tournament and Provincial Championships.

• U13A, U15A, & U17A Spirit Softball Teams may participate in Saskatoon Minor Softball League - ‘A’ division.  'B' division teams may also choose to play in the Saskatoon Minor Softball League - 'B' division.

• Spirit Softball Teams may participate in the Saskatchewan Girls Softball League (3 weekend events).

• Spirit Softball Teams attend minimum of two (except U11) tournaments during the season.  However, coaches will determine, in consultation with parents, the exact number of tournaments, exhibition games, etc. teams will attend.

• Spirit Softball Teams will attend the Provincial Championship tournament for their age division (typically early-mid July).

• Eligible Spirit Softball Team age divisions (U15, U17, U19) who qualify and advance to Canadian or Western Canadian Championships must attend based on ruling by Softball SK (typically early August).

Spirit Softball Fundraising

1. MMSA Fundraising:

• MMSA will require you to participate in any association based fundraising.  This is fundraising in which all Spirit athletes/families participate to support the Spirit Softball program and overall operation of MMSA.

• MMSA’s major fundraiser - 222’s Fastpitch Shootout: Spirit Softball athletes and families are required to volunteer time during this tournament to assist with our major fundraiser.  The tournament is scheduled Father's Day Weekend annually. This could include volunteering at concession, gate, grounds crew, selling 50/50, announcing, score keeping, etc.

2. Spirit Softball Team Fundraising:

• Spirit Softball athletes and families may be asked to participate in team fundraising that will go directly to their team.  This fundraising will be organized by each team to cover team expenses throughout the current season.