I always take time to reflect on the season as we come to the end. It’s been a long difficult two years dealing with the pandemic. Then basically restarting softball from the ground up; from getting leagues back up to finding enough umpires just to cover the midweek league games. An especially rainy spring forced all of us to work about muddy fields and rescheduled practices. But given what we’ve been through, I’m so glad we have softball back. Here’s to a “normal” 2022 season and I can’t wait to get started. I’m especially grateful to have teams from all over the coast wanting to come together so the girls have a chance to enjoy this great game.
Attached is the Tournament Information Packet for this weekend’s USA Softball of Mississippi’s Tee Ball, 10U C South and 12U C South State Tournaments. Unfortunately, the Coach Pitch bracket didn’t make. That was the danger in moving the tournament schedule back a week. Please review the packet carefully. I have included a checklist to make sure you have everything you need to play this weekend.
You are entering Championship Play, so everything will be a little more formal this weekend. We play by the State Rules and the Official Rules of Softball. The local tournament rules do not apply. You will need a roster. Included in the packet is rules for coach pitch and fast pitch. I have included a roster that must be filled out and signed by the parents. All players must be USA Softball Individually Registered.
One coach must be ACE Certified; doesn’t have to be the head coach. It’s mandated by code and the U.S. Olympic Committee. The ACE training in available online at: http://registerusasoftball.com.
There will be a Coaches Meeting on Friday, 2:00 PM at the fields. Each team should have at least one coach there. The first game time is 4:00 PM. Players need about 15 minutes to check-in before they play. Be sure to allow enough time for them to check-in before they warm-up. They will not play without checking in. We have a short opening ceremony at 3:30 PM with the teams present to kick off this year’s event.
Tee Ball does not need to attend the coaches meeting.
The tournament will be held at the Bayou View Sports Complex in Gulfport. The address is 4300 Hewes Av, Gulfport, MS 39501. The weather forecast has a chance of showers, so you should be prepared for anything. Be sure your players hydrate to be able to handle the heat.One final note… every once in a while someone performs a selfless act that is especially noteworthy. Ms Carolyn Owen and Gulfport Youth Sports Association allowed us to move back the tournament schedule when the Tropical Storm canceled a weekend. They didn’t have to do that. Long Beach got a second chance to host the Gulf Coast Championships. The girls got a chance to get a softball weekend back. This is what we do for each other as a softball family to look out for each other and is especially commendable.
Good Luck to everyone. Most of all, we want the players to be safe and have a fun weekend.
Thanks for Playing USA Softball!
Download Tournament Info Packet
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