2018 Senior Softball-USA Manager s Guide

Transcription

1 2018 Senior Softball-USA Manager s Guide Celebrating 29 Years!!! Senior Softball-USA 9823 Old Winery Place, Suite 12 Sacramento, CA Office: (916) info@seniorsoftball.com

2 New Manager s Guide to Senior Softball Welcome to the 2018 Senior Softball-USA season! This year we have completely re-designed your Manager s Guide to make it a much more useful tool for you for the 2018 Season! We have summarized each of the tournaments, put them in chronological order and added a reference guide to help you through Roster, ratings, and tournament issues. We ve also added a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for your reference. We made these changes because our traditional printed Tournament Guide, in which we listed tournament details, became outdated a few weeks after it was printed. Now you can get the latest, updated information on individual tournaments online at Look for several new locations for TOC Qualifiers, including: the Eastern Nationals (in Valdosta, GA), Southern Championships (in Raleigh, NC), the Southern California Championships (in Lancaster) and the Gulf Coast Championships (in Panama City, FL). There are also new Qualifiers in Anchorage, Alaska; Myrtle Beach, SC; Savannah, GA; Rutherford County, TN; and a new President Weekend Qualifier in Las Vegas! Many of your old favorites are also listed. We hope that this new Manager s Guide is helpful to you for the entire 2018 Season! Good Luck, and thank you for playing Senior Softball USA!!!! - SSUSA Staff and Directors 2017 Holiday Staff Lunch with Area Directors and Sponsors 2

3 INDEX 2018 Tournament of Champions (TOC) Qualifiers Winners Qualify for the 2019 TOC MARCH Page 6 March 9 - March 11: ISA GULF COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS - Panama City, FL **NEW TOC QUALIFIER FOR 2018** March 20 - March 25: SPRING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - St. George, UT/Mesquite, NV **WILL INCLUDE THE 40 S IN 2018** March 23 - March 25: SPRING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - Polk County, FL APRIL Page 7 April 4 - April 8: TEXAS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - El Paso, TX April 17 - April 22: LVSSA/SSUSA SOUTHWEST CHAMPIONSHIPS - Las Vegas, NV April 18 - April 22: TIDEWATER CLASSIC - Virginia Beach, VA MAY Page 8 May 15 - May 20: ATLANTIC COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS - Loudoun County, VA May 25 - June 3: ROCK N RENO CHALLENGE CUP - Reno, NV JUNE Page 10 June 19 - June 24: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - Lancaster, CA **NEW LOCATION FOR 2018** June 26 -July 1: SSUSA/CAN-SIRS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - Sacramento, CA JULY Pages July 6 - July 11: NORTHEAST CHAMPIONSHIPS - Syracuse, NY July 10 - July 15: MIDWEST CHAMPIONSHIPS - Rogers, AR July 10 - July 15: JIM SHERMAN MEMORIAL NORTHWEST CHAMPIONSHIPS - Salem, OR July 27 - July 29, 2018: ISA SENIOR WORLD SERIES - Columbus, IN July 31 - August 5, 2018: WESTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - Sacramento/Placer County, CA July 31 - August 5, 2018: EASTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - Valdosta, GA **NEW LOCATION FOR 2018** AUGUST Page 14 August 16 - August 19: SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Raleigh, NC **NEW LOCATION FOR 2018** August 16 - August 19: NORTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Lansing, MI August 24 - August 26: ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Aurora, CO SEPTEMBER Page 16 September 20 - October 7: LVSSA/SSUSA WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS - Las Vegas, NV For a complete list of 2018 qualifiers, please visit seniorsoftball.com/?events 3

4 4 Become a Legend: Win the Triple Grand Slam! Compete for the Holy Grail of Senior Softball the Triple Grand Slam! Win the Western National Championship in Sacramento/Placer County, California or the Eastern National Championship in Valdosta, Georgia (New Location for 2018), and the U.S. National Championship and the World Masters Championship in Las Vegas, and your team will be a Triple Grand Slam Champion! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017 TRIPLE GRAND SLAM WINNERS B.O.O.B. s, CA 40 Women Dreamgirlz, VA 50 Women J.K. Inc/Miken, CA 50 Roadhouse Blues/BP & Associates, PA 50 MTC/Dudley, CA 60 Omega IT Services, MD 60 Timberworks/Adidas, CA Smack That, CA W 40AAA Dreamgirlz, MD W 50 Sommerville Softball, CA 50 Hollis Appraisals, FL 60 San Francisco Seals, CA 75 Sacramento Gold, CA Kiss Our Stix, CA W 40AAA Dreamgirlz, MD W 50 Sommerville Softball, CA 50 Summy s, CA 55 Top Gun III, CA 60 Omen, CA 70 PDR Fastsigns, OR 75 San Francisco Seals, CA 75 Florida Investment Prop Dreamgirlz, MD 50W MBA Elite, CA 60 Superior Senior Softball, VA 60 Vacar Stars, VA 70 Omen, CA 70 Syracuse Cyclones, NY 70 San Francisco Seals, CA 75 Center for Sight, FL Dreamgirlz, MD 50W Ohio Silverados, OH 60 Hamel Builders/Superior, VA 65 San Francisco Seals, CA Omega QSE Construction, MD 55 W.E. Ruth Realty, WA 60 Hamel Builders/Turn 2, VA 65 Syracuse Cyclones, NY 65 Pinnacle Physical Therapy, AZ 70 Syracuse Cyclones, NY 75 California Spirit, CA 55W California Spirit, CA 60W 2011 Bay State Bombers, MA 55 MTC Softball Club, CA 60 Steel Dawgs, OH 60 Omen Softball, CA 65 San Francisco Seals, CA 70 Hamel Cavaliers, VA 70 Triple Play, CA 70 State Roofing, CA 75 Center for Sight, FL Center for Sight, FL 80 Florida Legends/Human Kinetics 65 PDR/Fastsigns, OR 70 Spot Bar & Grille, OR Blaine County Title, ID 60 CJ & S Express, AZ 50 Florida Legends/Human Kinetics 65 Kar Phone/TKP, CA 40W Roberts Construction, WI 55 Sidewinders, AZ nd Wind, CA 50W Back Office Associates, MA 70 Ca$h 4 College, NJ 65 JK, Inc., CA 40 Joeseppi s/bellettini, WA 70 NorCal Bluejays, CA 65 NY Motion 55 Robson Ranch, AZ 60 Shawn Montee Timber, ID 50 Syracuse Merchants, NY 55 Tiodize D-99, CA 80 Turn 2, NC All Star Ford Masters, WA 40 California Spirit 50W New Jersey Hitmen, 65 Venom, FL 70 Sacramento Buds, CA 70 San Francisco Seals, CA 75 General Equipment, OR 75 Florida Investment Properties, 80 Redwood City Gold Rush, CA 80 All-Time Triple Grand Slam Winners California Spirit 55W Las Vegas Neons, NV 60 San Francisco Seals, CA 70 Texas Classic 75 WE Ruth Realty, WA Ladies Choice CA 50W Roaddogs CA 50 WE Ruth WA 55 Scrap Iron/Worth CO 55 Moran & Company MI Double Play CA 50 Scrap Iron CO 60 Chicago Classics Red IL 50 Florida Investment Properties 70 Cornwall 75 s MI California Spirit 50W California Spirit 55W Old A s CA 55 The Farm CA 55 Bickerton Iron Works CA 60 Northwest 75 s WA Showtime CA 40W WE Ruth Realty WA 50 Fairway Ford CA 65 Emerald City Masters WA 65 Dream Team MI 60 West Michigan Sportsmen 65 Mitchell s Construction PA 70 Syracuse Cyclones NY California Spirit Majors 55W Coca Cola Classics WI SF Seals, CA 65 Jimmy Dukes, CA 65

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6 MARCH 2018 TOC QUALIFIERS ISA Gulf Coast Championships (NEW FOR 2018) Location: Panama City, FL Dates: Friday, March 9 - Sunday, March 11, 2018 Entry Fee: $500 Entry Fee Deadline: Thursday, February 22, 2018 Men s 50-75: Friday - Sunday, March 9-11 Men s 40 & All Women: Saturday - Sunday, March Spring World Championships Location: St. George, UT & Mesquite, NV Dates: Tuesday, March 20 - Sunday, March 25, 2018 Entry Fee: $560 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, March Men s 50-60: Friday - Sunday, March Men s 40 & All Women: Saturday - Sunday, March Spring National Championships Location: Polk County, FL Dates: Friday, March 23 - Sunday, March 25, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Friday, March 9, 2018 Men s 50-85: Friday - Sunday, March Men s & Women s 40: Saturday - Sunday, March

7 APRIL 2018 TOC QUALIFIERS Texas State Championships Location: El Paso, TX Dates: Wednesday, April 4 - Sunday, April 8, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Men s 65-85: Wednesday - Thursday, April 4-5 Men s 50-60: Friday - Sunday, April 6-8 Men s 40: Saturday - Sunday, April 7-8 LVSSA/SSUSA Southwest Championships Location: Las Vegas, NV Dates: Tuesday, April 17 - Sunday, April 22, 2018 Entry Fee: $595 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, March 27, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, April Men s & All Women: Friday - Sunday, April Tidewater Classic Location: Virginia Beach, VA Dates: Wednesday, April 18 - Sunday, April 22, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Wednesday, April 4, 2018 Men s 65-85: Wednesday - Thursday, April Men s & All Women: Friday - Sunday, April

8 MAY 2018 TOC QUALIFIERS Atlantic Coast Championships Location: Loudoun County, VA Dates: Tuesday, May 15 - Sunday, May 20, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, May Men s & All Women: Friday - Sunday, May Rock N Reno Challenge Cup Location: Reno, NV Dates: Friday, May 25 - Sunday, June 3, 2018 Entry Fee: $575 Entry Fee Deadline: Friday, May 4, 2018 Men s 40 & 60; & All Women: Friday - Sunday, May Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, May Men s 50-55: Friday - Sunday, June Player from Enviro-Vac Marauder 65 (BC, Canada) beats out the throw to third against Nor-Cal STIXX 65 (CA). Enviro-Vac Marauder defeated Nor- Cal STIXX, 16-2, in the if game to win the nine-team Men s 65 Major division at the 2017 Rock N Reno Challenge Cup.

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10 JUNE 2018 TOC QUALIFIERS Southern California State Championships (NEW LOCATION FOR 2018) Location: Lancaster, CA Dates: Tuesday, June 19 - Sunday, June 24, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, June Men s & All Women: Friday - Sunday, June SSUSA/CAN-Sirs Northern California State Championships Location: Sacramento, CA Dates: Tuesday, June 26 - Sunday, July 1, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, June Men s 50-60: Friday - Sunday, June 29 - July 1 Men s & Women s 40: Saturday - Sunday, June 30 - July 1 10

11 JULY 2018 TOC QUALIFIERS Northeast Championships Location: Syracuse, NY Dates: Friday, July 6 - Wednesday, July 11, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Friday, June 22, 2018 Men s 40-60: Friday - Sunday, July 6-8 Men s 65-85: Monday - Wednesday, July 9-11 Midwest Championships Location: Rogers, AR Dates: Tuesday, July 10 - Sunday, July 15, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, July Men s 40-60: Friday - Sunday, July Jim Sherman Memorial Northwest Championships Location: Salem, OR Dates: Tuesday, July 10 - Sunday, July 15, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, July Men s 40-60: Friday - Sunday, July

12 ISA SENIOR WORLD SERIES Location: Columbus, IN Dates: Friday, July 27 - Sunday, July 29, 2018 Entry Fee: $525 Entry Fee Deadline: Sunday, July 15, 2018 Men s 50-75: Friday - Sunday, July Contact Tournament Director Jerry Jackson Phone: jjackson@itv-3.com May 26-27, 2018 Niagara Falls, ON Patrick Cummings Sports Park Mens C, D, E Mens 35A/B, 35C, 35D, 35E, 50, 60, 65 Womens 35 Coed D, E All divisions play Saturday and Sunday only. All Teams Guaranteed 3 Scheduled Games Prizes for the Top 4 Teams in Each Division Entry Fee: $375 Deadline for Entries is Friday, May 18, Contact: Trish Harrow-Rodic spn@slo-pitch.com

13 WESTERN / EASTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ***First Leg of Triple Grand Slam*** Winners will play in the U.S. National Championship Game in an East vs. West showdown during seeding play at the World Masters Championships. Western National Championships Location: Sacramento / Placer County, CA Dates: Tuesday, July 31 - Sunday, August 5, 2018 Entry Fee: $570 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, July 31 - August 2 Men s & All Women: Friday - Sunday, August 3-5 Eastern National Championships (NEW LOCATION FOR 2018) Location: Valdosta, GA Dates: Tuesday, July 31 - Sunday, August 5, 2018 Entry Fee: $560 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, July 31 - August 2 Men s & All Women: Friday - Sunday, August

14 AUGUST 2018 TOC QUALIFIERS Southern Championships (NEW LOCATION FOR 2018) Location: Raleigh, NC Dates: Thursday, August 16 - Sunday, August 19, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Thursday, August 2, 2018 Men s 65-85: Thursday - Friday, August Men s 40-60: Friday - Sunday, August Northern Championships Location: Lansing, MI Dates: Thursday, August 16 - Sunday, August 19, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Thursday, August 2, 2018 Men s 65-85: Thursday - Saturday, August Men s 40-60: Friday - Sunday, August Rocky Mountain Championships Location: Aurora, CO Dates: Friday, August 24 - Sunday, August 26, 2018 Entry Fee: $535 Entry Fee Deadline: Friday, August 10, 2018 All Divisions (Men & Women): Friday - Sunday, August Aurora Sports Park Welcomes SSUSA to the 2017 Rocky Mountain Championships.

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16 LVSSA/SSUSA WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships Location: Las Vegas, NV Dates: Thursday, September 20 - Sunday, October 7, 2018 Entry Fee: $745 Entry Fee Deadline: Multiple Deadlines (See Below) Men s 55 & 60: August 23, 2018 Men s 65-85: August 27, 2018 Men s 40 & Women s 40-50: August 30, 2018 Men s 50: September 7, 2018 Dates of Play (Please Note: All sessions will be four days, with the exception of the third session - Men s 40 & Women) Men s 55 & 60: Thursday - Sunday, September Men s 65-85: Monday - Thursday, September Men s 40 & All Women: Friday - Sunday, September Men s 50: Thursday - Sunday, October 4-7 A special thank you to our bat sponsors for

17 WINTER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (2019 Roster Event TOC Qualifier) Location: Ft. Myers, FL Dates: Tuesday, November 6 - Sunday, November 11, 2018 Entry Fee: $560 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, November 6-8 Men s 50-60: Friday - Sunday, November 9-11 Men s 40: Saturday - Sunday, November For lodging information, please call or LeeCountySportsHousing.org WINTER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (2019 Roster Event TOC Qualifier) Location: Phoenix, AZ Dates: Tuesday, November 13 - Sunday, November 18, 2018 Entry Fee: $570 Entry Fee Deadline: Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Men s 65-85: Tuesday - Thursday, November Men s & All Women: Friday - Sunday, November

18 2019 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS Location: Polk County, FL Dates: Wednesday, February 6 - Sunday, February 10, 2019 Entry Fee: $510 Entry Fee Deadline: Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Dates of Play: All Divisions (Men & Women): Friday - Sunday, February 8-10, 2019 Special Events Wednesday, February 6 Hitting Clinic: This clinic will give players a chance to warm up and to sharpen their skills before the tournament with some of the best hitters in the sport. TOC All-Star Game: Each TOC-competing team will select one player to compete in the game. Two TOC managers will be selected for the All Star teams. Thursday, February 7 Skills Contests: Contests in four divisions (40/50, 60, 70, Women) including: Precision Hitting (winners receive bats), Home Run Contest (winners receive bats), Speed (running contest/winners receive shoes), Pitching Contest (winners receive gloves). Mini-Tournament: Teams will have a chance to play short 3-inning practice games. Players from T.O.C. teams that can t make the Mini-Tournament are welcome to play with short-handed teams. Friday, February 8 TOC Banquet: There will be a free banquet for participating TOC players, their friends and family during which each team will be recognized. 18

19 Steve Simmons Memorial Sportsmanship of the Year Award Senior Softball - USA annually awards the Steve Simmons Memorial Sportsmanship of the Year at the World Masters Championships. In 2017, SSUSA honored an entire region, as seven teams from Guam were recognized during the opening ceremonies. Guam Seniors 50 (Men s 50 AAA) Armed Forces Guam (Men s 40 Major) Bud Light Guam (Men s 40 AAA) Sindalun Guahan (Men s 40 AAA) Guam Women s - FIGO Islanders (Women s 40 AAA) Guam Women s - Team SOTTA (Women s 40 AA) Guam Women s - Team Mighty 50 s (Women s 50) FIGO Islanders (Women 40 AAA) recieves their sportsmanship award. Guam teams during the national anthem at the opening ceremony. This award transcends the game itself, said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA CEO. It stands for all that is good in the sport: passionate competition played with good humor and good fellowship - that is the formula for good sportsmanship. The beauty of good sportsmanship is that it incites a love of the game for all who witness it. The teams from Guam have demonstrated the highest level of sportsmanship and provide an example to teams throughout the sport. Previous Steve Simmons Memorial Sportsmanship of the Year Winners 2005 Conklin Brothers, CA 40 (West) Sweet Construction, NJ 50 (East) 2006 River Hawks, CA Roberts Construction, WI Sportaculars of Canada Scrap Iron Club of Colorado 2010 NM High Desert Roadrunners Georgia/Alabama Masters Minnesota Prize 65 s 2013 Hannington s 55 s, MA Caliber St. Louis Softball Club, MO 2015 Git-R-Done Softball Club, CA 2016 San Antonio Silver Streaks, TX 19

20 Announcing the 6th Annual Pacific Rim Championships Team USA and Team Japan The 6th Annual Pacific Rim Championships will be played in Iwate, Japan October 20th and 21st, A complete itinerary for SSUSA s Pacific Rim Championships Tour will be released shortly. Join us and take part in the unique experience of friendship and exotic sightseeing that the Pacific Rim Championships has to offer. Gembikei Gorge, Iwate 20

21 SSUSA Manager 101 Rosters Team Ratings Before the Tournament At the Tournament FAQ STAFF

22 22 ROSTERS REGISTER YOUR TEAM: Each team must register annually with SSUSA to participate in events (Managers can register their teams online). The registration fee is $40 and managers receive a registration card and a rulebook. The Team Registration Form can be found on our web site at YOUR ONLINE ROSTER: Managers are required to complete team rosters online two weeks before the tournament they plan to attend. Managers can set up an Annual Roster for the season and modify it as needed for each tournament. (Note: Team registration must be current for the year, and can be paid online before you build your roster.) It is easy and allows managers to see potential problems immediately. Seven easy steps to setting up your SSUSA roster online: 1) Call or the Sacramento Office, (916) or george@seniorsoftball.com, to get your password. (We will also walk you through setting up your annual roster.) 2) Go to homepage. At the top of the page there are sign-in and password boxes. Enter your address and password. Then click Go. You are now on the Managers Page with the teams you manage at the top of the page. 3) Click on the team name. You are now on the team page with the team information. Go to Annual Roster - and click on Build 2018 Roster. You can now start building your roster for the year. 4) On the right will be a list of idle players that you can pick players from. Click the add button to the left of their name if you wish to select that player. If you do not see a player on the idle players list, type in their last name in the little yellow box under the idle players list to search for them. If you cannot find the player in your search, or if you are not allowed to add the player, please complete the annual roster with as many players as you can add and then call or the office for assistance. 5) After the Annual Roster is complete, call the office and ask the SSUSA staffer to click your team in for the specific tournaments you want to enter. Your Annual Roster will default to that specific tournament. 6) Click on Edit Roster to the right of the tournament. You can also view the rosters of previous tournaments by clicking on view rosters. 7) You will see the Annual Roster you built. If you need to add or delete a player, you can do it on the Tournament Page before the Tournament deadline. 8) Four tournaments require a qualifying roster: the Western Nationals, the

23 Eastern Nationals, the LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championships, and the *Tournament of Champions. For these tournaments, after you click edit roster, there will be a screen that lists your qualifying rosters. Click the white button next to the qualifying roster you wish to use for the tournament. Any qualifying roster revision requests must be ed to George Moreno at george@seniorsoftball.com for approval. *TOC Note: To qualify for the TOC your team must have won a championshiplevel qualifying tournament, and the roster fielded in the tournament that you won must be the base roster that you use for the TOC. For Tournament of Champions, 2018 Roster Restrictions for adding players to your qualifying roster apply. Players registration numbers that appear in red mean the players are either not registered or need to renew their cards. This must be done before the tournament. As soon as they complete their registration, their registration numbers will turn green. If you cannot add a player for whatever reason, call the office or us at george@seniorsoftball.com. ROSTERS FOR QUALIFIERS: Here is a checklist for managers for all Senior Softball-USA qualifying tournaments (these include ALL tournaments EXCEPT the World Masters Championships, the Eastern or Western Nationals and the Tournament of Champions): 1. All players are the correct age as of Dec. 31 of the current season s calendar year. 2. All players live in the team state (or bordering states). The team state is determined by the state in which the majority of players live. *See rulebook for major plus special rules. 3. Major-Plus players (from the current or previous seasons) cannot play on AAA or AA teams. 4. Players are FROZEN on the roster of the team they play in the FIRST qualifying tournament of the season (Please note: the season begins with the first tournament following the World Masters Championships in September-October). This rule protects the team. Players are expected to make a commitment to the team for the year. Players may change teams ONE TIME during the year AND they need a written release from the manager of their old team before they are allowed to transfer to another team. 5. Rosters MUST be completed online two weeks before a tournament to allow time to check the roster. (Players may be added to the roster up until the first pitch.) TOC, WMC, East, West Rosters: Here is a checklist for managers for rosters for the World Masters Championships, the Eastern or Western Nationals and the 23

24 Tournament of Champions: 1. Teams MUST use their qualifying roster. If your team has qualified at multiple tournaments, please note on your Tournament Invoice or Roster form which qualifying roster you will be using. 2. ONLY players who have checked in at the qualifying tournament (those whose names were highlighted during check-in) are considered on the qualifying roster. 3. Teams can add players to their qualifying roster under STRICT restrictions: * Teams can only add up to a total roster of 15 players (16 for 70-plus teams and Women s Senior teams). Players must be in the NEXT older age group and from the SAME skill level or equivalent. * If an invited team s roster falls below 12 players (13 for 70-plus teams), the team may APPLY to add players until it reaches the 12/13-player level. These players may be from the SAME age group in the SAME or LOWER skill level or equivalent. Managers must APPLY to SSUSA for approval of these players in writing. These requests are evaluated on an individual basis. * Regular players on the team who happen to miss the qualifying tournament can only be added to the roster with written approval from the SSUSA office. This approval is given on a case-by-case basis. * Women s teams will be given broad latitude when roster exemption player requests are received due to the unique player eligibility criteria employed in the Women s Division. 4. Only players who have checked in at the championship tournaments are eligible for awards. DOUBLE ROSTERING: Players can be on more than one roster under the following conditions: 1. The teams have to be in different age brackets. 2. The teams must be within one skill level. 3. Players must inform the managers of both teams that they are on another team s roster. SNOWBIRDS: Players may play in two different regions under the following conditions: 1. They must live for three continuous months in both regions. 2. They can play in the state and bordering states in their PERMANENT region. 24

25 3. They can only play in the state in which they are a snowbird, NOT in bordering states. 4. They must be able to prove they live for three continuous months in their snowbird state. 5. Major plus teams may not have snowbird players in the 50+ through 70+ age groups, but may have two players from East or West of the Mississippi River, depending on the home state of the team. TEAM RATINGS Team rating changes are based on a comprehensive team-performance review. Using the SSUSA computer Ratings/Results program that we developed, we have been able to review in-depth all teams for all games played in recent years. We also have received recommendations from key Ratings Advisers across the country and several managers. In addition, we have changed some key rules to make the divisions more competitive. We usually make NO rating changes until we see teams play 3 tournaments against teams in their new skill level. We make most rating changes early in the year to give teams a chance to appeal AFTER they have played three or more tournaments. We periodically review of teams throughout the season to make necessary adjustments in ratings. The Ratings Guidelines, below, will give you an idea of how we base the ratings -- and ratings changes. RATINGS GUIDELINES: Here are the guidelines used by the SSUSA Ratings Committee in changing a team s rating: 1. The SSUSA Senior Softball Ratings Committee s First Priority is to protect teams in the lower division. That means if a team is losing by large margins in its own division, but beating teams in the lower division by large margins, then the team should remain in its original division in order to protect the lower division. 2. Over 3 tournaments, is the team beating or losing to its opponents in the same age and skill level by an average of 5 runs or more? 3. For AA Teams: are they producing double-digit runs consistently (one of the key indicators of AA teams is that they are inconsistent in run production) 4. Here are the guidelines for teams winning the Senior Softball World Masters Championships and the SPA National Championships: A. Teams winning in a division of 6 or more teams may not appeal their rating in B. Teams winning in a division of 3-5 teams may appeal their rating in 2018 after playing in 3 tournaments. C. Teams winning in a division of 2 teams will not be moved up. 25

26 D. SSUSA reserves the right NOT to move a team up if there is a preponderance of information showing the team should remain in the original skill level. 5. The rating of a new team is determined by the rating / ratings of the teams from which the players came. A team with all new players begins as AAA if no other information is available. If there is a question, the team is always assigned the higher rating. 6. A team retains its rating unless it falls below 4 players from the original team. 7. Major-Plus players may only play on Major or Major-Plus teams in their age division, unless the player provides an official report from his/her doctor stating that a recent illness or injury has significantly reduced the player s skill level OR if the player has only played at the Major-Plus level at one tournament as a pickup player. This is decided on an individual basis and approved in writing by the association. BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT REFUND POLICY: Rulebook Section 13.3(4). Team entry fees are due in the SSUSA Office on the deadline date published online at seniorsoftball. com. Entry fees are deemed non-refundable after the deadline. Full refunds are given to teams withdrawing before the deadline. No refunds are given after the deadline. In case of extreme hardship, which will be determined by SSUSA, credits to another SSWC tournament of not more than $100 may be given to the withdrawing teams. Requests for future event credits must be made in writing. USING HOST HOTELS: Senior Softball-USA strongly recommends players use Host Hotels. These hotels offer low rates, are close to the fields and clean. The Host Hotels support SSUSA and allow us to keep entry fees as low as possible. For more information on Host Hotels, please go to click on 2018 Tournaments and on the tournament your team would like to attend for a complete list of Host Hotels. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: When making your travel arrangements for any tournament, please make them under the presumption that you will be playing in the first game on the first day, typically 8:00 AM, and also playing in the If Needed game, typically 3:30 PM, on the last day. Our scheduling department accepts, and attempts to accommodate, team requests for a late start the first day, but those requests must be received by the entry deadline posted on the SSUSA web site. Please remember that any granted late start times may not be as late as you might desire, but every effort will be made to meet your reasonable requests. SCHEDULING: All schedules for SSUSA s championship tournaments are posted, normally no less that one week in advance, on the SSUSA web site at Tournament schedules are initially posted as Draft 26

27 schedules and are considered tentative and subject to change. The Draft schedules become final ONLY when released as Official at the Manager s meeting the evening before play commences. MANAGERS REGISTRATION AND MEETING: Usually about a week before the tournament, you will be contacted by and a follow-up phone call with the time and place of the Managers Registration and Meeting. You will receive the final schedules and other valuable information at the Managers Registration. You MUST either attend or send a representative to the Managers Meeting. This is where any schedule changes or rule changes are discussed. Final roster changes must be made at the Managers Registration. You are responsible to know about those changes. AT THE TOURNAMENT Please gather all of your players before the first game and bring them to the Officials Table to check in (They should all be registered already). Players are required to present a valid Senior Softball-USA National Identification Card in order to participate. Players names are highlighted as they present their card. Only names that are highlighted are officially on the roster so make sure your players check in (especially if they arrive late). Please make the player check-in as efficient as possible by coming to the Director s table as a team. If players have sent in their information for registration, they will be required to present a driver s license and the official will write Pending next to his or her name. No players will be allowed to register on-site for the Eastern Nationals, Western Nationals, World Masters Championships, or Tournament of Champions. All players must have a current membership before they arrive at these tournaments. Managers must sign and turn in the Manager s Agreement each season before the team is allowed to play. In signing this agreement, you take responsibility for informing your players of the risk of playing softball and SSUSA is not responsible for injuries. In addition, the agreement outlines the bat policy, of which you also agree to inform your team. DON T MISS SEEDING GAMES: Teams must play in the round robin, or preliminary rounds, of a tournament in order to play in the finals. Teams not playing in one or more preliminary game may be seeded last in the finals and may receive an automatic loss for their first game of the bracket (sending them to the loser s bracket). UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT: After any game in which a player has been ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, as defined in the Code of Ethics, the umpire will discuss the ejection with the field director, who will determine whether the player is to only be ejected from the game, or ejected from the remainder of the tournament. If the player is ejected for the remainder of the tournament, the field director will make a report and recommendation to the SSUSA Board. The 27

28 Board will determine if further disciplinary action is justified. A second offense could result in up to and including a lifetime suspension. BATS: Bats must appear on the Approved Bat list on BALLS: The Official SSWC Men s Softball is a.44 COR Trump Stote Ball, with a compression rating no greater than 375-pounds per-square-inch. The Official SSWC Women s Softball is a.47 COR Trump Stote Ball, with a compression rating no greater than 525-psi. VERBAL PROTESTS: Only managers or acting managers can consult with the umpire over a rule interpretation. In most cases, any verbal protests must be made before the next pitch is thrown after the protested play. GAME TIMES: Games begin with the coin flip at the conference at home plate. In Round Robin games, after 67 minutes has expired, that inning will be completed and one additional full inning will be played. Bracket games will have a 72-minute limit and Championship games will have no time limit, Runs are limited to 5 runs, except in the last inning, which will be open. PITCHER S MANDATED MINIMUM SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Pitchers must wear a protective face mask while pitching and must wear the mask consistent with the manufacturer s intended usage of their product. 1. PLAYERS RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT All players, including pitchers, are encouraged to wear the recommended additional protective safety equipment, comprised of head gear (NOCSAE approved), heart/chest protection and shin guards. Players are not required to wear the recommended safety equipment. SSUSA makes NO warranty as to the protective qualities of any mandated or recommended safety equipment when used in softball, which may have inherent risks as an impact sport. SSUSA does not make any specific claims as to any safety equipment s performance and will not accept any liability for personal injury. The mandated face mask is designed to prevent injuries to the player s face, but not all injuries can be prevented. Players can still suffer serious injury while wearing any type of face protection. 2. RELEASE (INJURY TO PLAYER) By electing not to wear the recommended safety equipment, players waive any and all claims, individually, and by his or her heirs, and hold harmless Senior Softball World Championships, Inc., its Board of Directors, Senior Softball-USA, LLC, any municipal or park facility employees, their agents or employees and tournament directors and sponsors from and against any and all loss liability, charges and expenses (including attorney s fees) and causes of action of whatever character that may arise for injury that may have been reasonably prevented by the recommended safety equipment during participation in SSWC events. 3. PLAYER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROCURING INSURANCE Players are presumed to be fully aware that SSWC and SSUSA do not carry, or provide, any medical insurance for any participants and that all players are solely 28

29 responsible for procuring their own insurance. INTENTIONALLY HITTING THE MIDDLE AT THE PITCHER: Any batted ball intentionally hit up the middle at the pitcher, regardless of whether or not striking the Pitcher, shall result in a dead ball out. The batter will be ejected from the game and may be subject to additional penalty in the form of a suspension. The determination of intentional is a judgment call by the umpire, is not subject to appeal and shall not be presumptive merely in the case of a batted ball striking the pitcher. EFFECT: The determination of intent will be based upon the totality of the facts and circumstances present during the game, including previous statements and actions by Players, Managers and others prior to the incident which results in the umpire s judgment of intent or lack thereof. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOME RUN RULES The maximum allowable Home Runs per team per game are established for each age group and division of play as follows: Men s 40 Masters Major-Plus = 10, out Men s 40 Masters Major = 8, out Men s 40 Masters AAA = 6, out Women s 40 Masters Major = 6, out Women s 40 Masters AAA = 3, out Women s 40 Masters AA = 1, out Major-Plus = 9, out Major Division = 6, out AAA Division = 3, out AA Division = 1, out 75, 80 & 85 Men = Open Senior Women = Open TOUCHING THE DOUBLE BAG: Each batter must reach first base without the aid of a courtesy runner. A double bag shall be used at first base, the double portion of the bag being in foul territory abutting first base. If there is a play on a batter-runner going to first base, the batter-runner must touch some portion of the double bag extending into foul territory. He will be called out if he fails to do so, except if, in the umpire s judgment, the batter-runner is avoiding a collision. The batter-runner simultaneously touching both portions of the double bag is permitted. This is NOT an appeal play. Important: The defending player has only the white base, in fair territory, to make the putout; his touch of only the bag in foul territory will not result in an out. Once the batter-runner reaches first base, the double base shall be treated as one base and the fielder or runner may use either portion. COURTESY RUNNERS: Unlimited courtesy runners may be used in all age divisions. A player may be a courtesy runner only once per inning. A player who has been replaced by a courtesy runner may NOT enter as a courtesy runner in that inning. A runner can only be put in before the first pitch to any batter. AVOIDING COLLISIONS: Run throughs are not permitted, and sliding is op- 29

30 tional. A runner must make every effort to avoid colliding with opposing players while running the bases. If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner misses a base to avoid a collision he will not be called out. UNRESTRICTED BATTERS: There is no restriction on the number of batters, but the lineup cannot be changed after the first pitch. All batters must be listed on the lineup on the backside of the Official Game Card that is submitted to the umpire before the first pitch. Please be sure to list all players who may be playing in the game, including substitutes, on the Official Game Card. If they are not on the card, they may not play in that game. A team dropping below the original number of batters on the lineup, and not having a substitute, will record an out the first time that position comes up to bat. PENALTY FOR USING AN ALTERED BAT: If a bat is suspected of being altered to enhance performance, the tournament committee will determine if the bat will continue in play or be held for inspection. If the player refuses to turn over the bat, the player will be suspended for 10 years and the manager for one year and the team will forfeit all games. If the player voluntarily releases the bat and it is found to be altered to enhance performance, the player will be suspended for 5 years and the manager for one year. A second offense may result in the lifetime ban of the player. PENALTY FOR USING AN ALTERED BALLS: If a softball is suspected of being illegal, a tournament official will determine if the softball is allowed to be used. If the softball is found to be illegal, the following penalties shall be imposed: 1. First offense in a game: The batter shall be called out; 2. Second and subsequent offense(s) in a game: The half-inning at bat shall be terminated. NOTE: An illegal softball is deemed to be in play when the ball is in the possession of the pitcher and a batter is in the batter s box. 30

31 SSUSA Office Phone:(916) Fax: (916) Terry Hennessy, CEO Bill Ruth, President Fran Dowell, Executive Director George Moreno, National Director/ Ratings & Tournaments Stephanie Hopkins, Executive Assistant/Special Projects Ross McCulligan, Executive Assistant/Umpires & Bookkeeper Tiffany Peck, Executive Assistant/ Ratings & Registration Anthony Ramos, Executive Assistant/ Marketing & Publications Kimberley Johnson Executive Assistant/Clubs & Leagues SSUSA National Directors Cal Allison (540) Michael Boone (917) Don Brooks (915) Paul Cochet (805) Dave Dowell, National Director/ Scheduling (916) Ron Grassi (253) Senior Softball-USA Directory Jerry Jackson (309) Tim McElroy (301) (cell) Don Reddig (760) Otis Rowland (916) Doug Robbins (916) com Rick Seifman, Vice-President/ Umpires (623) Joe Yacono (847) SSUSA State & Regional UICs Rick Seifman, Vice President/ Umpires Tom Bussey, Deputy UIC Northern CA Fredrick Craig, UIC UT Ron Grassi, Umpire National Director, Northwest UIC Tim McElroy, Mid-Atlantic Regional UIC MD Donna McGuire, Central Regional UIC MO Keith Parker, UIC Texas Brian Pryor, Washington State UIC Don Reddig, UIC So Cal SSUSA Leagues Central Region Randy Rowe, Central Regional Director (816) Far West Region Fran Dowell, National Leagues Director, SSUSA Executive Director (916) Paul Cochet, Southern California Area Director (805) Carl Gustafson, San Diego Area Director (619) / (619) cgustaf@cox.net Rick Seifman, Arizona State Director (623) tournsport@cox.net Florida Region Frank Galuppo, Florida Regional Dir. & Southwest Florida Area Dir. (239) (cell) fgaluppo@seniorsoftball.com Wayne Lotoza, Southeast Florida Metro Director (561) (cell) waynesofl@aol.com Martin Sorger, Central Florida Area Director (863) (home) mdsorger@verizon.net Great Lakes Nancy Allen, Indiana State Dir. (317) nancy.keaton@dfas.mil Mid-Atlantic Region Tim McElroy, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director (301) (cell) potomacsports@yahoo.com New England SSUSA Office - Director (916) info@seniorsoftball.com Emilio Notarantonio, SE New England Area Director rhody13@cox.net North Region Bill Geisbauer, Minnesota Director (651) bsgeisy1010@yahoo.com Bill Regynski, South Dakota Dir. (605) wjregynski@live.com Northeast Region Pete DeRosa, Northeast Regional Director (732) (cell) pderosa@seniorsoftball.com Chuck Sharkey, New York Dir. (315) (cell) cshark44@aol.com Bernie White, Pennsylvania Dir. (570) (cell) rhblues1@yahoo.com Northwest Region Mike Sisavic, Northwest Regional Director (503) / (503) msisavic@seniorsoftball.com Southeast Region Dale McWhorter, Southeast Regional Dir. (205) (cell) dmcwhorter@seniorsoftball. com Southwest Region Bob Martinez, Southwest Regional Director (303) / (303) bmartinez@rmblue.com DuWayne Pillard, CO State Dir. (303) / (303) d69zcam@aol.com Texas Region Keith Parker, Texas Regional Dir. (903) kparker@seniorsoftball.com Larry Kasper, San Antonio Dir. (210) larry.kasper@swri.org 31

32 WORTH IS BACK IN THE SSUSA GAME THE WORTH WICKED 1-PIECE SSUSA BAT UTILIZES A PLAYER-PREFERRED XL ENDLOAD TO GENERATE HIGHER SWING SPEEDS. CF100 TECHNOLOGY: 100% CARBON FIBER BARREL PROVIDES A LIGHTER WEIGHT, MORE DURABLE BARREL FOR UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE. XL LOADING: A 0.5OZ ENDLOAD FOR PLAYERS SEEKING A MODERATELY ENDLOADED BAT, OFFERING MORE MASS IN THE END OF THE BARREL FOR EXTRA WHIP AND SMOOTHER FINISHES ON SWINGS.