2004 NCAA DIVISION I REGIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP May 20-23, 2004

Transcription

1 2004 NCAA DIVISION I REGIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP May 20-23, 2004 General Information Packet Hosted By: THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA Bowlin Stadium 400 Line Drive Circle Lincoln, Nebraska

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Key Contact Sheet...3 University of Nebraska Athletics and Softball Staffs...4 Schedule of Events: Team Practices; Meetings & Games...5 Accommodations/Hotel...6 All-Tournament Team...6 Balls...6 Bands/Mascot...7 Bowlin Stadium Rules Credentials...9 Drug Testing...9 Dugouts...9 Equipment Available...9 Evaluations: Site & Umpire...10 Game Schedule Hospitality...11 Locker Rooms...11 Meetings...12 Press Conference...12 Radio...13 Scouting Seats...13 Ticket Information...13 Training Room/Medical Information...14 Transportation/Travel Information Umpires...16 Uniforms...16 Video Taping...16 Warm-ups Weather...17 Timing Sheet for Games Site Evaluation Form Protest Form...35 Sample Meeting Agendas: Games Committee/Head Coaches & Administrators/Umpires Umpire Evaluation Form...39 Local Restaurants...40 Local Hotels...41 Laundry...42 Local Churches...42 Notes...43 Bracket...44 Supplemental Materials Maps of Lincoln Maps of Haymarket Park Bowlin Stadium Miscellaneous Brochures 5/16/04 2

3 2004 NCAA Softball Regional Key Contacts Tournament Director: Promotions/Marketing Director: Sports Information Contact: Host Institution Championship Dedicated Internet Site & Contact Facility Manager: Ticket Manager Telephone Number for Ticket Information (number to publish on promotion materials) Souvenir Concessions Manager: Food Concessions Coordinator: Drug-Testing Site Coordinator: NCAA Representatives Name: Title School: Street: City St Zip: Name: Title: School: Street: City St Zip: Name: Title: School: Street: City St Zip: Web address: Name: Name: Title: Street: City St Zip: Name: Title School: Street: City St Zip: Name: Title: School: Street: City St Zip: Name: Title: School: Street: City St Zip: Name: Title: School: Street: City St Zip: Name: Title: School: Dr. Barbara A. Hibner Associate Athletics Director/SWA University of Nebraska 1350 Vine Street / Room 208 Coliseum Lincoln, NE PH: ( 402 ) Cell: bhibner@huskers.unl.edu FAX: ( 402 ) Jason Rathe Marketing Coordinator University of Nebraska 117 South Stadium Lincoln, NE PH: ( 402 ) jrathe@huskers.com FAX: ( 402 ) Shannon Sherman (OR) Matt Smith Assistant Sports Information Director PH: ( 402 ) University of Nebraska 116 South Stadium Lincoln, NE PH: ( 402 ) ssherman@huskers.com FAX: ( 402 ) Shamus McKnight PH: ( 402 ) smcknight@huskers.unl.edu Ryan Lockhart Facility Manager 403 Line Drive Circle Lincoln, NE PH: ( 402 ) / Cell: (402) ryanl@saltdogs.com FAX: ( 402 ) Holly Adam Ticket Manager University of Nebraska 625 Stadium Drive Lincoln, NE PH: ( 402 ) hadam@huskers.com FAX: ( 402 ) ( 402 ) OR BIG-RED Donna Clark Director of Concessions University of Nebraska 121 Devaney Sports Center Lincoln, NE PH: ( 402 ) dclark@huskers.unl.edu FAX: ( 402 ) Mitch Phelps Food Service Mgr Levy Restaurants 403 Line Dr. Circle Lincoln, NE PH: ( 402 ) mphelps@levyrestaurants.com FAX: ( 402 ) Jerry Weber Head Trainer University of Nebraska South Stadium Training Room Lincoln, NE PH: ( 402 ) jweber@huskers.com FAX: ( 402 ) Lynette Johnson NCAA D1SB PH: ( 662 ) Associate Athletics Director / SWA University of Mississippi Name: Title: School: Margie Sullivan Director of Sports Sciences PH: ( 850 ) Florida State University 3

4 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA ATHLETICS & SOFTBALL STAFFS (Area Code - 402) Steve Pederson 103 South Stadium (W) Athletic Director Bob Burton 113 South Stadium (W) Sr. Associate Athletic Director Dr. Barbara A. Hibner 208 Coliseum (W) Associate Athletic Director (H) Senior Woman Administrator (C) Tournament Director Fax: Rhonda Revelle 400 Line Drive (W) Head Softball Coach (H) Fax: Lori Sippel 400 Line Drive (W) Associate Head Softball Coach (H) Jen Cline 400 Line Drive (W) Assistant Softball Coach (H) Leah Dickmann Bowlin Stadium (W) Softball Trainer Training Room (C) Fax: Shannon Sherman SID Office (W) /3290 Sports Information 116 S. Stadium (C) Fax: Holly Adam Ticket Office (W) or Ticket Manager 625 Stadium Drive ( ) Lonnie Albers, M.D. South Stadium (W) Director of Athletic Medicine Training Room Fax: Scott Strasburger, M.D. South Stadium (W) Orthopedic Surgeon Training Room John Ingram 100 W. Stadium (W) Director of Athletic Facilities Butch Hug 118 S. Stadium (W) Assistant AD/Events Mgt Ervin Williams 118 S. Stadium (W) Event Manager (C) Jason Rathe Athletic Marketing (W) Marketing Coordinator 117 S. Stadium Fax: MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION Bryan/LGH East Emergency Room 1600 S 48th Street Bryan/LGH West Emergency Room 2300 S 16th Street Lincoln Fire & Rescue Ambulance Service 911 4

5 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TEAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE Wednesday, May 19 Practices at Bowlin Stadium will be limited to 60 minutes per team with a 15-minute transition built in between practice times weather permitting; practices at Fleming Field also will be 60 minutes/team. Wednesday practices are open to the public and media. Seeded Team Bowlin Stadium Fleming Field #3 Florida Atlantic 9:00am 10:00am 10:30am 11:30pm #6 Creighton 10:15am 11:15am 11:45am 12:45pm #7 Lehigh 11:30am 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm #2 Nebraska 12:45pm 1:45pm 2:15pm 3:15pm #4 Mississippi State 2:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 4:30pm #5 Iowa 3:15pm 4:15pm 4:45pm 5:45pm #8 Maine 4:30pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm #1 California 5:45pm 6:45pm 7:15pm 8:15pm Call Barbara Hibner [ ] for questions regarding Scheduled Practice Times MEETING SCHEDULE MAY 19 (Wed) 11:00 am Games Committee Meeting Softball Conf. Room MAY 19 (Wed) 8:30 pm Coaches & Administrators Meeting Diamond View Lounge MAY 19 (Wed) 9:30 pm Umpires Meeting Diamond View Lounge GAMES SCHEDULE (MAY 20-23) THURSDAY, MAY 20 SATURDAY, MAY 22 Game 1 10:00 am Game 11 12:00 pm Game 2 12:30 pm Game 12 2:30 pm Game 3 3:00 pm Game 13 7:00 pm Game 4 5:30 pm Game 5 8:00 pm FRIDAY, MAY 21 SUNDAY, MAY 23 Game 6 10:00 am Game 14 12:00 pm Game 7 12:30 pm Game 15 2:30 pm Game 8 3:00 pm (if necessary) Game pm Game 10 8:00 pm Press Box Phone Number (402)

6 Accommodations/Hotel Twenty (20) rooms have been reserved for your institution. The rooms have been reserved from (Tue) May 18 through (Sun) May 23. If a team prefers to stay at a hotel other then your assigned hotel you must contact the hotel by 2 pm CST (Mon) May 17 and obtain a written release of the reserved rooms from the hotel management or utilize the rooms for persons accompanying the official party. TEAM HOTELS: SEEDS 1-4 SEEDS 5-8 NCAA Rep & Umpires Hotel: Embassy Suites Holiday Inn The Cornhusker Hotel 1040 P Street 141 North 9 th Street 333 S. 13 th Street Lincoln, NE Lincoln, NE Lincoln, NE DBL: $ tax DBL: $ tax DBL: $ tax Contact: Allan Tuttle Contact: Melinda Maendele Contact: Troy Terwilliger (402) (402) (402) FAX (402) FAX (402) FAX (402) See page 41 for additional information on Hotels. All-Tournament Team A regional all-tournament team will be selected. Twelve players, including the Most Outstanding Player, will be selected at-large with no specific regard to position (i.e., a certain number of outfielders, infielders, etc.). The all-tournament committee, comprised of an NCAA representative, sports information personnel, selected members of the media and any others deemed appropriate by the NCAA representative, will do the balloting. The committee will be designated in writing and members notified by the start of competition. The all-tournament team will be announced at the conclusion of the championship. It is the responsibility of the host SID to fax the all-tournament team to Sharon Cessna at the NCAA [ ] or scessna@ncaa.org following the championship. Balls The Wilson A9010-SST is the official softball of the NCAA Division I Softball Championship. This is the only softball permitted to be used during the championship. Each team will be asked to scuff game balls during practice Wednesday. Scuffed game balls are not to be used for hitting practice. These balls should be returned prior to leaving the field. Two dozen game balls should be left unscuffed. One new game ball will be given to each team prior to the start of each game. Your pitcher should give the balls to the umpire prior to the game. 6

7 Bands/Mascots Bands, shall be limited to 25 members, including one director, who are in uniform and performing at the regional. They shall be admitted via the gate list furnished to the host by the participating institution s administrative representative. The host institution must designate seating in the stadium to accommodate the bands with prior approval of the games committee. Bands shall be assigned seating that will not interfere with spectators, photographers or dugouts. At all tournament sessions, seating will be provided for the bands during games in which their team is not participating. Bands or any component thereof, shall not play while the ball is live. Bands may play immediately prior to the team s offensive half-inning (concluding with the fifth warm-up pitch), during their team s seven minute warm-up period and for 10 seconds after a run is scored. Before the respective seven-minute warm-up periods, bands and the public-address announcer will alternate playing music. Institutions not represented by a band should provide the public-address announcer with taped music to be played during their official seven-minute pre-game warm-up period and/or immediately prior to the team s offensive half-inning. Band members must wear their institutional band uniforms, which may not bear any commercial identification. All bands must be the official university sanctioned bands. Mascots are allowed in the outfield area, not on the infield, before the seven-minute warm-ups begin for each team. Once the game begins the mascot/and or flag bearer must stay within/near their fan base area and not obstruct the view of spectators. Bowlin Stadium Rules Gate Opening When do the gates open? Gates will open 90 minutes before first pitch. Re-entry to the Ballparks Patrons wishing to leave and reenter the stadium should go to designated gates for readmission stamp. Ask Event Staff for locations. Restrooms Public and family accessible restrooms are located on the concourse level and are handicapped accessible. Handicapped Parking Handicapped Parking is located near the main entrance to the stadium. Parking Lots Parking lots surround the entire complex. For the most part parking is first come first served. A limited number of stalls or areas are reserved. Tailgating Tailgating is permitted, but the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the parking lots. 7

8 Lawn Chairs Lawn chairs of any style are not permitted in the stadium. Blankets are permitted in the berm areas. Lost and Found If you lose or find any items while at the park, please report to the kiosk located at the main entrance to the stadium. No Outside Food or Beverages are Allowed Fans are not allowed to enter the stadium with food, beverages or other containers such as picnic baskets, coolers or ice chests. Backpacks are not allowed into the stadiums. No glass, plastic bottles or cans are allowed. Event Staff reserves the right to inspect any packages or containers coming into the ballparks. Smoking Policy Smoking is not permitted in the seating areas (including grass berm areas) of the park. There are designated smoking areas outside the stadium; please ask Event Staff for locations. Watch out for Foul Balls Please be alert for foul balls and any debris that may come into the seating areas from the playing field. All fans are subject to the possibility of being hit by a flying object from the field. Decorum We want everyone to have a great game day experience. Fans using loud, obscene or abusive language or engaging in any other conduct detrimental to the social public environment of enjoying an event will be asked to cease their conduct and may be subject to ejection from the stadium. No alcohol or illegal drugs may be brought into the stadiums. Fans observed breaking local laws are subject to ejection and criminal prosecution. For your safety and the safety of others, please refrain from throwing objects onto the playing field. Fans doing so are subject to ejection from the park. Flags on poles are prohibited. Handicapped Seating Bowlin Stadium is equipped with handicap and companion seating. Player Guest Tickets Player Guest ticket pickup location is West of the Softball Clubhouse, down the right-field line. Radios, Cameras and Video Equipment Radios (if they are the small Walkman type), cameras and video recorders are permitted. Fans may not reproduce or rebroadcast any film or video shot at the stadium. Scalping of Tickets Tickets must not be resold or offered for resale in a manner or at a price in violation of any Federal, State or Local law or regulation. Tickets cannot be resold on the grounds of Haymarket Park. Peddling or Vending The peddling, vending and/or distribution of merchandise including printed materials is prohibited at the stadium. Trespassing on the Field Anyone trespassing on the playing field will be ejected, subject to arrest, and prosecution in accordance with city and county law. Pets Pets are not permitted in the stadium. Umbrellas The use of an Umbrella is not permitted in the stadium. Will Call Windows Will call and ticket sales windows are located at the main entrance to the park. Ticket windows open 90 minutes prior to first pitch. All persons picking up will call tickets will be required to show photo ID. 8

9 Credentials The host institution is responsible for providing access to the facility for the 28 members of each official travel party, media, NCAA committee representatives, umpires and other game personnel. It is recommended that the official travel party be admitted via a pass list at a separate entrance and all others are issued a credential. Anyone traveling with a team over 28 must purchase a ticket. Participant Section: If it appears there will be a large crowd during the competition sessions, an area should be roped off for the teams to sit while they are not playing. If a team chooses to sit outside the designated section, it must purchase a ticket for those seats. Parking: A parking area for the participating teams and tournament officials (i.e., key game personnel, NCAA representatives and umpires) is designated. Parking passes are provided in your visiting team packet which will be received upon arrival. Drug Testing Drug testing will be conducted at selected NCAA championship sites during the championship season. Dugouts All teams are limited to 27 people (plus the SID) in the dugout. In case of an if game, it may become necessary to change dugouts, if the home team changes. No Exceptions The home team will bat last, occupy the third-base dugout and take the infield warm-up first. The visiting team shall have the choice of uniforms. As a reminder, when teams play back-to-back games, they must be prepared to changed uniforms, if necessary. The two teams must wear contrasting colors (e.g., if the visiting team is wearing dark uniforms, the home team must wear a predominately light uniform and vice versa). Determination of uniform colors must be approved by the NCAA representative. Noncompliance with this policy may result in misconduct. Equipment Available Bowlin Stadium Competition Field 3 rd Base Bullpen (1) pitching screen, (1) sock net, (1) 5 gallon buckets of balls, (1) tee, (1) cage, (2) pitching areas 1 st Base Bullpen (1) pitching screen, (1) sock net, (1) 5 gallon buckets of balls, (1) tee, (1) cage, (2) pitching areas Fleming Field Practice Fields There is no equipment available at this complex, however, Visiting Teams will be afforded ice and water. A Nebraska student-trainer will be on site throughout the practice sessions. 9

10 Evaluations: Site & Umpire Site evaluation forms will be distributed to the following individuals: (a) senior woman administrator of each institution; (b) head coach of each institution; (c) SID of each institution; (d) student-athletes from each institution; (e) umpire-in-chief (UIC); and (f) tournament director. We ask that you return this evaluation to the NCAA representative prior to your departure from the championship. Your input is a valuable resource to continue the improvement of the championship. See supplemental materials for a sample of the evaluation form. Umpire evaluation forms will be distributed at the Head Coaches/Administrators meeting. Each head coach is asked to fill out an evaluation of the three umpires and return it to the NCAA representative prior to leaving the complex. The evaluations will be used as a tool for the NCAA representative and UIC. They are not to be used as a threat to the umpires. See supplemental materials for sample. Game Schedule (May 20-23) THURSDAY May 20 SATURDAY May 22 Game 1 10:00 am Game 2 12:30 pm Game 3 3:00 pm Game 4 5:30 pm Game 5 8:00 pm Game 11 12:00 pm Game 12 2:30 pm Game 13 7:00 pm FRIDAY May 21 SUNDAY May 23 Game 6 10:00 am Game 7 12:30 pm Game 8 3:00 pm Game 9 6:00 pm Game 10 8:00 pm Game 14 12:00 pm Game 15 2:30 pm (if necessary) Eight-Team Regionals The procedures outlined below shall be used in the conduct of all eight Division I softball regional competitions. The regional will be conducted for a four-day period beginning Thursday, May 20. All regional competition should be completed no later than the Sunday before the start of the Women s College World Series. [Exceptions (i.e., weather) may preclude the completion of competition by Sunday.] 10

11 For all Division I softball regional competitions, the following procedure will be observed. Note: Games follow in chronological order. No exceptions to game order will be permitted. Day 1 (Thurs) May 20 Game 1 Florida Atlantic vs. 10:00am Game 2 Nebraska vs. 12:30pm Game 3 Mississippi State vs. 3:00pm Game 4 California vs. 5:30pm Game 5 Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 8:00pm Day 2 (Fri) May 21 Game 6 Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 10:00am Game 7 Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 12:30pm Game 8 Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 3:00pm Game 9 Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 8@ 6:00pm Game 10 Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 8:00pm Day 3 (Sat) May 22 Game 11 Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 12:00pm Game 12 Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 2:30pm Game 13 Winner Game 12 vs. Loser Game 11@ 7:00pm Day 4 (Sun) May 23 Game 14 Winner Game 11 vs. Winner Game 12:00pm Game 15 Winner Game 14 vs. Loser Game 2:30pm (if necessary) If, for unforeseen circumstances, it becomes impossible to complete a regional championship, the advancing procedures outlined on page 11, 20 & 21 of the 2004 Division I Softball Championship Handbook will be followed. Hospitality Hospitality areas stocked with healthy food, snacks and drinks will be served at appropriate times throughout the day as required by the NCAA D1 Softball Committee. The hospitality afforded is not designed to replace team meals. Players Hospitality: An area will be provided with healthy snacks served at the appropriate time of day for each practice. You may pick it up outside the fence in right field. Media/VIP/Staff: The Media, VIP & staff hospitality tent is located on the concourse adjacent to the first base sideline. Food, drinks and snacks will be provided at appropriate times of the day. Umpire Hospitality: A tent will be pitched on the NE side of the Nebraska Clubhouse for the exclusive use of umpires. Food, drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the Championship. Locker Rooms Locker rooms will be available upon request. Please make arrangements with Barbara Hibner (402)

12 Meetings Games Committee Meeting (Wed) May 11:00am Softball Conf. Room: The NCAA representative will conduct a meeting of the tournament director, sports information director, head trainer (or designee), athletics director (or designee) of the host institution, umpire in chief, and others as needed [grounds crew chief, parking supervisor and security]. The games committee will actively supervise the conduct of each championship session. The purpose of the meeting is to review tournament preparations and to finalize the administrator s meeting agenda. Head Coaches/Administrators Meeting (Wed) May 19, at 8:30pm at the Diamond View Lounge: The NCAA representative will conduct a meeting of the coaches, director of athletics/senior woman administrator and SIDs of the competing institutions to review tournament procedures. It is mandatory that each institution s head coach, athletics director or senior woman administrator, or designated administrator other than the head coach, and the SID attend the meeting; one individual may not represent the institution as both the athletics administrator and the SID, nor may a coach who also holds the position of athletics administrator at his or her institution serve as the designated administrator at this meeting. A $200 fine will be assessed for any institution that does not have an administrator present. It is recommended, at a minimum, the umpire in chief attend, but whenever possible, all umpires should be in attendance. Administrators are asked to bring a typed list of their institutions official travel party [28]. Umpires Meeting (Wed) May 19, at 9:30pm at the Diamond View Lounge: The umpire in chief and the committee representative will conduct a meeting prior to the first game to review NCAA policies and procedures, to coordinate assignments and responsibilities, to review rules modifications, and to explain expenses and reimbursement policies. Press Conference Pre-tournament Interviews: Press will have 15 minutes following your practice on Wednesday for any pre-tournament interviews which will be held in the Nebraska Clubhouse at Bowlin Stadium. Post-game Press Conference: In accordance with NCAA regulations, each team will be allowed a 10- minute cooling off period, to be initiated by the announcer. The head coach of the winning team and requested players will go first. The losing coach and requested players will follow the winning coach. This will be the case except for the championship game where the losing coach and requested players will go first, followed by the winning coach and requested players. All post-game press conferences will be held in the Nebraska Clubhouse. 12

13 Radio Any radio station wishing to broadcast during the championship should contact Shannon Sherman (402) for telephone lines and contracts. Space automatically will be reserved for each participating institution s home radio station as designated by the institution. All other stations in that institution s area will be served on a first-come, first served basis in accordance with the priority established by the NCAA radio policy. Scouting Seats Twelve scouting seats (two per team) have been reserved for the official members of the coaching staff only. Please remember that these seats are only for those teams playing in the same session. These seats are located in the third row behind home plate Section 100. Ticket Information The official travel party for the championship is 28 (i.e., those for whom transportation and per diem expenses will be paid by the NCAA). Only members of the official travel party will be admitted with a credential. Anyone else traveling with the team, beyond the official party of 28, must purchase a ticket. Tickets must be purchased through the Nebraska Ticket Office which is open Monday-Friday, 8am- 5pm. The ticket manager is Holly Adam, (402) If an institution wishes to purchase tickets for their players, they must provide a Player Pass List at the Coaches & Administrators meeting. A block of 50 seats next to each dugout will be available for participating teams fans for their game only. Each person sitting in this section must purchase a ticket for admittance. The host institution will contact each institution with instructions for purchasing for purchasing and returning these tickets. The ability to direct bill the visiting institution for tickets purchased on consignment will be in place. The Nebraska Ticket Office must be notified by 5:00pm CST (Tue), May 18 th, of tickets that will not be used by the visiting team. For games other than their own game player pass list individuals must sit in the general admission area. NCAA policies and legislation regarding the administration of players tickets per Bylaw 16.2 will be followed. Tickets are available at Bowlin Stadium beginning at 8:30am on Thursday, May 20. All Session Single Session Reserved... $50 Reserved...$10 Adult GA... $40 Adult GA...$ 9 Senior/Youth GA... $30 Senior/Youth GA...$ 7 13

14 Training Room/Medical Information The following Athletic Training services will be available to you: 1. Treatment and taping room 2. Electrical modalities 3. Water and ice at benches 4. Physicians on call 5. Certified Athletic Trainer in attendance 6. NU Student Health Center Services 7. Emergency equipment (spine boards, air splints, etc.) The Athletic Training tent is located on the concourse level by the Media/VIP/Staff Hospitality tent. Trainers and student trainers are available for First Aid and treatments. Contact Leah Dickmann, NU trainer, OR Ambulance service is on call. Transportation and Travel Information All transportations needs are the responsibility of the participating teams. Airline reservations must be made through the NCAA approved agency: Short s Travel (866) Lincoln s Municipal Airport, located in the northwest corner of the city is approximately ten minutes from the facility and downtown hotels. Omaha s Eppley Airport is approximately 60 miles northeast of Lincoln via I-80. Duncan Aviation (immediately adjacent to the Lincoln Airport) offers charter flights services. Parking Passes will be included with your visiting team packet which you will receive upon arrival. Getting around in Lincoln if you re driving in Lincoln, numbered streets run north-south, with the street numbers increasing as you travel eastward. Lettered and name streets run east-west, and O Street provides the reference point for north-south street designations. Directions from Airports to Bowlin Stadium From the Lincoln Municipal Airport take West Adams Street, the main road leading to Cornhusker Highway. Follow West Adams to the first stoplight and turn right onto Cornhusker Highway. Follow Cornhusker Highway. Take a right on 1st Street. Go south until you reach Sun Valley Blvd. Turn right onto Sun Valley Blvd to Line Drive. Take a left on Line Drive to reach Bowlin Stadium at Haymarket Park. If you are on Interstate 80 coming from the West it is Exit 389 at the airport. From Omaha s Eppley Airport: Exit the airport to the stoplight. Turn right onto Abbott Drive, go approximately one mile to Storz Expressway (Abbott Drive turns onto Storz Expressway). Proceed approximately three miles to I-480 South. Follow the signs and get onto I-80 west to Lincoln. Follow I-80 for about 60 miles and take Exit 403. Follow 27 th Street to Cornhusker Highway and turn right. Go west to 11 th Street and turn left and follow Highway 6 which is also Sun Valley Blvd. Take a left onto Line Drive to reach Bowlin Stadium at Haymarket Park. 14

15 Directions from Downtown Hotels to Bowlin Stadium Take West O Street to Sun Valley Blvd (approx. 1 mile). Take a right on Sun Valley to Line Drive (approx. 1 mile). Take a right on Line Drive. Bowlin Stadium at Haymarket Park is on your left. Directions to Fleming Field [Practice Fields] from Bowlin Stadium Go West on Line Drive Circle to Sun Valley Blvd/US 6 E [entrance to Haymarket Park], turn right and continue to follow US-6E (approx. 1 mile) to 11 th Street. Make at left-hand turn onto 11 th St. and keep to the extreme right as you will turn right onto Cornhusker Hwy. Stay in the right-hand lane of Cornhusker Hwy to 33 rd St (approx. 1.8 miles). Turn right onto 33 rd St and go about 3/10 of a mile to Huntington Ave and turn right. Fleming Field is to your right. (Simply reverse instructions to return to Bowlin Stadium.) BUS VENDORS Arrow Stage Lines 720 East Norfolk Avenue Norfolk, NE Phone: (800) Fax: (402) Kincaid Coach Lines 3160 N 33rd Lincoln, NE Phone: Fax: (402) Heartland Coaches 815 Court Street Beatrice, NE Phone: (800) Fax: (402) RENTAL CARS/VANS Budget Rent-A-Car (402) Cars, Vans, and Mini-Vans (800) Avis (402) Cars and Mini-Vans (800) Rent-A-Van (402) Hertz (402) Cars and Mini Vans (800) National (402) (NCAA Official Rental) (800) Cars and Mini-Vans 15

16 Umpires The NCAA Division I Women s Softball Committee is responsible for the assignment of umpires to the championship. The umpires will be announced for Thursday s games at the Head Coaches and Administrators Meeting on Wednesday, May 19 th. Each coach will be asked to fill out an umpire evaluation after each game. This information will be used by the NCAA representative and UIC. Uniforms Each team must bring two sets of uniforms of different colors. The two teams must wear contrasting colors (e.g., if the visiting team is wearing dark uniforms, the home team must wear a predominately light uniform and vice versa). Determination of uniform colors must be approved by the NCAA representative. Noncompliance with this policy may result in misconduct. When teams play backto-back games, they must be prepared to change uniforms if necessary. All uniforms must meet the provisions of Bylaw (b) regarding commercial identifications. Videotaping Teams may only videotape their own game. Teams may videotape their game from in front of the press box, atop the press box. You may not video from or atop of the dugout. Warm-ups Fleming Field (a new communiversity recreation softball complex) located at 33 rd & Huntington Avenue will be available for scheduled practices throughout the championship. Contact Barbara Hibner to schedule times. Pregame Warm-up Guidelines For Regional Sites After both teams have completed use of the batting cages and warm-up areas (use of these facilities is established by the tournament director), it is permissible to move onto the game field area for warmup under the following conditions. 1. The preceding game has ended and both participating teams have cleared the field and dugout area. 2. Team equipment is stored in the dugout or along the outfield fence so the grounds crew may water the entire infield area (including foul territory). 3. Warm-up prior to the designated infield time is limited to the outfield area nearest the team s dugout until the infield crew has left the field. 4. If time remains after the grounds crew has completed its work, and prior to the start of the designated infield time, a team may field groundballs on the dirt in foul territory or fair territory behind first or third base [i.e. outfield territory]. 5. Once either team begins an official infield time, the opposing team is limited to the bullpens and dugout areas. 16

17 Pitchers: Pitchers for the upcoming game may use the bullpen area while a game is in progress only when the bullpen area is not in use by either of the participating teams. Infield Protocol: Each team is allowed seven minutes for its individual infield warm-up practice. The home team takes warm-up first. Each team must clear the entire field during the opponent s infield practice. A team may do line drills during its seven-minute infield warm-up if they wish. If both coaches agree, the teams can both do line drills for 14 minutes in place of their individual infield warm-up. Both coaches must agree to waive their seven-minute warm-up or both seven-minute warm-ups must be observed. Batting cage: Two batting cages are available on site. The batting cage may be used while another game is being played as long as it does not interfere with the game in progress. Weather The NCAA representative and Haymarket Park grounds crew will monitor the weather using weather detection services and software made available by the NCAA. As recommended by the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports and the National Severe Storms Laboratory, consideration will be given to terminating play when the lightning is six miles away (flashto-bang time of 30 seconds or less). This is an accepted method to determine the threat of lightning in situations where other sources (such as technology and instrumentation) are not available. Electronic detection shall be used as additional tools to determine the severity of the weather. However, information obtained from such devices shall not be used as the only source to terminate play. The NCAA representatives on-site, along with the tournament director will designate a chain of command as to who monitors threatening weather and who makes the decision to remove a team or individuals from an athletic site. The emergency plan includes instructions for participants as well as spectators. Each day before practice or competition the chain of command will obtain a weather report. Particular attention will be paid to potential thunderstorms that may form during scheduled practice or competition. This information will be afforded all head coaches and their sports information directors at the coaches/administrators meeting, Wednesday evening. 17

18 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER With National Anthem Game 1 (May 20) GAME TIME 10:00am Creighton Bluejays versus Florida Atlantic Owls Visitor Home Score Clock Time Florida Atlantic, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 31:00 9:29, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 30:00 9:30, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 24:00 9:36 Creighton, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 23:00 9:37, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 17:00 9:43, your warm-up is now over 16:00 9:44 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 12:00 9:48 Team introductions 9:00 9:51 1. Creighton: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Florida Atlantic: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: National Anthem: 5:00 9:55 Throwing out the Ceremonial first pitch: 2:00 9:58 Game begins 00:00 10:00 18

19 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 2 (May 20) GAME TIME 12:30pm Lehigh Mountain Hawks versus Nebraska Cornhuskers Visitor Home Score Clock Time Nebraska, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 12:08, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 12:09, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 12:15 Lehigh, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 12:16, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 12:22,your warm-up is now over 7:00 12:23 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 12:23 Team introductions 4:00 12:26 1. Lehigh: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Nebraska: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 12:30 19

20 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 3 (May 20) GAME TIME 3:00pm Iowa Hawkeyes versus Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs Visitor Home Score Clock Time Mississippi State, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 2:38, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 2:39, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 2:45 Iowa, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 2:46, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 2:52, your warm-up is now over 7:00 2:53 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 2:53 Team introductions 4:00 2:56 1. Mississippi State: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Iowa: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 3:00 20

21 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 4 (May 20) GAME TIME 5:30pm Maine Black Bears versus California Golden Bears Visitor Home Score Clock Time California, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 5:08, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 5:09, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 5:15 Maine, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 5:16, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 5:22, your warm-up is now over 7:00 5:23 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 5:23 Team introductions 4:00 5:26 1. Maine: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. California: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 5:30 21

22 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 5 (May 20) GAME TIME 8:00pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 7:38, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 7:39, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 7:45, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 7:46, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 7:52, your warm-up is now over 7:00 7:53 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 7:53 Team introductions 4:00 7:56 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 8:00 22

23 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER With National Anthem Game 6 (May 21) GAME TIME 10:00am Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 31:00 9:29, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 30:00 9:30, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 24:00 9:36, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 23:00 9:37, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 17:00 9:43, your warm-up is now over 16:00 9:44 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 12:00 9:48 Team introductions 9:00 9:51 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: National Anthem 5:00 9:55 Ceremonial first pitch 2:00 9:58 Game begins 00:00 10:00 23

24 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 7 (May 21) GAME TIME 12:30pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 12:08, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 12:09, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 12:15, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 12:16, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 12:22, your warm-up is now over 7:00 12:23 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 12:23 Team introductions 4:00 12:26 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 12:30 24

25 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 8 (May 21) GAME TIME 3:00pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 2:38, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 2:39, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 2:45, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 2:46, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 2:52, your warm-up is now over 7:00 2:53 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 2:53 Team introductions 4:00 2:56 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 3:00 25

26 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 9 (May 21 st ) GAME TIME 6:00pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 5:38, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 5:39, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 5:45, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 5:46, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 5:52, your warm-up is now over 7:00 5:53 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 5:53 Team introductions 4:00 5:56 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 6:00 26

27 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 10 (May 21 st ) GAME TIME 8:00pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 7:38, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 7:39, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 7:45, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 7:46, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 7:52, your warm-up is now over 7:00 7:53 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 7:53 Team introductions 4:00 7:56 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 8:00 27

28 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER With National Anthem Game 11 (May 22) GAME TIME 12:00pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 31:00 11:29,you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 30:00 11:30, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 24:00 11:36, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 23:00 11:37, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 17:00 11:43, your warm-up is now over 16:00 11:44 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 12:00 11:48 Team introductions 9:00 11:51 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: National Anthem 5:00 11:55 Ceremonial first pitch 2:00 11:58 Game begins 00:00 12:00 28

29 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 12 (May 22) GAME TIME 2:30pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 2:08, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 2:09, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 2:15, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 2:16, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 2:24, your warm-up is now over 7:00 2:25 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 2:25 Team introductions 4:00 2:26 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 2:30 29

30 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 13 (May 22) GAME TIME 7:00pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 6:38, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 6:39, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 6:45, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 6:46, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 6:52, your warm-up is now over 7:00 6:53 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 6:53 Team introductions 4:00 6:56 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 7:00 30

31 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER With National Anthem Game 14 (May 23) GAME TIME 12:00pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 31:00 11:29, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 30:00 11:30, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 24:00 11:36, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 23:00 11:37, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 17:00 11:43, your warm-up is now over 16:00 11:44 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 12:00 11:48 Team introductions 9:00 11:51 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: National Anthem: 5:00 11:55 Throwing out the Ceremonial first pitch: 2:00 11:58 Game begins 00:00 12:00 31

32 TIMING SHEET WITH ANNOUNCER REMINDER Without National Anthem Game 15 (May 23 if necessary) GAME TIME 2:30pm Visitor versus Home Score Clock Time, you have 1 minute until your 7 minute warm-up 22:00 2:08, you may now begin your 7 minute warm-up 21:00 2:09, you have 1 minute left in your 7 minute warm-up 15:00 2:15, you may begin your 7 minute warm-up 14:00 2:16, you have 1 minute left in your warm-up 8:00 2:24, your warm-up is now over 7:00 2:25 Umpires and coaches please meet at home plate 7:00 2:25 Team introductions 4:00 2:26 1. Visiting Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 1 st base, with last person 2. Home Team: Line up on baseline in front of dugout, facing dugout; first player nearest 3 rd base, with last person 3. Introduction of umpires (stand behind home plate) At 3 rd base: At 1 st base: Behind the plate: Game begins 00:00 2:30 32

33 NCAA Division I Women s Softball Championship Site Evaluation Form This form is to be completed by the tournament director, participating head coaches, NCAA representative, senior woman administrator, a student-athlete and sports information director of participating institutions, and the umpire-in-chief. Please return evaluation to your NCAA representative prior to leaving the site. Name: Title: Institution: Site: EVALUATION Please rate the following aspects of the tournament as excellent (E), good (G), average (A), poor (P), Unacceptable (UA) or (NA) not applicable. If you rate a P or UA please provide comments. Tournament Management Pre-championship communication with host institution E G A P UA NA Information packet E G A P UA NA Schedule of activities E G A P UA NA Head coach/administrators meeting E G A P UA NA Makeup/function of game committee E G A P UA NA Makeup/function of protest committee E G A P UA NA Hospitality for team and coaches E G A P UA NA Housing accommodations E G A P UA NA Suggestions/Comments: Facility/Game Personnel Announcer E G A P UA NA Security/crowd control E G A P UA NA Practice arrangements E G A P UA NA Facility setup E G A P UA NA Concessions E G A P UA NA Ticket operations E G A P UA NA Training facilities E G A P UA NA Press area E G A P UA NA Warmup area E G A P UA NA Media/interview area E G A P UA NA Drug testing E G A P UA NA Field conditions E G A P UA NA Grounds crew E G A P UA NA Suggestions/Comments: 33

34 Site Evaluation Form Page No. 2 NCAA Merchandise Quality E G A P UA NA Availability E G A P UA NA Suggestions/Comments: Would you recommend this site for future championships? Regionals Yes No World Series Yes No If no, please explain: Suggestions/Comments: Host institution use only: (use additional sheets if necessary) What would you do differently if you were to host again? What could the NCAA or the softball committee do better? NCAA representative (official use only): Were all the administrators and coaches present at the meeting? Yes No If not, who was not present? (name and institution) Paid attendance by session (do not include teams/media/bands): Session 1: Session 2: Session 3: 34