RSPA Info Package 2014

Updated March 10, 2014

1. Welcome to RSPA Slo-Pitch!

RSPA is a coed (7M + 3F) non-profit, slo-pitch league for adults (16+/18+) based in Mississauga and Etobicoke.
The League is entering its 32nd year, and offers all levels from competitive to fun divisions.
No matter what the skill level, we have a division for you!

2. Table of Contents/This Package Contains:

3. RSPA League Calendar / Schedule 2014

www.slopitch1.com/rspa/calendar.html

4. RSPA 2014 League Executive

One of the requirements for our league status is that the league executive must be elected. A vote will be taken at the first League meeting. Any player wishing to run for the League Executive, or wishing to help out with any of the functions, please contact the league.

Josh Elwood is stepping down from the Executive, and we would like to thank him for his time and effort.

5. RSPA League Costs for 2014

Despite further increases in park fees, umpire rates, insurance and SPN registration, we have maintained the RSPA team fees for returning teams at $1400.00, still one of the lowest league fees in the GTA. New teams pay $1400.00 + $250.00 = $1650.00
Includes parks, permits, insurance, SPN registration, carded umpires, game balls and also subsidizes the league banquet, All-Star night, volleyball night, etc.

As well, all teams MUST PAY:
Tournament Fee: all teams - due June 7 — $ 325.00 (Tournament is mandatory for all league teams)
Banquet deposit: due August 1, 2014 — $ 200.00 (Banquet deposit 4 tickets x $50.00 = $200.00)
(Banquet deposit is usually minimum 6 tickets per team; for 2014 only will be 4 tickets per team)

PLEASE NOTE: Please note that the tournament fee and banquet deposit are an integral part of the league and the league fees. We only keep them separate for financial control reasons. If your team is not prepared to pay tournament and banquet fees, please find another league.

Due	Returning Team	New Team	Payment
April 8, 2014	200.00	300.00	1st payment
May 6, 2014	500.00	500.00	2nd payment
June 2, 2014	700.00	850.00	3rd payment
LEAGUE FEES:	$ 1400.00	$ 1650.00	League fees
plus
June 7, 2014	325.00	325.00	Tournament fee
August 1, 2014	200.00	200.00	Banquet deposit
TOTAL	$ 1925.00	$ 2175.00

1. RSPA league fees are payable by cheque, money order, cash or Interac money transfer.
2. No Mastercard or Visa accepted.
3. Cheques are payable to RSPA.
4. Post-dated cheques are recommended for final payment, tournament & banquet deposit.
5. $20 fine for all late payments.
   Teams with late payments will NOT be scheduled.
6. League fines for game defaults $25 first time, $50 for 2nd time, $100 for 3rd game default.
7. League fines $10 for uniform fine or no bases, no pitching mat or no game ball.
8. All default fines and late payment fines will be strictly enforced.
   All fees and fines must be paid before play-offs start or teams do not play.
9. Any team that does not get league fees and payments to the league on time will be fined and suspended.
10. It is YOUR responsibility to get the fees in It is not our responsibility to chase you for it.
11. Invoices and/or receipts are available. Somebody on your team may be able to write it off.
12. League deposit payments are non-refundable.

6. RSPA Receipts/Write-Offs

Did you know that you, or someone on your team can write off all or a portion of the RSPA league fees?
Receipts are available made out to the person or company of your choice.

7. What do RSPA League Fees Include

What do your RSPA League fees include? and where does the money go?
Parks, permits, liability insurance, SPN carded umpires, game balls are supplied, web site, league awards,
RSPA Banquet & Awards Dance, All-Star Night & Free Barbecue, Volleyball Night, Poker Night, other social activites.
Also, the RSPA League banquet is subsidized (did you really think we could have all you can eat, all you can drink, open bar
and give away all those door prizes including three large screen HD TV's for $50 per person?)

8. First Team Rep Meeting - Tuesday, April 8, 2014

9. Final Team Rep Meeting - Tuesday, May 6, 2014

The RSPA final Team Rep Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2014.
Drop in style: anytime from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
The Irish Shebeen Pub, 5555 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke ON M9C 5M1 — map

At This Meeting:

1. You are required to bring cash, cheque or money order: $500.00 for second league payment; $500.00 for new teams;
   plus post-dated cheques for the balance of league fees, tournament fee and banquet deposit.
   Pay by cash, personal cheque, money order or Interac money transfer.
   No credit cards, Visa or Mastercard accepted.
2. You can pick up: League schedules, roster forms, league information, balls, maps, rules, SPN rulebooks, scorebooks, player release forms, banquet tickets, etc.
   If balls and/or team packages are not picked up by June 7, they will be defaulted.
3. We will have a display of team uniforms and new & used baseball equipment for sale, etc.
4. Also, for "Team Rep Appreciation", every team rep who attends the meeting
   will receive a free RSPA and/or SPN T-shirt! (and a new gift for 2014).

RSPA Meeting Info

10. What's New For 2014

1. Roster: All teams/players must complete the SPN on-line roster, plus must specify which rostered players are league players (details will follow).
2. Any player ejected for any reason will automatically be suspended for one additional game.
3. All beverages must be in cups. Infraction will result in player ejection.
4. All default fines and late payment fines will be strictly enforced.
   Teams with unpaid fees and fines will be suspended.
5. If balls and/or team packages are not picked up by June 7, the team will forfeit their supply of balls.
6. We offer Monday night games on holiday long weekends optional for 2014.
7. Doubleheaders will be scheduled on unlit diamonds from Monday, June 16 to Wednesday, July 9. Time limit will be in effect.
8. Team photos required for 2014.
9. Umpires needed for 2014.

11. What Will Be Stressed for 2014

1. Rosters MUST be in on time. Both SPN "Team Waiver Form" and text version rosters must be submitted.
2. All league teams, as well as all Provincial and National Championship teams must register on-line.
3. Payments MUST be in on time.
4. All default fines and late payment fines will be strictly enforced.
5. All beverages must be in cups. Infraction will result in player ejection.
6. If balls and/or team packages are not picked up by June 7, they will be defaulted.
7. Team photos required for 2014.
8. Any player ejected for any reason will automatically be suspended for one additional game.
9. Fair play and gamemanship stressed for 2014.
10. REMEMBER - it's only a game!

For 2014 in RSPA, we will once again stress fair play and gamesmanship. We want all the players to remember that it is just a game, and we all have to get up in the morning and go to work. We want all the players to remember the reason they are out on the field - to have fun!

12. Team Requirements

Each team is required to supply the following:

1. Mat, with a cut out around home plate (Mat must be a legal mat as per RSPA rules)
2. Bases, including a double safe-base at first.
3. Balls are supplied by the League. It is the teams' responsibility to take them to the game.
   Home team supplies one new ball plus one used ball.
   Official ball for 2014 is the Worth 12" Hot Dot.
   (Grey Dots may no longer be used).
4. Uniform tops (after the June 15 uniform deadline) may be as simple as matching colour t-shirts.
   see the new RSPA uniform order form. — RSPA uniforms
5. Teams supply their own bats, baseball gloves, etc.
6. See also Team Suggestions & Hints and Team F.A.Q.

13. RSPA Team Suggestions/Hints

1. Always carry a spare team shirt (just a t-shirt of the same colour).
2. Keep spare balls for parks where balls get lost.
3. Always carry bases. It is a double default if neither team has bases.
4. Get decent spikes and a hammer to put in bases.
5. Carry extra cups.
6. Check directions to parks you have not been to.
7. Park away from the ball diamonds. Balls will break car windows! Player's car windows are NOT covered by our insurance.
8. 6:30 is game start time - not arrival time. Be there early, and if you are home team, make sure that the bases are in before 6:30.
9. Know the league rules, there are some differences. Always carry your rule book and a copy of the RSPA rules.
   RSPA Rules (one page) pdf — RSPA Rules (8 pages) pdf - 2014 rules coming soon ...
10. If you are not sure ... ask. umpires and other team reps are very helpful.
11. If the team rep goes away on holidays, please designate an alternate team rep for the time, and inform the League.
12. Use the Game Report Forms. We want the input, what's good, and what's bad.
13. Check the other teams' lineup/batting order before the game starts.
    If you notice an illegal lineup halfway through the game, everything up to that point counts.
    If you don't notice an illegal lineup until the game is over, the game still counts.
14. Check the score after every inning.
15. DO NOT CALL TO INQUIRE IF A GAME IS RAINED OUT!
    Only the umpire has the ability to call a rain-out at the park.
    It may be raining where you are, but may be dry a mile away. If in doubt, check the web site.
    Any possible league wide rain-outs will be posted on the web site at 3:00 pm of game day and all team reps will be e-mailed.
16. REMEMBER - the goal is to have fun! It is only a game!

14. RSPA New Team Rep Suggestions/Hints

1. DELEGATE: Delegate certain duties: - equipment, batting order, finances.
2. MONEY: Make sure that you collect money BEFORE they play.
   You do not want to be chasing players for money halfway through the season.
   Include tournament fee and a portion of the banquet ticket in the player’s league fees.
   If they have to pay for it, they will find a way to participate.
3. Tell everybody to arrive early, time to warm up and chat before you play.
4. After the game, do something, go somewhere and socialize, if not a bar, then somebody's house.
5. Stress the fact that it is not just about showing up, playing ball and leaving.

15. How To Start a New Team

How To Start a New Team

16. Frequently Asked Questions for New Teams/Players

Frequently Asked Questions for New Teams
Frequently Asked Questions for New Players

17. Team Information Form

RSPA Team Information Form

1. The "Team Information Form" must be completed by each team and submitted to the League.
2. Please inform us of any changes in info.
3. All teams MUST have a minimum of two valid e-mail contacts.
4. A team may have as many e-mail contacts as you wish.
5. All teams should have two cell phone contacts for emergencies.

18. Team Park/Night Preference Request Form

RSPA 2014 Team Park/Night Preference Request Form — (may be revised if more parks are added)

1. The "RSPA Team Park/Night Preference Form" must be completed by each team.
2. Park/Night Preference Form MUST be resubmitted with every change.
3. We offer set night divisions for all nights, Monday to Friday.
4. Teams that play on Friday nights may have to play playoffs on a different night, as we lose most of our Friday nights
   during the playoffs to the long weekend and the SPN Provincial Championships.
5. Teams that play on Monday nights MUST be flexible in order to get the required number of games in.
   If you play only Monday night games, with all the long weekends and possible rainouts, you will not get your minimum 16 games in. Monday teams may be required to play extra Friday nights to get 16 games in.
   ***NEW - We offer Monday night games on holiday long weekends optional for 2014.
6. If you choose a set night, you must be flexible with your park choices.
7. If you prefer a set park, you must be flexible with your night choices.

19. Parks/Diamonds — Nights & Maps

RSPA Parks & Maps

1. Maps and list of parks are attached to info package. (parks subject to change, even after season starts).
   See RSPA 2014 Team Park/Night Request Form - PDF - (may be revised if more parks are added)
2. All teams are required to play Max Ward, West Deane, Fleetwood and/or Dunton Park, as these parks are considered "central".
3. Please keep in mind that certain park/nights (such as Thursday night at Fleetwood Park) are requested by almost every team, and will have to be shared.
4. Max Ward on Thursday night is reserved mainly for Comp and high-level teams.

20. RSPA League Schedules

RSPA 2014 Schedule (2014 schedule coming soon)

1. Each team will have 16 scheduled games over 14 weeks. Some divisions have more games. We are trying to increase the number of games for certain divisions.
2. All teams will make the playoffs.
3. We do not schedule games on Friday nights of long weekends.
4. ***NEW - We offer Monday night games on holiday long weekends optional for 2014.
   Monday night games on long weekends are optional, but if you do not play Monday long weekends, you will need to play more Friday nights in order to get your 16 games in.
5. Teams will play either double-headers to make the schedule or may play more than one night in a week.
   A question on the "Team Info Form" will give you the choice of your preference.
6. We will try to grant schedule requests as much as possible. However, teams will need to be flexible, especially during playoffs.
7. If you choose a set night, you must be flexible with your park choices.
8. If you prefer a set park, you must be flexible with your night choices.
9. All teams are required to play a minimum of TWO (2) Friday nights per season. If this is a problem, please contact me.
   We will even let you pick your choice of Friday night if you get me the info early enough.
   We will inform each division what their scheduled Friday nights are as soon as they are available.
10. We offer set night divisions for most nights.
11. Teams that play on Friday nights may have to play playoffs on a different night, as we lose most of our Friday nights
    during the playoffs to the long weekend and the SPN Provincial Championships.
12. If you request late games, expect to play single games at 9:30 pm start. There are very few single game starts at 8:00 pm. Double-headers are usually 8:00 and 9:30 pm.
13. See below for holiday weekends and no game dates for 2014.
14. Doubleheaders will be scheduled on unlit diamonds from Wednesday, June 16 to Wednesday, July 9. Time limit will be in effect.
15. League schedules will be available at the first league meeting.
    We will schedule for the first four (4) weeks. The schedule will be handed out in thirds
    - first third of the schedule at the May 6 meeting.
    - the 2nd third will be handed out June 1.
    - the final third will be handed out in mid-July.
16. All League schedules and results are available on the web site, and are updated almost daily.

21. RSPA 2014 Schedule Dates with No Games

Day	Date	Park	No Games	Description
Friday	May 16	All Parks	No Games	Victoria Day Long Weekend
Monday	May 19	All Parks	Games optional	Victoria Day Long Weekend
Friday	June 27	All Parks	Games optional	Canada Day Long Weekend
Monday	June 30	All Parks	Games optional	Canada Day Long Weekend
Friday	July 4	All Parks	No Games	RSPA Volleyball Night
Friday	August 1	All Parks	No Games	Civic Holiday Long Weekend
Monday	August 4	All Parks	Games optional	Civic Holiday Long Weekend
Friday	August 8	All Parks	No Games	RSPA All-Star Night & BBQ
Friday	August 22	SPN Masters Provincial Championships: please advise if your team needs this Friday off.
Friday	August 29	All Parks	No Games	Labour Day Long Weekend
Mon	Sept 1	All Parks	Games optional	Labour Day Long Weekend
Friday	Sept 5	SPN Mens Provincial Championships: please advise if your team needs this Friday off.
Friday	Sept 12	All Parks	No Games	Dunmore Memorial Tournament

22. RSPA Divisions / Levels of Play

1. In 2013, RSPA had 168 teams in 24 playoff divisions, which is the largest coed league in Ontario!
2. Tentative 2014 divisions - see below.
3. a) all teams will have only one preferred night of play for playoffs.
   b) top divisions have more regular season games.
   c) top divisions may be smaller with a better chance of winning the division.
   d) top divisions offers better awards and may offer increased number of games.
   e) we will try to increase the number of games for most higher divisions, depending on the preferred night of play.
4. RSPA places new teams in a division according to the information received about their level of play.
5. However, if we find that the team is not competitive in that division, we will move them up or down to suit.
6. Also, there is division 'cross-over' where teams play teams from other divisions, usually the division up or the division down.
7. If a team wins a division championship, they must play up one division for the following season.
   Last place team in a division will usually be moved down a division for the following season.
8. Higher divisions offer better awards, better parks and may offer increased number of games.

23. RSPA Tentative Divisions for 2014

RSPA Tentative Divisions for 2014
RSPA Final Standings/Divisions for 2013
The proposed divisions for 2014:
- Comp-1; Comp-2 (Coed D)
- Mon-1; Tue-1; Wed-1; Thu-1; Fri-1; (Coed D/E)
- Mon-2; Tue-2; Wed-2; Thu-2; Fri-2; (Coed E)
- Tue-3; Wed-3; Thu-3; Tue-4; Tue-5 (Coed E)
- Mon-Rec; Tue-Rec; Wed-Rec; Thu-Rec; Fri-Rec; (Coed F)

24. RSPA League Rules - 2014

RSPA League rules are modified SPN rules:
Basic Rules are:

1. Maximum 10 players on the field with maximum 7 males on the field.
   You may only have 4 more males than females on the field or in the batting order.
2. Batting Order: no maximum in the batting order.
   The basic line-up would be 7 males and 3 females (7M-3F).
   The line-up may be expanded. For every male added, you must add a female,
   or 8M-4F, 9M-5F, 10M-6F, etc.
   You may only have 4 more males than females in the batting order.
   You may always bat with more females - 6M-4F, 5M-5F, 7M-4F, etc.
   You may add an automatic out in the batting order to bat an extra male.
3. No restrictions on batting sequence. You may bat as many males in a row as you wish.
4. Unlimited defensive substitution with players in the batting order (maximum 7 males on the field).
5. Standard SPN rule for single re-entry after substitution.
6. Balls and strikes are called by the umpire using a mat.
7. If a male batter is walked, with a female batter (or automatic out for a missing female batter) following, the male batter is awarded first and second base and the female batter has to bat, unless the male batter was walked on a 4-0 count (4 straight balls and no strikes), then the female batter has the choice of batting or a free walk.
   We recommend that during the regular season, all female batters bat whenever possible.
8. 150/175 foot rule in the outfield IS NOT IN EFFECT. - We will not restrict where the outfielders may not play. They do not have to play beyond the 150 or 175 foot mark.
9. No outfielder may make a force out on the batter-base runner at first base, nor may an outfielder relay the ball in order to make a force out on the batter-base runner at first base.
   There is no penalty for attempting to throw the batter-baserunner out. Once the batter-baserunner has rounded first base they may be thrown out.
10. A player will be deemed an "outfielder" if they are playing a defensive position that would be on the grass on a normal softball diamond. A team may play with a 5 player (or more) infield by moving in an outfielder. The umpire should be informed when a team elects to play a 5 player (or more) infield.
11. No time limit on games on unlit diamonds (exceptions may apply).
    Doubleheaders will be scheduled on unlit diamonds from Monday, June 16 to Wednesday, July 9. Time limit will be in effect.
12. One hour & a half game slot* on lit diamonds.
13. Home Run Rule: match plus 2 in all fenced parks.
    Home run rule applies to balls hit over the fence, or into a designated "out of play" area. Home runs hit within the park, or on an open field, do not count toward home-run totals.
14. Grace period 10 minutes.
15. Inning Mercy Rule: maximum 6 runs per inning.
    - the last inning is open (no limit).
    - 6 run maximum is exempt to avoid a mercy rule.
    - maximum 6 runs, even if a home run is hit that would put the max over 6 runs.
16. Mercy rule 12 runs after 5 innings
17. Courtesy Runners: 3 per game, male for male, female for female, or female for male. You MAY use the same runner more than once.
18. SPN affiliated; SPN carded umpires; SPN insured.
19. See complete RSPA League rules
20. RSPA Rules (one page) pdf
21. RSPA Rules (8 pages) pdf
22. SPN 2014 Rulebook

25. RSPA Bat Rules for 2014

26. RSPA League Rule Changes for 2014

1. Roster - new roster system TBA.
2. Any player ejected for any reason will automatically be suspended for one additional game.
3. All beverages must be in cups. Infraction wil result in player ejection. ***new 2014
4. If you have any rule changes that you would like to see, please forward them to the League Executive.

27. RSPA League Rules to be Stressed for 2014

The following rules will be stressed for 2014:

1. Check that the proper line-up is used.
2. ROSTERS: MUST be complete and on time.
   Roster checks will be done on every team.
   Deadline for SPN on-line roster is Friday, May 24, 2014.
3. All beverages must be in cups. Infraction will result in player ejection. ***new 2014
4. JEWELLERY: The jewellery rule has been removed. Jewellery may be worn (as per SPN rules).
   However, we strongly recommend that all jewellery be removed when playing.
5. No outfielder may make a force out on the batter-base runner at first base, nor may an outfielder relay the ball in order to make a force out on the batter-base runner at first base.
6. A team may play with a 5 player (or more) infield by moving in an outfielder.
   A player will be deemed an "outfielder" if they are playing a defensive position that would be on the grass on a normal softball diamond. The umpire should be informed when a team elects to play a 5 player (or more) infield.
7. All default fines and late payment fines will be strictly enforced.
   Teams with unpaid fees and fines will be suspended.
8. If balls and/or team packages are not picked up by June 7, they will be defaulted.
9. Zero tolerance for verbal abuse to umpires and other players.
10. Stress "fair play and gamesmanship".

28. Zero Tolerance/Incidents

RSPA has zero tolerance for any incidents regarding physical or verbal abuse to umpires and other players.
This is a recreational league, and everybody is out to have fun. Any incident must be reported, no matter how minor.
Any incident will be dealt with swiftly and harshly. A ban by RSPA will be honoured by both SPN and SPOA
for all leagues and tournaments across Ontario.
Any player ejected for any reason will automatically be suspended for one additional game.

29. RSPA Game Report Form

RSPA Game Report Form - PDF

1. Game Report Forms are available for a team rep to complete and may be submitted by fax, e-mail, or may be handed in to the umpire.
2. They are also available for download from the web site.
3. Game Report Forms should be completed any time a team is not satisfied with the umpire, the other team's behaviour, or if they have any comments or suggestions for the League.
4. Game Report Forms are used to criticize or praise umpires or other teams.
5. No verbal or telephone complaints are accepted.
6. I don't want to hear three or four weeks later that some umpire (you can't remember who by then) made such and such a call.
   Send me a Game Report Form while it is fresh in your mind.
7. The Game Report Form is also used for praise. If an umpire does a good job, let us know. If a team is really fun to play, let us know.

30. RSPA/SPN Rosters

1. RSPA requires all teams to complete the SPN on-line roster.
2. This will require all players to complete their information on-line.
3. This will require all players to have an active email address.
4. All teams must also indicate which players are league players,
   as opposed to players on the roster that only plays tournaments with the team.
5. Tournament roster may be different from league roster.
6. Deadline for SPN on-line roster is Friday, May 24, 2014.
7. Roster changes and additions will be allowed up to July 1.
   After July 1, league approval is required for all league roster changes.
   Changes will still be allowed for tournament rosters.
8. Roster checks will be done at the first games of all playoff series,
   and roster checks will be done for all final championship games.
9. Teams must maintain scorebooks if required to prove that a player is playoff eligible with a minimum of 5 regular season games.

31. RSPA 2014 Slo-Pitch Tournaments

1. Slo-pitch tournaments are great for getting 3 games in one day, and helps with team bonding.
2. Any team that enters two tournaments will automatically qualify for the SPN/Molson Slo-Pitch Coed Provincial Championships in Niagara Falls, Fri-Sat-Sun, August 22-23-24.
3. RSPA League fees include the SPN membership which entitles your league team to enter any SPN slo-pitch tournament.
4. Remember that tournament rules vary from RSPA League rules:
   - set batting order with maximum two males batting in a row.
   - 6M-4F in the field; may bat twice as many males as females, 6M-4F, 8M-4F, 10M-5F.
   - female has to bat after a preceding male batter is walked.
   - 175 foot rule is in effect.
   - courtesy runner cannot use the same courtesy runner more than once.
   - New for 2014 - Pitching mat will be used for strike zone.
5. If you have trouble fielding a team for the tournament, look for another league team that would like to combine with your team for the tournament, or check with me for a list of players looking to play.
6. If you have players looking to play as an individual player in the tournament, contact me and I will put them on the list.
   - great way to meet new people and expand your horizons!
7. Come on out! and have some fun!!!

Contact: Randy Warren — e-mail preferred: accent@slopitch1.com; —
Tel 905-840-7206 (e-mail preferred); Fax 905-840-4189;

32. RSPA 2014 Sno-Pitch Tournaments

33. RSPA Fall Ball Tournament

We also run a fall ball tournament on Saturday (one day), November 1, 2014.

34. SPN Provincial Championships

NEW FOR 2014! - Coed no Friday games.
Coed - Niagara Falls - Saturday-Sunday-Monday, August 30-31, September 1 - no Friday games.
Mens E - Niagara Falls - Friday-Saturday-Sunday, September 5-6-7;

1. The SPN Coed Provincial Championships are in Niagara Falls on the Labour Day long weekend, Saturday-Sunday-Monday, August 30-31, September 1, (no games on the Friday, but games on the Monday), - NEW FOR 2014!
2. Teams wishing to play in the Provincials are required to play a minimum of two SPN slo-pitch tournaments (see my list of SPN tournaments).
3. If you have difficulty entering two tournaments, but still wish to play in the Provincials, please contact me.
4. If you need players for the Provincials, check with me for a list of players looking to play.
5. If you have players looking to get on a team in the Provincials, contact me and I will put them on the list.

35. Slo-Pitch Tournament Players

1. Any individual players looking to play slo-pitch tournaments this summer,
   contact me (by e-mail only please) as I always have teams asking me for players.
2. I have tournament teams in Coed D/C & Coed E, Mens D/E and Mens Masters 50+ in the SPN Provincial and National Championships.
3. Plus, I always get e-mails from other teams looking for players.

36. RSPA New Player List

1. Teams looking for new players should request the "Players Looking For a Team List".
2. Players looking to be put on an RSPA coed team should request to be put on the "Players Looking For a Team List".
3. See below for information on RSPA open practices for new players looking for a team.

37. New Player Open Practices

See RSPA Practice page

1. Open practices for new players looking for a team are every Sunday morning (weather and field conditions permitting) at 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, from Sunday, April 6 to Sunday, May 11 at Lavington Park. map & practice info
2. Thursday night open practices for new players looking for a team are every RSPA Thursday night open practices are ONLY FOR PLAYERS LOOKING FOR A COED TEAM (no players already on a team).
3. Thursday practices are every Thursday night (weather permitting) at 6:30 pm at Fleetwood Park on Burnhamthorpe Road in Mississauga — Fleetwood map
4. Thursday practices are for NEW RSPA players only. No players who are already on a team - please.
   Team reps are allowed out to practices to observe and request players.
5. There are only 3 Thursday practices - Thursday, April 17, April 24 & Thursday, May 1 at Fleetwood Park; map & practice info

Why do new players have to go to open practices?

1. First off, it's nice to go out and get into some sort of shape before the season starts.
   Too many new players underestimate the physical requirements of playing softball.
2. Secondly, the league needs to rate all new players to see what level of ball they can play,
   so that they can be put into the correct division.
3. Thirdly, we want to see the committment that means that you will show up for a 16 game schedule plus playoffs.
   If you can't make a couple of practices, you probably won't make all the league games.
4. Also, it is nice to meet the players, since team reps show up at the practices, and sometimes pick players from the field that they can see, rather than from a list that doesn't give any indication of true level or personality.
5. Yes personality counts! We also put together a new team from the players looking for a team. They usually are players that have shown up and bonded with each other at the open practices.
6. Male players have a much better chance of making a team, if they can make more practices.
7. If you do not go out to an open practice, you will NOT be placed on a team.

Will I definitely be put on a team?

1. Females and couples have a 90% chance of making a team.
   In fact, I like to say that all females and couples will be offered a spot, either on an existing team, or with the new team that gets formed. However, if you can't make certain nights, or don't want to travel to certain parks, your opportunites may be limited.
2. Male players have about a 50-60% chance of making a team. Better players will get more offers. and male players have a much better chance of making a team if they can make more practices.
3. We have 168 teams in the league, and usually 15-20 of those teams are looking for players.
4. If you do not go out to an open practice, you will NOT be placed on a team.

38. Frequently Asked Questions for New Players

RSPA Frequently Asked Questions for New Players

39. RSPA Volleyball Night, Friday, July 4, 2014

40. RSPA All-Star Night & Barbecue - Friday, August 8, 2014

See RSPA All-Star Night page

1. The RSPA All-Star Night & Barbecue returns for 2014 on Friday, August 8 at Wildwood Park.
2. All-Star Night will include a FREE BARBECUE, and beverages.
3. CONTESTS: home run hitting contest, base running and team throwing contests, individual throwing contest, pitching contest, games, etc.
4. This event is also optional for all teams, but again, if you ask anybody who has attended, they will tell you what a fun night it is!
5. Also, this event is subsidized by league fees, so come out and get your money's worth!
6. We are looking for prizes, volunteers, ideas, etc.
7. The RSPA All-Star Night is a result of a lot of work and cannot be succesful without the help we get from the amazing crew of volunteers! Why don't you step up and help?
8. Give us your input!

41. RSPA Poker Night

The RSPA Texas Hold'em Poker Night - Saturday, June 14; Saturday, July 26.;
at Diamond Beach in Etobicoke - map ; -- more info coming soon to RSPA Poker Night

42. RSPA Euchre Tournament

We are to looking for someone to help organize an RSPA Euchre Night.
The RSPA Euchre Night - TBA; at Diamond Beach in Etobicoke - map ; -- more info coming soon to RSPA Events

43. RSPA Banquet & Awards Dance

See RSPA Banquet page

1. Because of the great demand for this event, the RSPA Awards Banquet & Dance is split into THREE (3) nights.
   1. Saturday, October 18 will be scheduled for all lower and middle divisions,
   2. Saturday, October 25 will be scheduled for the upper-middle divisions,
   3. Saturday, November 1 will be scheduled for higher divisions
      Comp, Mon-1, Tue-1, Wed-1, Thu-1, Fri-1;
      or for any "party" team that wants to attend a Halloween themed banquet.
      - with prizes for best individual costumes and best team costumes.
2. Teams may request to switch dates if they prefer, but date switches must be approved.
   Teams or individual players may attend more than one date if tickets are available.
3. Location: Westwood Arena (upstairs), 90 Woodbine Downs Blvd., Etobicoke ON M9W5S6 — map
4. Tickets are $50 per person and include open bar (all you can drink) and all-you-can-eat buffet.
5. All teams are required to purchase a minimum of four (4) tickets (4 x $50 = $200.00).
   (Banquet deposit is usually minimum 6 tickets per team; for 2014 only will be 4 tickets per team)
   This is a separate payment and is due August 1, 2014.
6. Banquet tickets are non-transferable (this is one of the ways that helps to keep our costs down)
7. Any team that has not paid the banquet deposit, will not be eligible to participate in the League playoffs.
8. Tickets will be handed out at the two league meetings. Each team will be given 15 tickets (more tickets are available if required).
   Tickets should be sold throughout the season and unsold tickets must be returned at the banquet.
9. Team are also required to donate a door prize (all teams have somebody that can get a door prize) valued $25.00-30.00.
10. A great party to end the season with great food, drinks, dancing and door prizes!
    With THREE (3) main door prizes, large screen HD TV's!
11. RSPA Banquet info page
12. The best party of the year!!!

44. Other RSPA Social Activities

1. RSPA Events page
2. Other RSPA social activities are proposed for the 2014 season, including:
   Euchre night; Casino-Rama trip; Casino Niagara; Blue Jays game; golf tournament; etc.
3. Looking for volunteers to help with the RSPA social activities.
4. Give us your ideas!

45. RSPA Umpires

See RSPA Umpire page

1. RSPA uses SPN carded umpires for all games.
2. We also develop umpires from within the league. Anybody wishing to become an umpire should contact us. We will assist in training and carding. Please ask if any players on your team wishes to become an umpire. Have fun and earn money!
3. The RSPA Umpires clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2014, 6:00 pm at Diamond Beach. This clinic makes you eligible to umpire any SPN league or tournament in Canada.
4. The RSPA "Game Report Form" is used to rate and evaluate umpires.

Umpires Wanted / Umpires Clinic Wednesday, April 30, 2014

SPN carded umpires wanted for recreational coed league. We will train and card.
SPN sanctioned Umpire Clinic Wednesday, April 30, 2014, 6:00 pm,
at Diamond Beach, Etobicoke, 575 Centennial Park Blvd., Etobicoke Ontario, M9C 5M3 — map

You will become a fully sanctioned SPN umpire, eligible to umpire any SPN league or tournament in Canada.
Clinic cost is $100 and includes: - SPN umpire card, rulebook, hat, instruction clinic and umpire test.
If you attend the RSPA umpire clinic, we will guarantee umpire bookings of at least double your clinic cost (we cannot guarantee parks or nights).

RSPA is a recreational, coed league, with parks in Mississauga-Etobicoke, Monday to Friday, weekend tournaments available.
e-mail: accent@slopitch1.com —

46. RSPA Team Sponsors

1. Check with your players if they have a contact that can write off the team league fees.
2. RSPA supplies a list of recommended bar sponsors.
1. We just supply a list of bars that are looking for teams to sponsor.
2. Most sponsors will not give money up front.
3. Most sponsors are only looking for teams to go back and drink, and will usually pay the team a percentage of money spent at the bar, and can offer it one of two ways:
   - off the bill each night, or save it up as a total at the end of the season.
   Save it up as a total and you can use it for a year end party or forward it to next year's league fees.
4. The percentage varies, the normal is 10%; some may give 15%.
5. Most sponsors don't care about the name on the shirt, but some do. Ask if they have a deal on shirts; if they don't, the league will.
6. If they provide shirts, they will probably take it off whatever else they are going to give you.
7. Also push for a team freebie - free pizza, plate of wings or nachos, whatever the bar specializes in.
8. They will stipulate a minimum number of players each night, usually 8, maybe as low as 6, before your sponsorship kicks in.
9. The tentative list of sponsors to date: TBA
10. If you know of any sponsors that should be added to this list, please let me know.

47. RSPA Constitution & By-Laws

See RSPA Constitution & By-Laws page or available upon request.

48. RSPA on the Internet

1. Check out RSPA Slo-Pitch on the internet at: http://www.slopitch1.com/rspa
   Contact: Randy Warren — e-mail preferred: accent@slopitch1.com —
   Tel 905-840-7206 (e-mail preferred) — fax 905-840-4189.
2. The web site includes all information:
   1. RSPA 2014 League Schedule and Results - 2014 info coming soon
   2. RSPA 2014 League Standings - preliminary 2014 divisions
   3. RSPA League Calendar
   4. RSPA League Rules
   5. RSPA Parks & Maps
   6. RSPA New Team Info
   7. RSPA New Player Info
   8. RSPA League Forms
   9. RSPA League Photos
   10. RSPA League History
   11. etc.
3. Scores, results and standings from league games are posted daily.
4. Available on the web site are downloadable forms for player release forms, game report forms, scoresheets, tournament entry form, etc.
5. For teams or players that are looking to hook up with me, my availability is listed on the web site. RW Availability
6. Also available on the web site are individual team pages. If your team wishes to have a team web page, send me your information and I will create your team web page, or send me your completed web pages, and I will post them.

Looking forward to a great 2014 slo-pitch season!

This 2014 RSPA Info Package may be updated as more information becomes available.
Revised: March 10, 2014

Randy Warren,
President - RSPA Slo-Pitch
E-mail: accent@slopitch1.com
8 Buxton Court, Brampton, Ontario L6Z 3H9
Tel.: (905) 840-7206; Cell: (416) 930-6124