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- Clinics | sbrsoftball
CLINICS The off-season is a great time for players to improve their skills and game without having to compete in game situations. SBR's clinic offerings are a great opportunity for players to progress their skills in hitting, pitching, catching, and foundational skills while working with some of the best coaches and facilitators Calgary has to offer! Check out what SBR has to offer below for our athletes! Each clinic includes a SBR t-shirt. Registration for the 2024 clinics will open October 1st @ 9am. Registration for the 2025 clinics will open December 8th @ 9am. Our Services PITCHING CLINIC This 8 session clinic will provide quality pitching instruction and coaching targeted to each group's level to develop proper mechanics and help pitchers reach their potential. Note: pitchers must supply their own catcher. Dates: Mondays starting October 21 to December 16 (8 sessions) Beginners: 6PM - 7PM (10 spots) SOLD OUT! Intermediate: 7PM - 8PM (10 spots) SOLD OUT! Advanced: 8PM - 9PM (10 spots) SOLD OUT! Sessions: Beginner (0-2 years): This session will focus on the basic fundamentals geared toward those who have never pitched before or are very new to the skill. Intermediate (2+ years): This session will focus on refining the fundamentals, including correct grips on fastball and change ups and how to use the power line. Advanced (4+ years): This session is geared toward pitchers that are looking to add to their pitches with a focus on spins, using the body for power and learning how to pick up speed. Instructor: Leanna Assels With 21 years of competitive softball experience, including a full-ride scholarship to Trinity International University as a pitcher, Leanna has had the honor of competing in multiple National Championships and representing Team Canada at the 2000 Little League World Series. For the past 6 years, she has been a pitching instructor, offering private and team lessons. Location: Calvary FC Regional Fieldhouse, Okotoks, AB Cost: $275 Register Oct 1 LEARN TO TRAIN CLINIC The Learn to Train Softball Clinic consists of 9 sessions designed for U11 and U13 players to focus on mastering fundamental softball skills and proper techniques. With guidance from qualified coaches, players will engage in high-repetition drills to build a strong foundation, preparing them for more advanced skills in the future. Dates: Sundays starting October 20 to December 15 (9 sessions) Ages: U11 - U13 (30 spots) SOLD OUT! Time: 2PM - 4PM Instructor: Jenelle Maul Jenelle's passion for softball began in her childhood, playing on club teams in Florida and North Carolina before moving to Calgary, where she joined G.A.S.P "A" and later played at Mount Royal and the University of Calgary. A multi-sport athlete, Jenelle received offers for both hockey and softball in university. With a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a background in exercise science, she now focuses on coaching young athletes, helping girls build confidence, develop a strong mindset, and enjoy softball. She is NCCP Level 2 certified and has coached U13A and U15A softball. Location: Calvary FC Regional Fieldhouse, Okotoks, AB Cost: $250 Register Oct 1 TRAIN TO TRAIN CLINIC The Train to Train Clinic is designed for U13 - U19 athletes who have played in Divisions 2 or 3 and are seeking more competitive development. The clinic will focus on advanced skills including throwing, hitting, fielding, and base running to help players elevate their game. Players must have at least two years of playing experience to participate. Dates: Saturdays starting October 26 to November 30 (6 sessions) U13/U15: 2PM - 4PM (20 spots) 7 spots left! U15-U19: 4PM - 6PM (20 spots) 11 spots left! Instructor: Kyle Ostermann Kyle Ostermann has over 20 years of coaching experience in softball, working with players from U9 to U19 and across all skill levels (A through D). He holds an NCCP Level 2 Softball certification and has led teams to 7 Provincial A medals, including 4 golds. Kyle has coached teams at Western Canadian Championships as Alberta 1 and Alberta 2 and served as Head Coach for the Zone 3 Alberta Summer Games gold-medal team in 2012. For the past decade, he has also developed and run clinics for both players and coaches. Location: Calvary FC Regional Fieldhouse, Okotoks, AB Cost: $300 Register Oct 1 EVALUATIONS PREP CAMP The Evaluations Prep Camp is designed to help players get ready for upcoming evaluations in February 2025, with a focus on throwing, hitting, and fielding. Open to all SBR players, the camp provides extra practice reps to sharpen skills before evaluations. Dates: Saturday, January 11, 18 & 25 U11-U13: 5:30PM - 7PM (20 spots) U15 - U19: 7PM - 8:30PM (20 spots) Instructor: Steve Smyth Steve Smyth, known to everyone as "Coach Steve," has been a beloved figure in the SBR Rockies softball community for over a decade. With extensive experience coaching players from U9 to U19, he has a knack for developing young talent across all levels. Coach Steve's infectious enthusiasm and dedication have helped his teams achieve numerous tournament victories and build strong, confident athletes. His passion for the game and his ability to connect with athletes of all ages make him everyone’s favorite coach! Location: Calgary Soccer Centre, Bravo Field 7000 48th St. SE, Calgary, AB Cost: $100 Register Dec 8 PITCHING CLINIC This 4 session clinic will provide quality pitching instruction and coaching targeted to each group's level to develop proper mechanics and help pitchers reach their potential. Note: pitchers must supply their own catcher. Dates: Mondays starting March 3 to March 24, 2025 (4 sessions) Beginners: 6PM - 7PM (10 spots) Intermediate: 7PM - 8PM (10 spots) Advanced: 8PM - 9PM (10 spots) Sessions: Beginner (0-2 years): This session will focus on the basic fundamentals geared toward those who have never pitched before or are very new to the skill. Intermediate (2+ years): This session will focus on refining the fundamentals, including correct grips on fastball and change ups and how to use the power line. Advanced (4+ years): This session is geared toward pitchers that are looking to add to their pitches with a focus on spins, using the body for power and learning how to pick up speed. Instructor: Leanna Assels With 21 years of competitive softball experience, including a full-ride scholarship to Trinity International University as a pitcher, Leanna has had the honor of competing in multiple National Championships and representing Team Canada at the 2000 Little League World Series. For the past 6 years, she has been a pitching instructor, offering private and team lessons. Location: Calvary FC Regional Fieldhouse, Okotoks, AB Cost: $155 Register Dec 8 PITCHING EVALUATION PREP CLINIC This 3 session prep clinic will help to prepare pitchers for the upcoming pitching evaluations on February 9, 2025. Individual in-session feedback will be given to help athletes be better prepared for and feel more confident in their tryout process. Note: pitchers must supply their own catcher. Dates: Mondays starting January 20 to February 3, 2025 (3 sessions) U13/U15:76PM -87PM (10 spots) U17/U19:87PM - 9PM (10 spots) Instructor: Audra Schneider Audra brings over 25 years of experience as a pitching and hitting coach. Her love for softball fueled her journey to earning a full-ride scholarship to play NCAA Division I softball with the Iona Gaels in New York. During her collegiate career, Audra excelled, playing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for four consecutive years, being named Rookie of the Year as a freshman, and recognized as Iona’s Top Female Athlete in her senior year. Beyond her NCAA achievements, Audra has competed in numerous Canadian National Championships with teams from Calgary and Edmonton. Since returning to Calgary in 1997, she has been proud to serve as an instructor and coach for the SBR Rockies, sharing her passion and expertise with young athletes. Location: Sundance School - 200 Sunmills Dr SE, Calgary, AB Cost: $60 Register Dec 8
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- Season Information | sbrsoftball
SOFTBALL SEASON Learn to Play REGISTER HERE U9 REGISTER HERE U11-19 REGISTER HERE To register for South Bow River Softball (Fastpitch) 2025 season, you will need the following information: Respect In Sport Proof of Age Document Where do my registration fees go? Find out here . RIS Lookup LOOKUP HERE RIS Info FOR MORE INFO 2025 Age Categories NOTE* A $25 late fee will be applied to registration requests for U11 - U19 after January 31, 2025. Game nights start at 6:45pm across all Calgary Minor Softball games. Learn to Play program starts at 6:00pm. Players are expected to arrive 30 to 60 minutes prior for warm-up & preparation, based on their age category & level. 2025 Season Dates Learn to Play Our Learn to Play program is run locally within SBR Softball and does not participate in a Calgary Minor Softball league play. Learn more... U9 The Modified game (6 players on field, home run line, Coach pitch) will be used for the U9 age category. There will be a Senior team and multiple Junior teams. Learn more... Evaluations The objective of the evaluations process is to identify all the players in an age category (U11+) that fit into the top third, middle third and bottom third of the group. All registered players for U11-U19 MUST attend at least one evaluation session. Only U13+ pitchers will be evaluated. Learn more... Equipment Players will receive a Rockies game day jersey and a ball cap. Jerseys must be returned at the end of the season. A $100 uniform bond must be committed by post-dated cheque prior to collecting jersey for the season. A list of required and optional equipment can be found on our Equipment page. Learn more... Key Dates Stay in the know about registration dates, evaluations, uniform pickup and more by referencing our Key Dates section on the home page often. Learn more... Bonds Volunteer Bond - $250 per player. Uniform Bond - $100 per player. Only postdated cheques will be accepted. Learn more... Boys Softball SBR Rockies Softball is catered to girls interested in playing the sport. Visit the Calgary Boys Fastpitch website for information on boys softball programs. Learn more...
- SBR Diamonds | sbrsoftball
SBR DIAMONDS Diamonds are assigned to each team every year. Check the following table for 2024's diamond assignments, locations and related permits. For a bird's eye view of diamond locations, please see the map below. Note: Some locations have multiple diamonds. Please use the 'Get Directions' link in the table and cross-reference the diamond tag to confirm correct diamond location. Helpful tip: if there's no SBR equipment box at the diamond, you're at the wrong diamond. Questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions and then reach out to the Diamond Coordinator at diamonds@sbrsoftball.com . 2024 Diamond Assignments Locations View diamond locations on the map below by clicking the 'slide' icon in the top left corner and then selecting the diamond you want to view. Or, select the 'expand' icon in the top right corner to present in full view.
- About Evaluations | sbrsoftball
EVALUATIONS METHODOLOGY Our Responsibility At SBR, we take the responsibility to provide a fair and transparent evaluation process for all players very seriously. The objective of the Evaluations process is to identify all the players in an age category that fit into the top third of the group, the middle third of the group and the bottom third. No teams have been pre-selected prior to all evaluation sessions being completed. The players selected at the ID Camp the previous fall are not automatically placed on the Division 1 team. They must evaluate at the same time and the same way as all other SBR players. How Do We Evaluate? All registered players must attend at least one evaluation session. Players may attend a second evaluation session if they feel they didn’t perform at their best AND there is capacity in the second session. A fee of $30 will be charged for the second session. That player’s overall score will be used. We do not use the best score at each station, simply the best “day”. We have 4 stations that assess the following skills: Fielding ground balls Throwing accuracy Fielding pop flies Hitting Each station has 2 - 4 evaluators assessing performance and collecting scores for each player according to a pre-set rubric. The Objective evaluators score the attempt at a station (eg. whether they hit the ball). Subjective evaluators score the overall performance of an athlete at one station (eg. do they use proper mechanics to field the ball). At times, we have coach observers on the field taking notes and watching all players' behavior and level of interest, specifically for the Division 1 teams. SBR leadership team members participate in the evaluations as well, either as evaluators or observers. If a player cannot attend either evaluation session, their evaluation scores from the previous year as well as coach ranking will be used (please see Missing Evaluations process for more information) Team Selection & Drafts Following Evaluations, each player is ranked based on the combined weighted average of their objective and subjective scores across all evaluators. Players ranking in the top 25 within each age group are provided to the Division 1 Coach to review and select between 15-25 players to come back for a second look. Callbacks are usually run more like a practice and allow the Division 1 coach to see how the players interact with each other and evaluate their technical competency and game sense. Once the Division 1 team is selected, the Board Executive tiers the remaining players onto Division 2 and Division 3 teams. The Board Executive conducts team creation in this manner to ensure that players who have earned the right to be at a certain level can play at that level. Player Information About Evaluations Evaluation Volunteers
- Learn To Play | sbrsoftball
LEARN TO PLAY Learn to Play aims to introduce all young children to the joy of softball in a fun, active and positive way. Our Learn to Play program helps little athletes to develop the foundational skills and build player confidence by providing many opportunities to touch the ball. We welcome all players born in 2017 & 2018 to participate in the 2024 softball season. What You Can Expect Players will work on skill development for the first 45 minutes followed by a 45 minute coach-pitch mini-game to introduce them to the concept of game play. This modified game introduction will set them up for league games when they enter the U9 division. Players will learn to: - Throw a softball - Catch a softball - Swing a bat - Hit a ball - Run the bases - Be part of a team - Have FUN! REGISTER FOR 2024 SEASON Try Before You Commit Each year, SBR hosts a ‘Come Try Softball’ event prior to the season kick off, where children are immersed in the fundamental skills of the game in a fun and interactive way. Watch for more information about how to register for this event on the website as well as on social media. COME TRY SOFTBALL Equipment Each player will receive a Rockies branded t-shirt and ball cap included in their registration fee. At the end of the season, they will also receive a sport medal. Players will provide their own: - Softball glove - Batting helmet with cage - Running shoes or baseball cleats - Fielder’s mask (optional at this age, but recommended to reduce fear of catching while building confidence in the skill) - Water bottle SBR provides bats for the players to use if they don’t have their own. A complete list of required and optional equipment can be found on the Equipment page. MORE ABOUT EQUIPMENT F.A.Q What is the cost? The cost is $150. When does registration close? Learn to Play (LTP) registration will close on April 1. When does the season start? The 2024 season will kick off on Tuesday, May 7 and finish by Thursday, June 27. How often do they play? LTP will play 2 days per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. What times do they play? Players should arrive and be ready to participate at 6:00PM. They will practice foundational skills for the first 45 minutes and then play a mini-game against another Rockies LTP team for the second half of the evening program. Which diamonds do we play at? The LTP program takes place at the Riverbend Diamonds near 180 Riverbend Dr SE. What happens to cancelled sessions (due to weather)? Cancelled games will not be rescheduled. On average, 1-2 evenings are cancelled due to weather. Where do I buy equipment? You can purchase most softball equipment at any major sporting goods store. What kind of glove should I look for? Make sure to purchase a softball glove (rather than a baseball glove) as they have a larger pocket to accommodate the larger softballs. Reminder: your child will wear their glove on the non-dominant hand! Eg. if your child writes (and throws) with their right hand, they'll wear the softball glove on their left hand. Look for a softer leather that your player can squeeze. Look for a glove that stays firmly on and easy to grip and release. If uncertain ask for assistance at the store. Make sure that the glove can fit an 10" softball. What size softball do they play with? LTP uses an 10” training softball, which has a bit more ‘squish’ compared to a regular softball and helps to build confidence while developing skills. Look for the Rawlings Reduced Injury Factor or 10” (NC10S) softballs. REGISTER FOR 2024 SEASON Need more help? Feel free to email the Learn to Play Coordinator at learntoplay@sbrsoftball.com
- Come Try Softball | sbrsoftball
COME TRY SOFTBALL Do you know any 5 – 12 year old athletes that are curious about softball and would like to give it a try before they commit to a season? SBR is hosting a FREE event for future players (Timbits to U13) who have never played softball to ‘Come Try Softball’ on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at the Calvary FC Regional Fieldhouse in Okotoks. This event aims to: Introduce kids to the foundational skills of the game Keep them moving and engaged Have a LOT of fun! The event combines basic skill development with playful gross motor challenges that will have them working hard and playing hard. Participants will be led through a series of stations by SBR player volunteers and wrap up with a softball cheer. Participants should come with: Running shoes Loose clothing (leggings, sweat pants, t-shirt, etc) Softball glove Water bottle Participants are encouraged to bring their own softball glove, however, SBR will have some loaner gloves on hand for players who do not yet have their own glove. Feel free to bring your own bat and helmet, if you have them. SBR will provide these items at the stations if participants do not have their own. While this is a FREE event, registration is required as space is limited. If you are unable to join us after you register, please cancel your registration. Details Date: Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 Time: 1PM - 3PM Location: The Calvary FC Regional Fieldhouse 125 Fieldhouse Dr Okotoks, AB Note: Timbits is for boys and girls born in 2017 & 2018 . Learn more about the program here. U9 is for girls born in 2015 & 2016. Learn more about the program here. U11 & U13 girls who are curious about the sport and haven't played before are welcome to join us.
- Division 1 | sbrsoftball
DIVISION 1 SBR believes that every athlete deserves a right to play with other athletes that approach the game in the same way. They also deserve a coach that will provide the best atmosphere for them to improve as much as they are willing to put effort into their own development. Division 1 teams consist of athletes that are highly competitive in nature that want to get the most they can out of softball. They will be challenged by the coaches to improve every time they are on the field and so must be able and willing to accept advanced instruction and feedback. This requires a full commitment from the family and the athlete. Division 1 athletes are selected for their: On-field performance Coachability Ability to be a good teammate, and Willingness to learn and advance in the game of softball Playing on a Division 1 team requires an extra level of commitment that we want you to be aware of. This may include: Participating in winter training Pre-season exhibition games Additional weekly practices 4 - 7 weekend tournaments (travel may be required) Increased financial requirements, including cash calls and fundraising efforts A more competitive approach to coaching If you do not want your athlete to participate on a Division 1 team, please select NO during the registration process. REGISTRATION NOT OPEN DIV 1 ID CAMPS NOT OPEN
- Policies | sbrsoftball
POLICIES & PROCESSES To ensure transparency and equity across the association, SBR is developing and publishing a number of policies to guide processes and decision making. Click the buttons below to review each policy. If you have questions about any of our policies, please send an email to general@sbrsoftball.com Clinic Refunds Late Registration Fee Missed Evaluations Player Transfers Playing Up Withdrawals
- Player Evaluations | sbrsoftball
PLAYER EVALUATIONS INFO REGISTER FOR EVALUATIONS What to Know Players MUST attend at least one evaluation session. If they feel they did not perform to their expectations, they can attend a second evaluation for an additional $30 fee, if space allows. Only register for 1 spot first, to allow room for all players. Be advised that the evaluation signup closes at 9:00 am on the day prior to the evaluations so that we can prepare the player lists. If you missed the sign-up, you can contact coordinator@sbrsoftball.com to check capacity. Pitching Evaluations are held on a separate day for all pitchers U13 - U19. While not mandatory, they are strongly encouraged to support the coaches in selecting teams. There will be no pitching evaluations for U9 or U11 as all players are encouraged to try pitching at this age. What to Bring Indoor running shoes (cleats are not permitted on the fieldhouse floors) Appropriate ball clothing - t-shirt, sweatpants or ball pants, hair tied back Ball glove Fielder’s mask Batting helmet with face guard Bat (Optional – We will have bats for everyone but feel free to bring your own) Batting Gloves (Optional) Water Pitching evaluations ONLY – All pitchers must bring their own catcher. When Player Arrives Parents will bring their player to the registration table to check in. Players will be assigned a numbered pinnie that will need to be attached to their front and back. Pinnies must be returned at the end of the session. Players will be assigned to a group. U11 and U13 players will be assigned an Ambassador who will take the players onto the field and help them at each station. Players will be directed to an area where they can leave their coats, boots, and ball bags. Players are free to warm up in the designated location. No throwing until you are on the field. Players will do a throwing warm-up on the field. Parents can watch from the 2nd level. Parents are not allowed on the field. At the start time, players will take their glove, bat, helmet, and water onto the field. Ball bags must be left in the designated area. Players will be led through the stations for the evaluations. After the stations are complete, all players may leave. Remove your numbers and return them to a SBR member at the exit. All evaluations will be held at Cavalry FC Regional Field House. 125 Field House Drive East, Aldersyde, AB. Note: If your player is unable to evaluate, please review the Missing Evaluations process. If you have questions, please email coordinator@sbrsoftball.com . Player Information About Evaluations Evaluation Volunteers
- SBR Tournament | sbrsoftball
SBR ROCKIES TOURNAMENT SBR Softball is pleased to offer our fastpitch tournament from May 24 - May 26, 2024 . This is one of the largest softball tournaments in Western Canada with 60 teams participating! Registration will open on March 22, 2024 and close on April 24, 2023 . There are limited spots available in each age category, so don't delay! Wh at's new for 2024? We have expanded our U9 tournament to a modified, double elimination tournament, with each team guaranteed three games. At our high school level, we will be presenting the Jason Schmidt Memorial Award to one player on each gold medal winning team at the high school level for the player that best demonstrated heart & hustle, sportsmanship, and leadership throughout the tournament. See below for more information. Tournament Info: May 24 - 26, 2024 The tournament highlights will include Heart & Hustle awards, medals for 1st and 2nd place, a 50/50 raffle and more! Diamond Locations - subject to change* Vista Heights Diamonds - 1419 25th Ave. NE Vista Heights School - 2411 Vermillion St. NE Deerfoot Athletic Park - 1506 16th St. NE Calgary Industrial Softball - 1741 39th Ave. NE Pop Davies Athletic Park - 6415 Ogden Rd SE, Note: The Tournament Committee reserves the right to refund or reorganize team registrations to ensure reasonably consistent skill levels within divisions. Questions? Reach out to tournament@sbrsoftball.com REGISTER HERE Jason Schmidt Memorial A ward What is the Jason Schmidt Award? It is an award that will be presented to one High School player of each division at the Rockies Tournament for their passion, grit, and love of the game… kind of like the mega heart & hustle of the tournament. We are honored to call this award the Jason Schmidt Award after our very good friend, Jason Schmidt. He was a huge supporter of SBR, passionate about the game of softball and every team that his daughters have played on, notably the Red Hots (2018), The Heat (2019), the Devils (2021 and 2022) and the Rapids (2023). Having Jason come out to as many games as he could throughout the season was an inspiration to the team and all who knew him! Every year at the Rockies Tournament, we will present this award to 3 very deserving High School (U17/19) athletes who exemplify these qualities. Additionally, we will make a donation to the ALS Society in Jason’s name. Schmidt Award Recipient 2024 Rockies Primary Logo White Describe your image Medallion Describe your image Schmidt Award Recipient 2024 1/3