Frequently Asked Questions
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1. When does the season start?
The season begins 3rd week of April.
2. What time and day are the games?
Games are played on the same night every week (Eg. every Monday).
Yes, all our leagues are adult co-ed.
4. Where are the games played?
It depends which division you sign up for, but we post locations (all are in Vancouver) near the start of the season (as nothing is secured 100% until then).
Locations of diamonds are somewhat evenly divided up into:
5. Do we need things like equipment or uniforms?
There is no requirement for uniforms. Any clothing or equipment used must be legal (as well as safe) - as per League or Softball Canada rules.
Important equipment info (Click link or copy/paste to browser):
/media/leagues/1284/graphics/softball_field_equiment_list_2018.pdf
Game balls are provided for each team, however bats, bases, and other equipment are the responsibility of each team.
You will get 10% discounts at Prostock or MVP Athletics for some softball equipment (except bats and already discount-priced items).
6. Can we drink alcohol at the games?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: The use of alcohol is strictly prohibited on any and all Park Board *ball diamonds and School Board fields. If any player or person associated with our League is reported or caught with alcohol, we would lose the use of that field as well as the money paid for that permit. Any costs incurred may be passed onto the Teams and Team Reps involved.
* Alcohol is not permitted at the Vancouver Park Board ball diamonds - alcohol is only permitted in designated/posted areas of those parks. The consumption of alcohol is not permitted on School Board properties.
7. What if I don't have a complete roster or want to change it?
We require the roster for insurance purposes, however the roster does not have to be finalized until the first week of June. We ask that you enter the majority of your roster at the time of registration and then go and make any changes or additions when you need. The deadline for the completed roster is in early June. You have the opportunity to create a playoff roster in August one week before the playoffs begin.
8. Why do I need to supply e-mail addresses of all my players?
The League will only send out e-mails when necessary in order to promote our events throughout the season. In previous years, we relied on the Team Reps to forward information; we found that our events were not being forwarded or promoted and players were missing out on opportunities they otherwise might have enjoyed.
We do not sell or make our Members' email list available to any *company or person outside the League. The email list is only accessible to the Executive or Administrators of the Vancouver Recreational Softball League and ONLY for League business. *NOTE: our insurer has always required that we send them a list with the names of all our participants in June. What is new since 2023, is that we now have to supply email addresses with those names. The insurer does not use the email addresses to market products/services to our members; they state that the emails help reduce fraudulent claims.
9. I've never run a team before! Is there anything you can tell me about running a team?
As a matter of fact we do have some pointers, if you would like more information, please email us at matball07@vanrecsoftball.com or fourpitch07@vanrecsoftball.com and put "New Captain" in the subject line of your email and we will forward a set of documents that will give you some things to be aware of when organizing a team.
10. I don't have a team but I want to play on one, can you help me?
Although we can't promise that we can find you a team since our registrations are done by teams only, we make every effort to put you together with teams looking for players. We will give you a small questionnaire to fill out so that we can get an idea of what a good fit would be for you. Once we have that information we inform all the teams in the league of your interest to play and ask them to contact you. This is the google link to that questionnaire: https://forms.gle/u6X31a1ZSjCWEfHHA
Historically, women looking for a team tend to have more success than men, but we have had many men who were able to get connected with a team. We have in the past put teams together out of spare players when our lists were big enough and the mix was right. If you have no luck finding a team with our League, we suggest you inquire with Softball B.C. and ask for help.
Insurance is included in your team's registration fee.
You will not have to fill out any additional forms. The League will submit your team roster and only those players included in that form will be covered. It is recommended that team rosters be limited to 20 names. If this is a problem, please contact us at info@vanrecsoftball.com.
12. What do I need to register? ?
You need to know which type of game you want to play
13. What are the fees and how do you register?
Fees vary from year to year (is $975 in 2024). Fees for the current season are set at the Annual General Meeting typically held in the 1st to 3rd week of February. Check the Notice Board of any of our League's main pages for the current fee structure. If you can't find the information you seek, feel free to email us at info@vanrecsoftball.com.
After you decide which league and level you want to play in, select that league where it says 'Pick A Site' in the list of links in the left margin and click on the 'Register' link next to the division you want to register your team with the league. ?If you don't see the 'REGISTER A TEAM' link next to a division, then registrations aren't open for that division any longer.
Make sure you have all of your contact and team information handy.
New teams can pay online either by Credit Card or by sending a cheque after they've registered only. If you are paying by cheque, you can send your cheque made payable to the VRSL to:
The League will need all registering teams make sure they have at least 10 names on their webpage roster list by the first Friday in April.
14. Can our team play on more than one night?
Yes, you can, but it's important that your team considers whether you want to play in a division that is of the same calibre as your initial division. If you played in the same league (but on a different night of course), a problem could occur during the playoffs as your team would take up two spots in the draw but you may not have enough personnel to field two teams. You may even end up facing yourselves!
If you join two different leagues however, (e.g. Mat-Ball Wednesdays and 4-Pitch on Thursdays) then you should be okay.
15. How and when do I report the score from our game?
Every game score needs to be recorded (posted) online by the winning team. Ties also need to be posted: we suggest the Home Team record ties, but making sure that the score is recorded is the responsibility of both teams. You are asked to post your score within three nights of the game or risk not having your game counted in the standings. Each team is given one grace for late score reporting over the course of the regular season.
Note: after 7 days, the online system locks you out of recording or editing scores: then you'll have to email the appropriate League contact ( matball07@vanrecsoftball.com or fourpitch07@vanrecsoftball.com ) and face ridicule, etc.
You simply post the score from your back-office by clicking on the 'Game Scores' link and typing in the score in the appropriate boxes. To finish, you must press 'enter/submit' - then you're done!
Any other situations such as:
16. Where can I find my team's schedule?
You will need to know which division you are in. Go to the website and under the League banner look for the RED menu bar; select the day of the week you want and click on it. This will give you three divisions to choose from. Select the division you play in. On the grey-coloured menu bar, select "SCHEDULES." An information box will open, containing a number of filter options that you can use.
Be sure that the small menu box in the top right corner of your Schedule's option box says it is the current season. If not, use that drop-down menu to select the current season. You can also select a previous season - going back 15 seasons. When you have the appropriate season, you can use the filters to look at the current schedule for a single team (yours, usually) or for your full division. The schedules are printable and can be exported to calendars.
If you change the filters, you may need to click the RED button called "UPDATE"; you can return to initial settings if you click "RESET."
17. Where can I find a complete set of rules?
You can download a .pdf format version of the rules from the 'downloads' link - on the grey menu bar (under the RED menu bar) of almost every page on our website. Then find and use the drop-down menu labelled "MORE" on that grey menu bar to select 'RULES AND PLAYER HANDBOOK' (or other rules' documents). After opening 'RULES' you can copy/save this document, or any other that you open. There are also short (1 page/sheet) rules docs that only cover the rules that are specific to Mat-Ball and 4-Pitch.
18. What do I do if there is an injury to a player or property damage during a game?
SPECIAL NOTE: the League carries Public Liability and Sports Accident Insurance. In the event of an injury, please contact the League at info@vanrecsoftball.com for further information - even if it is not obvious that an insurance claim will need to be made. You have 30 days after the incident to notify us. You have a further 60 days after that to decide to file a claim. A League Representative will assist you in determining what steps - if any - need to be taken.
"What do I do continued..."
During the game, if the injury is serious, call an ambulance and keep the injured player as relaxed as possible given the stressful circumstances. Only people with first-aid experience should do any necessary first-aid unless no one has any experience, in which case, only do what is necessary to make the injured player as comfortable as possible without aggravating the injury.
Once the injured player is stabilized, please make note (mentally or on paper) as to what the circumstances were of the injury. Things like what time the injury occurred and how the injury occurred. Once the game has ended, one or both of the Team Reps should send an email informing us of the incident and the details which were noted at the game.
If there was damage done to a neighbouring property (such as a window or windshield), contact the owner of the property/car if possible, and inform them of what happened and explain what the next step will need to be. Please try to stay calm as the owner could be quite upset. Most owners after the fact, have actually thanked the league and the Team Reps involved for being so responsible!
Every Team should download and keep a paper copy of the League's 'Third Party Damage Forms' and have that form with them AT ALL GAMES. This form is in the website 'Downloads' section: use the pull-down menu to open 'Current Season.' The form comes in two parts: The left portion that begins with "We regret to inform you...", is the portion you give to the owner - if they are present. If the damage is to an automobile, please leave the appropriately completed portion of the form on that vehicle's windshield. Take a photo of the damage, please. If the property/vehicle owner is present, explain to them that they should contact the League right away (contact info is on the form).
Just for your information, the League generally covers the deductible (up to$300) of any damage done to a neighbouring property but the owner must first have the work done; pay for it and then present the receipt for compensation to the League.
Note: All VanRec Softball League participants should be aware that the League does not cover damage to the vehicles of our participants - whether they are playing or spectating. It is expected that anyone participating in League events will park their cars at a safe enough distance from the diamonds to avoid potential damage from stray fly balls. Please ensure that the players and associated friends/family on your team are aware of this!
19. What if it's raining or threatening to rain on my game day?
The official deadline to call a "rain-out" is 3:00 p.m. on game day. This is to ensure that Team Reps have enough time to notify all players of the cancellation. However, the Team Reps from the two teams can mutually agree on a later time (say 4 or 5 p.m. or later) to decide to cancel, as many teams may not need much time to reach all their teammates.
If there is any doubt as to what the weather will look like at game time, both teams should go to the field prepared to play and make the decision at game time - based on weather and field conditions.
The reason the guideline was designed this way was because the League has observed that many times when there is light rain or showers through the day, very often the weather "clears up" during the early evening. We've estimated that at least 70% of the time on showery, intermittent rainy days, the weather turns out fine for playing softball. Too many games get called as a 'rain-out' too early.
We encourage teams to go to the field if no determination is made by 3:00 p.m. - or the time chosen by the Team Reps - because if the weather turns out fine, we don't want to have to reschedule the game unnecessarily, or have games that might not get played.
Notes:
1) Many fields can absorb a lot of rainwater and still be very playable and safe - especially after a few hours or days of dry weather.
2) The League does not post rain-out notifications.
20. How do we reschedule a game?
You may do one of two things. You may either decide to play a double header (two games of five innings each) next time you meet that team, or you may contact the Scheduling Coordinator by sending an email to:
matball07@vanrecsoftball.com or fourpitch07@vanrecsoftball.com
and indicate that you would like to schedule a make-up game. The Scheduler will be able to book a field during your division's specified make-up time. Both teams must be in agreement on which option to take.
21. What if we are short players?? Does the league have a spares list?
The League does maintain a spares list. Simply e-mail us (info@vanrecsoftball.com) and we will send any relevant sub contact information. The earlier you notify us, the better your chances of finding a sub!
If you would like to be added to our Spares List, we have a simple questionnaire you may fill out (see FAQ '#10' for info). If you email us, we can send you the link to the google form questionnaire. You may also find available players through the League's Facebook page.
22. Can we use any type of bats?...are any particular styles banned?
The VRSL follows the safety standards set by Softball Canada. The links provided here can show you the legal certification symbols that must be on approved bats. Via the following USA Softball link, you can also view a list of non-approved bats. USA Softball bat certification info and approved/non-approved bat link: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/Certified-Equipment/Equipment-Bats
Softball Canada and VRSL both accept the USA Softball bat safety standards.
This image is from Softball Canada's Slo-Pitch Safety page: https://softball.ca/resources/slopitch
For the safety of all of our players, we ask that teams respect these rules and guidelines when purchasing equipment for use in our League.
23. What happens if there is another group on the field when we are scheduled to play?
We highly encourage teams to have their permits handy for each and every game. Note: the permits are posted on the website. Have your Team Rep (two people max.) approach the other group and ask to speak to their organizer/coach/etc. Show them your permit and ask if they have a permit for the field as well. If not, politely request that they move to another field (perhaps offer another field in the area, should you know of one). If they have a permit for the field as well, then try to work something out and then inform the league of this problem as soon as you can after your game.
If you are on a Park Board diamond and you cannot resolve the issue and you know you are supposed to be there (plus you have your permit with you) and the other group has no proof that they belong there, you can call the Vancouver Park Board Rangers. The Field Ranger number is 604-861-5100 or 3-1-1. Keep in mind that the Rangers may not be able to respond to your call quickly but it's still important that they be made aware of the problem. If it is a police or medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
NOTE: You can view or download the permits (yes, from the 'Downloads' section) to your mobile device.
24. What happens if there is a dispute on the field?
Only the team captains and the umpire at that time should be involved in any discussions regarding a disputed play - with perhaps the addition of the players who participated in the controversial play (as needed). Please remember that we are a recreational league and that calls (even incorrect ones) should not be taken too seriously. The two captains/reps should state their cases and if, after a level-headed discussion both teams cannot agree, the umpire is to take out a coin and ask the opposing team for heads or tails. Whichever team wins the toss, gets the call. The coin-flip should only be used if no resolution can be made.
It is also noted that players not involved in discussions refrain from any cat-calls, arguing or other unnecessary actions before, during, or after the final determination is made. Offensive or threatening language or behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the League.
Team Reps are welcome to contact the League after the game if they need clarification on a call for future reference. (Note: This League does not apply the 'Infield Fly Rule' but asks all teams to be sportsmanlike and to NOT intentionally drop any easy, infield fly ball in order to create a simple, double-play.)
25. When are the playoffs?...are the rules different?
Playoffs for 2024 run:
26. Are there umpires for the playoffs?
As the League has done in past seasons, umpiring duties in the playoffs are assigned to a third team that is not playing in the game that they are umpiring. All teams will be expected to provide umpires or face either a score handicapping penalty for their next game and/or fines or other such sanctions as determined by the Tournament Coordinator.
The four Championship finals (two for each League) are umped by a paid VRSL member who has attended a League umpiring clinic.
27. Can I add players to my team for the playoffs?
Yes you can, but it is limited to a maximum of 5 new names - no more than 3 of either sex. Your rosters will be opened for change during the final week of the regular season (before your league's tournament) in order for you to make the necessary additions. Late into the season, a notice will be posted showing the deadline to allow players on your roster for playoff play.
28. How can my team raise money?
There are several options. You could contact Esportsdesk (comments@esportsdesk.com) or click on one of the web ads on our website (www.vanrecsoftball.com) - if we are running any - and find out more. Currently (2024), the League does not run ads and has no sponsors.
29. What are the Skills Events about?
The Skills Events are evenings where individual players can test their skills against other players from the same league. There are 4 different events to compete in:
30. When and where are the Skills Events held?
This year the events are planned as follows:
31. When and where is the Year-End Wrap-Up Party?
2017 Wrap-Up Party: Thursday, Sept 7th, 6:30-9:30pm. Location: Dubh Linn Gate Pub 1601 Main Street.
2018 & 2019 Wrap-Up Party: Thursday, August 23rd, 6:30-9:30pm. Location: Dubh Linn Gate Pub, 1601 Main Street.
2022: same location, new owners and new name
2023 Wrap-Up Party: Thursday, August 24th, 6:30-8:30pm or so. Location: Johnnie Fox's on Main, 1601 Main Street
2024 Wrap-Up Party: Thursday, August 22nd, 6:30-8:30pm or so. Location: TBD
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Vancouver Recreational Softball League
37 Peveril Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia
V5Y 2L2 Canada
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