COACHES/MANAGER2019 JUNIOR LEAGUE

INFORMATION PACKAGE

SASKATOON MINOR SOFTBALL LEAGUEBOX 8700

Saskatoon, SKS7K 6S5

Ph: 374-5155 Fax: 374-2808E-mail: smsl@sasktel.net

Office Manager: Barb

To keep up to date on all softball happenings be sure to check out www.smsl.ca

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SMSL’s GOALTo provide an opportunity for boys and girls in the minor categories to learn the skills to play softball in Saskatoon.

DISTANCE TABLESPitching Distance

Division Ball Male Female Baseline DiagonalU19 12" 46' 43' 60' 84’ 10 ¼”U16 12" 42' 40' 60' 84’ 10 ¼”U14 12" 40' 38' 60' 84’ 10 ¼”U12 11" 35' 35' 55' 77’ 9 ¼”U10 RIF Level 1 30’ 30’ 45’ 63’ 8”U8 Indoor 11 25’ 25’ 45’ 63’ 8”U6 Blastball 20' 20' 40' 60’

OFFICIAL BALLSRawlings 11" Red Dot Optic - PX11RYLC All U12 Male and Female categories Rawlings Red Dot 12" Optic PX2RYLC c All Female categories except U12

Rawlings K-Master – 120 12” Optic C120YCC All Male categories except U12

2019 Provincial Championship Coaching Requirements Teams attending a Provincial Championship that leads to a Western Canadian or Canadian Championship need one Softball Level 2 Certified Coach or The New Competition Introduction.

Effective 2020 we will be gradually increasing the number of coaches on Provincial championship rosters who need minimum certification to be on the roster. Starting in 2020 a 2nd coach/Manger if listed must be a minimum of a community softball coach certified and in 2021 a 3rd coach/manager if listed must be a minimum of a community Softball coach certified and in 2022 a 4th coach listed must be minimum of community softball coach certified.

All other Provincial Championships that DO NOT lead to a Western or Canadian Championships (U12 A, B, C, U14 C, U16 C, U19 C) need one Softball Level 1 Certified Coach or one Softball Community Sport On-going Participation Coach.

CHECK WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

www.smsl.ca

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DATES TO REMEMBER

May 1 Start of SMSL Junior League Play

May 6 Start of SMSL Timbits League Play

May 20 Start of Minor Softball Week

May 24 Saskatoon Minor Softball Night at Bob Van Impe Stadium, all teams to attend. Free Hotdogs for players.

May 26-28 SMSL. President’s Tournament: Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam & MidgetA -Division teams only. Please register with SMSL Office, 374-5155, or e-mail smsl@sasktel.net

June 8,9 U10 (Mites) Jamboree

June 19 End of Junior League ScheduleScore sheets must be in the SMSL. Office by 10:00 pm on June 19 to count towards the League Championship Playoffs

June 21-23 League PLAYOFFS for A, B & C Division. All Teams make the playoffs

June 28 End of Timbits League Schedule

July 5-7 Provincial ChampionshipsU12 A & B Boys, U14 A & B Boys U 14 B Girls and U 19 B Boys

August 23 Bylaw Amendment Proposal Deadline, in writing to SMSL. Office P.O. Box 8700, Saskatoon, Sk. S7K 6S5

Sept 25 SMSL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:All Community coordinators and ALL Coaches from all categories and divisions get a vote on how SMSL is run, so if you want your opinion to count you must attend this meeting.Held at Gordie Howe Sport Center @ 7:00 p.m.

Note: All coaches in SMSL Rookie Softball League must attend the coaches’ orientation night listed in this package.

It is important that community coordinators advise the coaches that they attend this meeting to receive the outline of the various programs and the league schedules.

Listed on the following page are the technical clinics, which are required for any coach in the Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget Divisions. It is recommended that the all coaches take the NCCP technical and theory clinics to assist them in coaching all levels and divisions of softball.

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We ask all COACHES to complete the following online training

1. If you have an NCCP# go to number 3

2. If you don’t have an NCCP# please go to www.coach.ca and click on The Locker located in the top right hand corner; create one now – you will be asked questions to create a coach profile and given a number. You need a number to complete Respect in Sport.

3. All coaches are required to complete the online program Respect in Sport and you will need your NCCP#. After completing the Respect in Sport program this will show on your coach transcript in the Locker and is good for all sports you coach within Saskatchewan. You only need to complete once.

Softball Saskatchewan is committed to creating a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Coaches have a responsibility to create a sporting environment that is free from harassment, abuse, bullying, and neglect. Softball Saskatchewan requires that ALL coaches participating in the sport of softball have completed the online Respect in Sport (RiS) certification, as required by Sask Sport Inc.

Please click HERE for our RiS policy.Click HERE for the instructions for registering or finding your RiS certificate number.Contact the Helpdesk by phone at 1-866-956-9791 Contact the Helpdesk by email at rgihelp@respectgroupinc.com For Questions of a non-technical nature, please contact info@respectgroupinc.com or the Softball Sask office at info@softball.sk.ca.

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JUNIOR LEAGUE RULESCURFEW: All games are to start at 6:30 p.m.

U12,U14 and U16- All Divisions Curfew from May 1 to May 11: 8:45 pm Curfew from May 14 – to end of season: 9:00 pm.No new inning to be started after these times. Each team has a half hour grace period to field a team. U12teams do not need 9 players to field a team. Teams with less than 9 players may borrow from the other team or play with the players that are there.

All games are to be seven innings unless terminated by curfew, darkness, or bad weather. Minimum of four and a half innings (if home team is ahead) will constitute a legal game.

Home Team Responsibilities:

Scorekeepers and Umpires. Setting up the diamond with bases including pitcher’s plate. Please make sure the pitcher’s plate and bases are anchored into the ground.

Assessing Field Conditions.In the event of rain etc., the HOME TEAM must check the diamond and inform the visiting team by 3PM as to whether the game will or will not be played.

To reschedule rained out games:Phone: SMSL Office 306-374-5155Office Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m.

Division A: umpires will be assigned. Postponed and Cancelled games (A Division only) rescheduling will require the following conditions:

1. Require at least 48 hours’ notice of cancellation and rescheduling of games. 2. Notify the Ball Office smsl@sasktel.net or 306-374-51553. Contact the umpires: doug.schultz@sasktel.net

Umpire Concerns and interpretations:

Leo Mareschal leomareschal@sasktel.net 306.290.8323Doug Schultz doug.schultz@sasktel.net 306.373.8476 306.341.0945Bernie Burtney burtneyb@shaw.ca 306.227.6472

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PLAYER PICK-UP Teams unable to field nine players may use:

A Division: Can use A - Division players from a lower age group or B – Division players from the same age group within their own Zone. We recommend you start with players in the B-Division

B Division: Can use B - Division players from a lower age group within their own Zone.

For League play the coach of the player who is being picked up has to be consulted FIRST. APPROVAL REQUIRED. A team may pick up the same player only THREE (3) times during the regular league schedule. Any violation will result in suspension of the coach.

If are picking up a player to pitch, make this clear to the other coach. NO PLAYER PICK-UPS FOR LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

SCORE SHEETS: Immediately after the game, the winning coach must email a summary of the game results to:

scores@smsl.ca

ExampleSubject: SQG A Hustlers 4 – Phantoms 6Body: Division: Squirt Girls A

Date: May15Visitor: Hustlers 4Home: Phantoms 6

Attach: Picture of the scoresheet

The is NOT a substitute for the submitting the score sheet. It just helps keep the standings to be updated as soon as possible.

SCORE SHEETS MUST BE FILLED OUT IN COMPLETE DETAIL (Proper dates, Division, Team Names); No points will be awarded otherwise. Scorekeeper to fill in Umpire(s) name on score sheet and umpire slip and have umpire PRINT their name on the score sheet. A signature is not required.

WINNING TEAMS ARE RESPOSIBLE FOR HANDING IN THE SCORE SHEET PROPERLY COMPLETED. This is to be done weekly to insure that the umpires get paid and to keep statistics current. Please use the envelopes provided.

NO PHOTOCOPIED SCORE SHEETS will be accepted and umpires will not be paid for photocopied stubs.

All Divisionso May games: score sheets must be in the SMSL office by 10:00 p.m. on June 1, 2019.

Score sheets not in by this time will not be counted for league playoffs. o June games: score sheets must be in the SMSL office by 10:00 p.m. on June 19, 2019.

Score sheets not in by this time will not be counted for league playoffs. o League Playoff format will be posted on the website, June 20.

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When handing out umpire stubs please help us to prevent double payment of umpires. All umpires are to print their names on the score sheet. A signature is not required. Should there be only one umpire at a diamond, the umpire is to get both slips from the bottom of the score sheet

If the majority of teams in a division play 75% or fewer of their scheduled games due to inclement weather then that division will use winning percentage (total number of wins divide by total number of games played) to determine standings for league play-offs.

IMPORTANT RULES FOR THE LEAGUE: Refer to Softball Canada Rule Book All players MUST attend an evaluation camp. All divisions may enter Provincial Playoffs that will be held at the end of June or early July. All score sheets must be turned in to the league office to verify umpire pay. They must be turned in each

week to count toward League Playoffs. Scorekeepers are the responsibility of the Home Team. The Home team is responsible for setting up the diamond with bases including pitcher’s plate. Please make

sure the pitcher’s plate and bases are anchored securely into the ground.

IMPORTANT DIVISION RULES:U12:

Pitchers may only pitch 4 innings per game. On the defensive team each pitcher who delivered a pitch during an at bat will be charged with one inning pitched. On dropped third strike, the batter is out. This rule includes League Playoffs.

Infield fly rule applies. Maximum 5 runs per inning, 7 up after 5 for league play and League Playoffs. Unlimited Substitution and everyone bats. Teams can start with 8 players. The 9th player that would normally be on the rosters is NOT an automatic

out. B Division: Outfielders are optional. To constitute a game, teams need 3 ½ innings if home team is winning or 4 innings.

U14: Pitchers may only pitch 4 innings. On the defensive team each pitcher who delivered a pitch

during an at bat will be charged with one inning pitched. This rule includes League Playoffs. Infield fly rule applies. Maximum 7 runs per inning, 7 up after 5 for league play and League Playoffs. B Divisions – unlimited substitution and everybody bats.

U16: Infield fly rule applies. Designated Player rule for Division A only, applies for League Play, League Playoffs, Provincial Playoffs,

and Canadian Championships. Maximum 7 runs per inning, 7 up after 5 for League Play and League Playoffs.

o Check your Softball Saskatchewan Handbook for rules governing provincials.

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SASKATOON DIAMOND ADDRESSES

ZONE 1-HUSTLERSArborcreek Park 1420 Kerr RoadForest Park 215 Nelson RoadFunk 835 Evergreen BoulevardLess Kerr Park 202 Kellough RdMisaskwatomina 115 Baltzan BlvdSilversprings Park 702 Konihowski RoadWallace Park 903 Stensrud Rd

ZONE 2-RAIDERSAlexander MacGillvay Young 155 Stonebridge CommonerBriarwood Park 602 Briarwood RoadBrevoort Park 2625 Early Drive Harold Tatler Park (South) 2520 Jarvis DrHolliston 1901 5th St ELakewood 1535 McKercher DrLakeview Park 175 Whiteshore Cres.Nutana Kiwanis Park Porter St. & McEown Ave.

ZONE 3 LASERSArchibald McDonald Park 3110 Massey DriveDragon Car Park 1002 Hampton CircleDr. Seager Wheeler Park 2230 Richardson Road Senator Gladstone Park 1525 37th StreetUmea #1 2019 Primrose Dr W.J.L. Harvey Park North #1 290 Russel Road W.J.L. Harvey Park South #10 &16 502 Lenore Drive

ZONE 4-PHANTOMSGlenn Reeve 1525 Ave P SGougeon 3310 Mountbatten St.H. S. Sears Park 222 Pendygrasse RoadMontgomery Park 3302 Ortona St.Morris T Cherneski 320 Hart RoadParkridge 1219 McCormack St

Check website for more information: Under Sport fieldshttp://www.saskatoon.ca/org/parks/park_locations/index.asp

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SASKATOON MINOR SOFTBALL FUN

NIGHTAT BOB VAN IMPE STADIUM

MAY 22, 2019Come out and enjoy the evening featuring U6 Timbits softball teamsfrom the city. Westside teams at 5:00pm, Eastside teams at 5:45 pm.

Followed by 2 midget games involving former SMSL players. Game Starts @ 6:45 pm

All players will receive free hotdogs and Drinks starting at 5:30pm

Player contests, draws, giveaways and lots more!

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10 MISUNDERSTOOD RULES1. Left Hand Turn from First2. Check Swing3. Award of Bases on Overthrow4. Batted Ball hitting Home Plate, First Base, Second Base or Third base5. Batter stepping on home plate or directly in front of home6. Fair ball bouncing out of play or off a defensive player7. Infield Fly8. Lead-off (Pitcher’s Circle) - Fast Pitch only9. Difference between Interference / Obstruction10. Double Base

1. Left hand turn from first. A runner forfeits his/her exemption from liability to be put out if, after overrunning first base, he/she makes

an attempt to run to second base. The key to this rule is to continue to second base. There must be at least an attempt towards second base. It

does not matter which direction the batter-runner turns after reaching first base if they are coming back to first base without attempting to advance to second base.

2. Check swing. It is the plate umpire’s judgement that the batter made an attempt to swing at the ball (but not a full swing),

the plate umpire shall call the pitched ball a strike. This call is NOT to be appealed to the base umpire - use the guiding principle that the plate umpire does not

call it a strike unless he/she saw the attempted swing - therefore no need for an appeal of what the plate umpire saw.

However, if the batter attempted to swing at the ball but the plate umpire did not see the attempt (perhaps blocked out by the catcher) then a ball shall be called. With this call, the plate umpire does have the opportunity to check with his/her base umpire(s) with or without a request from the defensive team.

The plate umpire may make the request on their own or may choose to make the request when requested to do so by the defensive team.

The key to the base umpire is that they shall only answer a check swing request made by the plate umpire - they do not respond to a request made directly to them by a defensive player.

Should the base umpire see the attempt that the plate umpire did not see, they shall respond by calling “yes” and the call shall be changed from ball to strike.

3. Award of bases on overthrow. The common misconception with this rule is the old rule of “one plus one,” a rule that was changed long ago. The correct ruling is that when a thrown ball goes out of play (beyond the established boundary lines of the playing field)

all runners, including the batter-runner shall be awarded two bases from the last base legally touched based on their position at the time that the thrown ball left the fielder’s hand

if there are two runners between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner

Keys to remember with this rule: The award is based on their position at the time the throw was made, not at the time that the ball went

out of play - watch for that very long overthrow from the outfield

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The award is two bases from the last base legally touched - if a runner is returning to first base to tag up on a fly ball, they will still be awarded two bases which is second base and third base as the last base that they had legally touched was first base

The proper mechanics for this situation are to call “Dead Ball” as soon as the ball goes out of play then award the bases accordingly. Your award should be swift and decisive.

With multiple runners or a long overthrow, if you have any doubt consult with your fellow Umpire(s) immediately before the award and get it right the first time.

4. Batted ball hitting home plate, first base, second base or third base. Home Plate

A batted ball remains alive and in play when it strikes home plate: This is a common misconception - many, many years ago when a batted ball struck home plate it was declared a dead ball.

In the event that a batted ball comes to rest on home plate, it shall be ruled a fair ball and the plate umpire shall signal accordingly.

Remember, the fair/foul lines come to the back point of home plate so the plate is completely in fair territory.

First or Third Base When properly installed, first and third base are positioned on the diamond completely in fair territory. A

smart Umpire looks around between pitches to ensure this is always true. Once a batted ball strikes first or third base without having been first touched by a player, the batted ball

shall be ruled a fair ball regardless of where the ball ends up. Once the ball touches first of third base it does not have to pass the base, touching the base is all that is

required to make it a fair ball. The plate umpire should signal fair ball immediately once the batted ball strikes the base

Second Base Once a batted ball strikes second base without having been first touched by a player, the batted ball shall

be ruled a fair ball.

5. Batter stepping on home plate or directly in front of home plate. Stepping on Home Plate

The batter is out if any part of their foot is touching home plate when the bat contacts the ball The ball is dead and runners may not advance on the play.

Stepping directly in front of Home Plate The batter is out if their foot is completely outside the lines of the batter’s box and touching the ground

when the bat contacts the ball - therefore if the batter’s foot is completely in front of home plate their foot is obviously completely outside the lines of the batter’s box.

The ball is dead and runners may not advance on the play. Points of Emphasis: o There is no penalty unless the batter makes contact with the ball. o The position of the foot must be judged at the time the bat makes contact with the ball - if the foot

is in the air and then comes down on the ground after the ball is hit, there is no penalty. o With the exception of the foot touching home plate, the foot must be completely outside the lines

of the batter’s box - touching any part of the lines is acceptable as the lines are part of the box The same penalty applies whether the batted ball is fair or foul - “Dead Ball” is called as soon as the

batter makes contact with the ball.

6. Fair ball bouncing out of play or off a defensive player. 11

When a fair ball bounces out of play, including if it deflects off a defensive player, the umpire shall declare “Dead Ball” as soon as the ball goes out of play.

All runners shall be awarded two bases. The award is based on their position at the time of the pitch - not at the time that the ball went out of play. The award is the same regardless of where the ball actually goes out of play. Be prepared that this rule could actually end up bringing runners backwards. A long rolling ground ball goes out of play and the batter is already past second base - the batter goes

back to second base. Same play, runner starting at first base is already past third base and on their way to score when the batted

ball goes out of play, the runner is returned to third base.

7. Infield Fly.

Requirements for an Infield Fly:

Runners on first and second base OR first, second and third base. Less than 2 out. Not a bunt. Not a line drive. Can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort this includes the, pitcher, catcher or any outfielder

positioned in the infield.

What should the umpire do? In an infield fly situation, prior to the first pitch of the at bat, the umpires should give the infield fly signal

to each other. When it becomes apparent that a batted ball is an infield fly (typically when the ball reaches its’ highest

point and is just on its’ way down) the plate umpire shall declare “INFIELD FLY, IF FAIR - THE BATTER IS OUT”

Once an Infield Fly is declared: o if the hit becomes a foul ball, no penalty, treat like any other foul ball o if the hit remains a fair ball the batter is out regardless of whether the ball is caught or not

the ball remains alive the runners may advance at their own risk

o if the fly ball is caught, they must tag up

o if the fly ball is not caught, they can choose to advance but as the batter has already been declared out there is no force

play

8. Lead-off (Pitcher’s Circle) The Pitcher’s Circle is the area within an 8’ radius of the pitcher’s plate - the lines are considered within the

circle. The common misconception is that if the ball is thrown back to the pitcher and he/she has it in his/her

position in the pitcher’s circle before the batter-runner reaches first base that the batter-runner must stop at first base.

Even though the ball may be in the pitcher’s possession in the pitcher’s circle, the batter-runner may: o continue past first base. o is entitled to run toward second base, as long as he/she does not stop at first base.

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o once the runner makes a stop, he/she must immediately proceed to the next base or return to his/her base UNLESS the pitcher makes a play (including a fake throw) on the runner or another runner.

o If the runner stops and simply stands there off the base while the pitcher has possession of the ball in the pitcher’s circle and no play is made - “DEAD BALL - RUNNER IS OUT - LEAD-OFF”

o If the runner stops and then makes a move in more than one direction immediately after the stop while the pitcher has possession of the ball in the pitcher’s circle and no play is made “DEAD BALL - RUNNER IS OUT - LEAD-OFF”

Points of Emphasis: The pitcher cannot force the first stop by a runner merely by having possession of the ball in the pitcher’s

circle. Put another way - the runner is allowed one stop - as soon as he/she stops he/she must make a decision immediately to either advance or return.

A play on the runner (including a fake throw) nullifies any penalty - put another way, every fake throw allows the runner one more stop.

9. Difference between Interference/Obstruction Interference:

Typically an act by an offensive player. Also possible to have umpire interference and spectator interference. Results in “Dead Ball” being called (exception - umpire interference). Results in an out if by an offensive player. Common misconception - catcher’s interference is actually catcher’s obstruction.

Obstruction: Is an act by a defensive player. Results in a delayed dead ball. Award is determined at the end of the play (exception - if the obstructed runner is called out). An obstruction call does not entitle the obstructed runner to keep attempting to advance until played upon.

These two rules require: o an immediate call when either interference or obstruction occurs - do not hesitate, these are

not the type of calls to be made after the fact. o a decisive call

Contact does not always mean interference or obstruction occurred. There is such a thing as incidental contact - 2 players both unsure of where to go and contact is made. Rule 8.10(c) states that the runner is not out when more than one fielder attempts to field a batted ball and the runner comes in contact with the one who, in the umpire’s judgment, was not entitled to field the ball.

TIP - when contact occurs and in the umpire’s judgment that neither interference nor obstruction occurred, make a “SAFE” signal with no verbal call - shows that you saw it and you made your decision that no call was necessary.

GIVE RESPECT TO GET RESPECT

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INCIDENT FORMThis form is to be filled out for any incident that occurs within Saskatchewan minor Softball League to include:

Ejections from any games or tournaments Includes of travesty of the game or incidents that are detrimental to the game of softball. IE: players, coaches, umpires or parents.

DATE: _______________LOCATION: _____________________LEAGUE:____________Visiting Team:___________________Coach:____________________Phone:___________Home Team:____________________Coach:____________________Phone:___________Umpires:_____________________________________________Phone:_____________________________________________________________Phone:________________

Description of Incident: ________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________

PLAYER:

Section A Any ejection from a game within SMSL has the following criteria1. Umpire abuse 2. Player abuse 3. Language abuseCarries an automatic 1 game suspension with a $ 25 fee for an appeal

Section B SECOND EJECTION WITHIN SAME SEASON WITH SAME CRITERIA AS SECTION ACarries an automatic 2 game suspension with a $ 25 fee for an appeal

Section C THIRD EJECTION WITHIN SAME SEASON and criteria as Section A and Section B will carry an automatic indefinite suspension with right to a hearing. There will be a report sent to Softball Saskatchewan. Notice of appeal must be in writing accompanied by $ 25 within 7 days.

Section D FIGHTING Indefinite suspension, report to Softball Sask. and notice of appeal in writing within 7 days accompanied by $ 25

NOTE: All ejections need to be recorded on game sheet

COACHES:

Section A Any ejection from a game within SMSL has the following criteria1. Umpire abuse 2. Player abuse 3. Language abuseCarries an automatic 1 game suspension with no appeal.

Section B Second ejection within same season from game with some criteria of Section A will carry an automatic 2 game suspension with no appeal.Section C Third ejection within same season with some criteria of Section A & B will carry indefinite suspensions and reported to Softball Sask. Notice

of appeal must be in writing within 7 days for the right to committee hearing.

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ATHLETIC ACCIDENT CLAIM FORM

(Please Print)

_____________________________________________________________________Last Name First Name Birthdate

___________________________________________________________________________Mailing Address Postal Code

__________________________________________________________________________Name of Parent Home Phone Business Phone

Date of Accident: _____________________ Location: _______________________

Team: _______________________________ Division: _______________________

Attending Physician or Dentist: __________________________Hosp # ________________

Describe in full how the accident happened:

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Coaches Name: _____________________________________________________________

Phone: (Home)__________________________ (Business) _______________________

Coaches/Manager Signature: __________________________________________________

Witness Signature: __________________________________________________________

INSURANCE CLAIM FORMS CAN BE PICKED UP FROM THE S.M.S.L. OFFICE TO BE SUBMITTED TO SASKATOON MINOR SOFTBALL WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE ACCIDENT

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