Middle – Essex Softball League

1. Middle – Essex Softball League The Middle – Essex Softball League is the largest softball league in all of New England. In 2012 we featured over 200 teams across seven divisions. Visit us online: We’re also on Facebook www.eteamz.com/middleessex

2. Our Annual Meeting… • Is held the Sunday before Memorial Day. This year it will be on May 19, 2013. Exact details will be posted on the website. • Teams are expected to enroll at the annual meeting. • League management will then process the paperwork and get everything ready for the season. • We are driven by information…please supply yours when it is due so the process runs smoothly!

3. Divisions • A players’ “Softball Age” is determined by how old she is on January 1, 2012. • We offer play in the following age groups. • 10U • 12U • 14U • 18U • Each age group has an “A Division” and a “B Division” • We do not offer 16U, the reality is the 18B division is made up mostly of players in that age group.

4. Registration Process • A Team Registration Form is posted in the Handouts section of the league website. • Each team must submit a form at the annual meeting. • You should give careful consideration to whether you’ll play in the A or B Division. Misplaced teams cause much frustration. • Payment is accepted at the meeting, but can also be paid at the time you pick up your league materials…or anytime in between.

5. Registration Fees • The fee to enroll a team in the Middle – Essex Softball League is $475. • In addition, any player who does not already have individual insurance through the ASA must purchase insurance. • The cost for insurance is $11.00 per player. • Each team should insure at least one coach.

6. Your Registration Fee Covers… • Umpire Fees • One dozen Softballs • Expenses related to our All Star Games • A rule book and scorebook • Costs related to the league website • Administrative office expenses • A per team fee for the President…plus one large bottle of Advil • Give-backs for our Division Champions • A college scholarship for a graduating senior

7. Our Season • Play begins during the week of June 24, 2013 • You play twice per week (typically one home and one away) for seven weeks. • We do not schedule games on weekends. • Game time is 6:15 PM. • Games under the lights are allowed as well. • Teams must play by the schedule…or take a forfeit. This strict policy solves more problems than it creates.

8. Forfeits • Teams creating the forfeit must pay the umpire. • If you forfeit three times in one season your team is out of the league. • Forfeits are bad!

9. The Schedule • Creating our schedule is a complicated process. It’s a full time job for about three weeks. • The more home field availability your team has, the easier it is to fit your games into the schedule. • You can reschedule rained out games up until the Tuesday after the end of the season. – This year it’s August 13th.

10. The ASA – Amateur Softball Association • Is our governing body… We play by their rules. • Our By-Laws contain several exceptions to the ASA rules. In that case, our By-Law takes priority. • Insurance through the ASA’s Bollinger program is required of all participants. • The ASA Commissioner and his staff serve as my consultants for protests and disputes. • The league hires ASA umpires to work our games.

11. Umpires are your Friends • Treat them well! • Communication with umpire assigners is essential. • Their information will be provided to you. • You will receive a supply of checks to pay the umpires. • Sometimes an umpire fails to show…Please recruit a knowledgeable volunteer to work the game and pay him or her for their efforts.

12. The League Website • www.eteamz.com/middleessex • The site is a great tool for your team and fans • The league will provide your team with a website, based off the league’s main page. • You must provide the league with one or two people who will manage your team’s website. • The league will grant them Admin rights. • Your site must display current contact information for your coaching staff. • The winning team must post the score so our standings will always be up to date.

13. All Star Games • This is our signature event. • They are always held on the first Saturday of August • Each team sends a certain number of players to the All Star Games. • That number is determined the week before the games. • Last year’s event featured over 475 players!! • Detailed information telling how the process works will be posted on the website.

14. The Bottom Line… • We hope you will join us this year. • Once you provide your team registration form, detailing coaches contact information and field availability, you can focus on getting your team ready. • We’ll do all the administrative work for you. • During the season be sure to check the website often and keep your team’s info up to date. • One last thought…

15. Sportsmanship… • Playing and coaching in the Middle –Essex Softball League is fun. • While the games are important…this is youth softball. • There is NO REASON for anyone to lose his or her temper at a summer softball game. Violations will not be tolerated. • Stay cool and applaud great plays on both sides of the diamond. • Enjoy the friendly level of competition that has made our league so successful. • Email any questions to league President Jeff Strong at middleessex@aol.com