Posted on June 26th, 2020
After much debate, the Board of Directors of Softball Valley made the unfortunate decision to keep the ballpark closed until further notice. There was simply not enough interest from the teams to make it viable to operate under the restrictions outlined by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the City of Lethbridge.
Less than 20% of the teams that play here were willing, or able to participate in a season under the phase 2 opening guidelines. Many of the teams that responded that they were not interested in playing were concerned about the covid virus. The cohort restriction and local teams only were another large factor in teams decisions to not play. These guidelines were directed by AHS and the City of Leth. and were completely out of our control.
It is always our intention to put the health and safety of our players and staff above all else. Financially, we needed a certain number of teams to make it viable for us to open and follow the covid protocols. There is a large initial start up cost for us and the added covid expense, the costs were difficult to justify with so few teams. We were not going to cheap out on the covid protocols as we wanted to ensure everyone’s safety. This also led to a major concern regarding legalities and possible litigation.
We were not trying to run at a profit but could also not risk operating at a loss given our current financial situation.
My apologies to those teams that did sign up to play and thank you for your efforts. As my team was one of the ones that was willing to play, I know how it feels. We all look forward to playing softball and hanging out at the ballpark so this is a sad ( but necessary)decision. Hopefully phase 3 comes soon and if the restrictions change,we can try to get a few games in.
Hank
Softball Valley.
Posted on June 16th, 2020
Bear with us as we are trying to find our way through this.
We will send out more info as we get it.
We are looking at July 6 as the start date with the season to end late August.
After more research and many meetings with AHS and the City, we now have the following protocols to follow
for league play.
Please read them VERY carefully and determine if your team is still able/willing to play.
There will be no “loss of spots” should your team not play. However, saying your team is IN and
then bailing out at the last minute will not be tolerated. So be certain.
We will need an answer ASAP so we can get an idea on the number of teams.
There needs to be a certain amount of teams to make it viable for Softball Valley to open.
Note, these are protocols for the games only and we will have protocols in place for the diamonds to ensure the
safety of all participants.
These are the rules………………………
1) Maximum cohort of 50 people
We would break down the cohort to 4 teams of maximum 12 players. You would only play other teams within your cohort.
Games would be double headers where you play the same team twice to minimize movement from dugout to dugout.
You would play 1 night per week.
Players would only be allowed to play on 1 team and that includes playing another sport (soccer, hockey, etc.)
if you do play another sport you will need to quarantine for 14 days.
So, be sure you have 12 dedicated players as you will not be allowed any pickups or extra players.
ALL PLAYERS WILL NEED TO REGISTER AND SIGN A WAIVER ( so there can be no legal action against
Softball Valley or the sport organization)
PLAYER ATTENDANCE WILL BE TAKEN EVERY NIGHT.
If someone within the cohort test positive for covid, the entire cohort might be forced to quarantine.
Also, if you are the person found to bring covid to the cohort, you may be legally responsible.
2) No player from outside the immediate Lethbridge area. This would mean places like Coaldale, Coalhurst,
would be considered within the area.
Taber, Cardston, Fort Macleod, Magrath would be considered outside the area.
3) League fees will be determined once we know the number of games each team will play. Anticipate
that your league fees will be 60-70% of your normal fees. Although the number of games is reduced, some of the “fixed” costs
remain the same.
4) Chidren and spectators will be required to stay at the diamond of the cohort they are associated with. The playground
will remain CLOSED. Proper social distancing protocols will need to be followed. NO SPECTATORS ( or children) IN THE
DUGOUTS OR ON THE DIAMONDS
THE CITY OF LETHBRIDGE AND ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO REVOKE ANY PLAY IF THERE
ARE ANY COMPLAINTS OR VIOLATIONS.
Some of the rules specific to Softball valley we will have in place are…..
Staggered game start times. odd # diamonds start at 6:15 even numbers start at 6:30. This is to reduce congestion coming and going.
The courtyard will be open to a limited number of people and social distance protocols will be followed ( 6 people to a table max)
If you are going directly to the parking lot you will exit beside diamond 10.
NO SUNFLOWER SEEDS OR CHEWING TOBACCO.
We will have disinfectant at various areas around the park, but you will be required to bring your own for your team and equipment.
Bats and balls will need to be cleaned as often as possible. Each team will use their own softball when they are on defence. Players
are encouraged to use their own bat.
The diamond lights and roadway lights will not be turned on this season in order to save cost (demand fees $800.00 per month)
and so people will not be able to stay too long.
We realize there are probably questions you have regarding some of the details of the game, we will expand on these once we get the leagues up and running. Until that time please hold your questions unless they will make the difference of your team entering or not.
WE WILL NEED TO KNOW BY 6:00 P.M JUNE 24 IF YOU ARE IN OR OUT.
PLEASE LET US KNOW BY EMAIL WHAT YOU HAVE DECIDED TO DO AS WE WILL NOT BE CHASING TEAMS DOWN.
thanks Hank
Softball valley
Posted on June 12th, 2020
AHS has moved the Province in to phase 2 of the recovery plan. I know there is some more excitement about possibly getting back to softball.
This is not as easy as it seems as there are several guidelines we need to look into. These are all designed to control the numbers of people that are in groups (cohorts as the govt. calls them). This is to make it easier to track the spread of covid should some one be infected.
- they are suggesting “mini” leagues of no more then 50 players. This would mean 4 teams of 12 players max. and they would only play each other. We assume once we move to phase 3 of the opening we would be able to expand this number of teams
- maximum capacity of 100 people. We are trying to determine if this would be the max,. for the entire park or just a diamond.
- you will only be allowed to play on 1 team. Either Mens, Ladies or Mixed but not 2 teams. Despite what the league rules are.
- there is a rule specifying local teams only and we are looking to see if that includes the county. As of now we are being told it will only be Lethbridge teams/players
We would also need some lead time to get the diamonds ready and the park covid approved. As well, the leagues would need time to organize and schedule. But, we are hopeful there will be a season in some form or other.
Check with your teams and players to be sure they are able to play under these guidelines. Also, if any players or teams are not comfortable playing with the risk of covid they will not lose there spot in the league going forward.
Once we do get approval for play, YOU WILL NEED TO LET US KNOW IMMEDIATLY AS TO THE STATUS OF YOUR TEAM REGARDING IF THEY ARE IN OR OUT. We will not be able to wait for decisions and will also be looking to get entry fees quickly.
STAY HEALTHY AND PRACTICE YOUR SOCIAL DISTANCING SO WE CAN GET BACK TO (what passes for) NORMAL.
Hank
Softball Valley.
