Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION

How do I get a registration form?

Complete the registration form that is available on our website that is available on the House League Registration page or come to one of our in-person registration days.

How can I register my child for softball this season?

There are 4 ways to register (1) Complete fillable PDF Registration Form and email along with your e-transfer, (2) You may register in person by attending one of our registration dates. (3) Send in your registration form by mail (4261-A14 Hwy 7, Suite 102, Markham ON, L3R 9W6).

Can I use one cheque for all of my children?

Yes! We only require ONE cheque for all registration fees or ONE interac e-transfer for mulitple children including Clinics and Umpire registration fees.

Do I get a receipt?

Yes. A hard copy of the receipt is issued with player photos in mid July. – Please make sure you have noted which parent/guardian the receipt is issued to on the application. This will include all house league, select and clinic fees. If the address of this parent is different than the players address, please e-mail us the appropriate address.

My children (or our friends) are assigned to different divisions because they are born in different years. Can they play in the same division? What if they are shorter or taller? What if we can’t play on our assigned night?

UMSA, like the education system follows birth years as placement for children. Children will only be moved to be placed in a “grade appropriate” division.   If your child’s birth year does not match their grade, you must make the request to move your child in writing.  UMSA will require proof from your child’s school.

My children are in the same division, can you guarantee they will be on the same team?

Yes! Siblings in the same division will be placed automatically on the same team. Each child may make their own mutual request. In this case please indicate on your form near mutual request line, that they have a sibling in the same division. A mite girl and mite boy however are in different divisions therefore not on the same team.

Can I pay by credit card?

No. Only accepted methods of payment include: cheque, interac e-tranfer, or cash (at in-person registrations only.)  Cheques made payable to UMSA. No postdated cheques. UMSA has chosen not to use credit cards to keep overhead costs down.

Can I register online?

Yes. Registrations forms can be accessed online via our fillable PDF Registration Forms that are privately monitored and sent directly to our Registrar at our association email umsa@rogers.com. Your child’s information does NOT get sent to a third party.

It is past the final in-person registration date, may I still register?

Yes. You may register up until April 30th to be guaranteed a spot. It is rare that we are unable to accommodate players who register in May. However, we have capped divisions in the past. Also after May 1st you forgo your mutual teammate request and may not receive a refund if withdrawing afterwards.

MUTUAL REQUESTS

My child wants to play with their friend, is that possible?

As long as your child and their friend are in the same division, they can request to be together. Mutual means that they both need to ask for each other. For example: Vanessa requests Andrea, and Andrea requests Vanessa. Please note, if you request multiple teammate requests for your child, only the first request will be entered. It is best to talk to others you know who are playing with so that you can discuss the mutual request to avoid disappointment.

Our friend signed up a month ago, but we want to be on their team. What can we do?

Please write your requested teammate’s name on your form. Have the other child’s parents email their consent to having your child as their child’s mutual teammate request. UMSA will enter the information into the database once the email is received and if the teammate request spot is available. Remember, only one request per person and it must be mutual!

My daughter’s friend is a boy born in the same year, can they play together?

Our only co-ed divisions are Blast T-ball, T-3 Pitch, Coach Pitch and Five Pitch. All other teams from mite and up are all male, and all female teams.

Can my teammate request be a coach?

No. However, if a chance of being on a certain coaches team for personal reasons would affect your child’s play, please request in writing for your child NOT to be placed with this coach.

My child needs to be on the same teams as 2 other children for carpooling reasons, can this happen?

UMSA only allows one mutual request per child. As part of our policy there must always be a responsible adult or older sibling at the diamond for each child under the age of 16.

REFUNDS

Our child decided that they do not want to play softball it is June 10th, how much money can I get back?

Unfortunately nothing. Please review our refund policy prior to registering. As a not-for-profit organization, all fees that come in, very quickly go out to cover various costs.

TEAMS

Who picks the teams?

All UMSA teams are drafted by a selection committee. This committee does not include coaches.

Our hockey team works really well together, can we make our own softball team?

No. UMSA has a selection committee which drafts teams. We encourage all players to meet new friends over the summer. Perhaps you may choose to pair off into mutual requests!

My child does not like his/her team colour, can we switch?

No.

After our first practice, the other team looked better, can I switch my child?

Many hours go into drafting each UMSA team. It is a careful blend of new and returning players, mutual request, females and males as well as players of all birth years in that division. Ratings from previous year coaches as well as from the indoor opening practice in early May are also taken into consideration when teams are being drafted. Unfortunately not every team can be ‘the winning team’. UMSA strives to have teams that are balanced so that everyone can enjoy their summer playing softball, making friends and learning new skills.

COACHES, SPONSORS, CONVENORS!

My wife signed me up to be a coach, but I am not sure I am best suited for it?

UMSA welcomes new and returning coaches. We offer a coaching clinic for all coaches as well as parents who are interested in learning coaching skills as they hope to help or assist over the season. It is a goal to have 2-3 coaches for each team, therefore if you are unavailable one week another coach can take on your responsibilities.

What is the coach and assistant coach responsible for?

The coach and assistant coach(es) work together. The coach prepares the line up for each game as well as carries the equipment bag to and from the diamond. The coach and assistant coach(es) help players on the bases with running and positioning on the field. Both coach and assistant coaches assist with skill development throughout the season. Assistant coaches can assist with line up and taking the equipment bag if the coach is unavailable.

What does a Convenor do?

The Convenor is the liaison between the division and the board. They are to attend meetings, help with team drafting, seek sponsors and coaches, player recruitment, etc. Some Convenors sit as a director on our board. Convenors bring issues from the divisions and teams to the board. Convenors also will deliver notes and uniforms to teams over the season. On Opening Day, Convenors will help with food tickets, trophies, etc. No softball experience is needed for this position.

What is a sponsor?

A sponsor can be individuals or businesses that support UMSA by sponsoring a team. Sponsors will receive their logo on a team’s uniform as well as team photo plaque. Their name and website will appear on UMSA’s website as advertisement. If you are a parent who is sponsoring, you will automatically sponsor your child’s team. Sponsor prices range depending on the number of teams. Sponsors are able to choose their uniform colour (first come first serve). Please contact UMSA if you have any questions or wish to sponsor.

OPENING DAY

What is Opening Fun & Photo Day?

Opening Fun & Photo Day is the official start of our season. This year it occurs on Saturday June 9th. Children will play 2 games during the day as well as have their team and individual photos taken. Provided there are sufficient volunteers to run our Opening Fun & Photo Day events, all players and coaches will receive a lunch coupon for their free lunch provided by UMSA volunteers. There will be raffle fundraiser and special events happening throughout the day.

My child will not be able to attend the photo session. Can he/she still have a team and individual photo taken?

Team photos are only taken on Opening Fun & Photo Day. Your child may have an individual photo near the end of June on our Photo Re-take Day.

EQUIPMENT

My child gets a full uniform what does this include?

All players will receive a cap, team jersey and pants.

What kind of equipment does my child need for the season?

Your child is provided with use of a team equipment bag, which includes helmets, bats, balls and catchers equipment. Your child will need their own glove which can be purchased from a sports store. If you wish to purchase your child their own helmet, it must be CSA approved with a cage. We do not recommend that you purchase your own bat, as we supply various bats for each team. For children under 8, cleats are not recommended, their regular running shoes are a must for this age group.  Older children may prefer cleats.

How do I know what hand the glove goes on for my child?

If your child writes with their right hand, they will usually throw with their right hand. Which means their glove will go on their left hand. Take your child to a sports store and try on gloves to get a proper fit.

My child wants cleats, do they need them?

For children under 8, cleats are not recommended, their regular running shoes are a must for this age group.  Older children may prefer cleats. Make sure you are using baseball cleats …. not soccer cleats!

My daughter wants to wear shorts instead of pants?

No. Players must wear the full uniform provided, which consists of pants, jersey and cap. Proper uniform is included in our insurance policy.

INfrequently Asked Questions

How may I help?

UMSA is always looking for volunteers in various positions. We have many positions that require no softball knowledge or experience such as: equipment distribution, diamond upkeep, uniform package and distribution, special events, fun centre, convenor, fundraising, closing and opening fun & photo day set up and food prep, give away preparation, seeking sponsorship, registration, etc. Coaching and assistant coaching are also volunteer positions and UMSA will offer coaching clinics to those who are interested.