What kind of league is the Blackburn Ladies Softball League?
The Blackburn Ladies Softball League is a recreational league that presents women with the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle while creating lasting friendships.
- We are a ladies 18 + orthodox softball league.
- We allow stealing, sliding, and have a commitment line between 3rd and home.
- We do not tag at the plate to avoid potential injuries.
- Our pitches are slower than windmill but faster than slopitch.
When and where do you play?
We play Monday and or Wednesdays, either 6:30 PM or 8:30 PM. Our league games and tournament games are all played at the softball diamond behind the Lois Kemp Arena in Blackburn Hamlet, at 200 Glen Park Drive. Bring your lawn chair and come cheer us on!
How much does it cost to play?
The registration cost for the 2024 season is $250 per full time player. Player registration fees will include your league pre-season, regular season, playoff games and end of the year banquet party ticket. (Players on our spares list who are not registered as full time players pay $15.00 to be on the spare list). For more information please contact Meg Vanderbeken at blslvicepresident@gmail.com
How do I register?
Once player season registration is open; please complete the online registration form and send payment by:
- E-transfer to blsltreasurer2@gmail.com
- Payment options available at our in-person registration nights (stay tuned for dates)
- cheque payable to "Blackburn Ladies Softball League"
- cash
- cheque
- installments payments
What is the cancellation policy?
Refunds will be provided to players that withdraw prior to the start of regular season games, subject to the following administration fees:
- Before April 1st: $5.00 administration fee
- From April 1st until start of regular season: $35.00 administration fee, plus a prorated amount for any pre-season games where the player was scheduled to attend.
Once regular season games have begun, no refund is available.
How old must I be to play?
You must be 18+ to play.
How do I know if I’m registered for the league?
Your registration will be considered completely when your payment is received. Once complete, you will be sent an email with details for our opening night, where you will receive your jersey, and meet your team.
If you are a new player to the league, you will also be invited to join us for evaluations. (Don’t worry, everyone makes it!) By evaluating new players we are able to create equal teams for better play throughout the season.
I’ve never played softball before, is this the right league for me?
Yes! We believe it’s never too late to learn how to play softball.
Can I play on the same team as my friends?
We cannot guarantee that you will be on the same team as your friends. If it is your first year in the league we will try our best to accommodate your request. The unique make-up of our league takes individual registrations and builds diverse, yet equally skilled teams from all players. The idea is to form teams with players of all abilities, creating an environment with more interesting game play, and healthy competition. Plus it’s a great way to make new friends!
How do I meet other players in the league?
Throughout the year the Blackburn Ladies Softball League hosts or participates in events so players from all teams can interact. These vary from year-to-year, but can include social nights such as axe throwing or trivia, volunteer events like the Blackburn Hamlet FunFair, and our Annual Fun Tournament (held in July). Plus many of our players will come early (or stay late) to watch games from the bleachers, or bring a camp chair to cheer us on from the hill.
How do I find out what team I play on?
Every registered player is invited to our opening night, where you receive your jersey and meet your team. It is a casual night out, and a great way to connect with other players. (If you cannot make opening night, a member of the executive team will contact you.)
What equipment do I need to bring?
A softball glove is the only required piece of equipment you need, although we do strongly recommend softball cleats, as we play in gravel. You may also choose to bring batting gloves or a ball cap.
You are welcome to bring additional equipment, such as a pitching mask, catchers gear, and bats, but all of these are provided by the league. Please note, if you bring a bat, it must meet the Softball Canada regulations. (Umpires frequently check the bats, so please consult Softball Canada before purchasing.)
How do I know if my bat is allowed?
Any player purchasing a bat acknowledges that they do so at their own cost, and there is a risk that the bat may be deemed illegal by the umpire at any game, either due to damage or changes to certification stamps. You can check the Softball Canada list of approved bats, but please note this list can change year-to-year, so check at the beginning of each season.
How can I sign up to spare?
Spares are often required in our league during summer holidays. Players can register to be on the spares list by completing the “Spares Registration” form online. Please note spares do not have to pay to register, but are required to pay a $15 registration fee at the beginning of the season. Once payment is received, spares will be contacted on an as needed basis. Payment can be made by: e-transfer to blsltreasurer2@gmail.com. (This is paid by e-transfer to blsltreasurer2@gmail.com or cash (exact change) to the team rep at the field.) For more information please contact blslvicepresident@gmail.com
