The Kamsack Minor Ball Association, which had re-introduced the sport to the community last year, which was a very successful year, is preparing for its second season.
With overwhelming numbers of well over 100 athletes registering, it was, by all accounts a successful re-introduction of ball to Kamsack and area, said Chantel Kitchen, association secretary.
“As we enter the upcoming season, we need to look at ways to improve and build upon what has been started,” Kitchen said, explaining that the current executive had met during the week of February 20 to make some important decisions.
One of the decisions made was to align the ages of groups in Kamsack with Baseball Sask, Kitchen said. In doing so, the age groups from last year will be slightly changed. The age groups moving forward for this season will include: Learn to Play (children born in 2011-2012);
Rally Cap (children born in 2008-2010); Mosquito (born in 2006-2007), and Peewee (2004-2005).
“While these age groups will be the basis of our program this year, there is a possibility of adding a parents and tots group for kids born in 2013 if there are coaches who would like to organize that,” she said. “While these children were included in the Learn to Play program last year, after evaluating the season, coaches decided that children under the age of four (2013 birthdays) are simply not ready to play the sport without one-on-one parent support.
Baseball Sask also has bantam (2002-2003) and midget (2000-2001) age groups, but unless there is interest from older athletes and coaches for these age groups, Kamsack Minor Ball will not operate teams in these age groups at this time, she said.
The large demand last year and overwhelming numbers made one-on-one coaching and individual help very minimal, so at the meeting it was decided that in order to maximize skill development and minimize management issues, teams will be capped at 15 players per team with a minimum of two coaches per team.
“While we have a small base of volunteer coaches returning from last year, in order for all interested players in Kamsack and area to be able to play we will need a much larger volunteer base,” Kitchen said. Coaches are needed in all of the listed age groups.
“In order for your child to play, we need your help,” she said. Those people who come forward to coach will have a guaranteed spot for their children to play, provided registration forms and fees are turned in.
“We also gladly welcome community coaches in addition to parents,” she said, explaining that if one is able to help out with coaching, he or she may contact her at chantel.kitchen@gssd.ca to have his or her name added to the list.
The minor ball association will pay for any fees associated with coaching, including coaching clinics and registration.
Registrations for athletes will be taken at the town office from April 7 to 13 and will be time and date stamped, with athletes being assigned to teams on a first come, first served basis, she said. Only registrations that are accompanied by fees will be accepted.
Should there be more registrations in an age group than there is room for on confirmed teams, athletes will be placed on a wait list until further volunteer coaches come forward.
Registration forms will be made available on the Town of Kamsack website and the Kamsack Ball Facebook page, as well as in print form at the town office as of April 7.
“In addition to requiring additional coaches, we will also be requiring umpires as our athletes move into playing games against each other and neighbouring towns,” Kitchen said. “We will be hosting an AGM at Victoria School in the library on April 5. All those who are able to volunteer to coach, umpire or serve on the executive committee are asked to attend.
“We look forward to seeing you there.”
