The GOFL regular season in now in the books for 2010. The final standings will be as follows:

1. Kars Aces 16-3-0 32pts
2. Quyon Combat Flyers 14-4-3 31pts
3. Carp I4C Victory 11-7-3 25pts
4. Stittsville 56ers 11-9-1 23pts
5. Barrhaven Broadway Blues 7-12-2 16pts
6. Ottawa Blitz 6-13-2 14pts
7. Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric 6-14-1 13pts
8. North Gower Marlboroughs 2-11-6 10pts

First round matchups are best-of-three and will be as follows.

Kars vs North Gower
Since the final doubleheader of the season will not be played between these two teams in the interest of getting the playoffs started, the Aces and Marlies only faced each other once this season, a 10-3 win for Kars on July 6.
Game 1: North Gower at Kars - Weds Aug 11 in Manotick 9pm
Game 2: Kars at North Gower - Tues Aug 17 in North Gower 8pm
Game 3: TBD

Quyon vs Fitzroy Harbour
The cross-border rivals will face each other in a series affected by the fact that the Flyers will be at the ISC Worlds in Michigan, hence the long break between game 1 and game 2. The season series was lopsided this season, as Quyon defeated WC Electric by scores of 7-0 on May 6, 8-0 on June 18, and 7-3 in the Harbour Days game on July 2.
Game 1: Fitzroy at Quyon - Tues Aug 10 in Quyon 7:30pm
Game 2: Quyon at Fitzroy - Mon Aug 23 in Fitzroy 7:30pm
Game 3: Fitzroy at Quyon - Tues Aug 24 in Quyon 7:30pm (if necessary)

Carp vs. Ottawa
While these two teams were separated by 11 points in the standings, the season series was evenly split. The first game was a 5-5 tie on May 12, Carp won 8-2 on June 10 and the Blitz won 6-4 on July 22.
Game 1: Carp at Blitz - Wed Aug 11 in Manotick 7pm
Game 2: Blitz at Carp - Thur Aug 12 in Carp 8:30pm
Game 3: TBD

Stittsville vs. Barrhaven
The 56ers had the advantage in this series, taking two games and tying another. The doubleheader on June 9 was a sweep by Stittsville with a 9-2 win in the opener and a 2-0 rain shortened victory in the nightcap. On July 7 the teams tied at 8-8.
Game 1: Barrhaven at Stittsville - Wed Aug 11 in Stittsville 8:30pm
Game 2: Stittsville at Barrhaven - Wed Aug 18 in Manotick 8pm
Game 3: TBD

The 3rd Annual Gil Read Memorial Fastball Tournament is now only two weeks away!!! The tournament is being held at the Carp Fairgrounds in West Carleton from July 23rd to the 25th and will showcase some of the best fastball players in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. Here is the link for directions, http://tiny.cc/carpdirections. For those of you not familiar with the Gil Read Memorial Foundation, our objective is to give back to local athletes who are unable to afford their respective sports for various reasons. Please visit our website at www.gilreadmemorial.com .

We are still short about 20 to 25 volunteers and could use your support. If you are interested in selling some tickets, flipping a hamburger or two or even announcing or scorekeeping a game we would love you hear from you! – For players I’ve included in this email, if your significant other or any family member would like to help out, please let us know. The volunteer shift is only 4 hours long (or 2 games if you’re announcing or scorekeeping) and all the proceeds go to the charity.

If you, or somebody you know is interested, please contact me by email at aread@lwlaw.com AND Peter Read at pread@rogers.com who will be organizing all the time slots. We’d love to have your support.

For those of you who would simply like to help out by attending the tournament to watch a game or two and enjoy a cold beer and burger, we’ll see you at the park in a couple of weeks.

If you would like more information, Please let me know.

Thanks to everyone for all your help.

Al Read

West Carleton Electric 4 Barrhaven 3
West Carleton Electric defeated Barrhaven Broadway Blues 4-3 in GOFL action on Tuesday night in Fitzroy Harbour.

Andy Barber had the win, while Paul Ceppi took the loss.

The game remained scoreless through four as both pitchers scattered hits and kept the teams off the scoreboard.

Barrhaven plated three in the top of the fifth to stake out a lead. Trevor Power singled to lead off, and was moved to second on Don Cox's sac bunt. Lindsay Medynski's RBI single scored Power. Then Rob Soublier pulled a ball deep to left centre for a two run homer to put the Blues up 3-0.

The Electric responded with two in the bottom of the frame. Adam Brown reached on an error to lead things off, and moved to second showing his wheels (?) on a wild pitch. Beef Johnson's double cashed Brown and Johnson scored on Neil Murphy's RBI single to put the 'Trics within one.

Joe Allan's lead off double in the sixth looked like potential for the Blues, but the midget-aged and midget-height Barber shut the door with a pop fly, strike out and grounder.

Ceppi retired the Trics in order in the bottom of six and Barber did the same in the top of seven to set up the final frame.

Barber led off with a bunt single, and the young chucker advanced to second on the misplayed throw to first. Barber then moved to third on Johnson's ground out to Ceppi. The game was ended in dramatic fashion when Tric's first baseman Dave Bahm stroked a long shot to left field for the walk off homer to win the game for West Carleton Electric.

The Kars Aces defeated West Carleton Electric 8-4 in GOFL play on Monday night in Fitzroy Harbour.

Chris Hall had the win with relief from Brad Porter while Troy Wilson went the distance for Fitzroy.

Dave Tubman's homer in the top of the first put Kars up 1-0.

WC Electric responded in the bottom of the first. Jon Daley singled, moved to third on two wild pitches and scored on Neil Murphy's grounder.

Kars took the lead in the second. Kurtis Summers walked, stole second, and scored on Matt Alkerton's RBI single.

The third Kars run was in the fourth. Chad Milne singled, moved to second on Summers' walk, stole third and came home on Cory Alkerton's RBI single.

The Aces added another in the fifth courtesy of Tubman's second solo HR of the game to go up 4-1.

Matt Alkerton's solo shot in the sixth put the Aces up 5-1 and proved to be the winning run.

WC Electric responded in the bottom of the frame to make the score close. Derek Barber reached on a fielder's choice with two out and Jeff Barber walked. Troy Wilson's RBI double score both brothers, then Mitch Taylor's single scored Wilson to tighten things to 5-4.

In the top of the seventh, the speedy Kristian Knapp legged out an infield single and Kevin Chevrier singled. Both runners moved 60ft on a wild pitch - then Dave Tubman dribbled a 3-0 pitch about 10 feet in front of home and was thrown out at first, but drove in Knappp. Chad Milne's two run homer then put the Aces out in front 8-4.

Porter came in to throw the bottom of the seventh and seal the win.

Kars Aces
Kristian Knapp 2-4 R 2B
Dave Tubman 2-4 2R 2HR 3RBI
Chad Milne 3-4 2R HR 2RBI
Kurtis Summers R 2BB
Matt Alkerton 2-3 R 2B HR 2RBI

Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric
Jeff Barber R 2BB
Troy Wilson R 2B 2RBI
Mitchell Taylor 2-3 RBI

After a short delay, the stats on the site now appear to be working. Teams will be entering them from their past few games, so I expect that they will be up to date in less than a week. if there are any issues, let me know.

League Meeting:
- All nine teams from the 2009 season confirmed that they are returning, with one change: Greely Eagles are becoming "North Gower Marlboroughs"
- Home diamonds and nights are as follows, generally speaking:
- WC Electric: Fitzroy Harbour on Tuesday
- Manotick: Manotick on Wednesday
- Blitz: Manotick on Wednesday
- Stittsville: Stittsville on Wednesday
- Easton: to be determined, to advise
- I4C Victory: Carp on Thursday
- Quyon: Quyon on Thursday (note change from Tuesday)
- Orleans: Orleans Pierre Rocque Park on Thursday
- North Gower: North Gower on Tuesday
- Adam has volunteered to create the schedule. Teams were asked to forward any special scheduling requests to Adam. North Gower indicated that they want to play on Canada Day, possibly against Easton once again. Gary asked that we be aware of the dates for the Canadian Junior Nationals (first week of August) as Orleans could have several players away.
- Doubleheaders will be scheduled whenever practical. Manotick will continue to host a doubleheader every Wednesday. Other locations (Carp, Fitzroy Harbour) should also be able to host some double dips and Anil indicated that North Gower may be able to host some doubleheaders this year as well.
- Regular season will start the first week of May, with the original schedule running for 12 weeks with rainout make ups and playoffs to follow.
- Teams will play an unbalanced schedule of 20 games, similar to last season, ensuring that opponents played three times in 2009 are played twice in 2010 and vice versa.
- Anil and Tyler indicated that North Gower would like to host the Showcase - weekend TBD. Adam also indicated that he would like to host a series of games in Fitzroy Harbour on a weekend - dates also to be determined.
- Game cancellation: if a team needs to cancel a game (for any reason other than weather), 24 hours notice should be given to the opposing team’s representative. If a visiting team fails to show up with enough players or cancels too late to notify the umpires, then the visiting team will pay for the officials’ fees. If diamond fees are going to be charged to the home team, the offending team will have to pay for the make up diamond rental fee.
- Rain shortened games: games will count in the standings for regular season even if only one inning is completed, going back to the last completed inning. For playoffs, the game will resume at a later date from the point at which the game was delayed.
- Game stories can be sent as soon as possible so the blog can be updated. Report should at a minimum include the score, the winning and losing pitcher and any home runs hit. Statistics should be updated by team representatives as soon as possible on GOFL.ca.
- Each team should ensure their club contacts are updated on GOFL.ca
- For the regular season, each team is responsible for their own expenses, including by not limited to diamond fees, umpire costs, balls, etc. (see exceptions below re: playoffs).
- Regular season tie-breaking: 1) points (2 for a win, 1 for a tie) 2) wins 3) head-to-head 4) run differential in head to head 5) coin flip
- Playoff format slightly changed from last year to get things over with quicker:
- 9th vs. 8th play-in single game
- Quarter-finals: best of three, 1st vs. winner of play-in, 2nd vs. 7th, 3rd vs. 6th, 4th vs. 5th
- Semi-finals: best of three (instead of five), Top remaining seed vs. Lowest remaining seed, 2nd remaining seed vs. 3rd remaining seed
- Finals: best of five, remaining two teams
- Playoff extra innings: if a playoff game is tied, the 'international rule' shall being in the 8th inning.
- The cost sharing formula for playoffs will continue. The loser of the play-in game shall pay the costs of that game plus the $100 playoff winner fund fee. The remaining eight teams shall each pay a $250 playoff charge, of which $100 will be contributed to the playoff winner fund. The remaining money will be used to for the costs of the quarter-finals. For the semi-finals and finals, the teams in each series shall split the costs of diamonds and umpires.
- Playoff winner fund: $600 to the winner and $300 to the finalist. The I4C Trophy will be awarded to the playoff champion.
- Tony will order the softballs for the league through Softball Canada. Each team to contact Tony with the number of softballs (in dozens) each team requires. Same model/colour to be used at last year. Tony will also be ordering 4 packages of "Gorilla Gold" for each club to eliminate the need for pitchers to use any other substance. Costs are estimated at $80 per dozen for softballs and about $5 for each Gorilla Gold package.
- "8 man rule": in order to continue to ensure minimal defaults (we had none in 2009), teams will be permitted to start games with 8 players. There will be no "auto-out". If the ninth player shows up late (or a lucky fan is found), then the team can insert this player in the ninth position in the line-up. However, if a team has only 9 players and one is ejected, the team will then forfeit the game. If a team has 9 players, and there is an injury and the player cannot continue, the team may still play with 8, but then the auto-out will apply.
- "Mercy rule": 7 after 5 or 6
- "2 out catcher rule": optional.
- "Discipline": Same as last year: first ejection player at a minimum receives a "yellow card" - next ejection automatically results in one game suspension, minimum. Each ejection will result in an umpire's report and a team's report. Suspension could be given for any ejection depending on severity. In the past few years this has not been a problem with the GOFL and hopefully that will continue.
- "Bat rule": The GOFL will use the ISF / ISC bat rule. Joe will provide information to all teams as to what bats are "banned" under this regulation. Any bat with the ISF stamp or ASA 2004 stamp would be legal.
- "Playoff eligibility": It was decided by a consensus that a player to be eligible to participate in the playoffs would need to participate in four regular season games. Teams can file an appeal prior to the playoffs, considering injuries or other factors and requests will be reviewed by the team representatives of the GOFL.
- "Pitching rule": continue with last year's pitching rule
- Other Softball Canada rules apply.
- There are no restrictions on team rosters (any player, junior, senior, etc. can play). Once a player participates in the league for one team, he cannot play for another team that season.
- There is no ISC Eastern Ontario Challenge Cup in 2010. GOFL can participate in the Ontario Challenge Cup in Mitchell (near Stratford) on Sept 17-19. Winner gets a berth to the 2011 Worlds.
- Eric will look into possible insurance coverage for the league that would be paid for on a team-by-team basis.

Umpires:


- Dave Norris is League Umpire in Chief (UIC) as well as Deputy Zone UIC. Harry MacIntyre is Deputy League UIC, Dave Herbst is the Zone UIC, George Findley is the assignor/treasurer.
- Dave is again asking for each team to sign a "letter of understanding" with the terms and conditions for the officials.
- Once again the umpires noted their preference for doubleheaders as much as possible.
- Payment time frames: May 1st (50% of regular season fees), June 15th (50% of regular season fees), July 15th (playoff payment).
- George Findley will schedule umpires and be the contact for rainouts and make up games. Any changes to the schedule to be communicated to George (copied to Dave N) and are the responsibility of the home team.
- Illegal bat rule: Dave asked for clarification - see later in the minutes.
- Tar on the softball - pitchers are not to use pine tar. Umpires will remove / have cleaned softballs that are getting dark - see later in the minutes re: Gorilla Gold.
- Umpire fees same as 2009 since we have a two year deal: $48 per man per game for singles, $45 per man per game for doubleheaders.
- Dave mentioned that there will be occasions where new officials will be "mentored" and given games to work in the GOFL.
- Dave stated that there were very few discipline problems with ejections etc. (only one in 2009) with the GOFL.
- For any concerns over performance of umpires, contact Dave N.

The GOFL annual winter meeting was held last week. Significant points of interest:

- Greely is moving to North Gower and will be known as the "Marlboroughs"
- North Gower will host the Showcase
- The semi-finals series will now be best-of-three in the interest of completing the season earlier
- The league has adopted a 4-game minimum for players to be eligible for the playoffs

See below for the full details.

GOFL meeting, 2010

Greater Ottawa Fastball League organizing meeting February 17, 2010 at I4C Office in Kanata

Attendees:
Adam Brown (WC Electric)
Tony Riches (Manotick)
Trevor Lahey (Manotick)
Steve Edgerton (Manotick)
Cory Morrison (Easton)
Dan Bradley (Stittsville)
John Craig (Stittsville)
Mike Barrett (Stittsville)
Will Mood (Blitz)
Derek Bergeron (Blitz)
Andrew Bruce (Blitz)
Neil Cooke (I4C Victory)
Eric Rosenquist (I4C Victory)
Joe McCleary (Quyon)
Gary Hargrove (Orleans)
Anil Hayne (North Gower)
Tyler Cox (North Gower)
Dave Norris (Umpires)

The qualifying tournaments and locations were released and the Eastern Ontario on will be held in Napanee.

Canada East ISC Qualifier – Napanee, ON

June 18-20, 2010
Berths: 2 ISC berths to highest finishing Canada East teams (additional berth may be available)
Format: Double-knockout
Entry Fee & Deadline: $365 CDN, payable to ISC Canada East – May 15, 2010 deadline
Local Contact: Karen Mills - millsk@limestone.on.ca
ISC Contact & Rep: Blair Setford – blairjs@rogers.com
UIC: Steve Bedard – sjbgolf@hotmail.com

Other Qualifiers

June 18-20, 2010
Canada East ISC Qualifier – Innerkip, ON
Berths: 2 ISC berths to highest finishing Canada East teams (additional berth may be available)
Format: Double-knockout
Entry Fee & Deadline: $365 CDN, payable to ISC Canada East – May 15, 2010 deadline
Local Contact: Tim Wright – twri7823@rogers.com
ISC Contact & Rep: Blair Setford – blairjs@rogers.com
UIC: Peter Kluszczynski – kluzzy@sympatico.ca

July 25-27, 2010
Port Huron, MI
Berths: 1 ISC berth to highest finishing Canada East team
Format: 3-game guarantee – Pool winners advance to elimination round
Entry fee: $375 - $400US depending on number of teams
Contact: Kurt Schieman – kurt.schieman@semcoenergy.com
UIC: Ted Germaine – teddyump57@yahoo.com
ISC Rep: Bill Hillhouse – houseofpitching@yahoo.com
Note: Berth for the above tournament is conditional on it being a joint qualifier between US East and Canada East with each region awarding 1 ISC berth to highest finishing team from the respective regions.

2010 Qualifiers for 2011 Berths

July 23-24, 2010
Travel League of Eastern Canada Playoff Tournament
Location: tba
Format: tba
Entry fee: included in league entry fee
Berths: 1 for 2011 ISC World Tournament – league winner (additional berth may be available)
League contact: David Bakker - bakkers@teksavvy.com
ISC Rep: Blair Setford - blairjs@rogers.com
UIC: Peter Kluszczynski - kluzzy@sympatico.ca

July 30 - Aug 1, 2010
OASA Intermediate Eliminations
Location: tba
Format: Modified double knockout
Entry fee and deadline: $465 Cdn, payable to OASA by June 10, 2010
Berth: 1 for 2011 ISC World Tournament
Local Contacts: Brad Thomson - bradthomson41@hotmail.com, 519-954-1269
ISC Contact: Joe Todd – ftode739@rogers.com
UIC: tba

July 17-19, 2010
Northern Ontario ISC Qualifier
Location: Sudbury, Ontario
Format: tba
Entry fee and deadline: $365 Cdn, payable to ISC Canada East by June 26, 2010
Berth: 1 for 2011 ISC World Tournament – minimum 8 teams for berth to be awarded
Local Contacts: Roger Legendre - er_legendre@sympatico.ca
ISC Contact: Blair Setford, ISC Canada East VP - blairjs@rogers.com
UIC: Larry Pederson - bluelight24@hotmail.com 705-897-1444

September 10-12, 2010
Eastern Canadians
Location: tba
Berths: 1 2011 ISC WT (tentative)

September 17-19, 2010
2010 Ontario Challenge Cup ISC Qualifier
Location: Mitchell, Ontario
Berths: 1 for 2011 ISC World Tournament – affiliated league teams only
Format: Double-knockout
Entry fee and deadline: $265 CDN – August 31, 2009
Local contact: Kory Dietz - jkdietz@quadro.net
ISC Rep: Joe Todd – ftode739@rogers.com
UIC: Paul Baier - wingman45@wightman.ca

Softball Canada, the national sport governing body for Fast Pitch, Slo-Pitch and Orthodox softball is seeking a dynamic individual to manage our Coaching program, to develop/implement initiatives in the school system and assist in the creation and operation of new programming.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Be responsible for the revision/editing of existing Coaching resources and creation of new resources to support volunteer coaches
• Evaluate and review Softball’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and complete the transition to the new NCCP
• Work with the Manager – Long Term Player Development on the creation of new coaching related programming and then be responsible for delivery of that programming (Pitching and Curriculum/Practice Guides)
• Investigate new avenues for the delivery of coaching education and identify new revenue streams
• Initiate development of an integrated softball in schools program
• Work closely with Provincial/Territorial partners to support the delivery of the National Coach Certification program (NCCP)
• Liaise with the Coaching Association of Canada and Sport Canada on related issues
• Develop a mentoring program for Master and Regional Pitching Instructors, Regional coaches and identify/assist potential future National Team coaches
• Organize additional professional development opportunities for coaches

The successful candidate will ideally possess:

• A post secondary degree in sport administration or coaching or equivalent area of study
• Knowledge of the Canadian sport system
• Coaching Experience and knowledge of technical aspects of softball
• Fully certified Level 3 in the old NCCP or Competition – Development in the new NCCP (or progressing towards that designation) or equivalent training/experience
• Proven administrative skills managing a variety of projects
• Familiarity with Long-Term Player Development principles and the ability to develop related programming
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office 2007)
• Outstanding communication skills (written and verbal) and excellent technical (softball) writing skills
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset for this position
• Experience working with volunteers and boards

This position is based in the Softball Canada office in Ottawa. Interested candidates are asked to submit their applications by mail or email, with cover letter and salary expectations by February 1, 2010 to:

Hugh Mitchener
Chief Executive Officer
Softball Canada
Suite 212 - 223 Colonnade Road
Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7K3
hmitchener@softball.ca