Rep Softball FAQ
What is Rep softball?
The Rep softball program is intended to provide a positive, supportive and competitive environment for players with higher levels of commitment and ability. The Wilmot Softball Association is excited to offer rep teams at most levels, boys and girls.
What does it cost to play Rep ball?
Costs associated to Rep players are higher than for house league players. The registration fee or Rep will include the standard fees collected for HL/LL but there will be an additional charge to cover specific tournament play and fees associated to the leagues. There is a $10 Cash Only ‘tryout’ fee, that will be collected at the first tryout session. Additional costs associated with the rep teams, including special uniforms, gym time, insurance, equipment, instructor fees, field permits, tournament fees etc., will be absorbed solely by the ‘team’. A Budget* will be prepared by the Head Coach, approved by the WSA, and will be presented to the tryout applicants at the commencement of the process. Final budget considerations will be ratified and confirmed once the team has been finalized and again, subject to WSA approval. *Specific budget inclusions will be ‘Rep fees’ (Paid by the player over and above registration), fundraising and other potential sponsorships for all above costs, not otherwise covered by the WSA. Team budget contributions and fundraising activities may vary depending on the team’s commitments and purchase intentions, and will not be inclusive of personal travel or accommodations.
How are coaches selected?
The “Executive” of the Wilmot Softball Association provides an opportunity for any persons interested in coaching a Rep team to apply. A selection committee is formed with the task of selecting the best candidate to be the head coach of the team. The selected “head coach” makes the decision on choices for assistant coaches to assist the team with approvals from the WSA.
How are players selected?
Rep team coaches will hold try-outs (dates TBD) to evaluate and choose players for their teams. The try-outs for Rep teams are usually held in the fall/early spring to allow the coaches time to prepare and plan for off-season training. Players will be chosen based on parental/player commitment, player attitude, behaviour, playing ability and potential for improvement. Coaches will conduct various skill set drills for the players to perform in order to assess and evaluate the players i.e. base running, hitting, throwing, and catching. The evaluation process requires coaches and their chosen volunteers to make assessments based on their observations and their personal opinions of the player’s abilities. There is no appeal process for the try-out process.
Depending on how many players attend the try-outs, coaches may be seeking a particular number of players and/or age year to form a nucleus for a team. Teams will MAX at 12 players (13 by special provision).
Those players not chosen, are encouraged to register in the House/Local League program in the Spring and continue to develop their skills.
What is the level of commitment expected for rep softball?
Rep players generally are expected to attend all scheduled practices and games (including tournaments). Coaches are encouraged to track player attendance and Rep coaches have significant discretion regarding individual playing time as well as selection of players with poor attendance records (regardless of try-out ranking). Coaches tend to be understanding that players may not be able to attend every practice and may miss the occasional game, provided you give them reasonable notice and it is not a frequent occurrence. Coaches tend to be in-tolerant of players regularly missing or showing up late (or unprepared) to practices or games. Expectations regarding attendance and reasonable notice for an absence should be discussed up front with the specific coach. Tournament participation is mandatory. Parents/players will be expected to schedule any vacation plans around tournament play. In committing to Rep ball, it is expected that no vacation plans be made prior to tournament dates being posted.
How many days per week do rep teams practice and play?
The number and frequency of practices and associated days/times are set by the coach. Most rep teams start with indoor (gym) practices from October through to April, and then at least one outdoor practice per week after the season starts. Some coaches may expect players to do some additional practice on their own (or with a parent) or may hold extra practices for specific players. The regular season for rep teams runs from the first week in May until August.
Rep teams will participate in league play and will be assigned to the league best suited by the WSA. League games are approximately 18 games throughout the season and may average around 6 games per month. Some of the Girls divisions and teams can be expected to play closer to 25 games during league play alone.
In addition, Rep teams could participate in up to 3-4 weekend tournaments during the season which includes the Provincial Championships. Scheduling of tournaments (and based on availability) are at the Coach’s discretion, and subject to team budget approval*.
Is there equal playing time for all players?
WSA coaches are encouraged to play all players fairly and give all, equal opportunities. Ultimately, these are competitive teams whereas the continued success of the team should lead to more playing time for all. Coaches will follow the Fair Play policies of the WSA, but will also at times and at their discretion, field the best nine players to remain competitive and potentially allow for more playing opportunity.
Is there travel involved?
Yes, there is frequent travel to games and tournaments. All home games can be played at any diamond within the Wilmot Township, while away games (half of regular season games) are scattered across Waterloo Region and surrounding townships and cities, east and west. Most tournaments will fall within Ontario. Most coaches require players to be at the field at least ½ hour to an hour before a game. For weekend tournaments the arrival time can be early as 7am for an 8am game. Some tournaments such as the Provincial Championships may require overnight travel and accommodation.
For any further questions, please contact the appropriate person from Executive - link below.
Additional Resources:
WSA - Rep Tryout Guidelines Please refer to this document regarding Non-resident Player Tryouts
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