RSPA New Player/Open Practice Info
Updated November 7, 2021• Practices obviously depend on the weather.
• Check the RSPA Open Practice Info before leaving. If it is not updated, then I will be there.
• DO NOT CALL ME to see if practice is still on.
Do not call me for directions to the park (seriously).
Do not call me with a question until you have read Frequently Asked Questions For New Players
• All correspondence is by email. If you have not received an email from me, then you are not on my email list.
Email me at accent@slopitch1.com to be put on the list.
• Bring a baseball glove. Wear sensible running shoes, either cleats or turf shoes preferably or running shoes.
Metal cleats are NOT allowed. Bring a bat if you have one, but bats will be there. Balls will be supplied.
RSPA New Player/Open Practice Schedule
Updated April 17, 2021RSPA open practices for new players looking for a COED team in Mississauga-Etobicoke.
Email me accent@slopitch1.com if you wish to attend the new player practice. (Females and couples and high level males ONLY).
For practice schedule, status, information, maps, etc. see RSPA Open Practice Info. - See RSPA New Player for new player info and FAQ.
New Player F.A.Q. & Information - RSPA Slo-Pitch
Updated January 25, 2020
Q
What is my first step to get on a slo-pitch team?
A
RSPA always has room for new players.
Females and couples are in high demand and are almost guaranteed an offer from a team.
Couples will be placed on the same team.
The league compiles a list of teams looking for players. We had 180 teams in the league pre-covid, 60 teams in covid 2020 and 101 teams in 2021, so we always have teams looking for players. We also compile a list of players looking for a team, and then we try to match the player with the team - level of play, nights of play, preferred parks, etc.
Couples and friends will always be offered a spot on the same team. Less than half the guys who try out will make a team.
- Check the following pages for information on RSPA Slo-Pitch League:
RSPA Information
Frequently Asked Questions For New Players
RSPA Parks & Diamonds
RSPA Team Info Package - The next step is to send me an e-mail :
Randy Warren, accent@slopitch1.com
so that I have you on file and can keep you informed of any changes, practice cancellations etc. - Download the New Player Application Form, complete and email it to me or bring it to one of the open practices (see below)
- Show up at one of the open practices (see info above).
RSPA Open Practice Information
Q
What are the RSPA "open" practices?
A
RSPA hold "open" practices for new players looking for a COED team, by invitation only, Sunday mornings and Thursday nights.
Do not call to see if practice is on; check the web site for cancellation info before you leave.
If you do not go out to an open practice, you will probably not be placed on a team.
Q
Why do I need to go to the RSPA open practices?
A
- First off, it's nice to go out and get into some sort of shape before the season starts.
Too many new players underestimate the physical requirements of playing softball. - Secondly, the league needs to rate all new players to see what level of ball they can play,
so that they can be put into the correct division. - Also, it is nice to meet the players, since team reps show up at the practices, and sometimes pick players from the field that they can see, rather than from a list that doesn't give any indication of true level or personality.
- Yes personality counts! We also may put together a new team from the players looking for a team.
They usually are players that have shown up and bonded with each other at the open practices. - Male players have a much better chance of making a team, if they can make more practices.
- If you do not go out to at least one open practice, you will probably not be placed on a team.
Q
Why are there Sunday and Thursday practices?
A
RSPA offers Sunday and Thursday practices for new players who cannot make one of the days.
Q
Do I need to attend both Sunday and Thursday practices?
A
The more practices that you go to, the better the chance of getting picked up
and might give you more choices of potential teams.
Q
What do I bring to the practice?
A
Bring a baseball glove. Wear sensible running shoes, either cleats or turf shoes preferably or running shoes.
Metal cleats are NOT allowed. Bring a bat if you have one, but bats will be there. Balls will be supplied.
Q
Will I definitely be put on a team?
A
- We have 180 teams (pre-covid) (60 teams in covid 2020) in the league, so quite a few teams are usually looking for players. Plus, we also usually form a new team from players looking for a team. We will be looking for someone to help run the new team.
- Females and couples have a 90% chance of making a team.
In fact, I like to say that all females and couples will be offered a spot, either on an existing team, or with the new team that gets formed. However, if you can't make certain nights, or don't want to travel to certain parks, your opportunites may be limited. - Male players have about a 30-40% chance of making a team. Better players will get more offers. and male players have a much better chance of making a team, if they can make more practices.
- Positions like pitchers and shortstops will have an easier time getting placed than other players. Better players will get more offers.
- Male players have a much better chance of making a team, if they can make more practices.
If you do not go out to at least one open practice, you will probably not be placed on a team.
Q
How are players placed on a team?
A
We collect the list of teams looking for players and match them up to the list of players looking for a team - what level of ball, what nights you play, what nights you cannot play, what parks you prefer, etc.
Then we try to match the players up with teams looking for players. With 180 teams (pre-covid) (60 teams in covid 2020), we always have teams looking for players, or a new team with a group looking to fill out their roster.
When the list of teams looking for players becomes available, we match the list to the players list and it will look like this:
Example team "A" plays Monday nights and prefers Max Ward, West Deane and Fleetwood Park.
Example team "B" plays Tuesday at any north Mississauga park.
etc.
Q
When will players be placed on a team?
A
The RSPA regular season starts the first Wednesday in May and the last open practice is the last Sunday or Thursday in April. We try to finalize placing players at the last two practices. However, some teams do not know if they will need players until the season starts.
Q
How much does it cost per player?
A
RSPA is one of the least expensive leagues in the area, considering what is included: insurance, carded umpires, etc.
Every team must enter in ONE of the league tournaments ($360 for team entry)
and must commit to four (4) banquet tickets (4 x $55 = $220.00).
Individual player fees depend on each team. Depends on what sponsor they have, what they include, what about shirts, uniforms; etc. But RSPA player fees are usually around $180.00 to $210.00 per player, unless they have a sponsor. A player for a new team that needs equipment may be higher than $200 for the season.
Q
How much to join the new team being formed?
A
Player cost for this new team will be capped at a maximum $200 per player, and will include uniform shirt, tournament and banquet deposit. Uniforms can be as simple as matching t-shirts for the first season.
Q
When are the player fees due?
A
New players looking for a team do not pay their fees until they are assigned to a team. However, the league may request a $20.00 deposit from each new player, which is forwarded to the team. This deposit is refunded if the player does not get a suitable team offer.
Q
When does the season start?
A
The regular season starts the first Wednesday in May.
Q
How many players are on a team?
A
This varies from team to team. The minimum is usually 14 players (any less and you risk forfeiting games).
The maximum roster size is 20 players per team. However, exceptions are made if the team wishes a larger roster.
Q
Where are the parks?
A
The league centres itself on the Mississauga-Etobicoke border, with teams having the option of choosing their own preferred parks and nights. - Click here to see Parks & Maps
Teams will not play at a park that they specify that they cannot play at. (not the same as a park they don't want to play at).
There are more Mississauga parks and more Mississauga teams than Etobicoke parks and teams.
Q
What nights do we play on?
A
Games are played one night per week, single games on unlit diamonds, single games and double-headers on lit diamonds, on any scheduled night, Monday to Friday. We do give the teams the option to choose preferred parks and nights. Teams will never play on a night that they specify that they cannot play on.
All teams are required to play a minimum two (2) Friday nights.
Parks & Maps - Click here to see the map and the list of parks and nights.
Q
Do we always play on the same night?
A
YES - most teams play on one set night. Some teams request more than one night. If you request to play only one set night, we will accomodate your team (not counting the two Friday nights that all teams must play. If your team prefers more than one different nights, the schedule will be flexible depending on your division and your preferred choice of nights. We do give teams the option of a set game night, and we do give the teams the option to choose preferred parks and nights, and we will try to accomodate teams as much as possible.
Q
Do we play on long weekends?
A
We only schedule Friday or Monday games on weekends with holiday weekends if your team requests. We do offer the option of playing on holiday Monday nights, if we can find another team for you to play against. Since most summer long weekends are Monday holidays, we do have regular scheduled games on Thursday and Tuesday nights.
Q
How many games are played in a season?
A
RSPA schedules a minimum 16 plus game schedule, plus playoffs, and all teams make the playoffs. Higher division teams may play more games. Friday night teams all play double-headers (usually 20 game schedule).
If you compare this to leagues that offer 24 games per season with a time limit (time limits are usually 55-65 minutes per game), compared to 16 games with no time limit (or 90 minute time limit on lit diamonds), the 16 games gives you more actual playing time. Plus, most leagues do not offer that all teams qualify for the playoffs.
Q
Why do we usually play only one game per night?
A
All games are scheduled for a 6:30 game start, since we find that a 6:00 game start is difficult to get to with the parks being so spread out. We also have no time limit and play a leisurely full 7 inning game, no rush, unlike most leagues who enforce a time limit of 55 to 65 minutes, and struggle to get in two complete games. Higher divisions play more double-headers.
Q
What kind of slo-pitch does RSPA play?
A
RSPA plays slo-pitch, where the pitcher pitches with a 6-12 foot arc to the opposing team.
It is not three pitch, where the pitcher pitches to his/her own team.
It is not "modified", where the pitcher is allowed to pitch fast and with no arc.
Q
What level of slo-pitch does RSPA play?
A
RSPA is a recreational level slo-pitch league. Teams range from "F" level to "C/D" level with the majority of the teams at "E" or "Rec" level. We have some "A" level and "B" level individual players, but slo-pitch is a team sport. Like I said, we are just "guys" and "gals" out to have fun!
Q
How do I know what level of player I am?
A
Consider yourself E level until you are told otherwise. "A" level is the highest level, and no matter how good you think you are, you are NOT an "A" level player. B and C are all high level players. If you have to ask, you are probably an E level player. F level is for beginners or players just out to have fun.
Q
What rules does RSPA use?
A
- RSPA uses modified SPN rules.
- Coed: 7 males and 3 females (May play more females).
- May play 7M+3F; 8M+4F; 9M+5F; 10M+6F.
- Or may play 6M+4F; 5M+5F; etc.
- No restrictions on batting sequence.
- Standard slo-pitch 6 to 12 foot arc.
- Called balls and strikes using a mat (covers holeplate).
- If a male batter is walked, and is followed by a female batter, he is awarded two bases. Female batter following has to bat, unless the male batter was walked on a 4-0 count (4 straight balls and no strikes), then the female batter has the choice of batting or a free walk.
- No time limit on games on unlit diamonds. one hour and a half hour game slot on lit diamonds.
- Grace period 10 minutes. Mercy rule 12 runs. Maximum 6 runs per inning.
- SPN affiliated; Carded umpires; SPN insured.
- Click here to see the RSPA League Rules
Q
How long has RSPA been around?
A
RSPA has been around since 1982. Originally founded as the in-house league for Zenith TV on Islington Avenue in Etobicoke, and gradually moving west into Mississauga as the diamonds became available and the players tended to move out into the suburbs. I have been president of the league since 1984 (on and off) when it was only a 4 team league.
RSPA League History
Q
Is there a minimum age?
A
Minimum age is sixteen (16) years of age. Players 16-17 years of age must have parental approval. Parental Consent Form pdf
Q
What is the average age?
A
As I mentioned before, the League has been around since 1982, so we have players older than dirt. But with a new influx of players every year we have a good mix of young, medium and (instead of old, I will say) experienced players.
Q
How many females play on a team?
A
RSPA is a coed league that plays 7 males and 3 females. A team may always play more females if they wish, (example: 6 males + 4 females; 5 males + 5 females; 4 males + 6 females; etc.) (If you ask me, some teams should be sitting the guys and playing the girls!)
Q
How many females should you carry on the roster?
A
You need a minimum of 3 females to play. A team can play with two females, but there is an automatic out. Most teams carry five female players. A female player on the roster that will only play when called out is a bonus.
Q
How many teams are in RSPA?
A
RSPA had 180 teams in 26 divisions for the 2019 pre-covid slo-pitch season, which was the largest coed league in Canada! We managed to field 60 teams in a covid shortened 2020 season.
We will be accepting new teams and new individual players for 2021 on a limited basis, depending on park availability. We have increased in size almost every year for the last 20 years and we hardly ever lose a team to another league. New teams should check out what we have to offer, and we must be doing something right, as we have grown from a 4 team league in 1982 to 180 teams for 2019!
We are also looking for individual players (females & couples preferred).
Click here for: New Team Info/Application | Player looking for a team Info
Q
What about umpires?
A
League costs include SPN carded umpires. We try to develop our umpires from within our own system.
Anyone wishing to umpire or wishing to learn, should contact us.
The RSPA umpire clinic is scheduled for the last Wednesday in April. RSPA Umpire page
Q
What does the League supply?
A
RSPA League costs include: SPN carded umpires, game balls, liability insurance.
We have a the greatest year-end banquet and awards dance, an All-Star Night and free barbecue, a volleyball night and offers 8 slo-pitch tournaments.
Q
What do the teams need to supply?
A
Each team is required to supply their own bases, including a safe-base for first base and a pitching mat.
Players are required to wear matching uniform tops (could be as simple as matching t-shirts).
Teams supply their own gloves and bats.
Q
What is the league meeting that I hear about?
A
The RSPA League meeting is for Team Reps only. No individual players are allowed.
RSPA Home - SloPitch1.com Home - Site Map
For more information about RSPA Slo-Pitch
please contact: Randy Warren
e-mail: accent@slopitch1.com
RSPA 2023 Slo-Pitch Tournaments
All tournaments tentatively Saturday one-day.Saturday, May 6 • June 10 • July 8 • July 22
• August 19 • September 23 • September 30