Are you ready for some softball? The past years have been great and we’re ready to continue with this tradition. We are excited about our upcoming year and believe that you can be a great asset to our teams! We will participate in several tournaments this summer. We will decide, as a team, which tournaments we want to participate in. A tentative schedule can be found by clicking here LO Schedule.
Levels of Play/Team:
The Lady Osprey Fast Pitch Softball club competes at all levels. U10 (ages 8-10), U12 (ages 11-12), U14 (ages 13-14), U16 (ages 15-16) and U18 (ages 17-18). Your age is determined by the age you are on January 1st.
Goals/Expectations:
The Lady Osprey have a strong tradition of being a competitive club. This has not changed, however we do put an emphasis on the experience and not our win-loss record. We will strive to win at all levels and will have to work hard to earn our victories, but it is important to remember that we are still learning fundamental skills, and are working to advance each player’s overall performance and competitiveness. We will emphasize preparation for the next level, high school ball and college. We feel that ASA participation is very important to your chances to make your high school squad and to contribute to the competitiveness of your team. It is definitely a must for post high school participation. The Lady Osprey will do what ever we can to facilitate capturing a college scholarship. There are no guarantees and a lot depends upon your commitment. Club participation is a great opportunity to develop and hone your skills to a higher level.
It is important to understand that no one has been assigned a position in the field. Everyone must be willing to try new positions as assigned by the coaches. Players will be placed in the position that the coaches determine will best benefit the team. We place a great deal of emphasis on team unity, and players are expected to support each other at all times. Players will always exhibit good sportsmanship.
Team practices will be scheduled for 2-3 times each week starting in March (as weather permits) with off season work outs (at least) once a week generally starting in November and going until we can get outside. Little League and High School schedules will be accommodated as much as possible, but players are expected to participate in all of our practices! Outside practices will be scheduled on weekends and some afternoon/evenings. We strongly encourage as much field time as possible. Pitchers and Catchers should work out as often as possible. All games will be in a tournament environment. Tournaments are scheduled for weekends. It is not uncommon to have a game scheduled for a Friday evening. We will generally play 4 to 6 six games each tournament.
Time Commitments:
Lady Osprey ball is a commitment to your teammates and yourself. For those who are involved in Little League All-Stars and/or High School tournaments, this will be an extremely demanding experience. The majority of the tournaments we will participate in are scheduled for June and July. We will not participate (at the U18/U16/U14 level) in any tournaments that conflict with your high school schedule. Little League All-Stars and ASA can turn into a 6-7 day a week commitment. This is a commitment to yourself and your teammates and we expect your best efforts. You may be forced to make a choice between two programs if there is a conflict. The choice will be yours but remember your commitments to your team mates when making these decisions.
Participation:
You are expected to participate in all practices, tournaments and scheduled events, this includes off season training opportunities. Where there are circumstances that preclude 100% participation, you are expected to let your coaches know as far ahead of schedule as possible if you will be unavailable to attend a practice or tournament. This common courtesy will allow for better planning and increased team unity.
Fundraising and Fees:
We require a non-refundable participation fee of $150 with an added expectation of getting $250 in additional sponsorships/donations. EVERYONE is required to meet these obligations, no exceptions. You will be given a date to meet these obligations and expected to provide these fees by that date. It is important that each girl contributes her share. We keep track of each girls contributions. Of course if you have opportunities to raise more than your required amount, please do so as all contributions directly benefit the club. We will provide each participant with various fundraising opportunities. You will be expected to participate in ALL fund raising activities. This is extremely important to the success of the programs. The balls, bats, helmets, catcher's equipment, tournament entry fees, training equipment are not free. Remember, this is an investment in your future, take it seriously.
Those girls who are new to the club will be required to purchase a Lady Osprey Jacket.
Participation fees are used to outfit the girls for the upcoming season as outlined below. Sponsorship fees are used to purchase equipment, pay for tournament entry fees, training equipment, off season facility rental, and other club expenses.
Participation Fees:
The following items are covered by the participations fees:
Hat or Visor
Lady Osprey Sweat Shirt
Lady Osprey Sweat Pants
Lady Osprey Practice Shirt
Two (2) pairs of Socks
Photo Button
Ten (10) tickets to Lady Osprey night at the Osprey Baseball Park. Sell the tickets or give them to friends.
Additional Requests:
Specialized request (team shoes, bags, etc) can be requested and specialized fundraising will be arraigned to provide opportunities to get extra stuff.
Sponsorships:
This is the bread and butter of Lady Osprey. Each sponsor will have their name posted on our Sponsors Website, on banners that travel to each tournament and presented with a thank you plaque at the end of the season. Players who raise funds beyond the required sponsorship fee will receive $50.00 credit to the Lady Osprey Store for every additional $250 they raise.
Special Events:
Throughout the season and some of the off season we have opportunities to participate in events that are related to softball but not specifically on the field. In 2003, we were invited as special guests to the Playball Missoula Hot Stove League Banquet. It was a special treat to meet Jenny Finch and spend some one on one time with her. We also have Lady Osprey night(s) at the Missoula Osprey ball park. These events are treated with the same expectations as practices.
Thank You
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