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"Two months of fun, then done!"
COVID-19 Update
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Hespeler Minor Softball Association
101 Holiday Inn Drive
PO Box 29071
Cambridge, Ontario N3C 0E6
Our Organization
Welcome to the Hespeler Minor Softball Association (HMSA).
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all current, returning, and prospective players and their families. As a not-for-profit organization, the mission of HMSA is to promote and encourage good citizenship among the players of the Association. We strive to establish and promote an active interest in softball for ages 3 through to 18 regardless of ability. Our league encourages sportsmanship and fun for all divisions while teaching players technical softball skills and the rules of the game. With the commitment of the players, families and volunteers, we are certain you will have a terrific season!
Division Expectations & Objectives
Under 4 Division
Monday and Wednesday
Hespeler Public School
Our U4 division previously known as blastball is geared towards young children aged 3-4 years. This is a unique and fun introduction to the sport of softball for boys and girls alike. The emphasis of this division is FUN while providing an entry to social sport and equipping players with the basic skills needed to play softball.
This program incorporates the distinctive first base that “honks” when players jump on it. The focus is on simplicity and enjoyment in order to promote the retention of young players in the game. Players learn to hit a ball off the tee and take turns throwing to a single base position. Each game night includes a combination of a practice comprised of fun and exciting drills and games and 2 full innings. In each inning each team bats the full batting order and fields twice. There is no score kept in this division. Teams are kept small to ensure maximum effectiveness and maintain attention. There are no formal positions so kids get a chance to catch and throw regularly throughout the game. In this safe division the players play with a foam bat and ball and learn the fundamentals of running, throwing, catching, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Under 6 Division
Tuesday and Thursday
Hespeler Public School
Our U6 division previously known as T-ball is an learn to play initiation program for 4-6 year olds. The emphasis of this program is a fun, active, positive environment with progressive introduction to the game of softball for boys and girls. In this division, coaches will work will players to develop an interest in the game while providing an overview of the fundamental skills such as hitting off a tee, basic field positions, throwing, catching, and fielding.
This program uses a smaller, softer softball to accommodate the needs of our younger players. All players are involved throughout each session. Each game night includes a combination of a practice where players participate as a team in fun softball drills and a game. The game is comprised of 4 full innings. The season includes progressive game play where outs are introduced in preparation for the U8 division, however no scores are kept in this division. Players rotate fielding positions in each inning and each game with equal game play and no assigned positions. This provides the opportunity for all players to remain active throughout the game while learning the different positions. Players get equal turns at bat and the batting order will change each game. The fundamentals of focus in this division are running, throwing, catching, fielding, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Under 8 Division
Monday and Wednesday
Centennial Public School
Our U8 division previously known as 3 pitch is the next progression in our learn to play program which is geared towards 6-8 year olds.
This division, players are encouraged to hit live balls rather than from a stationary tee. Our coaches begin to pitch in this progression prior to 'player pitch' in order to ensure a safe and constructive transition. Most of the softball rules are applicable to this division with some minor alterations made in order to accommodate the ages and abilities of the players. The primary gold of U8 is to teach players proper techniques when throwing a ball throwing, the logistic of each field position, and fundamentals of hitting a pitched ball. Score is kept in this non-competitive division with the focus remaining on progressive learning of the game and FUN.
Under 10 Division
Tuesday and Thursday
Centennial Public School
Our U10 division, previously known as atom, is geared towards players who are moving up from 3 pitch and/or players who have little experience with the game of softball.
Players will focus on continuing to learn and develop their knowledge and fundamental softball skills including throwing, catching, fielding, running, and game play. The coach’s focus in this division is to ensure players have time dedicated to learning proper hitting and throwing techniques. Player led pitching is introduced. So players continue to hit live balls pitched from the opposing team instead of the coach. All players will all have the opportunity to try a pitching position. Stealing and bunting are new skills introduced. Scores are kept and play is semi-competitive with players pitching to the opposing team. There is an umpire present at each game, however the focus is still on fun, building friendships, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment.
Under 12, 14 and 18 Divisions
These divisions are considered fully competitive.
Under 12
Tuesday and Thursday
Victoria Park
Our U12 division, previously known as junior, is geared towards players who have achieved the knowledge and understanding of the game as well as some of the applicable skills and techniques.
While very comparable to the U10 level, this division is intended for players who have familiarity and some experience with the game while new players of this age bracket are also welcome. Coaches in this division will be building and strengthening the skills learned in U10. Gameplay and the principals of strategic ball play will be introduce into games and practices. Players will be given guidance in proper sliding techniques. This division is introducing players into a more competitive level of softball. Scores will be kept and an umpire will be at each game.
Under 14
Monday and Wednesday
Victoria Park
Our U14 division, previously known as bantam, is geared towards players who have a full knowledge and understanding of the game as well as interest and experience playing.
Coaches at this level of play will work on honing specific skills versus teaching fundamentals. Game play will be strategic and players will have an opportunity to focus on positions of their strength. Players will enhance their game to a new level of strategic play. This division is fully competitive and has a focus on a higher level of play and fielding positions.
Under 18
Monday and Wednesday
Victoria Park
Our U18 division, previously known as senior, is geared towards teenagers and young adult youth who are interested in continuing on in a fully competitive division promoting their ongoing love of the sport prior to entering an adult league.
Game play will be similar to that of the U14 division, where coaches will focus on honing specific skills unique to individual players. Game play will be strategic and focus on each player’s strengths. The intention is to allow this as a bridge to individuals interested in continuing on in the sport of softball as young adults.
Challenger Adapted Division
Sundays at Sault Park
This division is geared towards any child aged 4-18 with cognitive or physical disabilities to enjoy the thrill of playing baseball, being part of a team, developing physical and social skill plus all the benefits of participation in baseball at a level structured to their abilities. Games are played in a fun, safe environment where no score is kept. The goal is to 'buddy' each player with a volunteer. Each game night will be approximately 45 minutes of “drills and fun activities” with 15 minutes of game time. Players have the opportunity to decide if they would like to hit from a tee or have the ball pitched to them. A softer ball is used in order to accommodate issues with the use of helmets. It is a standard softball game with very flexible rules.
Fundamentals:
- FUN
- Hitting
- Throwing
- Catching
- Teamwork
Hespeler minor softball is a partner with the Cambridge Gaming Association
Thank you to Cambridge Gaming Centre for your continued support. Without the assistance of Cambridge Bingo & Gaming Centre HMSA would not be surviving through the pandemic. Even though we were not able to run a 2021 season, we continue to make plans for our return in 2022. We are in the process of purchasing new equipment. We are also looking at how we can offer a better program for kids in 2022. If you would like to join the Executive Board and help plan for the return of HMSA in 2022 please contact Christy Lawryniuk president@hmsoftball.com.
Hespeler minor softball is a partner with kids can play
KCP pays the enrolment fee for children to participate in any program including the arts, music, sports and cultural activities. KCP is a not–for–profit organization that helps children gain exercise of mind and body in sport, music and art in Cambridge & North Dumfries, Ontario.
Participating in sport, the arts and music has been proven to enhance a child’s mental and physical development. KCP helps those in financial need for sport, music and art registration fees, enrolment fees or activity fees.
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