For our 42nd CCSA season, our theme emphasizes the importance of empowerment and recognizes the role more experienced leaders have in softball ministry. Last season, our theme was an encouragement for participants to be examples of His character and to take ownership of their role as leaders, players, and supporters of their teams and church communities. This year’s theme is a continuation of this message and focuses on the building up of leaders and continued perseverance on and off the field.

Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Proverbs 3:5 urges leaders to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding. Translated to the softball diamond, this means trusting in the training, guidance, and wisdom provided by more experienced leaders and relying on a collective understanding of teamwork and strategy by working with fellow leaders. By submitting to a higher purpose within the context of the sport, leaders can navigate the challenges of the game with a sense of purpose and trust in the divine guidance that shapes their individual and team paths.

Philippians 4:13 takes on a powerful resonance in the softball context, becoming a rallying cry for players facing the physical and mental demands of the game. “I can hit that pitch, make that play, or lead my team to victory through Him who gives me strength” becomes a mantra for leaders on the softball field. In a leadership role within the team, this scripture becomes a source of empowerment, instilling the belief that, with faith and dependence on God, a leader can overcome challenges, improve their skills, and contribute positively to their team’s success.

We encourage all participants to set an example through sportsmanship, trust in the collective guidance of coaches and teammates, and build God’s Kingdom through recreation, outreach, fellowship and leadership development. Leaders are reminded that their impact reaches beyond the scoreboard; it influences the dynamics of their team, fostering an environment where others are inspired to follow suit. By embodying the virtues outlined in these passages, leaders can leave a lasting mark on their teams and communities, shaping a new generation of players who lead with skill, resilience, and a profound faith in their abilities and the greater purpose of the game.

Rules

The Official Rules of CCSA Softball can be found at ccsa.to/rules.

Weather and park closures

• The CCSA may elect to cancel, pause, or postpone games and close permitted parks due to weather or other safety hazards at its sole discretion.
• Game cancellations and park closures will always be announced on all our online platforms (ccsa.to, our website, and the Dashboard).
• On game days with potential adverse weather, a notice will be posted on ccsa.to by 12:00 pm (noon) stating whether games are cancelled or whether games can proceed at umpires’ discretion. Additional updates may be posted 30 mins before each game as needed.
• If parks are closed, teams may not use parks for any reason (including practices and unofficial games).

Scorekeeping

Both teams are responsible for scorekeeping using the official CCSA scoresheet. Umpires should also keep score on the umpires’ scorecard or equivalent.

Before each game

• Each team should bring a copy of the official CCSA scoresheet to the game. Digital scoresheets (eg. on a tablet) are also acceptable.
• Each team should have both teams’ lineups written on their scoresheet
• Umpires should review both team’s lineups on their scoresheet

During the game

• Scorekeepers and umpires should cross-check the number of runs scored after each inning

After the game

• On both teams’ scoresheets, umpires should fill in the final score and all deductions, then sign where indicated.
• Score submission: Home, away, and umpiring teams must all submit the score (and any comments) on Dashboard
• Scoresheet upload: Home and away teams must scan and upload a copy of the signed scoresheet to Dashboard

Both the score submission and scoresheet upload must be completed by Tuesday night at 11:59 pm following the game. Failure to submit scores, upload scoresheets, or an incomplete or erroneous scoresheet may result in loss of points in the ranking.

Season Schedule

The regular season schedule is on the Dashboard, and will be updated periodically throughout the season.

Rescheduling games

After the season schedule is released, teams can coordinate to reschedule games due to rain outs or player availability. The requesting team must coordinate with the opposing team and the umpiring team in determining a new time slot. Once a new time slot is agreed upon, the email chain with all three teams agreeing can be forwarded to [email protected] for approval. Requests must be submitted by Wednesday before the weekend of the proposed game.

The opposing and umpiring teams are not obligated to accommodate reschedule requests. If a game is not rescheduled, then the result of the original game becomes final (rain outs becomes a tie, lack of available players arriving on time becomes a forfeit). A different umpiring team can substitute for the originally scheduled umpiring team, however, the original umpiring team will still be credited for fulfilling their duties, and the substitute umpiring team will not gain any additional umpiring points.