2021 Conference Package & Schedule

Welcome to the 2021 Conference USSSA sponsored by Dudley.

Enclosed you will find a Conference USSSA Information sheet detailing what the Conference membership includes as well as the 2021 Tentative Conference Schedule, the Team Commitment form and Team Insurance program information.

Please Read This Information Thoroughly as there have been changes to the program for 2021. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either Strojan Kennison or Laurie Timmons.

Once you have completed the entry form and team insurance form, please return them along with the applicable fees, in order to secure your place in the 2021 Conference USSSA. You may also include a Tentative Tournament Schedule if you have determined that as well. As a reminder, due to extremely high demand, Conference team membership may be limited and will be accepted on a first-come, first served basis based on receipt of Conference entry fee.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Donny   

Donny DeDonatis III CEO

2021 USSSA Slow Pitch Conference Entry Form

By signing this entry form, I am obligating my team to participate in the Slow Pitch Conference and agree to abide by all the terms of being a Conference USSSA team. I am also enclosing the $6,500 entry fee or a deposit of $3500. The entry fee includes mandatory team insurance. The balance of the entry fee is due no later than April 30th, 2021. If balance is not paid by the set date the team will be removed from Conference USSSA.

_____ Yes, I understand and agree to all the terms listed and my team will participate in the USSSA Slow Pitch Conference 2021.

Team Name and State:__________________________________________________

Team Classification: TBD once roster has been received

Team Manager and/or Point of Contact (please list 2):

Name Email Cell Phone #

Name Email Cell Phone #

Team Statistician:_______________________________________________________ Email Cell Phone #

RETURN FORMS AND PAYMENT IMMEDIATELY TO:

Laurie Timmons USSSA National Headquarters 5800 Stadium Parkway Melbourne, FL 32940 Laurie.Timmons@usssa.com Fax: 321-877-0607

ALTERNATE

2021 Conference USSSA Slow Pitch Men’s B Teams Only Entry Form

By signing this entry form, I am obligating my team to participate in the Slow Pitch Conference and agree to abide by all the terms of being a Conference USSSA team. I am also enclosing the $4500 entry feet. If the entry fee is not paid by the first event the team will be removed from Conference USSSA.

_____ Yes, I understand and agree to all the terms listed and my team will participate in the USSSA Slow Pitch Conference 2021.

Team Name and State:__________________________________________________

Team Classification: Men’s B and this will be reviewed as well once roster has been received

Team Manager and/or Point of Contact (please list 2):

Name Email Cell Phone #

Name Email Cell Phone #

Team Statistician:_______________________________________________________ Email Cell Phone #

RETURN FORMS AND PAYMENT IMMEDIATELY TO:

Laurie Timmons USSSA National Headquarters 5800 Stadium Parkway Melbourne, FL 32940 Laurie.Timmons@usssa.com Fax: 321-877-0607

2021 MEN’S CONFERENCE USSSA SCHEDULE

March 26-28 Sin City Major BLD - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV

April 8-11 Hall of Fame Classic Dual Space Coast Complex Viera, FL

April 16-18 Sooner Invitational Challenger Sports Complex Broken Arrow, OK

April 23-25 Cactus Classic Victory Lanes Glendale, AZ

April 30-May 2 Texas Legends Softball World Euless, TX

May 7-9 Battle At The Beach Dual Grand Park Myrtle Beach, SC

May 14-16 Mansfield Major BLD - Mansfield Mansfield, TX

May 21-23 Crown Town Classic Mid-America Ballpark Shawnee, KS

May 28-30 Kut4 Classic Al Bishop Complex Atlanta, GA

June 4-6 Windy City Major McCaslin Park Carol Stream, IL

June 11-13 Battle On The Chesapeake Backman Park Glenn Burnie, MD

June 18-20 The Dudley Budweiser Centennial Park Brooklyn Center, MN

June 25-27 Softball City Major Wallace Marine Park Salem, OR

July 2-4 Busch Classic Sherwood Sports Complex Little Rock, AR

July 9-11 53rd Smoky Mountain Classic Sandy Springs Park Maryville, TN

July 16-18 Cincy Major Mid-America Ballyard Cincinnati, OH

July 23-25 Rocky Mountain Shootout Barnes Sports Complex Loveland, CO

July 29-August 1 Easton Derby Dual Hogan Park Kent, WA

August 6-8 Schiffhauer Strong Mid-America Ballyard Cincinnati, OH

August 12-15 Pocket City Dual Major Deaconess Sports Park Evansville, IN

August 27-29 Chattahoochee Major South Commons Columbus, GA

September 3-5 Salt Lake City Classic West Valley Park Salt Lake City, UT

September 17-19 CUSSSA Championships Lou Berliner Park Columbus, OH

October 6-9 Major World Series Space Coast Stadium Viera, FL

Player Classification policy and point system : To help us with classifying each team in the Conference, players are rated by points.

For Example: A player on the Major Player list will have a point value of 1.25 A player on the Watch List will have a point value of .75

The total point value guideline below should be used in trying to determine your classification. Keep in mind that this is only a guideline and the classification of each team will be determined by the Conference USSSA Classification Committee. Points are an off-season, team building guide and an in-season maximum.

Major - Unlimited AA - 9 points A - 3.5 points B - 1.50 points C - No points

To assist you in determining your classification, the current Major Player list and Watch list are available on the USSSA website at http://www.usssa.com/slowpitch/majorPlayerList To appeal placement, a player must email Dale Weiser at Dale.Weiser@usssa.com .

This should eliminate the confusion of team classification throughout the year and make for even better parity amongst teams at our World Tournaments.

2021 Schedule : There will be three (3) Dual events this year, Viera, Florida, Kent, Washington and Evansville, Indiana. There will be four (4) Conference Tournaments designated “Special Point” events and they are Salem, OR, Kent, WA, and the Schiffauer Strong event in Cincinnati - Base 180 + 4 points per conference team entered.

The World Tournament dates for 2021 are:

Conference Championships – September 17-19 Men’s B – September 29-30 Men’s A – October 1-2 Men’s GSL A/B - October 3-4 Men’s AA – October 3-4 Men’s Major – October 6-10

Conference USSSA 2021 Membership Information

Based on 32 Teams

Each Conference Team is Eligible For: ● Entry fees for 7 Conference Tournaments - Each event after seven 7 entry fees will cost $400 ● Conference Championships Last Chance ● World Tournament participation:

o Conference AA teams receive a paid berth to the USSSA Men’s AA World Tournament. o Conference “A” teams receive a paid berth to both the USSSA Men’s A World Tournament and

the Men’s AA World Tournament. o Conference “B” teams receive a paid berth to the USSSA Men’s AA, A & B World

Tournaments. ● Classification determined by Conference Committee ● Locked rosters to protect your team and players ● Dudley Softballs & Bat Testing at every Conference Tournament ● Premier Umpires ● Select Conference Tournaments Broadcast on USSSA Live or equivalent. ● Conference Awards at the Major World Series ● AA, A, & B teams MUST play in their respective World Tournament & the CUSSSA Championships to

be able to participate in the Major World Series. Exception: Modified B Teams may not qualify for the Major World Series.

● At the Conference Championship event, the highest finishing CUSSSA team in that tournament without a berth to the Men’s Major World Series will be awarded the 17th spot. The 18th spot will be awarded to the Military World Champion.

● The Conference Championships will count towards your overall point total. This event will not replace other event’s points and will technically be your 8th event.

USSSA Conference Championship

After the completion of the last regular season CUSSSA tournament, any team with 7 events can qualify for the Conference Championships at Lou Berliner Park in Columbus, OH.

● The top 16 teams in points, regardless of class determined by points, will be required to play the Conference Championship. Those 16 teams must play in this event to validate their Major World Series berth.

● The highest finishing non-qualified team, will receive the 17th seed in the Major World Series. o The tie breaker will go to the team with the most CUSSSA Points.

● Participation in Conference Championships will give teams the opportunity to earn additional points toward seeding in USSSA Men’s Major World Series.

● Teams seeded 1-16 competing in the Championship Bracket can not be seeded lower than 16 th in the USSSA Men’s Major World Series.

● Teams Seeded 1-16 can change with each other based on their finish at the Conference Championships. ● The 17-32 seeds can not jump the 16th seed to be placed in the Major World Series. ● HD coverage of Conference Championship by USSSA Live

USSSA Men’s Major World Series

Top 16 Conference teams regardless of class determined by points earn a paid berth to the Men’s Major World Series at USSSA Space Coast Stadium Complex. Each team will receive $3000 towards hotel rooms in Brevard County at the Major World Series. The 17th place will come from the Conference Championship and will receive $2500 for hotel rooms in Brevard County at the Major World Series..

USSSA Men’s AA World Tournament

Conference teams placing in the top 16 classified as “AA” will receive $2250 for hotel rooms in Brevard County at the USSSA Men’s AA Tournament.

USSSA Men’s A World Tournament

Conference teams placing in the top 20 classified as “A” will receive $2250 for hotel rooms in Brevard County at the USSSA Men’s A Tournament.

USSSA Men’s B World Tournament

Conference teams placing in the top 24 classified as “B” will receive $2250 for hotel rooms in Brevard County at the USSSA Men’s B Tournament.

Conference USSSA 2021 ALTERNATE MEN’S B Membership Information

Based on 32 Teams

Each Conference B Team that chooses the ALTERNATE Packet is Eligible For: ● Entry fees for 7 Conference Tournaments - Each event after seven 7 entry fees will cost $400 ● Conference Championships Last Chance ● World Tournament participation:

o Conference “B” teams receive a paid berth to the USSSA Men’s AA, A & B World Tournaments.

● Classification determined by Conference Committee ● Locked rosters to protect your team and players ● Dudley Softballs & Bat Testing at every Conference Tournament ● Premier Umpires ● Select Conference Tournaments Broadcast on USSSA Live or equivalent. ● Conference Awards at the Major World Series ● The Conference Championships will count towards your overall point total. This event will not replace

other event’s points and will technically be your 8th event.

USSSA Conference Championship

After the completion of the last regular season CUSSSA tournament, any team with 7 events can qualify for the Conference Championships at Columbus, OH.

● The top 16 teams in points, regardless of class determined by points, will be required to play the Conference Championship. These 16 teams must play in this event to validate their Major World Series Berth.

● Men’s B teams that have taken advantage of the Alternate Men’s B Conference option ARE NOT ELIGIBLE t o qualify for the USSSA Men’s Major World Series.

● HD coverage of Conference Championship by USSSA Live

USSSA Men’s B World Tournament

Conference teams placing in the top 24 classified as “B” will receive $2250 for hotel rooms in Brevard County at the USSSA Men’s B Tournament.

Conference USSSA Uniform Policy

A. All players on a team shall wear uniforms shirts identical in color, trim and style, and all players’ uniforms shall include minimal six-inch numbers on their backs.

B. The following is prohibited from being placed on the teams uniforms:

○ Any non-USSSA/GSL softball association name and/or logo.

○ Any sponsor and/or company not in good standing with USSSA.

C. The approved numbers are 00-09, 0-99. Duplicate numbers, alphabetical letters and/or roman numerals are not allowed.

D. All players on a team shall wear uniform pants/knickers identical in color, trim and style.

E. Any part of an undershirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform solid color for all players on a team. Any player other than the pitcher may have numbers, and /or letters, insignia attached to the sleeve of the undershirt.

F. No player whose uniform does not conform to that of their teammates shall be permitted to participate in a game.

G. Each team shall wear a distinctive uniform at all times, or that each team shall have two sets of uniforms. These two sets of uniforms should be of contrasting colors.

H. No player shall attach to their uniform tape or other material of a different color from his uniform.

I. No player shall attach anything to the heel or toe of their shoe other than the ordinary shoe plate or toe plate. Metal spikes are not allowed.

J. All players on a team shall wear hats identical in color, logos, trim and style. The Women’s program all players on a team shall wear headwear identical in color.

K. All players on a team shall wear socks and belts identical in color, trim and style.

L. CUSSSA may provide that the uniforms of its member teams include the names of its players on their backs. Any name other than the last name of the player must be approved by CUSSSA. If adopted, all uniforms for a team must have the names of its players. Exception: Sponsorship, or common statement above or below number.

M. If displaying the Conference USSSA Logo: Shall be displayed on the right sleeve.

N. All players on a team shall have the complete shirt tucked into their pants.

O. Sponsors, Managers, and Coaches:

○ Sponsors: Professional appearance in long pants, if not in team uniform.

○ Scorekeeper: Professional appearance in long pants, if not in team uniform.

○ Managers/Coaches: ■ Men’s - Must be in full uniform; may wear team pullover or jacket ■ Women’s - Option of full uniform or shorts; matching other coaches

Code of Conduct - TO BE GOVERNED BY OUR NEWLY FORMED ETHICS COMMITTEE

The following are the guidelines that will be used for this coming year. Please make your players and coaches aware of this:

Conference USSSA - CODE OF CONDUCT

I. CONDITIONS A. The Code of Conduct applies to all participants including players, coaches, managers, sponsors, and spectators associated with the Conference USSSA.

B. The code applies to participant conduct before, during and after all Conference USSSA events.

C. Participants will be held liable for damages caused by misusing park facilities and may be required to reimburse the City/Facility for any damages caused.

D. It is the responsibility of each team manager to ensure that all participants and spectators know and adhere to the rules and regulations.

II. ENFORCEMENT A. The Conference USSSA Ethics Committee will review all stage 2 and higher Code of Conduct violations, and will make a recommendation for disciplinary action to the CEO’s designee based on the range of disciplinary action listed under the penalty section of the Code of Conduct rules.

B. The Conference USSSA Director/Commissioner has the authority to impose penalties as prescribed within the Code of Conduct regardless of the Ethics Committee recommendations.

C. The Conference USSSA UIC and Director/Commissioner will collect all necessary documentation and are responsible for notifying the team manager in email of any penalty imposed. It is then the team manager’s responsibility to inform the player(s) of the penalty.

D. All communications regarding code of conduct enforcement will be done via e-mail.

E. Any Code of Conduct violation that is a stage 2 or higher violation and involves any misconduct against an umpire will result in an investigation and a possible suspension of those involved.

F. Most decisions will be final with no possibility of appeal. In some instances the person(s) involved may be given a period of time to appeal the penalty.

G. That appeal must be in email and delivered within 3 days of the date of the notice.

III. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES A. STAGE 1: Misconduct includes but is not limited to: • Unsportsmanlike conduct • Unnecessary roughness • Reckless physical conduct and/or action(s) • Casual profanity • Inappropriate gestures

Penalty: Ejection from game and suspension for the remainder of the game based on the below listed criteria.

● If the ejection occurs prior to the 4th inning, the participant may play the next game as long as the participant leaves the game without additional incident and does not commit any other code of conduct violations (see Post Ejection Conduct below).

*** If the ejection occurs after the 4th inning the participant is suspended for the next game.

Post Ejection Conduct (participant action immediately following an ejection by an umpire):

Misconduct includes but is not limited to:

● Continues to use profanity ● Acts or carries on in a disruptive manner ● Refuses to leave as requested by umpire or staff

Penalty: Ejection from the tournament, AND moved to at least a Stage 2 violation and will be reviewed by the Ethics Committee.

B. STAGE 2: Includes Stage 1 criteria but more severe Misconduct includes but is not limited to:

• Taunting • Failure for a coach or manager (whoever represents the team for the game) to: attempt to de-escalate a potentially volatile situation, attempt to control a participant that is violating the Code of Conduct. • Intimidating behavior and/or action • Excessive profanity • Perceived reckless behavior • Unnecessary roughness with the perceived intent to cause harm or injury • Unruly, disruptive, unsportsmanlike, uncooperative behavior etc. immediately following an ejection by an umpire • Consumption of alcohol or use or possession of other drugs on City property before, during or after any scheduled game

Penalty: Ejection from the tournament, AND a possible suspension for up to one year from the date of the incident, AND/OR probation for up to three years from the date of the incident.

C. STAGE 3: Includes Stage 2 violations but more severe Misconduct includes but is not limited to: • Verbal threats such as “I know where you live”, “I better not see you out here again”, “or else” etc. • Physical contact with anyone (includes incidental contact with an umpire, opposing players, spectators, staff etc.) • Any negative (verbal, physical) contact with an umpire prior to or after a game on or off the field • Any negative contact with an umpire in the parking lot, at their vehicle or anywhere else on City property

• Throwing a ball or any other object in the general direction of anyone • A player purposely throws a ball at a base runner while the base runner is attempting to stay out of the way of a fielder attempting to throw. • Giving the distinct impression through gesture or verbally expressing the idea or perceived notion and intent to instigate a fight. This includes commonly known phrases such as “let’s take this to the parking lot” etc.

Penalty: Immediate ejection from all USSSA play for up to one year, with the possibility of an additional four years if the Executive State Director chooses to pursue that option.

D. STAGE 4: Includes Stage 3 violations but more severe

Misconduct includes but is not limited to: • Punching, striking or assaulting anyone • Purposefully throwing a ball or any other object and striking at anyone

Penalty: Immediate ejection from all USSSA play for up to one year with the probability that the Ethics Committee can ask the National Organization for up to a lifetime of suspension from all USSSA participation.

TEAM MISCONDUCT:

A team will be found in violation of the Code of Conduct if the following occurs: • A team instigates, promotes or participates in a bench clearing fight at any time before, during or after a game. • The definition of a bench clearing brawl is defined as 2 or more players from the same team leaving the dugout or their positions on the field to instigate the above bulleted misconduct violations.

Penalty: Immediate ejection from the tournament, followed by a possible suspension of the entire team from participation in all tournament play for up to one year from the date of the incident.

USE OF ONE OR MORE ILLEGAL PLAYERS IN TOURNAMENT PLAY: It is the responsibility of every coach to know and understand the eligibility rules of the program that their team is participating in. If it is found that a player is, or was, participating in tournament play illegally, then the penalty could be anything from 30 days probation up to a years’ suspension. Each individual case will be dealt with on its own merits. Coaches, players and teams, can and will be held accountable. For the Ethics Committee to be able to deal fairly with these situations, a protest should be filed at the tournament. Failure to report the incident to the TD will make it very difficult to hand out penalties.

_____ Yes, I understand and agree to all the terms listed and my team will participate in the USSSA Slow Pitch Conference.

Team Name and State:__________________________________________________

Team Manager and/or Representative:

Print Name Date

Signature

USSSA TEAM UNIFORM PLAYER CONTRACT

Execution of This Uniform Player Contract

By affixing their signatures below, Player and Conference USSSA Team indicate their understanding of, and agreement to, all the provisions of this Uniform Player Contract, including all addendums and other attachments. This agreement shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of Florida.

Each player who signs a Conference USSSA Uniform Player Contract Agrees and/or accepts an online roster addition is subject to the following:

1. A Player is committed to the Conference team for the entire playing season and cannot join another USSSA team unless released (in writing) by the Conference team prior to the conclusion of the Major World Series of the playing year.

2. The release of a player is completely within the discretion of the team.

3. No one (sponsor, manager, coach, player, and/or team affiliate) may discuss or otherwise communicate with a

player on the roster of a Conference USSSA team about even the possibility of playing with another Conference team until after completion of the Major World Series during the current playing year. At that time such communication can occur only if the player has not signed a Conference team Player Contract for the following year.

4. Prior to completion of the Major World Series during the current playing year, the only allowable contact with a

player on a Conference USSSA team roster about even the possibility of playing for a Conference team in a subsequent season is by the team for which the player is currently a signed rostered player.

5. Communicating with a player on the roster of another Conference USSSA team about even the possibility of

playing for a team when that player is on a signed roster for the playing year will be viewed as tampering which is an offense subject to suspension as Unsportsmanlike Conduct. **The Deduction of 100 CUSSSA points may also be imposed.

6. Player agrees to abide by all Conference USSSA rules, regulations and bat testing requirements.

**THIS INCLUDES ANY PLAYER STEPPING ON THE FIELD WITH A CUSSSA TEAM* *

Player Information Name:       Address:       City, State ZIP:      

Cell Phone No:      

Date of Birth:      

Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________ Contract Period

Position:       Term

Beginning: 12:00 AM (EST)  November 1, 2020

Height:      

Term Ending:

11:59 PM (EST) October 30, 2021

Weight:      

Bats/Throws:      

CONFERENCE USSSA TEAM CONTRACT

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in USSSA athletics/sports program, related events and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates and agrees that:

1. The risk of injury from the activities involved in the program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment and personal discipline may reduce the risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and,

2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM

THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume all full responsibility for my participation; and

3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and

4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE

AND HOLD HARMLESS USSSA, their officers, officials, agents and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable owners and lessors of the premises used to conduct the event (“Releasees”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH OR loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE.

PLAYER AFFIDAVIT:

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT. I UNDERSTAND THAT I MUST HAVE IN MY POSSESSION ACCEPTABLE PHOTO ID AT ALL TIMES IN CASE OF PLAYER PROTEST.

TEAM MANAGER AFFIDAVIT:

I, the manager of the Conference USSSA team noted below, do hereby state that the player noted above is eligible to compete with my team in the Conference USSSA program in accordance with the USSSA rules governing this program. I understand that only this contract protects my team and sponsors from a player deciding to play for another team and/or speaking with other management.

THIS UNIFORM PLAYER CONTRACT IS NOT EFFECTIVE UNTIL:

1. IT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE PLAYER, CONFERENCE USSSA TEAM AND A DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF USSSA (SIGNING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF USSSA). (A) USSSA’S SIGNATURE ON THIS AGREEMENT IS EFFECTIVE SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPROVING THIS AGREEMENT; AND (B) IN NO EVENT SHALL USSSA BE RESPONSIBLE TO PLAYER FOR THE OBLIGATIONS OF CONFERENCE USSSA TEAM UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, NOR SHALL USSSA HAVE ANY OTHER DUTY OR LIABILITY TO PLAYER ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.

2. A FULLY SIGNED COPY OF THIS UNIFORM PLAYER CONTRACT HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO USSSA

NATIONAL OFFICE: PLEASE RETURN FORM TO: USSSA.CONF@USSSA.COM

DISCLAIMER: USSSA has zero input and/or say on contract details. We will not disclose such information. Sponsors/Managers may attach contract information if they desire.

Date Player Name Player Signature       Date Team Name Team Manager Signature       Date Team Sponsor USSSA Team Sponsor Signature

USSSA National Office

Date

Don DeDonatis III, CEO/Executive Director