




PRESS RELEASE
Slo-Pitch Ontario and Slo-Pitch National are excited to announce their plans to enhance their working agreement starting in the upcoming 2023 slo-pitch season.
What does this mean for teams and players? It means more consistency and better communication between the two slo-pitch programs, more opportunities for teams to play, and more commitment to the game we all love.
For years now, the two organizations have worked together to honour each other's suspensions with the intent to keep the game safe and protect players from individuals who choose to cheat, sandbag and abuse the rules of the game.
The differences in rules in each association were to help maintain choices for teams but, in recent years, with so many new players and officials to the game, the differences could sometimes lead to confusion. Costs to run programs, events and championships are ever increasing, and the volunteers required to assist in the running of programs, events and championships, are increasingly hard to come by. Both organizations acknowledge that the costs to participate during the tight time frame of a season is also a challenge for teams, team contacts, coaches and players.
After a series of meetings over the past year, it became clear that a possible solution to these issues was to enhance our working agreement to include the sharing of ratings and classifications of players and teams, simplify the rules used in Qualifying Tournaments and Ontario Championships, and provide opportunities for teams to compete at dual Qualifying Tournaments and Events across the Province.
We both do what we do because we love the sport of slo-pitch. Each of our organizations have particular strengths, as well as areas that each are not as effective or successful as we've hoped for. By recognizing each other's strengths and working together, we feel it will only be beneficial to each of our Memberships - the players and the teams who are the heart and soul of our programs - and we will be better together and committed to building a stronger game.
Committees have already been formed to look at differences in rules and procedures and guidelines and to identify new ideas that will be exciting and beneficial for the slo-pitch community!
This is a real game changer.
Yours in slo-pitch,
Tom Buchan
CEO of SPO
Trish Harrow
President of SPN
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ONTARIO REGION
Our league programs across Canada have been developed to support and encourage your league to run as directed by your members. Slo-Pitch National does not dictate how your league runs. We are here to provide you with any assistance you may need and provide your teams and players with benefits administered by a National Slo-Pitch Organization.
Over 600 leagues from communities across Canada register each year with Slo-Pitch National.
Your dedication and commitment to your league, through your volunteer efforts can be overwhelming, and knowing this, Slo-Pitch National is available for assistance and by providing reference material and advise. We are committed to continuing to offer support to leagues who work hard to organize the week to week activities for their teams and members.
League programs have been developed in each individual region to reflect and compliment the slo-pitch members and their unique needs within specific regions of Canada.
Membership benefits include:
• $5,000,000 Liability insurance coverage for league executives and member teams
• Zero Deductible secondary accident insurance for all players within the league
• Co-naming/Proof of Insurance Certificates for Cities/Municipalities
• Slo-Pitch National League Merchandise Packages
• Online Team Registration & Roster Management
• National rating system for teams at all levels
• Programs for men, women, masters, seniors and coed teams in a wide variety of age and/or calibre levels
• Special member prices on various sponsor products/services
• Slo-Pitch National Official Rulebook
• Access to the Slo-Pitch National Umpire Network
• Access to the Slo-Pitch Tournament Program
• Access to Slo-Pitch Provincial Championships
• Access to Slo-Pitch National Championships
• Fundraising opportunities for teams and leagues
• A program administered by experienced, reliable slo-pitch personnel (many who also run leagues)
• Access to fulltime National Office and Regional Offices across Canada Plus so much more!
Plus so much more! Please contact us for more information about our programs.