2020 Spring Season Canceled due to Pandemic

Softball Families...  We have been waiting for guidance from our local and state authorities for quite some time now, but given this past weekend would have been our opening tournament weekend, it is with a heavy heart that the Humboldt Fastpitch Board has chosen to cancel the 2020 Spring Softball Season. We recognize this is a very difficult time in multiple facets for our families and communities. As a result, the Board does not want to add any further undo stress or uncertainty as it relates to recreational softball this spring season. Given the information from our Governor that restrictions will lessen this Friday, we will be evaluating the status of local parks and rec guidelines and the requirements necessary in order to strategize a plan at that time in hopes of being able to offer some sort of softball play for our youth in our community. With that said, we also recognize that some families may be in need of the registration fee(s) paid this year and would like to be respectful of that. As you process how you would like to proceed with your registration fee(s), please keep in mind we are a non-profit organization. The league’s revenues generated from registration fees, operation of snack shacks, and special fund-raising events cover its annual expenditures and that’s about it. This year we have already paid out the following for almost 400 players:

$10,000 for uniforms and socks
$ 8,000 for 2020 insurance and USA Softball player registration fees
$ 2,000 deposit on league sweatshirts
$ 1,000 IRS and tax fees
$ 800 playing deposit for Blue Lake fields

Given the expenses already paid out for the 2020 season and the lack of revenues generated by the league’s snack shacks and fund-raising events, we are unable to fully refund all 2020 registration fees. We are, however, working closely with the NorCal USA to hopefully roll-over individual USA softball player registration fees into the 2021 season as well as with the NorCal Commissioner who is working with USA Softball’s insurance provider to try and allow the league’s insurance to also roll-over into the 2021 season. This is very positive news given the current situation we find ourselves in.

In light of this information, we would like to offer three alternatives in closing out the 2020 spring softball season for your 2020 registration fees:

1. Credit back the 2020 fees paid to your softball account for availability in future softball registrations.
2. Apply as a tax-free donation (tax exempt ID # 20-2268173) to our field and equipment maintenance fund.
3. Provide a proportionally determined partial refund. Refund amounts will be based on the remaining balance of funds after all costs have been paid and the total amount of refunds requested.

If we don’t hear back from you by May 24th, we will apply your 2020 fees as a credit to
your player’s softball account.

Please click the link below to communicate your preference:

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeTTin908KA5zqi3z…/viewform

We realize you have a choice when it comes to recreational youth softball. We appreciate you choosing Humboldt Fastpitch. Stay safe Humboldt.

Thank you.

The Humboldt Fastpitch Board

Program Update

If you are still waiting to hear from a Humboldt Fastpitch coach, know that Humboldt Fastpitch had already decided to delay one week prior to the closure of schools. Coaches were instructed at the coaches meeting to share that information as part of their communication. At this point, our policy is to follow the schools... whatever schools do, we will do also. Most of our feeder schools have delayed until March 27th so please stay tuned for further Humboldt Fastpitch updates as we know them. Til then we advocate following all protocols as indicated by the professionals. We hope to play ball soon!
😎💗🥎🤞

ATTN: ALL PROSPECTIVE 2020 HUMBOLDT FASTPITCH PARTICIPANTS!

Don't forget the 2020 Humboldt Fastpitch Softball Registration FINAL Deadline closes this Sunday, March 1st at midnight! If you have not yet registered, please register TODAY! Struggling to register? Computers will be onsite at assessments for your convenience if needed!  

Assessments will be held March 1st at McKinleyville High School, rain or shine! Please bring cleats and tennis shoes for both conditions. 8u players DO NOT assess UNLESS they are petitioning to play at the 10u age bracket. Any player petitioning up should attend the time bracket of the age division they would like to play. Otherwise all players from 10u, 12u, and 14/16u are expected to assess. Outlying areas, however, like Hoopa, Willow Creek, and Southern Humboldt are exempt from attending the assessments but are welcomed to participate.

The time break down is as follows:

10u NORTH = 9:15 am Check In, 9:30 am Assessments

10u SOUTH = 9:45 am Check In, 10 am Assessments
12u NORTH = 10:15 am Check In, 10:30 am Assessments

12u SOUTH = 10:45 am Check In, 11 am Assessments
14/16u NORTH = 11:15 a.m. Check in, 11:30 am Assessments

14/16u SOUTH = 11:45 am. Check In, 12 pm Assessments

Register Now to Avoid Late Fee!!!

Register before February 24th to avoid a $15 late fee and to help Humboldt Fastpitch volunteers prepare for an exciting 2020 season!!!

Also...  In response to the growing Humboldt Fastpitch Recreational Softball Program, we need to recruit additional umpires.  See flyer below for details on a great great way to earn some extra cash while helping to provide a positive outlet for youth in our communities.

2020 Rec Season Registration Opens Jan 13th!!!

Please register early to help the ALL VOLUNTEER Humboldt Fastpitch staff assess player numbers by geographic region, order new uniforms, finalize field rental agreements, etc., etc. - as well as to avoid the late registration fee!  Thank you again for the continued support of YOUR Youth Recreational Fastpitch Softball Program - Humboldt Fastpitch!     

THANK YOU

Well, that's a wrap! THANK YOU to all who participated in a successful 2019 Humboldt Fastpitch Softball season! Thank you to the many volunteers who help to operate this organization. It truly takes a village! From parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends who transport to and from practices and games, spectate and positively cheer on our young ladies, to coaches and umpires who work hard on the field, to equipment and field managers to make sure the teams are equipped and the fields ready to go, to spirit wear coordinators for awesome looking swag, to snack bar coordinators and staff who work diligently behind hot barbecues, to regional representatives who manage their territories and all that their areas require, and to board members who oversee the whole kit and kaboodle, THANK YOU on behalf of local girls softball in Humboldt County! We appreciate you! 

We also want to offer one more huge shout out to the nearly 400 girls that participate in Humboldt Fastpitch for their hard work, can do attitudes, and many, many examples of positive sportsmanship displayed during what turned out to be a truly epic season!  The life lessons learned, new and lasting relationships formed, and sense of community gained during your county-wide program's season far outweigh any game scores, win/loss records, and personal stats...  you are all winners!   

That said, we also want to congratulate the 2019 End-of-Season Tournament Champs.  Nice job girls!   

10U Edge - Team Coleman

12U Fire - Team J. Brown

14/16U Edge - Team Johnson

😎💖🥎🎉

Sunday Brackets

Finale Tournament Schedule

Players, Parents, and Softball Families…  If you have yet to see the tournament information on facebook, here it is!   Thank you for choosing Humboldt Fastpitch!  We hope your daughter's have enjoyed their playing experience

Tourney Rules

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12xF7EUqoWxJkfivZXWhsUx3qEKAx3E8JF96zY0elfGw/edit

Pool Play

8u = https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CbU0oWckd-ZgbVYrgKPHIajaZmHmLAnR/view?usp=sharing

10u = https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SMk8ro8uhxGuvZ86RuvbiOADHLzIL8Jo/view?usp=sharing

12u = https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iKmUt2iH7pv4nJkuluUVAvIwtcJ1fxE-/view?usp=sharing

16u = https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hv4a4UcePB8-ulqYXsrU-Mqs4Kt32D31/view?usp=sharing

Elimination Bracketing

10u - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1t5QY6cfWjqit-fLZY8YW_cb81ongKeXS

12u - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r2MyIkRomRbTGwD5k623-UXedDP8mHPO

16u - *Pool Play begins Friday/Elimination begins Saturday 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MLDlXx-oQFYQVgs07DAQPgrtgeQZLSQF

Opening Tourney Time !!!

As we move into tournament weekend just a few things to remember...

First, winning is nice but in the end these are just kids who love to play. The memory of the experience usually lasts far longer than the glory of the win. Let’s make it a positive learning experience for the girls! 

Second, please help to keep dug outs, bleachers, and parks cleaner than we found them. Please also feel free to hop on the fields in between games to groom and sweep them and maybe add a little chalk! This would be incredibly helpful for everyone! 

Third, umpires are a critical part of our organization and a valuable part of the game. It is a tough job and also very difficult to find personnel willing to be an umpire. Please remember they are human too!

Fourth, check pool play and bracketing online periodically. They are subject to change. 16u SINGLE ELIM has changed some. Please note changes. 

Finally, your ALL VOLUNTEER organization involves working countless hours across the county to provide what we hope is a quality experience for your young ladies. Consider not only asking a volunteer which includes our board members, our snack bar and spirit wear personnel, and our coaches if they need anything...little things definitely matter even if it’s just a simple THANK YOU. Those small simple words mean so much and keep us going even when the tank is empty! 

Otherwise, let’s have a fantastic weekend of softball!  Thank you!

OPENING TOURNEY THIS WEEKEND! 

Visit Humboldt Facepitch Facebook Site for Updates!

https://www.facebook.com/humboldtfastpitch/ 

OPENING TOURNEY - POOL PLAY

8U = https://drive.google.com/open…

10U = https://drive.google.com/…/1A9HA-a7GUpZQ8a9uEC3K3I6Gg…/view…

12U = https://drive.google.com/…/1npSMCsVG1iEOLKwUI_CVg1dYp…/view…

14/16U = https://drive.google.com/…/1q1B9bL5hbEHrCv-stt93ENfvC…/view… 

SUNDAY ELIMINATION BRACKETS 

10U = https://drive.google.com/…/1XfYPjnxJM4m5VAtVqqohsM8j6…/view…

12U = https://drive.google.com/…/1d9kR1wXFMOpTJ_fYOBwDuyEqQ…/view…

14/16U = https://drive.google.com/…/1EQzJkczcnnIsJpGV18Oh_ehGX…/view…

Summer Travel Ball

Loving your recreational softball season so far?? Maybe looking for more?? The Mad River Girls Fastpitch Softball Association hosts summer travel softball!

Mad River MIST is looking for dedicated, hard working young ladies who love the sport and want to up their game! Come checkout Mad River MIST and continue your playing season into summer! Information below

 

Jamboree and Pictures

So many thank you's to everyone who made our Saturday South and Sunday North Jamboree and Pictures happen!  It truly takes a village and I am so grateful to mine who continually steps up and adjusts as elements and things out of our control get sent our way!  Special thanks to Parky's Pics for being a part of our league and processing two days of pictures for our 400 softball players and their families across the county!  Lotus Mountain for continually designing kick ass sweatshirts year after year after year!  And, to Josh Miraglia, South County Regional Rep who oversaw all the details of the South Saturday event as well as to Ray Turner, North County Regional Rep, who oversaw all the details of the Northern Sunday event today.  All were supported by various volunteers around the county including Mike and Rachel Minton, Equipment and Uniform Coordinators respectively, Shanna McCracken, Graphic Designer, for designing and processing the uniforms with the information she had from registration, Field Crews including Casey Box, Bob Pinard, Joe Brown, Ivan Driggs, and Pete Bartoo as well as Raffle Coordinator Jen Pinard!  This also includes many of you, parents, coaches and players alike, who jumped in and helped also!  You are very much appreciated!  

With that being said, you will find attached the much awaited schedule for April to Opening Tournament.  It is a multi-page document with the Master Schedule first and then the various age brackets broken down respectively.  The remainder of the schedule is pending interleague play with Redwood Fastpitch and once both boards approve the proposed scheduled games we will be happy to release the remainder of the schedule!   

Thank you for choosing Humboldt Fastpitch!  We look forward to seeing your young ladies play ball!  

Kelly Helms, President

 2019 Schedule Ver 5 4_6_2019.pdf

Season Update!

Well, it has taken us a bit BUT we have placed 372 young ladies across the county to play Humboldt Fastpitch Softball ranging from Inland areas like Hoopa and Willow Creek, over to the Coast in McKinleyville and Arcata and running south through Ferndale, Fortuna, and Southern Humboldt! 🎉

It is no easy feat and takes many volunteers from all regions of the county!  We are always looking for help so if you are interested in jumping in please let your regional rep know!  👍  Regional Reps are as follows:

East

Hoopa - Shelly Middleton

Willow Creek - Kevin Brown

North

McKinleyville - Ray Turner

Arcata - VACANT

South

Ferndale - VACANT

Fortuna - Josh Miraglia

Far South

So Hum - Lupe Balajadia

Jamboree Schedule:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cO_0SRsO9hbjgf5iQT96hRZnJOAZaMlTe0yaFXdP7YU/edit#gid=0  

Picture Info

https://www.parkyssportraits.com/product-offerings  

Registration Extended Thru March 6th

Thank you to everyone who attended the assessments yesterday and registered with our league!  Wednesday night the board will be getting together to start the team distributions!  Our goal is to have teams rockin' and rollin' the week of March 18th.  Jamboree and picture day is much earlier this year so mark your calendars for April 6th if you are South County and April 7th if you are East and North counties!  Because our meeting will not occur until Wednesday we have decided to keep registration open until 11:59 p.m. on March 5th!  So, if you know anyone who is thinking about signing up but thinks they have missed the deadline please let them know ASAP!  Thanks so much!    

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ONSITE REGISTRATION & ASSESSMENTS - SUNDAY MARCH 3rd

Don't forget the 2019 Humboldt Fastpitch Softball Registration deadline closes this Sunday, March 3rd at midnight!  If you have not yet registered, please consider pre-registering online, however, computers will be onsite at assessments for your convenience!

Assessments will be held March 3rd at McKinleyville High School, rain or shine!  Please bring cleats and tennis shoes for both conditions.  8u players DO NOT assess UNLESS they are petitioning to play at the 10u age bracket.  Any player petitioning up should attend the time bracket of the age division they would like to play.  Otherwise all players from 10u, 12u, and 14/16u are expected to assess.  Outlying areas, however, like Hoopa, Willow Creek, and Southern Humboldt are exempt from attending the assessments.  

 The time break down for the assessments at Mckinleyville High School are as follows:

10u = 9:30 a.m.

12u = 10:30 a.m.

14/16u = 11:30 a.m.

 Thank you!

Register Now!!!

HELP WANTED

Pays $20-$35 a game!  Inquire Today!

March 3rd Softball Assessments at Mac High

The Humboldt Fastpitch Recreation Program's Annual Softball Assessments for all age groups (except 8u) for the 2019 season will be March 3rd at McKinleyville High School, come RAIN OR SHINE.  Although we don't assess players at the 8u level (meaning age 8 and under), all players looking to petition up in age divisions MUST ATTEND the age group they are requesting to play in. For example, an 8u player petitioning up to play in the 10u (age 10 and under division) would need to attend the 10u assessment.  Assessments will occur in the morning and last thru early afternoon, with specific time brackets for each age group to be released soon, so stay tuned!  

If you haven't registered, please do so ASAP as it helps YOUR not-for-profit organization's ALL VOLUNTEER staff to prepare for the 2019 season.  With your support, here's what Humboldt Fastpitch was able to accomplish in 2018:

• registered nearly 400 players scattered throughout Humboldt County,
• created 34 teams in 4 different age divisions, 
• more teams provided a greater diversity in matchups in regular season games, 
• access to and play on 14 different fields,
• held two separate weekend tournaments, 
• provided all participants with a Humboldt Fastpitch T-shirt, and  
• worked collaboratively with the Pacific Union School District to build a new field for the organization for the 2019 season. 

Thank you all, parents and players, for making the Humboldt Fastpitch Recreation Program, its parent organization Mad River Girls Fastpitch Softball, and its competitive travel program, the Mad River Mist, the largest and oldest not-for-profit, Youth ASA/USA Softball organization in Humboldt County!