TOURNAMENTS
Tournaments are a great way to meet new people, get exposure to different levels of game play and see new cities. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in tournaments. We are here to help you in any way possible. See below for more information and be sure to fill out the Google Form below if you are interested.
There are generally three tiers of tournaments to participate in:
1) LOCAL TOURNAMENTS
- Low cost ($)
- Low time commitment (generally 1-2 days)
- No travel documents required. Generally only need government issued ID
- Simpler to coordinate, less logistics
- Generally more flexible rosters and entry requirements
- iPride ratings not required, but other ratings may be required depending on the tournament
- Teams are independent of SCISA
- They may, or may not, be queer tournaments, so we encourage you to fully understand the format and rules before entering
2) WEEKEND TRAVEL TOURNAMENTS / iPRIDE-AFFILIATED TOURNAMENTS
- Moderate cost ($$)
- +/- 3 day time commitment (generally F-Sun/Mon)
- Passports/travel documents may be required
- More coordination and planning (travel and lodging)
- Fundraising is common to offset costs
- Team composition is driven by coaches and teams. In other queer leagues, rosters often fluctuate depending on which team is organizing a trip and who is interested and available to play
- Teams are independent of SCISA
- Players must be in the iPride database and have a current IPS rating
- Click here to see all of the iPride tournaments: https://ipridesoftball.org/tournaments/
- Click here to see other slo-pitch tournaments in Canada with NSA: https://nsacanada.ca/tournaments/
- Click here to see other slo-pitch tournaments in Canada with SPN: https://www.slo-pitch.com/tournament-calendar
3) GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES (GSWS)
- Significant cost (jerseys, up to 7 days lodging, travel, etc.) ($$$)
- 1 full week commitment
- Travel documents required
- High-level of coordination
- Fundraising is strongly encouraged
- Most competitive level of play
- Team selection is more competitive
- Players should only be playing in the division they are rated in
- Play time and positions will vary based on performance and level of competition
- Teams REQUIRE the following:
- Between 11-14 players rated within the respective division
- A non-playing coach
- A team captain (can be a player)
- A non-playing scorekeeper
- All players must be active in the league in the current season
- SCISA will not send a team if we do not meet the above requirements
- iPride only allows SCISA to send one team per division
- Team(s) must be submitted by SCISA Board
Note: whether SCISA sends a team or not, there are several ways to get onto a team and/or be involved in the GSWS
A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND REGARDING TOURNAMENTS:
- Every team needs a scorekeeper, coach, base coaches and supporters, so there are lots of ways to be involved outside of playing.
- If you're interested in tournaments but haven't been invited to play in one yet, let (board member/this specific person) know and we'll make sure team organizers know you're available. If you'd like to start a tournament team, we'd be happy to connect you with an experienced player who can give you some direction! Leagues thrive when there are several tournament teams within them!
- In order to play in an iPride affiliated tournament, you must have a current rating in the iPride database. If you would like to attend a tournament and are unsure about this, please reach out to the Commissioner.
- Teams are responsible for paying for all expenses associated with attending a tournament - including fundraising. No SCISA funds are to be used for teams in any capacity (nor have they ever been).
- The only exception to this rule is the annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS). SCISA will cover the team registration fee and the refundable hotel deposit. All other expenses are the responsibility of the team.