A big welcome to all returning and new teams and their players to the Victoria Slopitch League for the 2010 season.

The VSL is now entering its 3rd season, the roots of this League do go back as far as the early 80's!
For the 2010 season, the VSL has some new changes that should make this season the best yet.
From the last VSL meeting, we discussed and voted on many issues. Below are the the latest updates
that VSL will be implementing for the 2010 season:

Division Structure of Teams for 2010
The 6 and 4 teams will play in one 12 team division. The schedule will be a round
robin plus 3 additional games - Total of 14 doubleheader games.

The 7 and 3 teams will play in two divisions of 8 teams each.
The schedule will be a round robin twice within the division - Total of 14 doubleheader games.

VSL website
- Entering scores for Standings
This has been a huge success with teams entering their scores which the website automatically updates the standings.
Newly added is the ability for a team to delete an incorrectly entered score.
In addition to the standings, clicking on a team shows a track record of scores vs teams played.

Big ball/Small ball for play this season
Females will now be able to hit the small ball when at bat. This will make for a more exciting
and fun game for all. The small ball is 11" and has the same specifications as the larger 12" ball.
The VSL uses the Worth SPO Optic ball for League play, check it out here:
http://www.slopitch.info/library/spoballs09.pdf

Bat Committee
We now have a bat committee. Greg, Jason and Sheila have graciously volunteered their time to
draw up a VSL banned bat list. By now all teams should have received this list and it will
be posted at the VSL website. If you have any questions regarding bats, the bat committee
will field all questions and are responsible for determining bats unsafe for VSL play
and will update the VSL banned bat-list as required.

New Rules
We are extremely happy to have Dennis volunteer for being in charge of the VSL rules.
He will be editing the rules for brevity and will be write up the new rules to be implemented for the 2010 season.
Here is a recap of the new rules:
- Team sharing of players to avoid forfeit.
The teams voted this rule in for the 7&3 Div's only.
If a team is short players, the other team has the option to allow spares to play for that team to avoid forfeit of the game.
- Fines for Team no-show.
A team will be fined if a no-show. The fine will be paid to the other team. This fine is paid out of a performance bond paid
by all teams at start of season.
- Other minor rules changes, please see updated rule list.

Umpires Fees increased
The VSL is very proud and supportive of its Umpires which number among the best and most experienced that Victoria has to offer.
The VSL has some of the most competitive teams in the city and the VSL umpires ensure the calls made are to the highest standard.
I observed a recent VSL Umpires Clinic put on by our UIC Rick Dacey and was impressed with their dedication in preparing
for the upcoming season. The VSL is taking the lead in making its umpires the highest paid in the City.

Field rates
- Field rates increased
Starting this year, the City of Victoria is implementing a increased field rate to be more in line with
rates charged by other municipalities. The field rate will gradually increase over a three year period.
The VSL will not increase its Team registration fees for this year.

VSL Sponsors
-Kirby's Source for Sports
We welcome and are pleased to have Kirby's Source for Sports returning as a VSL sponsor. Kirby's has an
experienced staff and are a leader for the best sports equipment in Victoria. Kirby's aslo is a major supplier
for all team apparel. Need new jerseys? Check out Kirby's latest line of ball jerseys. Please inform your team mates
that VSL members are entitled to a 10% discount on any item. Kirby's will also be having special pricing on certain bats
for VSL members. Buying a new bat? Check with Kirby's first for your best pricing.
Kiryb's Sports is located at 894 Cloverdale Ave (Blanshard at Cloverdale) call 250-480-5030
http://www.kirbyssports.com/

- The VSL is also talking with other sponsors, teams will be updated as information becomes available.

Insurance
- VSL has probably the best insurance available and we're happy to report no rate increase this year.

All of the above is intended for general information purposes only. Official VSL documents should be consulted
for detailed information as necessary.

We wish all teams a safe and fun season of playing slopitch for the VSL 2010 season!

Gabe VSL President
Bobbi VSL Treasurer