Q and A
What are your leagues trying to accomplish?
We have a number of objectives. One is to raise money to help kids in disadvanaged situations to
go to camps, Mariner games, as well as get to do other sports and people related things that they
may not get an opportunity to do
We want to provide people that do not have a team, an opportunity to play on a team.
We want to provide a fun, social atmosphere for people that believe fitness and socializing are an
important part of life.
Has Champs Sports been successful in reaching it's goals?
We have helped alot of kids and hope to help alot more this year.....we have helped many adults
interact with others, make friends, form friendly rivalries, as well as allowing players and fans to
watch their friends, kids, cousins etc and spend quality time.....when dealing with rentals and
people, things are never perfect. We do have a core group that has been with us throughout the
growing pains, who we are grateful to.
PLAYERS - As an individual signup, what can I expect?
Each coach for our house teams, has agreed to follow our "team rules" in order to be a coach.
1) This is an equal playing time league 2) Each coach would appreciate not having to do the full
team workload, including rsvp for games, help with the score keeping, base coaching, carrying
team equipment, etc 3) enforcement of the no tolerance policies, written by Champs Sports.
Includes no talking down to other teams, umpires, league organizers, fans etc. Also, we love
having kids watch our game so we do have a no swearing policy. We are looking for people that
want to play the sport they love, have fun with their teammates and opposition, and most
importantly, realize it is what you make of it. We can't control what people do, but we can
definately do something about it after. 4) Realization that "parity" is an imperfect science,
especially in a 6 to 8 team league. We do our research on teams that enter as teams, and try to
prevent them from using our leagues as a "batting practice" league. 5) A secure feeling of
bringing your friends and families to the game and have it be entertaining for all.
Are there practices at all?
We leave that up to the teams themselves. If you are not the coach, you are welcome to help the
coach organize a practice.
What do I need to bring to the games?
Just your mitt and I would wear shoes that are conducive to Softball. Absolutely no metal cleates
How many do you put on a house team?
We try to put 9 males and 5 females - 14 total. We find 9 to 12 regulars are at each game (on
average)
What time should I get to the game?
If possible, 30 minutes before, or as early as possible. It's a great help to the coach, and also
gives you a chance to warm up and stretch out - which gets more important every year.
What are the rules?
They will be re-posted soon. Basically, it is a.s.a. rules. Champs Sports also has safety rules
(bats, etc). They are 7/3 leagues (which is 7 males and 3 females format) There are batting and
fielding rules, but they are "coach friendly". No obscure batting rules.
Are they single games or doubleheaders?
Each league is different. We prefer DH's, but when renting, we have to take what we get. Maybe
single, DH's or a combo of both.
Are there coaching opportunities?
Yes. We do have rules and parameters for coaches to meet, but we do appreciate someone willing
to step up.
COSTS: What are we getting for our league fee?
Games, including playoffs (for all teams that played by the rules). The league does not provide
jerseys.
Your costs are reasonable, but a little more expensive than the Parks
leagues. Why is that?
We have to pay for renting fields, sometimes renting lights, umpires, insurance and labor. When
you break it down, it comes out to about $5 to $7 a game for you. People also have opportunities
to sub for other teams and get many more games. Also, if you are a male individual player, the
Parks will put you on a waiting list and you may be there for a while. Where else can you go for
that price to have the fun that most people are having with this?
What are my pay options?
1) Online at www.seattlechamps.org 2) Check or money order, by mail 3) in person at one
of our leagues, or at our Shoreline office (by appointment).
Can I pay at the first game?
Unfortunately, we have done that in the past and have had people not show up and not take
accountability. Also, we are a not for profit and have to pay our league fees ahead of time, so we
count on your fees. ..... If you need references, we have a ton of them.
I'm going to miss some games, am I letting the team down?
Absolutely not. Almost everyone misses games. We are known for giving people the opportunity
to sub and play extra games, so you can get your fill.
Can I bring in a player to sub that is not in this particular league?
No. League rules and liability.
How do I know if it's a rainout and are the games made up?
Each league will have a specific rainout policy...we will make up the games if possible, and there
is a good chance that they would have to be on a different day/night of the regular league
schedule. We have outlined in our refund policy what we do if the makeup date is not doable for
you.
I, as a male player, and 4 of my male friends, want to sign up for a co-ed team, is
that o.k.?
Most likely not. It depends what the team ratios are like, but as in real life, women are the core
of our leagues. Let us know your situation and we'll see what we can do.
Are there employment and volunteer opportunities with the organization?
Absolutely yes. Umpiring, marketing, working with kids in the summer and hopefully more things.
When does all the league info come out, schedules, addresses, etc?
Between your Team Cowboy site and our web site, you will get everything you need. The schedule
is made usually 10 days before the season starts - for the whole season.
How often do you run softball leagues?
We go from early April to the second week of October.
THERE WILL BE MORE Q and A POSTED HERE SOON