Just looking at website while waiting for family to get here, As many of you know I hosted or acted as UIC at almost all PGF events in Ohio, the only exception was Stingrays. I posted some information on why I made the switch on 12/17/2017 . As most of you know, all the tournaments I am involved in (May Mayhem, Memorial Classic, Maple Leaf East, Maple Leaf West and Cinderella Classic) are now USSSA events. Also, I spoke with two other TD's who I have worked closely with on three tournaments and we agreed to make a switch to some other format. The only other person running PGF was Warren ( and he spoke for himself above) for the last couple of years and I had the sense the time was right to make a move. I will add to the listed below. The eight tournaments I mentioned would have gone independent if we did not go USSSA. I spoke with some of the people from USSSA and found them to be high caliber and open. As such I agreed to work with them as both an unpaid State/Regional coordinator & UIC (really not sure of title, but don't care). They wanted input, which was not something I felt in working with other sanctioning bodies in the past. I found issues can be resolved simply and easily, often with a couple of hours or less. No real knock on PGF, but I hate the three hour time difference in trying to deal with folks in CA.
PGF, does seems to be the high level "Cadillac" in many ways and I recognize that most of the OFC followers seem to be focused on the Elite level teams and nationals. My personal goals have always been to run tournaments which are open to all and focused on growth of the sport overall. PGF really does not focus on these levels in my opinion and while this is not bad, it is not something I wanted to continue to be involved in. I also believe FP softball is the best game (if for no other reason, than no 39 pick-offs to 1B like in Baseball every game). There are many other reasons as well. Overall, my approach is geared to having as many players as possible involved with "team sports" at a competitive level they are functional at. The Class system does give some teams opportunities to compete at levels they are comfortable at. The Class C and Rec All Star classes have some built in protections, which are another subject.
Below are the comments as posted on 12/17/2017
" Personally, I made the switch because;
Low Sanction fee (Flat rate of $40.00 ($60 for Elite Teams), NO EXTRA costs for background checks, players or other costs. No requirement to buy USSSA insurance USSSA does offer insurance, but it is not required to play in these events, You register as a coach, keep your same ID number from year to year and just edit/update your contacts information and team rosters. You can enter your roster, use the format to keep stats. These are visible to your players and families. The format is designed to not reveal too much personal information.
The opportunities for post season events, opening for qualifying teams, top go to any area of the country, rather than just regional. USSSA allows you to register as "odd Number" teams (9U, 11U etc) and the end of year event for these groups will be held in Dayton, OH. USSSA defines how the roster must be made up to qualify for these programs.
As a TD, I found the website to be a valuable piece of the puzzle, offering the ability to post schedules and brackets with no additional cost as many commercial programs have. It is simple enough that even I can do it!I believe our first responsibility is to provide reasonable cost events, which promote the game, sportsmanship and enjoyment for all. USSSA seems to be making great efforts to meet this ideal.
When you sanction you can register for tournaments and once you put in your information, you are done for the year. You can make roster changes yourself if needed. This reduces the need to bring rosters and extra paperwork.
Hope this information is helpful and look forward to seeing you this year. As you can see, there are already more USSSA tournaments in NE Ohio than ever and more will be added in the future.
Signing up for tournaments is very simple.
As a TD, I found the website to be a valuable piece of the puzzle, offering the ability to post schedules and brackets with no additional cost as many commercial programs have. It is simple enough that even I can do it!
I believe our first responsibility is to provide reasonable cost events, which promote the game, sportsmanship and enjoyment for all. USSSA seems to be making great efforts to meet this ideal.
When you sanction you can register for tournaments and once you put in your information, you are done for the year. You can make roster changes yourself if needed. This reduces the need to bring rosters and extra paperwork.
Hope this information is helpful and look forward to seeing you this year. As you can see, there are already more USSSA tournaments in NE Ohio than ever and more will be added in the future.
Signing up for tournaments is very simple.
Family pulling in! Have a great Christmas and my best wishes for the New Year.
Bob H