Official Policy Statement - Wearing of Jewellery

MEMO FROM THE PROVINCIAL UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF (updated)

May 10 2010

Subject: Final Jewellery Interpretation – Clarification and Enforcement

Attention: All Members of Softball BC

Softball Canada Rules 3-10 states:

a. Exposed jewellery such as wristwatches, bracelets, any type of earrings, neck chains, or any other item judged dangerous by the umpire, may not be worn during the game.

b. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewellery (do not have to be taped).

There has been a lot of e-mail received, both positive and negative, since the April 14, 2010 announcement about our decision to continue following the jewellery interpretation as set down by Softball Canada.

Softball BC has been listening to all of your concerns, opinions and suggestions. We fully understand the ramifications of players that will not remove piercings and are unable to play because of their personal decisions. For the past few weeks Softball BC President Dennis Bidin and I have been working tirelessly in an effort to offer some flexibility to our members, while at the same time satisfying the requirements of our legal team.

Therefore, please consider the following release as our official position on this issue:

Softball BC - Position on Jewellery

Over the past several months there have been various notes, emails and conversations concerning the growing issue with jewellery that is not easily removed to allow total compliance with Softball BC and/or Softball Canada Rules. Rules are meant to protect the athletes, coaches and officials from injury however at some point common sense has to play a part in the application of our rules. From a Liability and Insurance position, Softball BC is covered by the waiver that exists on our Player Registration form.

Softball BC Umpires are not required to demand the removal of jewellery that is attached by a piercing or other invasive method that would make removal difficult to accomplish unless it can be determined the jewellery in question is a danger to other players or officials. Umpires should request compliance under Softball BC or Softball Canada rules. If the individual refuses to remove the item that is attached by a method mentioned above, any liability for injury to that player lies with the player. If the player then somehow injures another player, coach or official, that would be covered by our Softball BC Insurance Policy.

Softball BC Umpires should continue to have jewellery such as dangling earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. removed. However, if they are confronted with a situation where a player refuses to remove a piece of jewellery, then the umpire should ask for one of the other umpires to attend the conference and inform the player that they have been requested to remove the jewellery and have declined. Therefore the player has taken on any liability to themselves for actions resulting from any injury that may result from the non-compliance.

Update Note: If the decision not to remove the jewellery is made by a player under the 'age of consent', that player's coach must also be involved in the umpire conference with the player and advised of their responsibility for the player’s decision.

Dennis Bidin - President - Softball BC

The last thing we want is for teams (players/coaches) to create any animosity or hard feelings by policing themselves. Please do not point out jewellery to the umpires. Please allow the umpires to umpire and they in turn will allow coaches to coach and players to play. I would ask for your continued support of your umpires who are simply doing their job and enforcing the current 2009-2010 Softball BC and Softball Canada playing rules.

I will be preparing and presenting our current Softball BC ‘Position on Jewellery’ interpretation at the 2010 Softball Canada AGM in hopes that we can have this change accepted and implemented by Softball Canada as next year is a rule change year for 2011-2012.

In short, I believe this memo really states: “Let’s Play Ball.”

Wishing you all a rewarding 2010 season!

Bob Henning

Softball BC UIC

brotherinblue@shaw.ca

604-790-1166

November 30, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Welcome to all of the District Umpires in Chief!

Most of you attended the 2009 AGM and I am grateful for all your support as well as your time to further advance the Softball BC Umpiring Program. Those of you that could not attend, please know that beginning this December, you will all become part of an online team.

Many discussions we will have on a particular topic will be between us all via e-mail. So be sure when you make any comments to always REPLY TO ALL. This current update is to inform you of what I have been working on since the Softball BC Annual General Meeting held in Kelowna in late October. Since then I have attended one Board of Director's meeting in Kelowna and another this weekend, December 4th and 5th in Richmond. I also attended the 2009 Softball Canada Annual General Meeting held in Ottawa, Ontario a few weeks ago where I was involved in the ODC / UIC meetings and where we discussed a variety of topics. BC by far had the most topics on the agenda. 

Other than Ontario, BC is the second largest group of umpires in Canada. And as you are aware, we have been one of the most respected programs in Canada over the years. Now is the time to work at maintaining and/or surpassing that expected of our program. 

I have attached my November 30, 2009 Umpire Program report for you all to peruse. In the report will be many hints as to the direction of the program and some important events that are upcoming. 

There are still many more exciting things happening and events yet to be discussed. 

After the Board Meeting this weekend, you will begin to receive at least one e-mail a week with news, discussions and important dates for your submissions of applications, nomination forms, clinic dates, and eventually, on-line surveys and e-mail discussions between all the DUICs on important program decisions and program direction. Your opinion will really count in this administration. 

First up on the agenda will be whether or not you would like to see three new Deputy UIC positions in our Province. DUIC - Senior FP, DUIC Minor FP, and DUIC SP. We will begin a new push to increase registrations, clinic attendance and with the blessing of Softball Canada, spend more time on outdoor/gym session mechanics and less time in the classroom  :-) 

Please check the address, e-mail and all contact details on the UIC/DUIC page and let me know if there are any changes. In a few cases I will need all your information. 

Remember, we are hoping to implement an e-mail database this coming year. I will find out the details this weekend to see what the office has in mind.  But this is your heads up to try and build your own e-mail network as you will each be forwarding certain e-mails to all your district members. 

Also attached is a Softball Canada 'Between the Lines' publication update. I have resigned my position as Editor to be able to spend more time on the BC Umpiring program. 

Heaps of thanks to Rick Leche for all his work maintaining the Softball BC Umpire website. We will work together with Rick to continually post new information on a very regular basis beginning 2010. 

Looking forward to working with each and every one of you in the upcoming preparations for the 2010 season. 

Best regards in Softball Umpiring,

Bob Henning

Selections for Canadian and Western Championships

I encourage all umpires to aspire to Canadian and Western Championships as part of your development.  Anyone who has done so will tell you it’s an outstanding experience of discovery, self improvement and unique camaraderie.  Within the next few weeks I will announce the assignments to 2010 Championships.  The roster will be posted on the website.

If you apply and are not selected, don’t be discouraged.  Work hard in 2010, become an even better umpire and apply next year.  Your determination will be recognized and rewarded.

Provincial Championships

In Summer, 2010 Softball BC will host up to 40 Provincial Championships.  They are held in all regions of BC including the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, the Northern Interior, the Okanagan and Central Interior and of course, Metropolitan Vancouver.

Many umpires are needed to make the Provincials the success they deserve to be.  I am confident that we have the quality and quantity of umpires to meet all demands.  I ask you to cooperate with your District UIC and tournament UIC’s when they call you to participate in one of more Provincial championship – both inside and outside your home area.

Canada Cup Futures and Showcase

Once again, this prestigious event will provide exceptional opportunity to umpires capable of doing elite level, minor fastpitch.  A large pool of umpires is required.  I promise all who are selected a great experience and a major boost to your umpire resume.

Competition on the field will be intense.  Teams “under 19” and “under 16” will come from all over Canada and the US.  Concurrently the Ladies Tournament will see elite teams from around the world including many who are bound for the Olympics in Beijing.  It’s the best ball experience you can find at that time of year!

For more information and to apply for the crew go to www.canadacup.com and follow the links to the Application Form (Go to HOME PLATE + UMPIRES)

Softball BC is proud of its officials and its umpire program.  There is still much more we can do to become even better and stronger.  I am pleased to be serving once again as your Provincial Umpire in Chief.  I call on you to join me in making a strong personal commitment and to continue our effort to be the best that we can be.

Sincerely,

Bob Henning

Softball BC UIC