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Online now: 5 members: Birdman5, CHI-TOWN BALLERS, Hitsquad04, TABLE SETTER 11, Tab27; 120 anonymousDiscussion: Western Championships
| Posted | Discussion |
| July 22, 2020 txnighttrain 119 posts | Western Championships I noticed that there are a recorded number of teams going this year. More than they have gotten the past 3 years in Sacramento. Maybe the new location might be considered for a future move for this tournament, at least maybe every other year. |
| July 23, 2020 TAT22 74 posts | Still going to be very warm in St. George too, close to 100 degrees. My vote and it is a biased one is bring it to Aurora, CO. 12 fields, ONE complex. Weather no where near the heat of Sacramento or St. George. |
| July 24, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | Yep ... Going to look a LOT like previous years' temps in Sacramento/Placer Counties for the Western's ... Current mid-range forecast Hi/Lo's for St. George for the event days according to Accuweather.com as of today ... Tue. (8/11) • 100°/79° Wed. (8/12) • 100°/76° Thu. (8/13) • 100°/76° Fri. (8/14) • 101°/73° Sat. (8/15) • 97°/74° Sun. (8/16) • 99°/76° Plan on staying hydrated! |
| July 24, 2020 Cman 10 posts | Any idea when the field assignment will be posted? |
| July 24, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | NOT for a few days, hopefully by mid-week ... I'm writing the Texas State Championships package first, but here's a current overview based on 154± teams entered ... • ALL Session #1 divisions (65+ and more senior) comprising 41 teams WILL PLAY in St. George, UT and NOT in Mesquite ... • Session #2 Divisions (60+ and younger) will not have specific field assignments for a few days ... There are currently 113 teams in this session, with 35± likely playing in Mesquite and 78± in St. George ... |
| July 25, 2020 homerunbound 4 posts | Dave Are there any restrictions for fans in St.George that you are aware of? In Salem, Oregon fans had to watch the games from outside the ball park. |
| July 25, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | HRbound ... I'm not personally aware of any "attendance related" spectator limitations like what was imposed on SSUSA in Salem, but that's not authoritative ... Simply means I haven't heard anything on topic ... However, that's something I would certainly expect to have heard rumblings about if it were true ... Likely not a factor in my view ... Maybe some of the "local talent" from St. George could comment briefly? ... Thanks! |
| July 25, 2020 Mau Mau Men's 50 3 posts | I'm not aware of any Restrictions for St George for spectators, as many Vegas Travel Baseball/ Softball teams have been playing tourneys there for the last few months and no one is complaining... All the FB I have seen, everyone has access to the facilities... Miss playing and being out there with the boys! |
| July 25, 2020 DieselDan Men's 75 599 posts | For those not familiar with the Canyon Complex, there is room between fields and outside fields with no neighbor, to sit and watch the games. At the recent girls SB tournament (140 or so teams) family and friends, for the most part, were outside the fences but not in the stands. From the entrance to the fields, by 1st and 3rd base, they were all sitting down towards the outfield. Several fields have partial or full room behind the OF fences. Again, if driving, bring a patio umbrella or one of those fold up curved tents(?) with an opening to stay out of the sun. Not far from the Little Valley complex are 24(?) pickle ball courts. During the Huntsman Games, there are those athletes who park their RV on a fairly large dirt parking area. Might work for SB players. Derrick and his crew usually have water coolers in the dugouts and bat racks. But, if you're not comfortable with cooler water, BYO. Good luck. |
| July 25, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | Thanks Mau Mau and the "other" DD ... Exactly the type of local talent insight we were hoping for! ... Much appreciated ... |
| July 26, 2020 Tommygun1 9 posts | Dave I placed a call to City Parks on Thursday and asked the question about spectators at the fields, still waiting to hear back. Could be tomorrow, Friday was a State Holiday. I will post the answer. |
| July 26, 2020 HSquared Men's 60 147 posts | I hate to assume, but any all suggestions, recommendations and restrictions also apply to Mesquite? |
| July 26, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | Different jurisdictional governance (NV & UT) , but "so far so good" from both areas ... And there's not really a good reason for anyone outside of SSUSA officials to be calling governmental offices ... The last thing we want to happen is to annoy them into doing something rash! ... We appreciate your good intentions, but we are in contact on multiple instances daily for the immediately upcoming events in VA, TX, NV, UT and IN ... It's the only way we can stay on top of things officially ... Thanks! |
| July 26, 2020 Tommygun1 9 posts | Dave, then give us an answer!! Can we bring our family's and not worry that they have to stay in the parking lot. Pretty reasonable question I would think. |
| July 26, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | We haven't been told, or even been given ANY indication by anyone in a poistion of (purported) authority, that you can't ... And we have no reason to believe we will hgear that ... Hopefully the Salem "situation" was an isolated occurrence ... |
| July 26, 2020 Tommygun1 9 posts | Tournament last week: https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2020/07/18/rmw-st-george-spokesman-praises-softball-tourney-organizers-after-athlete-tests-positive-for-covid-19/#.Xx3NYcHsbIU |
| July 26, 2020 DieselDan Men's 75 599 posts | Old news on this site T1. |
| July 26, 2020 Sisavic 190 posts | Dave, my slightly used heart skipped a few beats when I first saw the the "70s & 75s" title and thought that three 80s teams dropped out! But of course your bracket details included 80s. Phew! Mike |
| July 26, 2020 USAMTZ Men's 55 20 posts | FYI at the USA Preps FP SB tournament there, they had a limit of 5 spectators per team and no spectators allowed on Bleachers. Not sure if it was a City thing or USA Prep guideline. The way we look at it, we are fortunate enough to be playing. Not a vacation or family time away, that is why our team decided to travel n play without families. This will lessen everyone's exposure by having only people there who need to be there. It is not the norm but it is time to adapt until there is a vaccine. Bottom line is everyone stay safe and hopefully we can get back to gathering with teammates, friends, family ejoying life and traveling. G |
| July 26, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | Mike ... I "booted" it on the MESSage BORED post, but at least I got it right on the Tournament Page posting! ... Good luck and play and stay safe! |
| July 27, 2020 Mikelmart 150 posts | I notice there's game brackets for the 65+ age groups for St.George. When are the other brackets going to be announced. I already have hotel reservations for St. George. |
| July 27, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | REPRINT FROM MY FRIDAY POST ON TOPIC in this thread (See above) • NOT for a few days, hopefully by mid-week ... I'm writing the Texas State Championships package first, but here's a current overview based on 154± teams entered ... • ALL Session #1 divisions (65+ and more senior) comprising 41 teams WILL PLAY in St. George, UT and NOT in Mesquite ... • Session #2 Divisions (60+ and younger) will not have specific field assignments for a few days ... There are currently 113 teams in this session, with 35± likely playing in Mesquite and 78± in St. George |
| July 27, 2020 Benji4 Men's 55 289 posts | Careful Dave. You can't type in all capital letters anymore because you will be considered yelling and hurt some people's feelings. That was told to me by the message board police. |
| July 27, 2020 DieselDan Men's 75 599 posts | DD or other USA Staff. Will there be a posting explaining the guidelines for this tournament? Questions have begun to be asked about on field/off field expectations for C19 related matters. Haven't seen a topic about it. Thank you. For the Huntsman Games athletes, a decision will be announced this Friday at 12 noon (MT). It looks like those folks from other countries have the year off do to quarantine requirements once you arrive. https://seniorgames.net/news |
| July 27, 2020 glovedad 31 posts | Tommy Gun 1......do you think that being rude will get you what you want? We are in the midst of Covid, SSUSA is busting their butts to keep people safe and play ball....even then there is a turd floating the punch bowl. Somebody get the guppy net and scoop that bad boy out outta there. Just saying.... Thank you SSUSA for your hard work in these unprecedented times. |
| July 27, 2020 Wood_1966 Men's 55 164 posts | I am surprised to see that we are playing in Mesquite. Nevada has not moved into phase 3, and are governor is threatening to move us back! |
| July 27, 2020 HSquared Men's 60 147 posts | Do any of the complexes have field hub pavilions (clubhouses) with upstairs seating? And if so, will they be available for spectators (maintaining 6 feet distancing, of course)? TY |
| July 27, 2020 Jon44 Men's 55 149 posts | H Squared-- none (Mesquite and Saint George) have clubhouse/pavilion seating. All have bleachers and room up/down the fence line to use for social distancing. Personally for me the new normal is not bringing family to tournaments until things improve, but that's a personal decision all have to make individually. |
| July 27, 2020 Jon44 Men's 55 149 posts | One more thing-- some of the fields (Bloomington, Hunter, and Pioneer) do not have covered bleachers, so bring sun protection. Mesquite is traditionally 5 degrees hotter than Saint George, so it will be especially important if you are playing in Mesquite. Dave is right about the Saint George average temperatures (he states them above), but there was no mention that Mesquite is hotter. If you are playing at the Canyons or little Valley, covered bleachers are provided and are nice. Bring canopies and tons of water if you are playing in Mesquite. |
| July 27, 2020 HSquared Men's 60 147 posts | Jon44, thanks for the input. Your point regarding bring family members is well stated and point taken. Not sure if it has been mentioned or not, but was wondering if concessions would be available or if coolers will be permitted. Thanks again Jon44. |
| July 27, 2020 Jon44 Men's 55 149 posts | Coolers totally ok. I can't speak to concessions, but I would be surprised if they were available during Covid. There are no entry fees at any of the parks being used. All Saint George fields are in neighborhoods and convenience stores/Grocery stores are a couple miles away from each of them, so stock up before you get there. Hunter has a convenience store right on the corner before you get there and Pioneer is super close to a grocery store and convenience stores, so you are good there. |
| July 27, 2020 DieselDan Men's 75 599 posts | As mentioned earlier in this topic, the Canyons usually have coolers in each dugout. I personally don't use the coolers since too many people stick their bottle right up over the tube and they may end up leaving whatever they have had in their mouths. Last year, they started having bat racks for larger tournaments. Also mentioned was the recent girls USA Preps tournament had the shaded bleachers just for the players and the other ones were left empty since the majority of fans were outside the fences from 1st base to 3rd base. Also, not all the various parks have space behind the OF fences. But, I imagine a senior tournament will not have as many fans as the teenagers have. Canyons and Little Valley usually have their concessions up and running. Don't be surprised if you cannot use the open fields across from the LV complex. They've worked on them in recent years for more soccer pitches. |
| July 27, 2020 Jon44 Men's 55 149 posts | HSquared-- https://youtu.be/teJ79djpgjM https://youtu.be/lCcG1d2Zklo https://youtu.be/lqVCIjij2Ss Those links are field/Venue reviews that hopefully give people a better understanding of how to prepare if your team is playing at any of these fields. I had almost finished the Mesquite reviews but the work was derailed by an auto accident and I have yet to finish them. I hope to at some point. Obviously, Covid changes some preparation, but hope this helps. |
| July 28, 2020 ALLPRO 63 posts | DOES UTAH REQUIRE "SPECTATORS" TO WEAR MASKS? |
| July 28, 2020 DieselDan Men's 75 599 posts | As Dave D. typed above ALLPRODude, "We will be issuing guidelines and procedures as we get closer to the event time." Carry a mask, keep it attached under your chin, and if any mask police approach, pull it up. |
| July 28, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | ALLPRO ... I would be very surprised if there is a specific UT statute requiring spectators to a bunch of old guys playing softball to wear masks ... Doesn't seem like that would be something with adequate legislative imperative ... We may, however, implement precautionary requirements as a condition of attendance which we believe necessary to help protect the health and welfare of tournament and park personnel, our membership and their families and friends ... The guidelines and criteria we publish often reflect the local rules imposed by our hosts, like in the case of Salem, OR recently ... We'll continue to be smart, and expect you to do your part in that regard ... Thanks! |
| July 28, 2020 HSquared Men's 60 147 posts | Thanks everyone, great info all around. |
| July 28, 2020 HSquared Men's 60 147 posts | One last question, and this one applies to all tourneys. Are the Deadlines that are posted, merely suggestions or are they strictly adhered to (aka late entries) ? |
| July 28, 2020 Wood_1966 Men's 55 164 posts | The Nevada governor, yesterday stated and I quote "a new directive is expected shortly to extend the current restrictions". Those restrictions include no gatherings of over 50 people, restrictions on team sports such as baseball and softball. How are we expected to play in Mesquite in 2 weeks? Especially given that Clark county, where Mesquite is located, is probably going to be the last county the gov. allows to be back to business as usual. Just my thoughts...... |
| July 28, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | HSquared ... In a normal business Non-COVID influenced realm, the stated deadlines are the "soft deadline" ... After that date passes, we start calling teams who may have entered but not yet paid to confirm attendance ... Payment locks a team into the event, and we delete teams who may have entered on whim previously but now have had a change of heart ... After the soft deadlines, the decision whether or not to take on another team as a "late entrant" is mine based on scheduling geometry as a function of games demand vs. field inventory ... Once the schedule preparation begins, typically within a couple/few days of the soft deadline, additions are rare ... Hope this helps ... Wood_1966 ... Do yourself a favor (it may relieve a bit of stress), but think about the totality of the NV Governor's remarks you quoted from onlyt partially ... Listening to the entire address "live", we were encouraged by his remarks hoping to avoid blanket restrictions and a stated willingness to tailor actions by specific locations within Clark County ... If true, that would bode well for Mesquite, being about 85± miles from the hot-spot called Las Vegas ... We remain cautiously optimistic, but if you feel strongly and differently, maybe this event is one for you to "take a pass on" ... |
| July 28, 2020 DieselDan Men's 75 599 posts | Time to re-check your schedules for 65 & 70 Men. There have been changes. Not sure about other age groups. |
| July 28, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | DD ... Here's the "cut/paste" from the official pink-priority message on the Western session #1 Schedule revision ... • A team we thought was in the 65-Major and another in the 70-AAA had not, in either case, completed their entry for the Western's and we erroneously scheduled them in the first DRAFT; and • The City of St. George changed our available field access hours for Tuesday to accommodate their local league play and that forced the relocation of one division of play (65-Silver) from The Canyons Complex over to The Fields at Little Valley for Tuesday only ... |
| July 28, 2020 DieselDan Men's 75 599 posts | Reason of changes don't bother me as long as I know the night before. Still use a pencil with an eraser. (I believe the only league playing on Tuesday is our O70/80 league on fields 6&7 at the Canyons which starts at 9AM. Interesting. Usually we shut down for tournaments. Might be another story behind the story.) |
| July 29, 2020 Wood_1966 Men's 55 164 posts | I hate to be that guy, but that being said, I am gonna be that guy! Sorry in advance Dave, but any idea when the schedule for session #2 will be out? I am sure the changes in the Session #1 teams did not help getting session #2 complete. Thanks!!!!! |
| July 29, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | The schedules are complete for divisions playing at The Fields at Little Valley and Bloomington ... I have all of the game sequencing written for Mesquite facilities, but am awaiting some player-sharing data from a couple of teams so I can keep them apart timing wise to allow those guys to do double duty if possible with their secondary teams playing in St. George at The Canyons ... Session #2 should publish in the next couple of days, which would put it in circulation about two full weeks before first pitch ... I know that's risky because you may start getting spoiled and expect this every time, so maybe I'll hold it back a few days for fun ... |
| July 29, 2020 Wood_1966 Men's 55 164 posts | Thanks! |
| July 30, 2020 USAMTZ Men's 55 20 posts | Dave, so what you are saying is that you are allowing players to play on multiple teams in the same session? And you are scheduling teams accordingly in separate divisions? Seams like all that trying to help them out would go out the window after PP and seeding. Or are you setting up those divisions to be totally separated throughout the weekend? Just curious, because I could play 40s n 50s then too. G |
| July 30, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | USAMTZ ... In every larger event, I receive multiple emails and/or phone calls asking the same question: "Hey Dave, we have a guy who's also playing on XYZ team in a different age group ... Is there any chance you could schedule those divisions at different times so he can play for both of us?" ... The answer is the same every time: "I'll see what I can do, but it's likely only going to work on Friday before brackets start, then both teams are on their own based on where THEY put themselves in those brackets" ... I'm aware of, and doing the balancing dance, for four pairs of teams in S2 of the Western's ... And, of course, none of them are playing at the same complexes! ... Roster rules prohibit being on two teams in the same age group, but vertical double-rostering is permitted if the player is otherwise eligible as to age, residency and rating experience history for both teams ... |
| July 30, 2020 Mikelmart 150 posts | I know someone had to draw the short straw and play in Mesquite but can SSUSA please put the younger 50 and 55 group there instead of the 60's, please. 114 degrees today, are they planning on having games after 10 p.m.? |
| July 30, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | The two younger divisions assigned to Mesquite (50-AAA and 60-AAA) BOTH had multiple teams requesting to play there rather than in St. George ... The 40-Men were assigned there by me because they make less "noise" about playing on Fields #3 at both parks than the seniors do ... Oh well, maybe this is just another small example of "no good deed goes unpunished!" ... Good luck everyone! |
| July 30, 2020 Wood_1966 Men's 55 164 posts | Dave, you should know by know that no matter what you do people are going to complain about it! You could give them 9 out of 10 things they ask for and they would still say something! |
| July 30, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | Wood ... It's no biggie ... Just think how boring life would be if everyone thought the same thing on every issue! ... This comes with the territory and the next time it bothers me will be a "lifetime first"! ... All is good! |
| July 30, 2020 Killer17 Men's 40 6 posts | Dave: Thanks for all your hard work as always... Good luck to everyone and be safe Fellas So did I hear correct 50AAA and 60AAA along with all 40’s are playing in Mesquite? Thanks in advance and sorry if this question was already addressed ... |
| July 30, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | Yes, Killer17 ... Mesquite has 50-AAA, 60-AAA and 40-Masters Men ... There will be some "bouncing back and forth" between Pioneer sand Hunter Parks, but they are only about a mile apart (or less), so it's workable ... All other TENTATIVE field assignments are on a "pink priority" message board post at the top ... Thanks, and good luck! |
| July 30, 2020 Killer17 Men's 40 6 posts | Thank you Boss for the speedy response and have a blessed day Sir... |
| July 30, 2020 USAMTZ Men's 55 20 posts | Thanks Dave, crazy that guys are trying to play that much back and forth between states/time zones and in that heat. Nice of you to do that. Take Care and thanks for all the hard work. G |
| July 30, 2020 REV # 07 2 posts | HI DAVE, THANKS FOR YOUR TIME ON HERE! AT THE WESTERNS 40s,CAN WE USE THE ROCK BALL SINCE WE ARE IN MESQUITE NV? THANKS & GOD BLESS ALL WHO ARE GOING TO PLAY IN UTAH REV07 |
| July 31, 2020 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | REV # 07 ... The official softball for the Western Nationals will be the SSUSA standard BSN STOTE/Trump 44 cor./375 comp. optic yellow Microcell Technology softball ... It's close geographically, but it's still not Las Vegas, so NO "The Rock" softballs need be brought to town ... Save yourself the travel aggravation packing them around and save us the related aggravation that comes when one accidentally-on-purpose slips into a ball game! ... Travel and BE safe and good luck to all! |
| July 31, 2020 REV # 07 2 posts | DAVE ARE WE USING THE BASEBALL FIELD AT HUNTER PARK? WHAT FIELD NUMBER IS IT IF SO? TKS |
| July 31, 2020 DieselDan Men's 75 599 posts | Hunter Park is #3 |
| Aug. 1, 2020 SSUSA Staff 3483 posts | We closed this thread just because of an "excessive pitch count" of 60 and it being more than a bit cumbersome ... Feel free to start another one if anyone wishes ... Thanks ... ** THREAD CLOSED ** |
