OUTDOOR SPORTS ONLINE MEETING NOTES

Flag Football, Ultimate, Slo-Pitch, Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Grass Volleyball

• Saturday April 19th from 12pm-2pm

THE CSSC OFFICE

Location: The CSSC office is located at Suite 202, 4702 1st St. SW

Check out the following link for a map to the office: http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/main/images/map.gif 


FIELDS

About:  The fields are rented from the City of Calgary - Parks and Recreation and private organizations. The CSSC is committed to upgrading our fields if and when better ones become available! If you notice any problems at your field (gopher holes, sprinkler heads, etc) please notify your EC and/or contact the CSSC directly at info@calgarysportsclub.com . Any potential hazards should be marked with something (shirt/hat/towel) so players can avoid that area during game time.

Finding the right field: Each city field has a unique field #;  this number on the goalpost needs to match the number provided on your schedule.  Private facilities will have their fields determined by location on their property (e.g. “south field”).

Permits: The CSSC has booked and paid for every field that is scheduled for a game. The EC’s (CSSC reps/players) or team captains will have copies of the permit to prove that the CSSC has the field rented, so please wait for your EC or team captain if there are non-CSSC players on a field.   The only time you may arrive at a field that is already in use is if you are playing in a later game.

Treat The Facilities Right: As these are rented fields and facilities there are certain rules that the CSSC enforces:

Please don’t ‘mark’ your fields: Do not urinate on trees/bushes or between parked cars.   Port-a-potties are not provided by the City for city fields so plan ahead!   It’s illegal to pee on public property.

Property Damage:  Players are responsible for property damage.

Alcohol Consumption:  Bringing alcohol to public fields is a fineable offence.  The CSSC strongly recommends players choose to imbibe AFTER their games in CSSC sponsor bars.  If you must bring booze to your game, you are solely responsible for any fines that you may incur.

Be respectful:  To homeowners, police, by-law officers or anyone else who questions your behaviour.  Any players and/or teams who are the subject of a complaint lodged by someone who has approached them at the play field will be ejected from the CSSC leagues.  If you are concerned about being approached, you may politely request a name and contact number so that the CSSC may follow up.  

Private facilities (rugby clubs, etc): will have their own rules regarding conduct on the fields and in their clubhouses.   Please ensure you are following the rules outlined by each facility.  Should a private facility lodge a complaint, players cited in the concern will be ejected from the league.  

WEATHER

Weather Policy:  Below is a summary of the weather policy, to access the complete CSSC Weather Policy before you play please go to:  http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/leagues/weather-policy.shtml.

Overview:  The CSSC hosts hundreds of teams each season and this requires a lot of playing fields. Re-scheduling games is extremely difficult (we can’t always book enough fields to replay all the games), so we strongly prefer to see the games get played whenever possible.

The weather conditions can vary significantly from field to field and area to area which is why we are reluctant to do a city-wide cancellation. If half or more of the teams can play, that makes rescheduling the other games a lot easier.

In very extreme circumstances the CSSC will cancel (and reschedule) games. If this happens, the games will be cancelled prior to 5 PM on game day.   The cancellation notice will be posted on the website and emailed to all leagues that are affected.  If we have not cancelled the games, then that means we have received no indication from the City, the facility, or our field staff that our fields are unplayable. If the CSSC has not cancelled the games then the ‘Rain or Shine’ Policy is in effect.

* Note:  the CSSC is not open on weekends so all Sunday games are subject to the rain or shine policy!

Rain or Shine Policy:  Teams must report to their field regardless of weather conditions, or be subject to default rules.  

If it is 'raining' at game time, the CSSC requires teams to wait it out for at least 20 minutes before deciding to call the game.  If poor weather or slippery field conditions are still a factor after 20 minutes, you must discuss rescheduling options with your opponent prior to leaving the field.  The CSSC will help with rescheduling but you must provide 1 or 2 potential dates that both teams can play on including other nights and dates before playoffs.

* Note:  We may not always be able to reschedule the games (due to field availability and amount of notice time) – so you are canceling at your own risk.

SCHEDULES, STANDINGS & GENERAL SPORT INFORMATION

Schedules: The schedule for your league will posted 48 hours prior to your first game. If the schedule is not yet posted, you may assume that the schedule is not yet completed.  Please be patient and be ready to play on opening day!   For all outdoor leagues schedules can and likely will include late games due to lack of availability of some diamond locations.  This means that early games may start at 6:00 or 6:15 PM to ensure that later games can be played with enough light.

Standings: Will be posted within 48 hours of completion of your game.

Playoffs: The playoff schedule will be posted on the website after the final regular season games are completed, you will be emailed once these schedules are completed and posted.

Sports Information Pages on the CSSC Website:  Check out the following links for ALL league information including schedules, standings and RULES (see below for more information).

Flag Football: http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/flag_football/index.shtml
Ultimate: http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/ultimate_frisbee/index.shtml
Slo-Pitch: http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/slo-pitch/index.shtml
Soccer: http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/outdoor_soccer/index.shtml
Beach Volleyball: http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/beach_volley/index.shtml
Grass Volleyball: http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/grass_volley/index.shtml

RULES, WAIVERS, DEFAULTS & SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS

Rules have been removed from the website, the CSSC is currently in the process of updating all outdoor rule books. All players must be know the rules before playing - NO EXCEPTIONS! If you are a new team or new player to the league this is VERY important as our rules are different from other leagues.  The CSSC is a self officiated league; you are responsible for calling your own infractions.   

Rules can be found on the website by going to the individual sport information pages listed above, click on the RULES tab at the top of the page. The Rules will be online no later than one week before your first game.

Team Shirts: All sports, with the exception of volleyball and dodgeball, require each player to bring a white and dark colored shirt to each game. Teams will decide who is wearing what color at the field. Players who do not have an appropriate shirt color to match their teammates may be asked to not play.  Teams are allowed to have a ‘team color’ but should always bring a second shirt in the event your opponent has the same ‘team color’.

Waivers:  All players must submit a waiver before playing in the CSSC league: http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/register/waiver.shtml

All players MUST submit a waiver each season that they are active in the SSC. Even if you signed a waiver last season you still have to sign another one this season.

Defaults: The ultimate in unsporting behaviour is to default!   Teams who default (no show, not enough players, late, etc) are charged a $50 fee with each default.   Teams who do not provide the fee will be suspended from playing until the bond is paid.  Please see the rules for default score and default sportsmanship ratings. Please remember, teams pay to play. If you default, another team doesn't get to play.

What does the CSSC do with default fees it collects? The fees that are collected from teams that default are given directly to the team that was defaulted against.  The CSSC does not keep any portion of the default fee.

Substitute Players: Teams pay to PLAY!  Therefore the Calgary Sport and Social Club encourages teams to find substitute players to fill out their roster for a game.  Here are the CSSC guidelines for bringing in sub players:

1.  A team may bring in subs that are not listed on the roster.  Subs must not have, at any time, played at a higher skill level than the player(s) they are replacing.

2.  All subs MUST sign the online waiver prior to playing. It is the captains responsibility to make sure that this is done.

3.  If you are playing in a league where a game is being played before yours, you may only borrow players from the previous game to prevent your team from defaulting.  You can not add players from a previous game if it increases the number of players on the roster beyond a minimum number of players required to avoid defaulting the game.

4.  Teams may bring in subs for playoff games but these players must have played during the regular season with the team. There is one exception to this rule:   Your team is going to default due a lack of players.  In this case new players will be allowed to play but teams may only field a minimum roster to avoid defaulting.
a. It is each team’s responsibility to NOT bring in ‘ringers’ – respect your opponent and the league by making it a fair game!

5.  A sub-list can be requested from the office. Email scores@calgarysportsclub.com to request a sub-list.  If you recruit a sub, it is your responsibility to ensure they are ready to play (know the rules and have submitted a waiver).

EVENT COORDINATORS (EC’S), BEACH VOLLEYBALL COORDINATOR (BVBC) & TEAM CAPTAINS (TC’s)

Event Coordinators: At each ultimate or flag football field, there will be a CSSC playerr called an Event Coordinator (EC). This person is a registered player in the league. Their main purpose is to bring playing equipment and a score sheet to the games, update players with pre-game announcements and report the game scores to the CSSC. Please help the EC's with equipment and reporting correct scores.  For more information on becoming an EC and its benefits (FREE PLAY!!!) see the JOBS section of the website at http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/jobs/index.shtml.

Beach Volleyball Coordinator:  The Beach Volleyball Coordinator (BVBC) is a full-time employee of the Calgary Sport and Social Club and the South Calgary Community Association.  Their role is the set-up and maintenance of all 8 Beach Volleyball courts located at the South Calgary Community Association facility.  The BVBC will organize and run the leagues each evening, informing players and teams of their schedule for the night and league and special CSSC events as well as reporting scores.  They are onsite for the entire league night and are responsible for all decisions regarding the playability of the courts. 

Team Captains:  For Slo-pitch and Soccer, the team captains of each team are responsible for managing game times, keeping score and reporting the game results directly to the CSSC.  Please confirm the score with your opponent AT the field.  Any discrepancies must be resolved at the field. 

Slo-Pitch and Soccer Equipment:  The CSSC provides each Slo-Pitch team with bases, field markers and balls.  Teams must provide their own bats and gloves.  The CSSC provides each Soccer team with field markers and a ball, teams supply their own shoes and shin guards.   Each team will pick up a set of equipment from the CSSC office; this equipment will remain in your possession for the entire season and should be brought to each and every game.  A CASH deposit will be provided by the team on one of the equipment pick up days.

SPORTSMANSHIP POLICY

Why is sportsmanship so important?
The CSSC emphasizes good sportsmanship before, during and after the games.   The reason this is important is that playing good sporting opponents and being a good sport yourself make the game fun for everyone.   Players who do not follow the rules, try to bend the rules, have intensity issues and/or lack respect or courtesy are NOT fun to play. Players must abide by the rules and there is no tolerance for players or teams who are challenged by them.  Play fair and be nice to keep the game fun for everyone! 

Rating Your Opponent? 

After each game teams will rate their opponent on their sportsmanship (the exception being volleyball teams).  The rating is a combination of how well they followed the rules, called their own infractions/fouls AND how much fun they were to play.  These ratings are combined and affect the standings.  Please review your league rules for more information on rating your opponent and the policy regarding -1 ratings.   

How Does Sportsmanship Affect The Standings?

- REALLY REC and REC Divisions: Sportsmanship ratings will be combined with the game result for total points in the standings. The sportsmanship ratings you receive from the GC and your opponent will be added to the points your team was awarded for the win, tie or loss.

- ALL Other Divisions: A team's ranking in the standings is determined first by the number of games you have won, tied or lost. A team gets 2 points for a win, 1 for a tie and 0 for a loss. Teams who share the same number of points will then be ranked according to whose team has a higher sportsmanship rating as determined by your peers and the GC (see above for more details). If that is tied, teams will be ranked according to which team has a better points for/against differential.

Where can you find out more information on the CSSC Sportsmanship Policy?

The CSSC Sportsmanship Policy is listed in each individual sports rules section plus on each sports information page as listed above.  Any questions regarding the sportsmanship policy can be forwarded to info@calgarysportsclub.com .

How does the CSSC acknowledge teams who are GREAT sports?

Teams who have been nominated by their opponents or an EC are eligible to win the award. You can nominate an EXCEPTIONAL team online by visiting the scores tab from your leagues page and selecting "Lady Bing Nomination" from the drop down box.

SPONSOR BARS

Playing the game is only half the fun!  Don’t miss out on the SOCIAL side of the CSSC…The Calgary Sport & Social Club has 11 sponsor bars around Calgary where you can go after the game for some great player specials.  Hit a pub close to your gym, or close to home! To find out more about these sponsor bars, click on SPONSORS at the top of any CSSC webpage and then on SPONSOR BARS.

How do you cash in on the specials?

For all sponsor bars, you will need to show your player discount card. For the Spring 2008 season, these cards will be included in your players package. Teams that do not attend the players meetings will be mailed the sponsor bar cards.. The cards MUST BE presented in order to receive the discounts.

OFFICIAL CSSC SPONSOR BARS LOCATIONS

2 Boston Pizza Locations: Shawnessy, Memorial (currently closed for renovations)
Calgary's Best Pubs: The Seanachie, Limerick’s, The Kilkenny, Dixon's, The Joyce on 4th, The Donegal
Cat N Fiddle Pub
The Tropicana Lounge
The Toad 'N' Turtle


SPONSORS

The CSSC has partnered up with some excellent sponsors who have come onboard to heighten the CSSC experience.  These sponsors not only support league activity, but provide great prizing for all CSSC events! Check them out online, and please support your league sponsors!

Wilson
Sleeman
World Health Club
Russell Athletic
Sport Swap
Calgary Roughnecks