Archived Articles

GSSA News
Archived Articles

Archived 5/5/08

Incident at the Sacramento Softball Complex

Updated information from Commissioner Jeff Dubchansky:

GSSA has suspended two players for utilizing altered equipment during participation in recreational softball league games in 2007. It is our hope that this sends a message to all players that this will not be tolerated in any softball program. GSSA is working hard to create tools for our agencies and tournament directors that will make it easier for them to identify equipment that is not fit for the game.

By now, many of you know what has happened at the Sacramento Softball Complex in a coed league game on November 1, 2007. We in the softball community are all saddened by this incident and wish Tonya a speedy and healthy recovery.

ASA, GSSA and our public agency partners are interested in gathering information about this incident, sorting through the information, and dealing with those involved in a fair and just manner. The most pressing issue surrounding this incident is determining whether or not the bat in question was altered.

Determining whether a bat has been altered is not an easy process, unless the testing is done in a lab by those experienced and knowledgeable in this task. Bats can be altered in a variety of ways. Active members of the softball community can often examine an altered bat with the naked eye and not be able to tell. Even some of the signs that would lead one to believe that a bat has been tampered with may just be normal breakdown of these composition bats. Through its work with bat manufacturers and a testing lab, ASA does have a process and is the only softball organization that has a process of testing suspect equipment for alterations.

The ASA National Office has been contacted, and we are sending the alleged altered bat to Oklahoma City for official testing. When the testing is complete, GSSA and ASA will determine what penalties if any will be forthcoming.

While I know this process takes much longer than many would like, it is the correct way to handle difficult situations such as these. If there are further questions you can email GSSA at jdubchansky@sacramentoasa.org

Thank you.

Archived 11/25/07

GSSA News – June 2007

Summer Championship Play Season

While many of the youth Recreation programs have now completed their season and many of the players have put their cleats and gloves away, now the competitive season begins.

On Friday June 15 at Lembi and Kemp Parks the seven week Championship Play grind begins in earnest. That evening we will host our Association Championships. This 3^rd weekend in June has always been our official beginning of Championship Play and every local team that wants to, or needs to qualify for a National Championship must start here. Sacramento ASA consistently has 40 – 45 teams participate in this event that is only open to our local competitive teams.

In the A program we are able to send one team in each division to the National Championship. In the B program we are able to send the top five teams to the Western National Championship. This means a great many teams will be able to move on to the culminating events of the 2007 season. All teams that do not make those first qualifiers can then participate in the Regional Championships with additional berths available and an opportunity to play in the A Western Nationals.

18 Gold Sector Tournament

For the second consecutive year, GSSA will be hosting the 18 Gold Sector Tournament. This prestigious event has seventy team currently registered over the three days June 22 – 24. Games will be played at Maidu, Mahany, and Howe Parks and the Sacramento Softball Complex.

Many of these players will be already or soon to be playing on college teams. In addition this event attracts up to 100 college coaches to view the players and bring talent to their 2008 or future teams.

Entry passes for this event will be available beginning Monday June 11 and can be purchased through the GSSA office. The cost is $10 for the full three days or $5 per day.

Advancing in Youth Play

Each year the National Office in Oklahoma City sends out the Tournament report outlining how many teams from our Association can advance through direct berths in Championship Play. I am pleased to announce that once again GSSA will be eligible to send one team in each age division to the USA/ASA National Championship. This is for the A Division. The ability to send teams directly to the Nationals is based on the number of participating teams in the program. Due to nearly 900 youth teams in our Association we have strong participation numbers that allow us to send teams direct to Nationals.

As the host of the 12 and under USA/ASA National Championship we will also be permitted to have two host teams. Details on the requirements for host teams will be outlined in a future news section.

In the B Youth program GSSA will be eligible to advance five teams in each age classification. This is the most direct berths that we have ever had in this program and it is directly due to the fantastic participation from our youth league partners.

USA/ASA 12 and Under National Championships

Sacramento ASA and the City of Roseville are proud to be the host for this years USA/ASA 12 and Under National Championships. We are expecting 90 teams for this fantastic tournament and the only USA/ASA National Championship to be held in the Western United States for three years! These events are extremely hard to get and Sacramento ASA plans to put on a great show for our teams and spectators.

We have had our first entries as teams have qualified from the Southern California State Championship held over Memorial Day weekend. Another team from Southern California has qualified through a National Qualifier held in Arizona.

· How can we get in?

First, 12 and under teams must register with ASA and GSSA and enter the Association Tournament to be held on the 15^th – 17^th of June. The first place team from the Association Tournament will automatically be awarded a paid entry into this event. (That alone is worth $400).

· OK, we did not win the Association what next?

As many of you know, attending a National Tournament is a fantastic experience, but it can be very expensive. Teams have told us that between air travel, rental cars, food, hotels and other expenses it can add up to a $35,000 bill to send a team across the Country. Having the event in your home town is a huge savings and a major plus for the Roseville and Sacramento regions in the softball world.

As host of the event we are entitled to two host berths. Those teams interested in a host berth were invited to a special meeting held in May. At that meeting the process for obtaining a host berth were outlined. Please contact the GSSA office if your team is interested and you did not attend that meeting.

· National Qualifiers and Regional Tournaments

Teams may enter the 12 and Under National Qualifier which will be held on July 6 – 8, 2007 in Hayward, CA. This tournament provides a direct berth to the Nationals.

Those that participate in the Association Tournament are eligible for the Regional Tournament. Fortunately the 12 and under Regional Tournament is in Roseville and Sacramento so there is minimal travel involved. The top two teams from the Regional will have their entry paid for the National.

It is expected that having the National Tournament in our backyard will bring out a great deal of interest in the 12 and under division. Do not wait until the last minute to try and enter the event. Take advantage of all the opportunities ASA affords you. You will not regret participating in a National Tournament at home. It can be a once in a lifetime experience for both the parents and adults.

Adults

Don’t worry, I have not forgotten about the adult program or the reason I got involved in softball in the first place.

Gary Ybarra has set up an excellent series of adult events for the 2007 season. We have added a new series the Backyard Boogie series which loosens up the home run rules and hopefully will allow teams to enjoy some weekend events without having to worry about National Tournaments. Check out the tournament web page at www.asatournaments.com for details.

League Championship Series

We hope to have LCS XXI entries ready by June 15, 2007. For those new to the LCS this is one of the largest tournaments west of the Mississippi and open to all GSSA league teams that win their division. Teams are eligible from all public agencies in the Sacramento region.

Entries for the event will still need to be submitted to your league director, but entry forms, rules and locations will be available on our website.

Umpires

Archived 6-5-07

GSSA News – April 2007

2007 Youth Championship Play Season

The GSSA Championship Play season officially starts with the Association A Tournaments on June 15 – 17, but there are still plenty of tournaments to get ready for Championship Play. Check out the region web page or the www.asatournaments.com site for a complete listing of ASA youth events.

It is only April, but we already have 36 teams registered for the Gold Sector Tournament set for the weekend of June 22 – 24. Teams have registered from Oregon, Washington and of course California for this extremely high caliber 18 Gold event. The top five teams from the Sector Tournament receive an automatic berth to the Gold National Championship in Oklahoma City later this summer.

Remember you must play in the Association A or B tournaments to be eligible for either the National or Western National Championships. As always have a great Championship Play season.

Advancing in Youth Play

As the host of the 12 and under USA/ASA National Championship we will also be permitted to have two host teams. Details on the requirements for host teams will be outlined in a future news section.

In the B Youth program GSSA will be eligible to advance at least three teams in each age classification. This is the most direct berths that we have ever had in this program and it is directly due to the fantastic participation from our youth league partners.

USA/ASA 12 and Under National Championships

· How can we get in?

· OK, we did not win the Association what next?

In addition Sacramento ASA is awarded two Host Berths for taking on this huge challenge. Details on how to become a Host Team will be outlined in a future update. It will include a combination of items including helping out with the event.

· OK, we are not the Host Team, is there any other way to get in?

The Hall of Fame Qualifier is another way to get in, but it takes some work. Teams must play in the HOF Qualifier which will be held on May 19 and 20, 2007 in Hemet, CA (that is Riverside County, I think) and then go to the HOF Tournament in Oklahoma City. The top eight teams from the HOF Qualifier in OKC get direct berths to the National.

· OK, we can’t go to the HOF Tournament, any other options?

Teams may enter the 12 and Under National Qualifier which will be held on July 30 – July 1, 2007 in Hayward, CA. This tournament provides a direct berth to the Nationals.

Adults

Don’t worry, I have not forgotten about the adult program or the reason I got involved in softball in the first place.

League Championship Series

There has been a bit of confusion with the LCS this year as September has five weekends. The LCS always starts with the Coed on the third weekend of September. This year that is September 15 and 16. The Men’s will be played on September 22 -23 with the Women finishing up the event on September 29 – 30. This is LCS XXI so be prepared for some new wrinkles and a great three weekends of slow pitch softball.

Umpires

Archived 4/20/07

February 2007

2007 Youth Championship Play Season

The schedule is already posted for the 2007 Junior Olympic Championship Play A and B seasons. This year is shaping up to be one of the most extensive in the history of GSSA with the A Association Tournament leading off the Championship Play season on June 15 – 17, 2007. Next we follow on June 22 – 24, 2007 with the B Association and the 18 Gold Sector Tournament.

June 30 and July 1, 2007 are the dates for the 14 and under National Qualifier and then the 12 Regionals round out these four straight weeks of GSSA events on July 7 – 8, 2007. This year we host both the A and B Divisions at the Regionals. Just thinking about those four weeks makes me tired.

Get your team and players registered now for this exciting Championship Play Season.

Advancing in Youth Play

As the host of the 12 and under USA/ASA National Championship we will also be permitted to have two host teams. Details on the requirements for host teams will be outlined in a future news section.

Speaking of Oklahoma

Each year the 84 Commissioners are required to attend a National Workshop held at the Headquarters of ASA in Oklahoma City. This year we were all set to go for three days in January. To make the story short, the weather was so bad in Oklahoma City that weekend that the Airport was completely closed down. Fortunately I had just gotten off the shuttle bus at the Sacramento Airport when the call came to save the trip and head home.

Unfortunately many of the 84 were not as lucky. Our friend the Commissioner in Hawaii made it all the way to Denver before having to turn around and head home. Lots of frequent flyer miles for Don, but that is the risk you take getting to OKC in January.

USA/ASA 12 and Under National Championships

· How can we get in?

· OK, we did not win the Association what next?

· OK, we are not the Host Team, is there any other way to get in?

· OK, we can’t go to the HOF Tournament, any other options?

Teams may enter the 12 and Under National Qualifier which will be held on July 6 – 8, 2007 in Hayward, CA. This tournament provides a direct berth to the Nationals.

Adults

Don’t worry, I have not forgotten about the adult program or the reason I got involved in softball in the first place.

League Championship Series

There has been a bit of confusion with the LCS this year as September has five weekend. The LCS always starts with the Coed on the third weekend of September. This year that is September 15 and 16. The Men’s will be played on September 22 -23 with the Women finishing up the event on September 29 – 30. This is LCS XXI so be prepared for some new wrinkles and a great three weekends of slow pitch softball.

Umpires

As always GSSA is looking for Men and Women interested in umpiring this great game that we call softball. Contact Bill Gubel our Umpire-In-Chief for this opportunity. Check out the umpire web page for details on adult and youth clinics. The National Umpire School is being held at Howe Park this February and is already filled up. Hopefully it will not rain and more than 120 Men and Women will be running around Howe Park calling out’s and safe’s. I know it is weird, but you get used to it.

Archived 1/27/07

New GSSA Coordinator

It is my pleasure to introduce Cassi Rogers as the new GSSA Coordinator. Cassi has officially taken over the day to day office responsibilities for GSSA. She has played fast pitch and slow pitch softball, coached a youth team and umpired in a National Tournament! Not a bad resume for a softball occupation. You can reach Cassi at the new GSSA phone number – 916-622-9060. FAX number is 916-726-1706. The email address is crogers@sacramentoasa.org Regular Office hours will be 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the winter.

New GSSA Office

After more than eight years at the Howe Park office, GSSA has officially moved to new offices at Crosswoods Community Center in Citrus Heights, CA. Located in Crosswoods Park, operated by the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, the address is 6742 Auburn Blvd. Citrus Heights, CA 95621. This is now the official address for GSSA and all mail should be directed to that location.

National Meeting in Colorado Springs - 2008

Each year the ASA conducts the National Council Meeting in November. This year’s meeting was held at the home of one of the Olympic Training Centers – Colorado Springs. One of the main functions of the National Meeting is to select cities to host National Championships for the ASA. This year Sacramento could not bid on any youth events but we did bid on and won the Men’s 45 and over Slow Pitch National Championship. This event will be held the weekend after Labor Day in 2008. All games will be played in Roseville at Maidu Park.

12 and under National Championship - 2007

Plans are underway to host our largest youth event ever in the Sacramento Region! During the National Council meeting in 2005, GSSA bid on and was awarded the 2007 ASA 12 and under Class A National Championship. This event is the big dog of the ASA tournament programs and should bring 90+ 12 and under teams to the Roseville/Sacramento area for nine days of non stop softball. Our sincere thanks go to Placer Valley Tourism who provided a good portion of the bid money to secure this event. I mentioned in a previous news section that our competition was Montgomery Alabama who has one of the finest softball facilities in the country. Roseville won by three votes!

National Umpire School

Check out the GSSA webpage for further information on the National Umpire School scheduled for Sacramento in 2007. Instructors from across the Nation will be here to go over new rules, talk mechanics and help educate the best umpire program in the country.

Individual Player/Coach Registration

Individual Player Registration is handled through the Virtual Tournament Director web page at www.fastpitchsoftball.net.

All players that participate in Sacramento ASA must register online through this program. The fee for all coaches and players for 2007 is $9. For a very small amount you get great benefits through ASA including an outstanding insurance program, rulebooks, scorebooks and other opportunities. Remember all players and coaches must register to participate in ASA.

All coaches that register in Sacramento ASA will go through the Virtual Tournament Director background check program. This additional fee of $5 per coach/manager must be paid at the time of registration. For more details about this program and GSSA’s commitment to our kids and coaches, check out the web page.

Adult Teams

For the first time since 1988 GSSA has to increase the adult team registration fees to $20 per team. Basically it is just the cost of doing business. Even with the increase, being a part of ASA is a great deal with the full package of benefits. Give us a call with any questions.

League Championship Series

I could not leave the news section without another reminder about the LCS. This program that started in 1987 begins a new decade with LCS XXI. Scheduled for September 2007 every winner of a GSSA league is eligible to participate. Even teams that win their Fall 2006 leagues can participate. Make sure to let your league director know you want to play.

Submitted by GSSA Commissioner Jeff Dubchansky

Huge Softball Weekend in GSSA

While it may have appeared seamless to the players and spectators, the weekend of June 23 – 25, 2006 was one of the largest softball events in the history of GSSA. Over the three days these events were played in our Association:

· 61 (18U) Gold Teams

· 49 (Association B) Teams

· 10 Adult Slow Pitch Teams

· 18 Junior Olympic A Teams

Games were played on Twenty-Nine fields on Saturday June 24 – an amazing number. Many thanks go to Bill Gubel the Umpire in Chief for keeping it all together. Thanks also go to the teams and staff that endured in the 106 degree heat all three days.

Finally, congratulations to all the teams that qualified for National and Regional Play. Twenty Four B teams qualified for the next level over that weekend and five teams qualified for the Gold National Tournament in Oklahoma City next month.

Regional Championships

The stretch of National Qualifying events continue in Sacramento and Roseville as the 16 and under Class A Fast Pitch Regionals comes to our area on July 8 – 9. It is expected that 28 teams will compete for the two direct berths to the National Championship in Seattle Washington. The Lady Magic from GSSA has already qualified through our Association Tournament. The 16 U A Division is one of the most competitive in the Country with three of our local teams finishing in the top twenty last year.

Coed B National Tournament

Check out the other sections of the web site that list our Coed Qualifying events leading up to the Coed B National Championships for adults this year. It is very rare that a local association gets to host a slow pitch National Championship. If you aspire to play this great game, give this event a shot.

Roseville and Placer Valley Tourism along with GSSA is proud to be bringing this event to you for 2006. It is expected that 30 – 35 teams will visit our area for this four day event that begins on Thursday August 24 and runs until Sunday the 27^th. Expect lots of great play to be had over the four days.

It is not too late to put a team together and play in the local events. Check out the web page for more information.

League Championship Series

I know that the GSSA news would not be complete without me mentioning that LCS XX is coming soon. Be sure to hound your league director after July 15, 2006 for an entry form and information. The cost remains at just $85 per team for this double elimination tournament. Teams that win leagues from every local agency in the Greater Sacramento Softball Association are eligible to participate. If you don’t know if your league is eligible, just figure it is as every public agency is a part of GSSA!

This year being the 20^th Anniversary of the LCS means that the GSSA staff has something special up our sleeve. No, I won’t let the cat out of the bag yet, but it is big!

2007 ASA/USA 12 and under Class A National Championship

I know it is early, but Roseville and Sacramento will be the host in 2007 of one of the most prestigious events in the entire ASA/USA softball family. The 2007 Girls 12 and under Class A National Championship will be coming to our home on July 31 – August 6, 2007. It is expected that 120 teams may compete in this huge softball event. Just be assured that you will see a ton of kids running around our area in softball uniforms that week.

Archived 7-5-06

GSSA Scores Big Win in Tucson, Arizona...

It was GSSA's turn to bid on the 2007 "A" Youth events at the National Council Meeting in November 2005. Eighteen cities were vying for the 12 & Under Class "A" National Championship, one of the premier events in the ASA family and expected to draw over 100 teams.

The competition narrowed down to Roseville California and Montgomery Alabama and the as the final votes were tallied, Roseville came out ahead by three votes. This combination effort from GSSA, the entire Region 14 members and Placer Valley Tourism enables us to host one of the best events of the year. While initial planning has already begun for this event, the real work will begin in September 2006. Those that are not hoping to play in this event, but would like to help with the planning and operation of this massive special event should give us a call, we can always use the help.

Co-ed Class B National Championship in Roseville, CA

With all the excitement generated by the youth event coming to town in 2007, it is easy to miss the adult event scheduled for 2006. This August, teams from throughout the country will visit Roseville to compete in the Coed Class B National Championship. This fairly new (the third year) event has never been in California. Recreational Coed teams are encouraged to play in this four-day National Championship. Last year's event was held in North Dakota and drew 28 teams. It is our hope to have a great turnout from our region and across the country.

Background Checks for Travel Team Coaches

Unfortunately there are people in this world who do not have the kids best interest in mind. In an effort to better protect our children Sacramento ASA in conjunction with Virtual Tournament Director have instituted a new policy for 2006 that all travel team coaches must pass a background check. It is expected that this policy will cross over to all youth teams in 2007 and include the B program as well. The new program with Comprehensive Information Services, Inc (CIS) that includes a complete county, state and federal search completed on each adult participant and includes a SSN trace to verify that the information provided is complete and accurate. For a very small fee this service gives you the piece of mind to know that ASA is doing the best it can to protect our kids.

New GSSA President

Not to relegate him to the bottom of the news section, but recently GSSA selected a new association president. Barry Ross, Recreation Manager of the Sunrise Recreation and Park District was selected as President of GSSA. Barry's role includes being a voting member of the GSSA cabinet, handling disciplinary matters, working with the LCS and youth events throughout GSSA. Say "HI" to Barry if you see him out at the ballpark.

Gary Ybarra Returns

Gary Ybarra is a big part of Sacramento ASA and you may not even know him. Best of all he is coming back to Sacramento after a short stay in Houston, Texas. Gary has put in his lions share of the work on two big parts of the Sacramento program. He supervises the Pacific Challenge Series (PCS) a group of youth events leading to a fall championship. the program started in 2005 and has now blossomed into one of the largest tournament series in the country. Under Gary's direction events are now held throughout region 14 with championships scheduled for October 2006. Check out his web page at www.asatournaments.com to get details and greats for this great event.

In addition Gary runs the Sacramento portion of the ASA Western Shootout, one of the top programs leading to Championship play in the adult program. Gary hosts events in Sacramento, Reno and the Bay Area leading to the Western Shootout Finals in Sparks, NV. Again check out www.asatournaments.com for details. With the ASA D West National Championship scheduled for Twin Creeks Softball Complex in Santa Clara, this looks like a big year for slow pitch and a great year for Gary. Best of all he is coming home! Now get to work.

League Championship Series (LCS)

As the writer of the news portion, I could not end without mention of the League Championship Series or LCS. This event is now in it's 20th season, follows the Super Bowl Roman Numeral designation as LCS XX. At just $85 per team this double elimination slow pitch event is the BIG DEAL for local slow pitch teams. Check out the adult portion of our website to get details. We are planning something very special for LCS XX, but it remains a secret. Dates for this year's event are as follows: Coed - September 16 & 17, 2006, Men's - September 23 & 24, 2006 and Women's - September 30 and October 1, 2006.

Remember, all League winners that come from ASA participating agencies - and that is every public agency in the Sacramento ASA are eligible. Just ask your league director for an entry form when you win a league. If you play at Capital Christian, Woodland, Sacramento City or Complex, Fulton-El Camino, Sunrise, Elk Grove, Roseville, or South Late Tahoe you are eligible if you are ASA registered.

Archived 11-18-04

Western National

104 Teams participated in the 2004 16 and under and 18 and under Western National held in Sacramento and Roseville on August 3 – 8, 2004. This is the most teams GSSA and ASA have ever had for a tournament in this Association. More than 300 games were played on 18 fields throughout the region. To say it was an undertaking is an understatement! Thanks of course to all the local teams that participated including, CA Breeze, CA Sting, Fire & Ice, Nor Cal Dynasty and the Sacramento Lazers in the 18 and under division. In the 16’s we had, Capital City Comets – Laux, Hot Styx, Shamrox, Sac Dynasty, Folsom Flash, Nor Cal Dynasty, CA Breeze, CA Rapids, Capital City Comets – Richardson and the River City Angels. What a great showing by all of our local teams.

This event was also a great showcase for the umpires. More than 48 umpires made the games possible with participants from Alaska, Washington, Hawaii and New York. Best of all, many of our local Sacramento umpires showcased their talents through the five days of tournament ball. My sincere thanks to these men and women who make the games go smooth.

These events do not go on without a huge volunteer effort. Many thanks go to Kelly Jackson, Bob Chapel, Randy Davies, Warren Chow, Steve Clark, Tony Amador, Steven Wagner-Davis, Gary Ybarra, Paul Carleton, Betsy Ito, Penne Sleuter, Sonja Dubchansky and me the Commissioner for putting on this event. You cannot even imagine what it is like to host 104 teams for six days.

Other National News

Congratulations to the Rocklin Rumble as they participated in their first National Tournament as a 12 and under “B” team and traveled to Bryan College Station Texas. The Rumble finished in 12^th place in Texas and represented the GSSA very well. Special mention to the Cordova Fury who traveled to Moreno Valley in Southern California to play in the 14 and under “B” West National Championships. The Fury also did a great job representing GSSA and is very competitive in the B Division. Next year we hope to see the Fury take the 16 B West National which we are hosting through GSSA.

Many other GSSA teams participated in Nationals including, Nor Cal Lite and the Roseville Heat in the 18 “A”, Roseville Heat in the 16 “A”, Lady Magic in the 14 “A”, California Flames in the 12 “A”, CA Breeze in the 12 “A” Western National. Hopefully we have not missed anyone, but congratulations to these teams for making it to the top event in the Country, an ASA National Championship.

Olympic Team

Watching Team USA in the Athens games gives all in ASA great pride. It is even sweeter knowing that the team worked their way up to the Athens Games by playing a doubleheader in Sacramento. After watching team USA beat up on Australia, China and Japan in the preliminary rounds, it is amazing at how well our local all-star team did in our June 7, 2004 event at the Sacramento complex.

A limited number of Aiming for Athens tour shirts, sweatshirts and polo shirts are still available. Call Jeff for details.

PCS – Pacific Challenge Series

Historically once the National Championships have been held in August the main ASA playing season has been quiet. Not so in 2004 as teams still have opportunities to qualify for the Pacific Challenge Series. This new event has met with great success in many locations. The 14 and under division will be held in Roseville and Sacramento in late October. Check out the tournament website at www.asatournaments.com for details and information.

Archived 8-23-04

Olympic Team Visits Sacramento, Works Hard for 5-0 and 8-0 Wins

The ASA/USA Women's Fast Pitch Olympic Softball Team visited Sacramento for a fantastic evening of fun and incredible competition. The best team in the World kept their undefeated record intact, but Sacramento ASA pitchers Kelli Anderson and Angelica Seldon made the US Team work hard for every run. The first game was a hard-fought battle until a three run home run by the Worlds best hitter, Crystal Bustos, landed eight rows into the 19 row grandstand 265 feet from home plate, sealing the game for Team USA.

Official attendance was 3,162 for this event held at the Sacramento Softball Complex. Watch Team USA as they get ready for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece this August. All the action can be found on the ASA website at www.softball.org

Association Tournament (Metro)

With a direct berth to the ASA National Championships up in every age division, forty-two teams have registered for the big event to start the Summer. Only Sacramento ASA teams are eligible to participate as each division will earn a qualifying berth to the Nationals to be held the first week in August. Teams that finish 2nd-5th qualify for the Regional Championships to be held on July 10th and 11th. At that event the top two teams will qualify for the National Championships.

Sacramento ASA is proud to be hosting the 10 & 12 Regionals along with the 16 & 18 Western Nationals. Teams that participate in Association and Regional Tournaments are eligible to play in the Western National of they do not qualify for the big dance - the National Championship.

Western National Tournament - August 4-8, 2004

Sacramento ASA has pulled another exciting tournament from the National Office and will host the Girl's 16 and 18 & Under Western National. This prestigious event carries an automatic qualifying berth to the next year's National Championships along with great competition. Tournament organizing staff expects up to 100 teams in in combined divisions that will represent California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Hawaii, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico in this great event.

Teams must participate in their local Association event to be eligible to participate. For more information contact the GSSA office at (916) 927-3292

Adult Slow Pitch - Western Shootout

Sacramento ASA Tournament Director, Gary Ybarra, continues to bring high quality slow pitch tournaments to the region. The Western Shootout has been a huge success with teams participating on a regular basis. Shootout Qualifiers not only give out berths to the ASA Western National Championships, but qualify teams for the Western Shootout Finals in Las Vegas on August 20-22, 2004. In addition travel money is provided to the top finishers in each division to defray travel expenses to the West Nationals. Look for many of our GSSA teams to represent the Association in Salem, Oregon in the Men's Class D West National Championship in September.

LCS (League Championship Series)

LCS Information will be available from your local leagues soon! Bug your league director about July 1st for information on LCS XVIII the grand daddy of softball tournaments in the Sacramento Region. Remember, you must play in a GSSA League and be the League Champion to be eligible. Divisions offered are Men's, Women's and Coed in National, American and Recreation. At just $85.00 per team, its the deal of the year.