Just a few reminders and updates:

— Stealing: the rule is ONE base PER pitch on a steal regardless of an overthrow. This means whether a throw is made or not, the runner can only take one base. They can still be called out if they are off of the bag. This also applies to dropped third strikes. One base, per runner, per pitch. We discuss rules at the January or February meetings, feel free to attend to discuss this rule for next year.

—No continuous walks

—Mercy rule is 15 runs after 4 innings, or 10 runs after 5 innings

— I have one update to the Playoff bracket in Carbondale: Game 11 in the winner’s bracket will be played at 2pm rather than 12pm; while both loser’s bracket games 9 and 10 will be played at 12pm; with the winners of those games playing at 4pm. I will send out the updated one soon, but that was the only change.

—Finally and most importantly, remember this is a recreational children’s softball league. It’s been a rough year for most of these kids with few opportunities to play sports, socialize, have fun, and just be kids while they still can be. I think we all appreciate passionate coaches, parents, and fans, but please keep the competition friendly and practice good sportsmanship. Remind your parents and coaches to act appropriately at games, encourage rather than discourage, and just let the kids play.

— For the winner’s bracket, the higher seed is the home team, unless they happen to be the same seed (because we have the two divisions), in which case it will be a coin toss. Loser’s bracket games will always be coin toss to determine the home/away.

Let me know if you have any concerns or questions, reminder that I have an updated number, at least temporarily- 570-561-8690 or shoot me an email.

Thanks and good luck to everyone!!

Valley Petunia 12 U
—-Tiff and Jamie

North:
Carbondale 1 – Insurance
Carbondale 2 – Insurance
Jessup – Insurance
Olyphant – Insurance, waivers
Valley – Yay!
Dickson City – Yay!
Marvine Dutch – Insurance, waivers

South:
Harvey’s Lake – clearances, waivers
Moosic – Insurance, roster
North Pocono 1 – Insurance, clearances, waivers
North Pocono 2 – Insurance
Old Forge – Yay!
Tripp 1 – Insurance, clearances, waivers, roster
Tripp 2 – Insurance, clearances, waivers, roster
Wallenpaupak- Yay!

Please review these resources and refer to “Back to the Ballpark” guidelines attached.

Of course every field is different, and each league will need to adhere to these as closely as possible, while outlining any field-specific concerns or adjustments before each game with the opposing team. We will review them in further detail after we have a definitive # of teams and divisions laid out.

These are only recommendations and we will have to trust that each coach will use common sense and good hygiene practices so as to keep players as safe and healthy as possible.

https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/covid-resources

Carbondale   YES 2 teams             
Dickson City  YES 1 team          
Harvey’s Lake YES 1 team
Jessup – YES 1 Team                 
Marvine Dutch Gap   YES 1 Team       
Moosic YES 1 team
North Pocono YES 2 Teams 
Old Forge YES 1 Teams
Olyphant YES 1 Team
S Gibson YES 1 team
Tripp YES 2 teams
Valley YES 1 team
Wallenpaupak YES – 1 Team

Hello Coaches,

restarting USA Softball events. State/Metro associations, Recreational Leagues,
Tournament Hosts, Staff, Athletes, Coaches, Parents, and Spectators should
continue to follow CDC, Federal, State and Local governmental guidelines.
Feel free to make your guidelines more stringent if you deem necessary.
Remember that information and recommendations during the pandemic are very
fluid and are subject to change."

Thanks,

—Tiff and Jamie
12U Valley League Admins