"My background is from the days when having fun on the diamond meant you played hard, fundamental ball," states Davis. "It was also the camaraderie that came from hanging after the game with the same players you fought against so hard on the field. I plan to instill that same competitiveness and sportsman-like camaraderie as I develop the tournaments and leagues through my revamped ASA platform.
"I also recognize the change in rec sports and the time commitment it requires. I plan to make the experience family-friendly and work to get the other parts of enjoying rec sports in Colorado back into the game."
Appointed this year, Davis has his work cut out as ASA has fallen out of touch and in some cases out of favor with those who he must rely on to build back his program. With a down economy and cutbacks in many parks and recreation departments eminent, a lot of creative thinking must go into his rebuilding. Among Davis' plans is to step-up registration of sanctioned players and events and make that registration qualified for other non-ASA sanctioned events which can offset sponsorship and liability issues that hold programs back. ASA will also make it a point to host tournaments at ASA-sanctioned program sites to boost visibilty and revenue.
"It won't happen overnight and probably not in one year, but I know, given a chance ASA will be back in the game when it comes to adult rec softball in Colorado," Davis added.
ASA is currently looking for volunteers for tournaments as well as player reps to assist teams and players registering for ASA events. For more information on ASA, you may contact Charlie Davis at (720)-366-7994, email softball1980@gmail.com.
Now that it's daylight savings . . .
With the extra sun in the evening the rest of us are stretching those hamstrings and preparing to join the diehards who have been taking every opp to get out and enjoy the unusually mild Colorado winter.
Meetups are scheduling, leagues are forming and rec programs are gearing up for the rush. If you need to knock of the rust in your game, check out the many rec sports Meetups offering pickup games in your sport. If you need a player for a team you may also check out our members as you have all completed the profile Q's (haven't you?) as to which sport, when, where and how hard you play. Also, visit Sportsvite.com and SportsMonster.com for teams needing players and players needing teams.
And, for the latest league, tournament and pickup games check our site -- get out and play!
By the numbers
As I've made the rounds and spoken to the people who make rec sports happen in the metro area, the same basic issues arise -- mainly, "if I build it, will they come (and play)?"
With the down economy, many city rec programs are short-staffed due to cut-backs and must choose wisely when developing their rec programs. If they can't justify creating a league at a level or night in which they're assured of filling with teams, they won't do it.
If you want to find a sport, a night or a comp level you want, you've got to raise your voice and show the powers that be you're out here. That's why it's important to sign-up for sports programs early and often. If you're a free agent most rec programs have lists of players and teams needing players and those that don't should hear from you anyway so that they know you're out there. And, do it far enough in advance of the season otherwise it may be too late for rec programs to organize players, teams and schedules.
And more importantly, help us help you and get any and all rec team sports participants you know to join our Meetup and our Facebook and help us get your numbers out there and visible. This is one reason we've created 0-Zero, so rec team sports in Denver can get on the same page when it comes to who wants to play what. If you come, they will build it!
You make the call
So you think you know your game. ASA softball is looking for umpires. you can contact Charlie Davis at softball1980@gmail.com or Mike Engle at mike.j.engle@seagate.com for information about training, certifications, and of umpiring games. The pay is between $15.00 to $26.00 per game depending on 1-man or 2-man crews, and whether it's league play and tournament games. Annual fees for umpires is approximately $35.00.
Now Registering
Here's a few leagues and tournaments currently registering teams.
• City of Aurora Summer Softball Leagues
• Foothills P&R Summer Softball Leagues
• City of Westminster Summer Softball Leagues
• South Suburban Summer Softball Leagues
• ASA Spring Men's & Coed Softball Tournament
• Play for the Kids Softball Tournament - (USSSA)
For info on these and more check out our site. Feel free to forward this to any rec sports enthusiast you know. Thanks - 0-Zero.
[top]
