Women’s Open Forum
In April 2025, the league hosted an open forum for the Sunday recreational women’s league. We extended invitations to all female players, spares, and coaches, offering everyone the opportunity to participate. Krystle represented our team. Below is a summary of the topics discussed and the takeaways we brought back:
Pitching Screens
We believe several safety measures should be explored before introducing pitching screens. While screens work well for batting practice, they don’t suit game play. Using one would limit the infield’s ability to make proper plays.
We recommend players wear proper helmets instead of fielder’s masks. Pitchers can protect themselves with ball hockey shin guards. When teams are short, they can allow men to pitch—as long as they don’t bat.
Takeaway: Although some teams might request the use of screens, no one at the forum seemed to support the idea strongly.
Infield Fly
The league has decided not to enforce the infield fly rule this year.
Hot Takeaway: Players who understand the game also understand how to keep things fair. This change reflects the recreational and inclusive nature of our league.
Runners
The rule requires all hitters to reach first base themselves. This year, teams can use four courtesy runners.
Our approach stays the same. If an opposing team asks to start a courtesy runner from the fence, we always say yes—no questions asked. We offer the same response regardless of who or why.
However, if someone on our team needs that accommodation, we view it as a sign they may be too injured to play safely. Continuing to play could cause long-term injury.
We don’t encourage runners from the fence. Instead, we ask our players to speak with their captains, coaches, and especially their doctors. We’re committed to addressing individual needs while making everyone feel included.
Takeaway: We expect more teams to request this option, so we want all players to get comfortable with it.
Spares
If you’d like to play more games, please let a captain or coach know. If another team asks you to spare, direct them to a captain, coach, or ideally, the league.
We’ve seen ongoing issues with players sparing for other teams. The league is currently working on rules to manage these situations. Until then, please speak with a core team member if you’re interested in playing more or helping teams find spares.
Takeaway: A centralized approach may help fix the issue, but it ultimately depends on how players communicate and contribute.
Skills & Drills
The league offers Skills & Drills sessions for $25 per player. While we encourage you to participate, we’re also running free practices for our own team.
Starting the Friday after the long weekend, we’ll host throwing and catching sessions every week until fields open. After that, we’ll schedule our own skills & drills day. Throughout the summer, we’ll also run themed practices before early Friday and Sunday games.
Several of our players have memberships to the Laval batting cages. Come join us to hit 500+ balls and bond over the soreness the next day.
10-Minute Grace Period
Currently, teams have a 10-minute grace period. Some players said that wasn’t long enough. We believe that solving spare issues will naturally improve punctuality.
We ask all players to arrive 15 minutes before game time and be ready to play. If a game ends in forfeit, take that opportunity to warm up or even start early.
Takeaway: A 10-minute grace period feels too long. Ideally, we wouldn’t need one at all.
Men’s Rec Pricing vs. Women’s Rec Pricing
Some people raised concerns that men pay $50 more and get twice as many games. Our field is one of the more expensive to rent, but the convenience of a single location makes up for it.
Our league schedules longer games rather than double headers. If you want double headers, check out the Women’s Intermediate League, which plays on a different night and location.
