FAQ

1. When are games?

Games are in the evening on Mondays & Wednesdays (U9, U13 & U17/U19) or Tuesdays & Thursdays (U11 & U15), starting at 6:45 pm (you will generally have two games a week throughout the season). Four games are also scheduled for Opening Weekend (the last weekend of April or first weekend of May). Coaches will ask you to arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to game time to allow for an adequate warm up. Make-up games may be required, they will be rescheduled at the discretion of the teams. These games are usually scheduled on off days, schedule permitting.

2. How long is a game?

Games have a time limit for each division. Currently, there are no new innings after 1 hour and 30 minutes for U13 and younger, while there are no new innings after 1 hour 45 minutes for U15 and older.

3. Where are games located?

We are a part of Calgary Minor Softball Association and will be playing games in Calgary and surrounding area.

Approximately half of the games are “Home” games, which are located at your team’s designated diamond within Nose Creek’s boundaries. The map for Nose Creek’s diamonds can be found here. 

U9 "Away" Games are generally held in North Calgary and Airdrie, while all other age categories may have games in Airdrie, Cochrane, Strathmore, Okotoks and all quadrants of the city.

4. When do practices start?

We practice all year round! Pitching Clinics are available starting in the Fall, and Winter General Skills Clinics begin in January, at an additional per clinic cost. Free drop-in gymnasium practices begin in February/March for registered players (gym availability permitting). Please explore the Nose Creek website for further information. Outdoor fields will be available for use when the snow melts and the fields are deemed safe for use (Generally in April). 

5. When are practices during the season?

The Head Coach of each team determines when practices will be held during season play, along with diamond availability. We recommend that all of our teams practice at least once a week, higher division teams, pitchers or catchers may have multiple practices. Once your child is placed and a coach is appointed for their team, you will receive this part of the schedule.

6. When does the season begin and how long is it? 

League games start the last weekend of April. U9 and Division 3 teams will play until the end of June, Division 2 will finish mid-July, and Division 1 will finish at the end of July. Please also be aware of the schedule for Provincials, should your team enter, which can be found on Softball Alberta's website here.

7. What equipment do I need to purchase?

• All Players MUST have their own Canadian Standards Association (CSA) - approved batting helmet with dual ear flaps, fastened chin strap, and attached face mask.
• All players MUST wear a pelvic protector (jill) to play on the diamond.
• All Players require a fastpitch softball glove.
• Softball cleats are highly recommended but not mandatory.
• ALL infielders MUST use an approved face mask for all levels U9 and above.
• All players MUST wear matching socks and belt. Blue socks and belts are available for purchase at uniform distribution in April. 
• All players must wear black ball pants. As of 2023, Nose Creek will not provide ball pants.

8. Do I need to purchase a uniform?

Nose Creek Softball provides all players with a jersey that must be returned (washed) at the end of the season.  All players must purchase black ball pants, royal blue belt, and royal blue socks. Additional team apparel is available for purchase in the Nose Creek Online Shop.

9. Do Nose Creek Softball teams play in tournaments?

Yes, ALL Nose Creek teams will play in the Nose Creek tournament held Mother’s Day weekend, which is included in your registration fee. Nose Creek will also reimburse the fee for each team to enter an additional tournament during the season, as well as provincials if applicable. Teams may also choose to enter additional tournaments at their own expense.

10. Do you need volunteers?

Yes, Nose Creek Softball is run completely by volunteers. There are many opportunities to help out. Positions include board members, coaches, team managers, scorekeepers, umpires for lower age groups and volunteers for other events (casino, tournament, uniform distribution, equipment distribution, etc.).

11. Is there a program for children under 7 years of age?

Yes, we offer the Timbits Learn-to-Play Program. Kids will meet once per week to have FUN and start learning very basic skills and knowledge of the game.

12. What is the refund policy?

Please see Refund Policy for more information.

13. How do I apply for Kidsport funding and register for Nose Creek Softball?

Please visit http://www.kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/calgary/ and click on APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE icon. Complete the Nose Creek registration online by clicking on Kidsport instead of an age group. Please email the registrar at registrar@nosecreeksoftball.ca so that they can manually select the appropriate age group.

14. What is the Nose Creek Softball policy regarding the prevention of child abuse of players?

Nose Creek Softball ensures that all coaches have a current police check and have completed Respect in Sport training. Additional training is also required through Calgary Minor Softball. We ensure two adults (including one female) must be present at all Nose Creek events (games, practices, etc.).