Softball Manitoba

June is PACKED with softball tournaments across Manitoba!
Here's what's coming up this month:

June 12-14 - Wheat City Classic - Brandon
June 13 - Laura Poole Memorial Jamboree - Swan Valley
June 13 - Balmoral "A" Division Tournament - Balmoral
Canada Day - Clearwater Ball Tournament (75th Annual!)

Full details, divisions, and registration info for all tournaments at softball.mb.ca/content/tournaments

Let’s learn softball rules! Today let's look at:

5.1.7 Blocked ball

A blocked ball is a batted, thrown or pitched ball:

a) that becomes lodged in the fencing or umpire’s clothing or equipment;

b) that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game;

c) that touches any object that is not part of the official equipment or playing territory;

d) that is touched by a defensive player who is in contact with the ground not part of the playing territory. The lines are considered part of the playing area; or

e) a thrown ball touching a base coach accidentally (in or out of the coaches box) is not a blocked ball and remains in play.

Umpires are people too.

They show up, make the calls, manage the game, and do their best in real time. Are every call and every moment perfect? No. Because officials are human, just like everyone else on the field.

What is not part of the game is abuse.

Long hours, tough conditions, pressure from every direction, and disrespect from players, coaches, or spectators can take a serious toll. Softball should be a place where officials are supported, respected, and able to do their job safely.

Softball Manitoba has a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding abuse of officials. Please take a moment to read it and help keep our game respectful for everyone.

Learn more: https://www.softball.mb.ca/content/softball-manitoba-zero-tolerance-policy-regarding-abuse-of-officials

Want to follow the season in photos?

Darryl Gershman is capturing moments from across the 2026 softball season, and you can check out his photo galleries online.

From game action to the little moments that make the season special, it’s a great way to keep up with the community and celebrate the athletes, teams, officials, and volunteers who make softball in Manitoba what it is.

View the galleries here: https://darrylgershman.smugmug.com/SOFTBALL-2026

Travelling outside of Manitoba for competition? Don’t forget your Travel Permit.

All teams travelling outside the province must complete Softball Manitoba’s Travel Request Form at least two weeks before their event.

Find the application link and important travel permit information here: https://www.softball.mb.ca/content/travel-permits

The Bison Transport Women to Watch Grant is here to support girls and women in sport with up to $500 in funding. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or official, this can help you build your skills, access new opportunities, and keep moving forward.

Know someone who should apply? Send it their way.

Deadline to apply is June 15: https://activitymessenger.com/p/PRy8ZQy

75 years of ball, and it’s all happening this Canada Day 🇨🇦

The Clearwater Ball Tournament is back on July 1 with a full day of baseball and softball across multiple divisions — from minor to senior, plus mixed linament.

No tournament fee. Just show up, compete, and enjoy the day.

Admission:
$10 adults
$5 ages 9–15
Free for 8 & under (cash only)

Entries are due June 26 at 1:00 PM — don’t wait to get your team in.

Call or text 204-825-4337
[email protected]

Swan Valley Elite is hosting the Laura Poole Memorial Jamboree on June 13!

Open to U9, U11, U13, and U15 teams, this one-day event is a great chance to get games in and be part of a strong community event

• Guaranteed 2 games
• $125 per team

To register or learn more:
[email protected]

Umpires play a key role in every game.

They ensure fairness, uphold the integrity of the game, and make sure it is played by the rules across all teams and participants. Every call is made based on what they see in the moment, helping keep the game safe, respectful, and competitive.

Interested in getting involved?

Learn more about umpiring:
https://www.softball.mb.ca/content/umpiring

Let’s learn softball rules.

Obstruction is the act of:

a) a defensive player or team member who hinders or prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball.

b) a fielder who impedes the progress of a batter-runner or runner who is legally running bases while:

not in possession of the ball;
not in the act of fielding a batted ball;
making a fake tag without the ball;
in possession of the ball and who pushes a runner off a base; or
in possession of the ball, but not in the act of making a play on the batter-runner or runner.

Read more rules here: https://www.softball.mb.ca/content/softball-canada-official-rule-book