NOTE: The 18+ Women’s Travel Team is a little different from U13, U15 and U17. If you have any questions regarding the Women’s team, please drop us an email: smaa.fastball@gmail.com

Sarnia Heat Travel Fastball is designed for players who love the game and are ready to take it to the next level. It’s still about having FUN, but it’s also more competitive. In Travel, there are no spirit awards — only first- and second-place teams receive medals or trophies.

Fair Play Policies

• Coach’s Fair Play: Coaches ensure all players receive similar playing time, with everyone sitting out an inning here and there.
• Player’s Fair Play: Players are expected to show up ready to play and attend practices regularly. It’s unfair to teammates and coaches when players skip practices or games without a valid reason.
  Note: Fair Play does not apply to fielding positions or batting order.

Cost: The fee to play travel is $300. Tournament costs are not included and will be discussed with the team once the season begins.

Team Formation: Each team will carry 14 roster players and 6 alternate (AP) players. We are currently pre‑registering players (no payment yet) to build teams. Once rosters are finalised, coaches will contact parents with more information.

• If more than 14 players register in an age division, tryouts will be held in mid‑April.
• There will be one team each in U13, U15, and U17 divisions.
• Players who do not make a travel team are encouraged to join our Sarnia League to continue developing their skills and try again next season.

Season Timeline: The travel season runs from May 4 to mid‑August, usually ending with a final tournament weekend. We recommend avoiding vacation plans during the first two weeks of August until schedules are confirmed.

Weekly Schedule: Teams are typically on the diamond three times per week — one home game, one away game, and one practice. If there’s no home game, a second practice may be scheduled.

League Details: Teams compete in the Lambton Central Girls Softball League (LCGSL), with most opponents based in Lambton County.

Commitment: Travel requires dedication. Missing an occasional game or practice for illness or vacation is understandable, but skipping because “you don’t feel like it” isn’t acceptable. Practices are mandatory, as players develop advanced skills and strategies at this level. Players who regularly miss practices may be removed from the team.

Parent Involvement: Parents play an important role in making the season a success. Each family is expected to help in some way — as a coach, scorekeeper, dugout helper, statistician, volunteer coordinator, snack organizer, or by volunteering one night at the SMAA concession stand during the summer.

Positions & Batting Order: Players typically play 2–3 positions during the season. Coaches are not required to rotate players through all positions. Batting order is decided by the coach and earned through performance — not everyone gets to bat leadoff or cleanup.

Rules: Travel follows Softball Ontario Rules with some modifications from both the LCGSL and SMAA. Please be sure to read over all the rules so you and your player are aware. Rules will be posted on the LCGSL and Sarnia Heat webpages. Please ask your coach any rule questions.

Uniform Deposit: A $100 uniform deposit is required at the start of the season and will be refunded at year-end. Each player receives a jersey, pants, belt, and socks.

Have questions? Reach out anytime at smaa.fastball@gmail.co