Photo courtesy of Medicine Hat Softball Association

By Scott Roblin

Softball Cancelled

House league softball remains cancelled this summer

Jun 25, 2020 | 10:36 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Despite the province lifting restrictions on team sports in recent weeks, house league softball remains off the table in Medicine Hat this summer.

The Medicine Hat Minor Softball Association released a statement on Thursday citing Alberta’s return to play protocol and Softball Alberta lifting its suspension of games as reasons to re-visit their decision to cancel the 2020 season.

However, the organization says they don’t possess the capacity to hold a competitive house league season in Medicine Hat with the restrictions still in place.

Those competing with the U12, U14, U16, and U19 Thunder travel programs have been permitted to resume practicing as of July 6.

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Medicine Hat Minor Softball originally cancelled play for all softball and fastball teams back in May and released the following statement on social media.

“Medicine Hat Minor Softball was tasked with a difficult decision. The changes to Phase 2 of the Alberta relaunch, coupled with the Return to Play protocol and suspension lifting of Softball Alberta, had our executive revisit our season cancellation. Having just finished processing our full association refunds and the many pages of protocol, rules and restrictions MHMSA opted to remain unable to proceed with a house league season.

However, MHMSA is permitting U12, U14, U16, U19 Thunder teams, determined in February, the ability to resume practice and enter into clearly defined sport cohorts after July 6.

Would we love to have EVERY athlete play? Absolutely. We KNOW a strong house program and programs built on fundamentals are the only reason competitive rep teams can exist. House programs are built for all regardless of ability and are the building blocks of sport in our community. Unfortunately under the guidelines, we just do not have the capacity to roll out a full season.

We miss all our players and families and we hope to create a safe and fun program for ALL PLAYERS for 2021.”