TRIAD SOFTBALL LEAGUE
FAQ
The Triad Softball League ("TSL") is a North Carolina non-profit corporation. The objective of TSL is to promote a social environment through amateur athletics with special emphasis on the participation of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in an atmosphere of friendly competition.
What does TSL do?
TSL organizes and operates a softball league which emphasizes social interaction over intense competition. For those interested in intense competition, opportunities to meet that need can be found in other leagues operating in various counties throughout North Carolina
Who is eligible to participate in TSL?
The opportunity to participate in TSL is open to anyone over the age of 18. Although the majority of our participants are members of the GLBT community, we also welcome and enjoy the participation of individuals who are "straight but not narrow". Participants should keep in mind that softball can be a physically demanding sport and, as you would before starting any exercise program, you should consult with a physician to ensure that you are physically able to participate.
What if I don't know how to play softball, I'm not very good, or its been a while since I've played?
Don't worry. We want you to participate regardless of your skill level. While some familiarity with softball is helpful, it is not a requirement and the skill level of our participants varies widely. We have participants who have never played before. We also have participants who competed in or coached baseball and softball at the college level. While a desire to socialize is important, a high level of softball skill is not. In addition, the league puts on comprehensive skill clinics which are required for all new players at the beginning of each season.
I don't want to play softball. Are there other ways to participate in TSL?
Yes! Our games routinely draw a loyal and lively spectator crowd. You are welcome to attend our games and participate in our social events free of charge. In addition, we have a few team sponsorship opportunities remaining and are always looking for league sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring a team, please e-mail our Assistant Commissioner for Public Relations, at sponsor@triadsoftball.com. If you simply want to be added to our mailing list to receive e-mails about games and socials, please send an e-mail to info@triadsoftball.com with the request ("add to e-mail list") in the subject heading.
What is the average age of participants?
The age of participants varies widely, from people in their 20s to people in their 50s and 60s. The average age is probably somewhere in the mid to late 30s.
Do both men and women participate?
Yes. While registrations may vary slightly from year to year, we average roughly 50% men and 50% women and we strive to keep teams balanced in their male / female composition.
How will teams be formed?
Everyone registered to participate in TSL will be put through a blind draft. When registering, individuals are asked to self-rank by completing a skills questionnaire. Individuals are also asked to give certain information about their playing history (if any) and positions they prefer to play. All individuals who did not play last season are required to attend at least one of three skills clinics so that rankings can be verified. Team Managers, selected by the TSL Board, will conduct a blind draft of all participants on March 11th and, shortly thereafter, teams will be announced.
I want to play on the same team I played on last year. Why is the Board instituting a new draft?
The Board feels that the best way to carry out our mission of promoting a good social environment is to draft new teams. After all, our league is really about having an opportunity to meet new people and build a stronger community, not about winning or losing. The Board feels that the best way to provide individuals with an opportunity to meet new people is to redraft all teams.
What if I want to play on the same team as my husband, wife, partner, or friends?
For those in a committed relationship (i.e., husband, wife, partner) TSL will link your registration with that of the person with whom you are in a committed relationship and you will be guaranteed placement on the same team. This is designed to avoid having people compete against each other when they are in long-term, committed relationships. The registrations of friends, however, are not linked and people who are just friends are not guaranteed placement on the same team. After all, participation in TSL is about making new friends. You will however, have plenty of opportunity to socialize with your friends, both new and old, at social events which follow all our games.
When will skills clinics be conducted and who can attend?
Skills clinics will be conducted from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm on Thursday, March 8th at Washington Park Field #2, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday March 11th at Griffith Park, and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 11th at Washington Park Field #2. Participation in this years skills clinics is open only to new registrants who are required to attend at least one clinic. Participation in the skills clinics is an excellent way for new members to brush up on their softball skills and to learn new skills that will be useful during the season. It also provides an opportunity for managers to verify self-rankings.
What if I can't make it every weekend because of work commitments or vacation plans?
TSL attempts to draft its teams with enough individual players to cover the occasional absence and to avoid forfeitures. It is expected that not everyone will be able to participate every weekend. Nonetheless, if you will be absent a significant amount of time, you may want to consider participating as a spectator instead of as a player.
What kind of social events is TSL planning?
There is a social event after every game. Generally, we gather as a group at a local restaurant for drinks and dinner. We also occasionally go to a member's home for an informal barbecue.
What is the cost to register for TSL's spring season?
For those registering by February 17th, the cost is $50.00. Late registration, available through March 11th, is $55.00. This works out to be $5.00 per game based on our current schedule. If you include team practices and skills clinics, the cost goes down to $4.00 per event. In addition, registrants receive a league uniform shirt, a league ball cap, invitation to all social events, and a free, end of season banquet.
What does TSL do with registration fees?
TSL does not seek to profit from registration fees, merely to cover the cost of running the league. Among other things, registration fees pay for field rental, American Softball Association (ASA) certified umpires, ASA membership, liability insurance, advertising, sponsor plaques, and our end of season banquet.
How can I register to participate in TSL?
Registration forms may be downloaded off the Register page.
Where can I get more information about TSL?
TSL Board members' names and e-mail addresses are as follows:
Commissioner
Treasurer
Assistant Commissioner for Operations
Assistant Commissioner for Player Development
Assistant Commissioner for Public Relations - Sponsors & Socials
Secretary