2021 AGM REPORT April 17th, 2021
Baseball Nova Scotia baseball@sportnovascotia.ca 2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
Table of Contents 1. Message from the BNS President, Andrew Downs 2. Finances 2.1 Income Statement 2.2 Balance Sheet 3. COVID Impact 4. BNS Staff Update 5. Strategic Plan 6. Bluenose League 7. Provincial Championship 8. Atlantic Championships and Invitationals 9. Coaching 9.1 NCCP 9.2 Continuous Learning Course 9.3 Introduction to Coaching 9.4 Virtual Coach Mentorship 10. SafeSport 11. Officials 12. Girls Baseball 13. Challenger Baseball 14. Rally Cap Program 15. High Performance 16. Newcomers to Canada Initiative 17. Virtual Regional Director Meetings
2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
1. Message from the President – Andrew Downs
Welcome to the 2021 Baseball season!
As an organization, looking back on the 2020 season, I would sum it up as a season of learning. We learned to social distance, developed new routines for work / school / sport, became experts in Zoom and learned the importance of washing our hands and wearing masks to protect ourselves, family and strangers alike.
In the baseball community, we learned to adapt our game to meet the COVID-19 guidelines as provided by public health. Although, not perfect, we did learn a lot and, in most cases, changed how we do things to be more efficient and timelier.
Once again, I would like to recognize the strength in our provincial baseball community. To the association leaders, coaches, umpires, volunteers, players, parents and supporters of baseball, thank you. Thank you for working tirelessly, harnessing all your energy and skills to be innovative, supportive, and proactive to provide a safe environment to play the game we all love. To the Baseball Nova Scotia staff, Executive Members and members of the Board of Directors, thank you for all your hard work, time, passion to get us ready for the 2021 season.
I would also like to acknowledge the work Chris Lerette, Operations coordinator, has done for Baseball Nova Scotia over the past years. Unfortunately for us, Chris has elected to pursue another employment opportunity within the sport world. We thank him for his great work and dedication and wish him every success in his new role.
Lets have a great 2021 season of baseball!
Andrew Downs President, Baseball Nova Scotia 2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
2. Finance
2.1 Income Statement Baseball Nova Scotia Income Statement See attached
2.2 Balance Sheet Baseball Nova Scotia Balance Sheet As at 2021-04-17 See attached
2.3 Budget 2021 Baseball Nova Scotia See attached
3. COVID Impact: Moving Forward
Baseball Nova Scotia continues to follow messaging from Nova Scotia Public Health when making decisions on protocols for programming. As the Nova Scotia Government assesses the ongoing COVID pandemic, protocols are continuously changing.
Baseball Nova Scotia’s current COVID Protocol document is available on our website. This document outlines all current guidelines. Unless otherwise stated, all other regular Baseball Nova Scotia rules apply.
Should the COVID situation change within the province, BNS will update the COVID Protocol document as needed. BNS will immediately notify member associations regarding any major changes.
The 2021 Calendar of Events is also available at our website. This will be a living document, as BNS will adapt to the Public Health guidelines as they evolve. All events and deadlines listed are subject to change.
All BNS membership ($20 per athlete, coach, volunteer, and official) , Bluenose League ($150 per team), and Provincial Championship ($150 per team) fees reflect a normal season. Should COVID severely impact programming, BNS will communicate adjustments to association leaders.
2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
4. BNS Staff Update
Baseball Nova Scotia will see some changes this summer. Long time Operations Coordinator, Chris Lerette, has accepted a position with another organization. As Chris was an integral part of the office, there will have an impact in roles and responsibilities in the short term.
Bailey MacDonald will be returning as the Program Coordinator. Bailey’s responsibilities include coordinating scheduling for the Bluenose League, managing communications from associations and coaches regarding Bluenose League matters, ensuring league websites are up to date, maintaining the BNS membership database, communicating with members on all matters relating to registration and payments (for BNS membership, Bluenose fees, and Provincial fees), collaborating with the BNS VP of Finance and Executive Director on the maintenance of BNS financials (including bill payment, receiving of payment, and general bookkeeping), and assisting with BNS Provincial championship coordination (including scheduling and communication with hosts and participants).
The Administrative Coordinator (TBD) will have multiple responsibilities in the office. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining all BNS social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), maintenance of BNS website (including news updates, special interest stories, etc.), communicate with members (regarding special events, news stories, and any other special interest story that membership may want communicated through our various channels), assisting the Technical Director in organizing BNS programs (Rally Cap, NCCP, coaching courses, etc.) and assisting the Technical Director in tracking coaching certification, criminal record checks, and the maintenance of the NCCP database.
Our Technical Director, Cory Boutilier, will continue to be the point of contact for coaching (NCCP, etc.), High Performance teams, and development programs (Rally Cap, etc.)
The Executive Director, Brandon Guenette, will continue to work with staff on all aspects of the organization.
2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
5. Strategic Plan
Baseball Nova Scotia is in its third year of a four-year strategic plan cycle. The document is updated annually to establish yearly outcomes that push the organization closer to its overall goals.
2020 made for a challenging year for the organization to achieve its annual outcomes. Yearly outcomes are determined in February, and the COVID pandemic shut down the province one month later.
The organization’s focus completely shifted to the Return to Play plan and getting the sport back on the field in 2020. As we see the light at the end of the tunnel, Baseball Nova Scotia will strive to fulfill its commitment to the plan. On February 6th, 2021, the BNS Executive, Board, and staff met to identify outcomes for the year. Every aspect of the organization’s initiatives moving forward are impacted by the identified outcome in the plan.
To learn more about the BNS Strategic Plan and the yearly outcomes, visit the Baseball Nova Scotia website (under the Members tab, and Strategic Plain).
6. Bluenose League
During January of 2021, a committee was struck to review the Bluenose League’s current structure. The committee was tasked with providing recommendations to the BNS Competition Committee to better align the league’s structure and rules to Baseball Canada’s LTAD principles.
The outcomes from the committee were: • Provide an age-appropriate competition schedule that can allow for better alignment of training to competition ratios. • Address pace of play issues that align with LTAD recommendations for competition length by age category. • Allow for additional flexibility in the spring for clubs to finalize their rosters. • Consider the benefits and implications to health and safety from such changes.
2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
Bluenose Schedule Modifications Division Registration League Start 1st Half End 2nd Half Approx. Deadline Date Date Start Date # of Games 11U A, May 31st June 14th July 10th July 11th 18-20 AA, AAA 13U A, May 24th June 9th July 10th July 11th 20-24 AA, AAA 15U A, May 17th June 2nd July 4th July 5th 24-28 AA, AAA 18U A, May 17th June 2nd July 4th July 5th 24-28 AA, AAA 22U AA, May 17th June 2nd NA NA 24-28 AAA
• For the purpose of cutting down on travel weekends, when possible, miniature tournaments scheduled (3-4 teams) with teams from various areas. • 18U AAA and 22U AA/AAA standings to impact Provincial Championship seeding (in 6 and 8 team formats)
Bluenose Game Modifications
Division Time Limit (plus Runs Per Inning Time completion of Limit between inning) inning 11U A, AA, 1:45 5 90 seconds AAA 13U A, AA, 2:00 5 90 seconds AAA 15U A, AA, 2:15 5 (A/AA) 90 seconds AAA 18U A, AA, 2:15 5 (A) 90 seconds AAA 22U AA, 2:15 NA 90 seconds AAA
• Catchers will be limited to 1 visit with the pitcher per inning. A visit is defined as an interaction that involves the catcher leaving his/her position to visit the pitcher. Does not include catcher giving signs to fielders or any interaction where the catcher is exchanging the ball with the pitcher.
2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
• All rules are applicable to Bluenose League play (not Provincial Championships, Qualifiers, or National Elimination events)
8. Provincial Championships
After a year without Provincial Championships, Baseball Nova Scotia is planning for the return of the year end tournament.
As of April 17th, tournaments are permitted in sport, provided they involve teams who compete against each other as part of their regular schedule.
Should these protocols remain in place, a championship tournament can be held for teams who participate in the Bluenose League. Protocols from Public Health may change, so Baseball Nova Scotia will decide on participation for non-league teams at a later date.
Tentative dates are as follows (22U AAA TBD):
August 20th- 22nd 18U AA (all Tiers) 13U AAA 11U AA 12U Girls Intermediate A Intermediate AA Intermediate AAA August 27th- 29th 18U AAA 18U A (all Tiers) 14U Girls 11U AAA 11U A (all Tiers) September 3rd-5th 15U AAA 15U AA 15U A (all Tiers) 13U AA 13U A (all Tiers)
2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
9. Atlantic Championships and Invitationals
The 2021 Baseball Canada National Championships were officially canceled on April 6th. While this is a huge disappointed for our athletes with dreams of attending a National competition, the four Atlantic provinces have agreed on back up events for several divisions impacted.
In addition to the regularly scheduled Atlantic Championships for association teams, the following events have been added for our high performance teams (and 22U division)
- 13U: August 27 – 29 in PEI - 15U: August 27 – 29 in New Brunswick - 16U Girls: August 27 – 29 in PEI - 22U/17U Atlantic Challenge: August 5 – 8 in Nova Scotia
More details will be released in the coming weeks. All events involving interprovincial travel will be dependant on Public Health protocols. Travel for sport interprovincially will require approval from the four provinces involved.
10. Coaching
10.1 NCCP
2021 will see a combination of virtual and in person learning opportunities for coaches. An updated schedule of NCCP courses in the province will be available on the BNS website by the end of April.
The NCCP has gone through a restructuring this past offseason. For an up-to-date version of requirements, please visit our website (under the Coach Requirements tab)
10.2 Continuous Learning Coaching Sessions
Baseball Nova Scotia’s Technical Director will be conducting various Continuous Learning Coaching sessions around the province. These sessions are free to member coaches and will cover a variety of topics. Coaches will be exposed to a two hour, 2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia on-field clinic with instruction on running practices, drills that promote skill development, and much more.
If your association is interested in hosting a session, please contact BNS Technical Director, Cory Boutilier.
10.3 Introduction to Coaching Sessions
Starting out as a new coach can be an intimidating task, regardless of your experience in the sport. Off field team management, managing a game, or creating a plan for fun, and continuous skill development can become overwhelming for your first time. Our Technical Director will walk coaches through these tasks in a virtual session that is free to members.
Contact Technical Director, Cory Boutilier for more information.
10.4 Virtual Coach Mentorship
Baseball Nova Scotia will be conducting interactive, virtual coach mentorship sessions for registered coaches. These one-hour sessions will provide coaches with the opportunity to talk coaching, baseball, and other topics with our Technical Director. Experienced special guests will be joining the conversation as well!
More information will be available via the Baseball Nova Scotia website this summer.
11. SafeSport
Following the lead from Baseball Canada and Sport Nova Scotia, BNS will be taking the necessary steps to ensure we are meeting the recommendations to create a safe environment for participants. Creating a culture where everyone can thrive is a shared responsibility.
Safe Sport Training was developed to help anyone involved in sport — whether you have direct contact with athletes or work in the background — to promote physical, psychological, and social health, in line with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport. For 2021, it will be mandatory for every coach to have completed the SafeSport module and have an up-to-date Background check (every three years).
2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
12. Officials
TRAINING / EVALUATION In 2021, BNSUD has designed a new website – www.bnsud.ca. BNSUD will be utilizing the new platform for online registration, online training, exams, etc... Each BNSUD member will have their own profile and will have access to as much information as we can provide. BNSUD have 31 in person sessions planned around the Province to try and get back to our 2019 membership numbers of 540 umpires. With the issues with regards to gathering sizes, we were not able to hold our Super Clinic in 2021, but we took advantage of a National Virtual clinic that was offered by the Baseball Canada Umpires Committee and it was put on by the Umpires associations in British Columbia and Ontario.
INITIATIVES BNSUD has a number of initiatives that we will be focusing on for the next three years: 1) Course Conductors - to increase the number of instructors and supervisors at the provincial level through the Baseball Canada Supervisor Program. We currently have five certified course conductors, three at the Senior level who can run National level clinics and supervise at national events. We had been planning another Course Conductor Caravan in 2021 for the Maritime provinces but due to the uncertainty with regards to COVID and travel, it will be pushed to 2022. 2) Female umpiring – we are working to increase the percentage of female umpires in NS. We are working with Baseball Canada on several different ways of doing so. 3) Online Training – we realized that with COVID, we can better utilize online learning to better utilize our in person sessions with more practical umpiring. 4) Website – We will continue to enhance the website to continue to meet the needs of BNSUD members. We already have a plan in place for further enhancements. NATIONAL PROGRAM Overall, BNSUD has 15 active umpires in the province at Level 4. As noted above in the training section, we are actively increasing the number of certified course conductors.
BNS / BNSUD PARTNERSHIP Beginning in 2016, BNS and BNSUD entered a partnership to assist BNSUD to recruit new umpires, to improve training and to enhance the overall development of 2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia our umpires. Moving forward, we will be looking at different ways to improve our umpires – one is to put in place a Mentoring program to be initially used in HRM to develop best practices. This was a program first introduced to Baseball Canada through the Baseball British Columbia Umpires Association (BBCUA).
13. Girls Baseball
2021 will be an exciting year for girl’s baseball in Nova Scotia. The introduction of a 12U and 14U Girls Bluenose League will provide a competitive, province wide league for girls. Combined with the implementation of a 12U and 14U Girls Provincial Championship, there will be more opportunities than ever for girls to enjoy the game. BNS has been collecting registration information from girls around the province and linking them up with local organizations offering teams. To date, almost 50 girls have registered via the website
All female NCCP and official courses are being scheduled, with more information to follow via the BNS website.
14. Challenger Baseball
While COVID-19 led to all Challenger Baseball in-person programming being cancelled for 2020, Nova Scotia has been working with Jays Care Foundation, Baseball Canada, Little League Canada and Baseball Nova Scotia and is optimistic that Challenger Baseball programming will return to the field this summer. Currently, the plan is to offer modified in-person programming in the following communities – Antigonish, Bedford, East Hants, Glace Bay, Hammonds Plains, Pictou County, Sydney Mines and Truro.
Interest in starting a Challenger Baseball program has also been shown from the following communities – Bridgewater, Dartmouth, Strait/Richmond, Wolfville and Yarmouth. Nova Scotia Challenger Baseball will work with these areas to bring programming by 2022.
The safety of our athletes is our top priority. Due to this, the Atlantic Jamboree, Provincial Jamboree and Blue Jays Super Camp Challenger Baseball Game will be postponed until 2022. Our focus will be community programming and return-to- play.
2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
15. Rally Cap Program
In 2021, the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy have partnered with Baseball Canada to further enhance the Rally Cap program. Created in 2005, the Rally Cap program is an LTAD aligned program that offer age-appropriate development for ages 4-8. A focus on station-based practices, six on six competition, and progression-based hat reward system has established Rally Cap as the main introduction to baseball program across the country.
The Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy have recognized the importance of this program to the development of amateur baseball in Canada. Support in the form of materials, training, and financial grants will enhance province’s ability to support volunteers who are at the community level.
A more consistent presence in regions that can provide support to associations could have several benefits. The local ‘champion’ of the program would visit associations multiple times while provide training to association coaches. Participating in Rally Cap sessions with athletes and coaches will provide a BNS presence in the regions that wasn’t possible previously.
Rally Cap Regional Coordinator Overview • Four Regional Coordinators (Southern, Northern, Cape Breton, and Metro) • Report to BNS Technical Director • Primary role is to run training sessions with athletes and coaches. • Maximum of 12 sessions per region • Minimum of 8 sessions per region • Promote the Rally Cap program and communicate opportunities within the program to associations. • Serve as the contact person for associations with Rally Cap related questions and feedback. • Work with associations in establishing dates for training sessions. • Conduct Rally Cap sessions with coaches and associations in their region. • Report to BNS Technical Director on session coach and participant attendance numbers. • Provide BNS with photos from sessions for social media.
2021 AGM Report | Baseball Nova Scotia
16. High Performance
Even with the absence of National Championships, all high performance programs will be operational in 2021. • 17U: The final roster was identified in the fall of 2020. The team will participate in the shared 22U/Intermediate League and will play a part time schedule in the NSSBL for the first time ever. The team concludes the season with the 22U/17U Atlantic Challenge tournament in Dartmouth/Halifax. • 15U: The core team was identified in early April. Final roster will be decided in May. The team will play a part time schedule in the 18U AAA league. A year end Atlantic tournament is planned for August in New Brunswick with the three other Atlantic 15U High Performance teams. • 13U: Tryouts begin in May. The group will train and play a series of exhibition games with 15U teams and conclude the season with a tournament in PEI. • 16U Girls: Tryouts commence in mid April. The team will play a part time schedule in the 15U AA Bluenose League and conclude the season with an Atlantic tournament in PEI. • 21U/Senior Women: Tryouts commence in mid April. The team will play a part time schedule in the 18U A league. There is no Atlantic event planned, but the group will participate in the Provincial Championships.
17. Virtual Regional Director Meetings
Our 2021 Regional Director meetings will be done virtually! Come get updates for the 2021 season on BNS program, leagues, championships, and more! Associations Presidents will be provided with a Zoom link prior to the meeting. If you’re interested in attending, email [email protected] for information.
April 21st • Metro South RD Meeting – 6:30 pm (Zoom) • Metro North RD Meeting – 8:00 pm (Zoom
April 22nd • Southern RD Meeting – 6:00 pm (Zoom) • Cape Breton RD Meeting – 7:30 pm (Zoom) • Northern RD Meeting – 9:00 pm (Zoom)