ACE Coaching Certification Goes Online

Oklahoma City, Okla. --- The Amateur Softball Association announced today that their ACE Coaching Certification Program is now available to coaches nationwide in a new web based format.

Coaches who had an active certification as of 2007 can access the online system with their prior information and continue their certification beginning with the next appropriate level. New coaches can begin certifying online with Level 1. Coaches can watch the ACE Coaching Certification instructional videos and complete their certification tests at http://ace.usasoftball.com.

The ACE (Achieve, Certify, Educate) Coaching Certification Program is a certification program, developed and designed to provide softball coaches of all levels – from beginning coaches to experienced veterans – an opportunity to certify as a coach with the ASA.

As the National Governing Body of Softball, it is the ASA’s responsibility to ensure that coaches achieve a certain level of understanding of what their duties are as coach of a youth softball team. The ACE certification videos and the ACE Certification Manual are practical guides to the everyday situations coaches will encounter as youth softball coaches. After obtaining the ACE certification, coaches will be well prepared to coach a youth softball team.

The ACE Coaching Certification Program consists of four levels of certification. Coaches will begin with the ACE Level 1 certification. For $25.00, in Level 1 coaches will learn the fundamentals of managing a team. Once a coach has become certified at Level 1 he or she may then move on to Level 2. In this level, coaches will be introduced to the fundamentals of playing the game and will gain valuable instruction tips for players in all positions from USA National Team Head Coach Mike Candrea, all for $20.00. As a Level 2 certified coach, the coach can then work toward ACE Level 3 certification. In this level the coach will continue to gain valuable knowledge of the game from Coach Candrea and other USA National Team Coaches, again for only $20.00. Finally, any coach who has completed ACE Level 3 Certification is eligible to move on to the Continuing Education level of the ACE program. In this level coaches will be tested on their knowledge of ASA Playing Rules and Regulations. ACE Continuing Education costs $20.00. The Continuing Education tests will be updated every year to reflect changes made to the ASA’s Playing Rules and Regulations.

Another feature that the new ACE Online Program will include is the ability for coaches to review the content of the certification videos at any time after they have completed the certification tests. Also, coaches will also be able to view and print their ACE Coaching Certificate and Insurance Forms at any time after completing their certification test. Along with these features, coaches will be privileged to previous ACE benefits which include liability insurance coverage when coaching an ASA registered team, personalized membership card as an ASA/USA Softball ACE Coach, and take-home copy of ACE Coaching Certification manual.

For more information contact Eli Pagel at epagel@softball.org

Thanks,

Joe Pavone
JoePavone@ChicagoMetroASA.com
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ASA and Bollinger Insurance, through the Individual Registration Program, have increased the Liability Coverage to $5,000.000, from $2,000,000 with NO additional cost to subscribers/members.
To register your team with ASA and Chicago Metro, and obtain Insurance, please go to: www.RegisterASA.com, and follow the simple instructions.
Also, remember that all teams that register and purchase their insurance through www.RegisterASA.com, have their Annual Chicago Metro Registration fee waived.

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FOR A TEAM REGISTRATION FORM, OR THE METRO TOURNEY ENTRY FORM (in "WORD"), please email me with your request to:
JoePavone@ChicagoMetroASA.com.

Thanks,

Joe Pavone
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ASA NON-APPROVED BAT LIST.......................

The ASA bat list was recently updated with two new bats. One from Schutt that was used exclusively at the collegiate level (or so we were told) and one from Demarini. The model numbers are below:

Manufacturer Model

Demarini OTC Juggernaut

Schutt Sports Schutt (Red/Silver colored version)

This list can be accessed on our website at http://www.asasoftball.com/about/certified_equipment.asp
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.....ON A PERSONAL NOTE.....
Presenting the
Together 4 T Benefit
In support of Tom’s love for sports and
children we come together to help him
through these tough times.
January 10, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
Tom “T” O’Neill Jr. is a lifelong resident of Tinley Park. He is a graduate of Helen Keller Elementary, Grissom Jr. High, and Andrew High School (1988). At Andrew, Tom was an active member of the baseball & basketball teams. He went on to play baseball at The University of Wisconsin (Madison), Northern Illinois University, and the minor leagues with the San Francisco Giants, before returning to Tinley Park.
In January of 2004, Tom was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Due to the location of the tumor, he had to undergo the most radical of surgeries to remove the mass. This caused his pituitary gland to shut down, and as a result he will be on medication for the rest of his life.
Since his initial surgery, Tom has had radiation therapy and several MRI’s with the hope that the tumor would not return. Unfortunately, during his most recent MRI, the most devastating news was given to him and his family-- the tumor had returned. On January 21, 2008, “T” will undergo painful and invasive surgery once again. FutureforKIDS is proud to work together with the O’Neill family and friends in helping Tom cope with the challenges that lie ahead.
Many of Tom’s medical bills are not covered by his insurance. During his lengthy recovery time, he will be unable to work and contribute to his mounting medical bills and personal obligations. In an effort to help ease Tom’s growing financial burden, the family and friends of Tom O’Neill Jr. are holding a benefit to assist him during this difficult time.
Any donation you can offer would be greatly appreciated. We will accept raffle items, gift cards/certificates, cash or checks. Please mail all donations to:
Together 4 T Benefit
P.O. Box 2118
Orland Park, IL 60462
To schedule a donation pick up please email together4tbenefit@yahoo.com
or call (708) 212-4077.
All monetary donations can be mailed directly to:
Tom O’Neill, Jr. Benefit Fund- FfK
c/o Palos Bank and Trust
Attn: Donald Busse
9400 W. 179th Street
Tinley Park, IL 60487
Your support and generosity will make a significant impact on Tom, his family, and his future.
For more information regarding the benefit and donation options please visit our website: www.Together4Tbenefit.com
Thank you in advance for your help. We’re in this “TOGETHER 4 T”.
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ASA CHICAGO METRO ANNOUNCEMENTS – SEPTEMBER 19, 2007

The Chicago Metro ASA has announced the dates for the Metro Championship Tournaments, as well as other important updates, as follows:

10U (A and B combined Tournament) and 12U “A” - Joliet - Inwood Fields
July 3 Pool Play
July 5 and 6 Double Elimination

14U “A” – Alsip
July 3 Pool Play
July 5 and 6 Double Elimination

16U “A” – Alsip
July 11 Pool Play
July 12 and 13 Double Elimination

18U “A” – Bourbonnais
July 10 and 11 Pool Play
July 12 and 13 Double Elimination

12/14/16/18U “B” - VERNON HILLS
July 11 Pool Play
July 12 and 13 Double Elimination

Due to the rising rental rates of tournament locations, the Metro Tournament Entry Fee has risen slightly to $450.00.


METRO TOURNAMENT ENTRY FORM BELOW......PLEASE CUT AND PASTE

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2008 CHICAGO A.S.A.
Metro Championship Tournament Entry Form

Age Division ____________
Class A ___________ Class B ___________
Sites for Class A

Fee Age Site Dates
$450 10u (Combined “A” and “B” Joliet July 3, 5-6

$450 12u Joliet July 3, 5-6

$450 14u Alsip July 3, 5-6
$450 16u Alsip July 11-13
$450 18u Bourbonnais July 10-13

Sites for Class B

$450 Age Groups 12-18U
Vernon HIlls July 11-13


Please Print legibly.


Team Name ___________________________________________________________

Manager's Name ________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

City _________________________________ Zip _
Home Phone (_____)__________________________

Cell Phone (____)_____________________________

Fax (____)___________________________________

E-Mail ______________________________________MANDATORY or form will be returned

IT IS IMPERATIVE TO NOTE THAT FOR 2008, AT LEAST ONE COACH FROM EACH TEAM MUST BE “A.C.E.” CERTIFIED THROUGH A.S.A. IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE METRO
CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT. PROOF OF CERTIFICATION MUST BE PROVIDED.
Please Make Checks Payable To A.S.A., and Mail To:

P.O. Box 536
Tinley Park, IL
60477

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The ASA Annual Team Registration Fee has risen to $50.00 per team. PLEASE NOTE THAT TEAMS THAT REGISTER THROUGH THE ASA (fastpitchsoftball.net) HAVE THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE WAIVED. When registering through ASA, you obtain your Insurance from Bollinger Insurance Company, and only pay for the Insurance (and ID Cards if you so choose), and you pay NO annual registration fee.

TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS:
The Fee to register your Tournament as an ASA Sanctioned Tournament will be as follows:
Northern National Qualifiers
Up to 16 teams…$125.00
17 teams and above…$175.00

Regional and National Qualifiers
$200.00
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE A MANDATORY MEETING FOR TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.







FOLKS....PLEASE DO NOT USE THE ROSTER FORM AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBPAGE. IT IS OUTDATED, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT IS NOT AN OFFICIAL ROSTER FORM.
If you are not going to do Individual Registration through Virtual Tournament Director (fastpitchsoftball.net), in conjunction with reduced Bollinger Insurance Rates, please email me and I will forward to you a Team Registration Form.
Once you complete and mail the Form, with the appropriate fee, to Mr. O'Neill, and he approves it, he will send you an Offiicial Roster plus a Rule Book.
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FOR METRO ENTRY FORMS, PLEASE EMAIL ME
AND I WILL SEND YOU ONE IN "WORD" FORMAT.
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TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS: EMAIL ME FOR A
TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION FORM IN "WORD" FORMAT.
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2008 ASA National Tournaments, "A" and "B"



USA/ASA Girls’ 10-Under A Fastpitch - - Bloomington, IN

USA/ASA Girls’ 12-Under A Fastpitch - - Montgomery, AL

USA/ASA Girls’ 14-Under A Fastpitch - - Midland, TX

USA/ASA Girls’ 16-Under A Fastpitch - - Owensboro, KY

USA/ASA Girls’ 18-Under A Fastpitch - - Moline, IL

Girls’ 18-Under Gold Fast Pitch - - Oklahoma City, OK




ASA Girls’ 10-Under A Fastpitch Northern - - South Bend, IN

ASA Girls’ 12-Under A Fastpitch Northern - - South Bend, IN

ASA Girls’ 14-Under A Fastpitch Northern - - St. Louis, MO

ASA Girls’ 16-Under A Fastpitch Northern - - Topeka, KS

ASA Girls’ 18-Under A Fastpitch Northern - - Rochester, MN




Girls’ 10-Under Class B Fastpitch Northern - - Cambridge, MN

Girls’ 12-Under Class B Fastpitch Northern - - Springfield, MO

Girls’ 14-Under Class B Fastpitch Northern - - Springfield, MO

Girls’ 16-Under Class B Fastpitch Northern - - Overland Park, KS

Girls’ 18-Under Class B Fastpitch Northern - - Overland Park, KS


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FOR METRO ENTRY FORMS, PLEASE EMAIL ME
AND I WILL SEND YOU ONE IN "WORD" FORMAT.
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TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS: EMAIL ME FOR A
TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION FORM IN "WORD" FORMAT.
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JOE PAVONE
Junior Olympic Commissioner, ASA Chicago Metro
11140 Brigitte Terrace, Orland Park, IL 60467-7463
Cell (708) 280-2106, Office (708) 460-0012, Fax (708) 460-0027
Website ChicagoMetroASA.com




METRO TOURNEYS
The dates for the 2007 ASA Chicago Metro Tournaments have been announced.

For 10/12/14U......July 6, 7, 8;
For 16/18U.........July 13, 14, 15.






For a 4-5 video about ASA 18 Gold Tourney, with comments by college coaches and Jenny Finch, please go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4BUcL8Ppzk


Our server suffered a terrrible burnout recently. All data was destroyed.
We are nearly back up, but it will be some time before additional information can be entered. Please be patient, and check for updates.
Our webmaster assures me this cannot happen again as he has changed the whole process.

Joe Pavone
Junior Olympic Commissioner
ASA Chicago Metro

ASA CHICAGO METRO ANNOUNCEMENTS – SEPTEMBER 19, 2007

The Chicago Metro ASA has announced the dates for the Metro Championship Tournaments, as well as other important updates, as follows:

10U (A and B combined Tournament) and 12U “A” - Joliet - Inwood Fields
July 3 Pool Play
July 5 and 6 Double Elimination

14U “A” – Alsip
July 3 Pool Play
July 5 and 6 Double Elimination

16U “A” – Alsip
July 11 Pool Play
July 12 and 13 Double Elimination

18U “A” – To Be Determined
July 11 Pool Play
July 12 and 13 Double Elimination

12/14/16/18U “B” – Vernon Hills
July 11 Pool Play
July 12 and 13 Double Elimination

Due to the rising rental rates of tournament locations, the Metro Tournament Entry Fee has risen slightly to $450.00.

The ASA Annual Team Registration Fee has risen to $50.00 per team. PLEASE NOTE THAT TEAMS THAT REGISTER THROUGH VIRTUAL TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR (fastpitchsoftball.net) HAVE THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE WAIVED. When registering through VTD, you obtain your Insurance from Bollinger Insurance Company, and only pay for the Insurance (and ID Cards if you so choose), and you pay NO annual registration fee.

TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS:
The Fee to register your Tournament as an ASA Sanctioned Tournament will be as follows:
Northern National Qualifiers
Up to 16 teams…$125.00
17 teams and above…$175.00

Regional and National Qualifiers
$200.00
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE A MANDATORY MEETING FOR TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.


CHICAGO METRO TO HOST 12U AND 14U
HALL OF FAME QUALIFIERS

H R PRODUCTIONS Presents:
________________________________________
ASA HALL OF FAME QUALIFIER THIS FALL
Age: 12 & 14 & Under
Class: N/A
Date: October 13, 2007 - October 14, 2007
Place: INWOOD PARK – 3000 W. JEFFERSON ST. – JOLIET, IL

Information:
HALL OF FAME QUALIFIERS FOR 2008 - 12 AND 14 UNDER
EMAIL DAVE BETCHER FOR REGISTRATION FORMS:
dbetcher@marmonkeystone.com

CHICAGO METRO TEAMS ONLY
Cost: $375.00
Minimum Games Guaranteed: 4



Please see "Girls' Fast Pitch" link for more information.
Thanks,
Joe Pavone