| EMASS
SENIOR SOFTBALL |
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| "Slow-pitch softball in
an organized, competitive and safe
environment." |
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2010 EMASS BY-LAWS
- adopted in 2008, modified in 2009
EMASS History & Mission:
The Eastern Massachusetts Senior Softball Association (EMASS)
was created in 1995 with teams based in four communities: Newton,
Natick, Sudbury and Wayland. The league has grown steadily.
As of 2010, there are about 350 players in the program, ranging
in age from 50 to 82, coming from over a 100 different communities
from 3 states.
When EMASS was organized sixteen years ago the goal was simply
to provide older athletes with an opportunity to play in a reasonably
competitive league. In 2000 the league formalized its organization.
Article two of the Bylaws adopted in 2008 states:
The purpose of EMASS is to provide a means
of recreation and social opportunities for senior men and
women, by playing slow-pitch softball, and such other sports
and social activities as may be adopted by the Board (e.g.
basketball, bowling, golf, etc.), in an organized, competitive
and safe environment.
While all games organized by the Association should be
played with the intent to win, the goal of the Association
is to ensure to the best of its ability that the Members
of the Association (i) have a positive, fun, athletic, and
social experience, and (ii) compete and play in a sportsmanlike
manner. It is an essential principal of the Association
that all games and activities be conducted in a constructive,
non-criticizing manner and to ensure that all members are
treated with respect and dignity, and are provided a fair
and equitable opportunity to participate.
Everyone involved in running EMASS takes great pride in
having created a program that is serious and competitive,
but which retains an element of the low-key
recreational atmosphere found in many softball and other sports leagues.
About Senior Softball:
Senior softball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. There are
leagues in every state and a very complete schedule of regional and national
tournaments. With the accelerating increase in the over 55 population and the
desire of more and more people to continue serious athletic activity into their
50s, 60s and 70s, there is little doubt that senior softball will grow tremendously
in the next decade.
EMASS games are played according to national senior softball
rules. A pitch must have a 6’ - 12’ arc and strikes
must hit the plate or a one-foot extension. There are 11 players
in the field (a fourth outfielder and a middle infielder) and
all players on a team (usually 12-15) are in the batting order.
Games are 7 innings.
EMASS has had a low turnover rate. Few players leave for reasons
other than very old age, moving away or medical problems. There
are many benefits to team sports for seniors -- the thrill of
competing, the exercise and the chance to associate with older
athletes. While the competition is serious, the essential goal
is for all players to enjoy the experience.
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