FAQ

I've registered, what additional steps need to be taken?

• ALL NEW players are required to provide proof of age in the form of a copy of a Birth Certificate or Alberta Health Card. If you did not upload this during the registration process, please email a copy to registrar@airdrieangels.com
• ALL NEW players require one parent to take the one time Respect In Sport (RIS) course. You can access the online course here. If the course has been taken in a different sport, it is transferrable. Please log in and share your RIS number with Calgary Minor Softball.
• ALL U7 - U19 players are required to register with Softball Alberta’s RAMP for affiliation and insurance - click here for more information.

What nights of the weeks are Games played?

What time are games?
Games start at 6:45 pm. Coaches will ask that you arrive 45-60 mins prior to game time, to allow an adequate warm-up and pre-game meeting.

How long is a game?
Games do have a time limit, which vary for each age/category.

No new innings are to start after:

• U9: 1hr 15min;
• U11: 1hr 30min;
• U13/U15/U17/U19: 1hr 45min.

Are all games in Airdrie?
For league games, we are part of the Calgary Minor Softball Association (CMSA), and will have games scheduled in Calgary and surrounding areas.  Approximately half of the season's games are home games, played in Airdrie.

Regarding tournaments, that is up to each individual team. Each team will decide if they would like to participate in additional tournaments, which will most likely be hosted outside of Airdrie, and also come with additional entry fees. Your Coaches and Team Manager will work with the parents to determine if and what tournaments are a fit for your team each year.

When does the season start?
Evaluations occur in early March. Team's are determined within 7-14 days after evaluations close. Indoor practices begin in late March/early April, dependent on when team's are finalized after evaluations. 

Opening Weekend for All Teams is April 25-27, 2025.

When are practices?
Practice days/times will vary per team. Typically there is 1 practice per week, with some teams opting for 2 practices/week. Each Coach works in conjunction with their team and the AAFA (for diamond availability) to determines when their practices will be held. Most likely, it will be on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

What if my child has never played fastpitch before?
AAFA welcomes all new players, at any level - U7-U19, to the game of fastpitch. Our teams play in the Calgary Minor Softball League (CMSA). The CMSA has divisions for all skill levels and requires that players are evaluated and appropriately tiered for their skill level. This means players will be on a team with other players at a similar skill level, playing against teams at a similar skill level.

Is there off-season training?
Yes, AAFA offers indoor Fall, Winter, and Spring clinics so our players can work on their skills during the off-season:

• Fall Clinics begin in October and include:
  • Skills (hitting, throwing, fielding)
  • Pitching
  • Catching
• Winter Clinics begin in January and include:
  • Skills (hitting, throwing, fielding)
  • Pitching
  • Catching

Clinics are available for all players U9 - U19. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay informed. Or, watch your inbox for more information.
Please add AAFA emails to your safe senders list, to ensure you receive all communications.

What Equipment & Apparel do I need to purchase?
All players MUST have their own:

• CSA approved batting helmet with dual ear flaps, fastened chin strap, and attached face mask;
• Jill cup, which is MANDATORY to play on the diamond;
• Fastpitch softball glove;
• Proper footwear. Softball cleats are recommended but not mandatory. No metal spikes. Clogs, sandals, slip-on shoes are not permitted;
• Navy ball pants and red belt visit our Uniforms & Apparel page for more information;
• ALL pitchers MUST use an approved face mask for all levels U9 and above;
• Approved face masks are strongly recommended for all infielders, but are not mandatory;
  
  
• ASA approved bat is optional;
• Softball(s) are recommended but not mandatory;
  • U9, U11, U13 - 11 inch ball
  • U15, HS - 12 inch ball

 One approved Pitcher’s Mask and an ASA approved Bat is provided in the team equipment bag, by AAFA.

Required equipment can be purchased locally at East Side Sports, or at any Sporting Goods store.

How do I get an Angels Uniform?
The AAFA provides all players registered in U9-HS with the following, each season:

• Airdrie Angels Jersey - on loan for the year.
  • Your Team/Jersey Manager will coordinate the pick-up and return of jerseys. In the event that a jersey is not returned or returned unwashed, stained, damaged, or unusable for the following season, the individual's RAMP account will be charged $75.
• Red softball socks;

Individuals will be required to purchase the following to complete their uniform:

• Navy softball pants;
• Red softball belt;
• Navy undershirt - optional, and only necessary for the tank style jerseys. Available to purchase from East Side Sports.

East Side Sports carries all Angels approved uniform requirements. 

Additional apparel, to show your Angels Pride can be purchased from Graphnix via our online storefront. 

How do I apply to be a Coach with the AAFA?
Please visit our Forms page, to access and download our Coaching Application form. Completed application forms can be emailed to coach@airdrieangels.com.