Dear Players and Parents:

   Welcome to the year 2001 season. Again this year, over 750 girls will be participating. Our 48 teams will be involved in more than 400 games and practices. The objective of the BGSA is to provide an opportunity for girls to have an enjoyable softball experience from approximately age seven through their senior year in high school. Our purpose is to provide each player with the opportunity to learn the game, make new friends, and have fun. Please take a moment to review the information on the next page (of the book). Also, a schedule of BGSA events appears on the back cover (of the book).

   Thanks, to all of our volunteers for serving as Coaches, Umpires, Team Parents and Board members. You make this season possible. In our Junior League we are particularly grateful to the volunteer umpires. With the possible exception of a Friday night game, each Junior League team must supply an umpire for it's home games. Please consider helping out by volunteering to umpire a game. Our rules are rather simple and we have an umpire's guideline sheet that can be read before the start of the game. So when the home team coach asks for some parental umpire support, please think seriously about stepping up to the plate and getting the games started on time. The girls will sincerely appreciate it.

    We ask that all parents, family, friends, and fans enthusiastically support the efforts of all the players as they develop their softball skills and have fun. Cheering for each and every girl's efforts would be an appropriate way to demonstrate your recognition of the purpose of the BGSA.

   Once the season ends work begins immediately on the banquets, trophies, plaques, raffle prizes, etc. When the banquets and Yankee Doodle fundraising efforts are over, we begin planning for next year. It is important that registrations are completed before the end of December. This allows us to confirm the number of girls that will be participating, determine the number of teams and obtain equipment, uniforms, and sponsors. Then, work can begin on preparing a master game schedule and filling team rosters. Please try to register early, either at a banquet or at the Mall (dates are on the back cover of the book).

   Please don't hesitate to bring any comments or suggestions to improve the BGSA, to any coach, Board member, or me. Let's have another great year!

	Sincerely,
	Ed Romkey
	President, BGSA