Dear Players, Coaches and Parents,

   Please allow me to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Billerica Girls Softball Association Board of Directors and myself, to welcome everyone to another exciting season of BGSA Softball. For over 30 years, the BGSA has kept true to the vision of the league’s founders, which is for girls “to learn the game, make new friends and have fun through friendly competition in a safe, supervised environment.” For the 2010 season, over 550 girls will benefit from that vision.

   This year, the league is rebuilding the softball field at the High School with a new backstop, new player benches and a refurbished infield. In recent years, the league has rebuilt both Locke 1 and Locke 2. Even with these capital improvements, we have managed to keep our registration fee as low as possible and we are proud that we have one of the lowest organized sports fees in town. In fact, in recognition of the recent economic downturn, the league has been able to keep fees the same for the past three seasons, all the while improving the experience we provide the girls of Billerica.

    I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the 120 or so adults who willingly give up a large portion of their spring to volunteer as coaches. These coaches could have opted to stay on the sidelines and let someone else coach but instead have chosen to devote many, many hours of their time to the girls. Their only reward is seeing the smile on a player’s face after a good play and the only thing they ask is your support. As I have said many times, years from now these girls won’t remember whether they finished 5-10 or 10-5. What they will remember is they played softball and their Dad/Mom/Aunt/Uncle/Neighbor/Somebody Significant coached/umpired/cheered them. And in the end, that is what is really important. I would suggest that parents take the time to introduce themselves to the coaches and become a partner with them in fulfilling the league’s mission.

   I’d like to encourage everyone to get involved in the league in some way. There are always opportunities to help out on both a formal and an informal basis. Formally we are always looking for sponsors, coaches, assistant coaches, umpires and board members. Informally, teams can always use help with organization and phone calls, and the league can always use field cleanup and maintenance assistance.

I would like to remind everyone that the league has a zero tolerance policy towards any unsportsmanlike behavior on the part of players, parents and coaches. Please treat all players, coaches, umpires (and presidents) with the respect and courtesy you would like to receive. Positive reinforcement is always a winner!

The BGSA “book” and website have all the information needed to keep you informed about league schedules, weather and events. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with them. Lastly, please don’t hesitate to bring any concerns or comments to improve the league to any coach, board member or myself. In the immortal words of Opening Days everywhere, let’s “PLAY BALL!” and have another great year.

	See you 'round the fields,
	Rick Heckbert
	President, BGSA