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	The S.A.F.E. Star Program For Players & Parents For Softball Associations What are the Star Ratings? S.A.F.E. Star Associations Association Awards Volunteer Awards Application Form Resources Frequently Asked Questions
Softball Association Fundamental Excellence Star Rating Program

Become a Softball Association Fundamental Excellence (S.A.F.E.) Star Rated Softball Association demonstrates the commitment of your organization to support Softball Ontario’s goals by providing softball players with the opportunity to participate in sport activities that suit their abilities and aspirations. The value of a S.A.F.E. Star rating includes but is not limited to:

	Access to Softball Ontario programs, services and expertise
	Opportunity to participate in the development and evaluation of Softball Ontario initiatives
	The benefit of identifying one’s organization as a Softball Ontario-recognized entity contributing to the greater good of softball in Ontario
	Promoting practices that contribute to safe sport environments

As a single, province-wide standard, S.A.F.E. Star Ratings give Softball Associations of all types structure and direction. Softball Associations awarded a S.A.F.E. Star Rating will see many tangible benefits, including:

Increased Membership

Addressing issues like Coach and Umpire training, having clear and fair policies and procedures, and being open and accountable to your members give parents and players confidence when choosing a sports organization to join.

Retaining Members

S.A.F.E. Star will stimulate real thought about how Softball Associations cater to their members. It will promote a culture that boosts the morale of players and volunteers alike, as well as recognizing the contributions of volunteers to the success of the organization.

Continuous Improvement

Achieving and maintaining (or improving) a S.A.F.E. Star Rating encourages a Softball Association to adopt better, more organized policies and procedures, thus helping them to run more efficiently and effectively.

Funding

From 2010 to 2012, Softball Ontario – with the help of the Ontario Trillium Foundation – will be providing $30,000 in funding (in the form of $500 S.A.F.E. Awards) to help Softball Associations train and improve their volunteer capacity.

Developing Coaches

The S.A.F.E. Star Program encourages Softball Associations to provide training opportunities for their Coaches. Parents and players can be confident that appropriately qualified coaches are used in Softball Associations with a S.A.F.E. Star Rating.

Volunteers

Softball Associations are encouraged to provide all volunteers with training, as well as creating a culture where hard work and dedication is recognized. Once an Association has established a volunteer-friendly environment, Associations will find that more people are willing to get involved, especially parents.

Links with Schools

Softball Ontario has several school-based programs that Softball Associations are encouraged to participate in through the S.A.F.E. Star Program. Softball Associations benefit from being able to connect with their local schools and can experience an increase in player registration soon after working with the school.

Raised Profile

Obtaining a S.A.F.E. Star Rating will raise a Softball Association’s profile both within Softball Ontario, and within their local community. All S.A.F.E. Star Rated Softball Associations will be listed on the Softball Ontario and the Play Softball web sites to help them to publicize their accomplishments, and attract new members to their Association.

Marketing and Communication

Softball Associations with a S.A.F.E. Star Rating are encouraged to take advantage of Softball Ontario’s many marketing and communications opportunities, and are able to promote themselves using the S.A.F.E. Star logo and their Star Rating. The S.A.F.E. Star brand will be promoted and recognized across the province.

The Softball Association Fundamental Excellence Star Program is supported by a grant from the
Ontario Trillium Foundation.