U15 Program Restructure
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Season | Saskatoon Minor Softball League
Overview
What is changing in 2026?
SMSL is introducing a new three-tier structure for athletes. There will be 3 divisions, A, B and C. There will be (2) citywide A teams formed at the U15 age category that will compete in weekend exhibition games and enter the Provincial championships in the A division. Below that, zone-based teams will compete in either B Division or C Division within the SMSL league. This replaces the previous A and B structure.
Why is SMSL making this change?
SMSL is making changes to better align with the provincial championship divisions and to also align with some of the recent changes to the 2026 Softball Sask. operating procedures that were submitted Nov. 26. This change also addresses some feedback we have been hearing from members.
When does this take effect?
The 2026 season. Registration, evaluations, and team formation will all follow the new structure starting this season.
U15A Citywide Teams
What will these teams be called?
The two citywide teams will be called the “Selects”. These teams will be supported from all 4 zones and will not fall under the “Selects zone governance”. There will be an SMSL committee (comprised of SMSL executive along with representatives from all four zones who will select the coaches, organize evaluations and support the teams throughout the season.
Will they play in the SMSL League?
These teams will not play in the SMSL league. They will play in some weekend exhibition events put on by SMSL that will comprise of some out-of-town A teams giving elite players the challenge they need to reach the next level. These will not be tournaments but exhibition weekends where each team will play 5-6 games. Tentative proposed dates for these weekends are May 15-17, June 5-7 and June 26-28.
How are the citywide A athletes chosen?
Athletes are first evaluated within their zones by 222 evaluators, same as before. Athletes will have their scores compiled citywide. The top 35 ranked athletes will be invited to a second evaluation featuring situational drills. The successful Citywide A coaches will observe this weekend and then select their rosters.
What is the second evaluation?
A dedicated evaluation session for the top 35 ranked athletes, held after zone evaluations are complete. It includes situational drills—game-like scenarios that let coaches assess skill, compete level, and softball IQ beyond what standard evaluations show.
Will there be an additional fee for the second evaluation weekend?
Yes, a $50 fee will be required for athletes attending the second evaluation. This fee covers additional turf rental, evaluator time, and operational costs for the extra session.
What uniforms will these teams wear?
The athletes will purchase new “Selects” jerseys (home and away) that will be theirs to keep. Athletes invited to the second evaluation weekend will be sized in advance, so uniforms are ready to order once teams are selected.
B and C Divisions
What's the difference between B and C?
B Division is for experienced athletes ready for high-caliber zone play. C Division is for athletes still building foundational skills—they'll get more coaching attention, more at-bats, and games against similarly skilled opponents. Both divisions participate in league play and city playoffs. B and C teams will also be eligible to register for Provincial championships in their respective age and division.
How are B and C teams formed?
Once the citywide A teams are selected, the remaining athletes will return to their respective zones. Zone executives will select, and form B and C teams based on evaluation scores.
Evaluations
How do you ensure evaluations are fair across zones?
All zones are being evaluated by the 222’s. This aligns scoring standards across the city so an athlete in Phantoms is evaluated the same way as an athlete in the Hustlers, Raiders or Lasers. The second evaluation adds another layer—multiple observers assessing the same athletes in real-time, and in game-like situations.
Will evaluation criteria be published?
Yes. Evaluation criteria will be available before evaluations begin so families know exactly what athletes are being assessed on. Transparency is a core commitment of this restructure.
Coaches
How are the Citywide A coaches selected?
Coaches apply through their zones as usual. A selection committee approved by the SMSL executive will interview candidates based on published criteria—coaching experience, development philosophy, availability, and communication skills. The successful coaches will be selected before the second evaluation so they can observe the athletes prior to selecting the teams.
Can a parent coach a citywide A team?
Yes, but with a guardrail: if a parent-coach is selected, their child must have ranked in the top 35 ranked athletes independently. This ensures coaching positions aren't a backdoor to roster spots.
Who selects the Citywide A team rosters?
The successful citywide A coaches, after observing the second evaluation. They choose from the top 35 ranked athletes based on skill, team fit, and positional needs. A formal draft procedure guides the process to ensure fairness between the two teams.
How are B and C coaches selected?
Through the existing zone process. Coaches apply within their zones, and zone executives make selections based on experience and availability. This process is unchanged from previous years.
Registration & Timeline
How do I register my child for U15?
Registration happens through your zone, same as before. During registration, you'll indicate whether your child wants to be considered for A. This doesn't guarantee a spot—it simply enters them into the citywide evaluation pool.
What's the timeline for the 2026 season?
Key dates:
• January and February: Zone evaluations
• Late February: Top 35 announced; second evaluation
• Late February/Early March: U15 citywide teams will be selected. Shortly after that Zone B and C teams will be selected and formed.
• May–June: Season play begins
Specific dates will be posted on the SMSL website and communicated via email.
Costs & Financial Support
What does this cost?
For all U15 athletes: Standard zone registration fees (unchanged).
For U15A citywide candidates: $50 second evaluation fee (if invited to top 35).
For Selected U15A citywide athletes: Uniform purchase (Selects jersey set) cost TBD.
What if we can't afford the extra fees?
We're establishing a subsidy process for families who need financial support. No athlete will be excluded from the citywide A pathway due to cost. Contact SMSL directly or speak with your zone executive if you need assistance—we'll handle requests confidentially.
Looking Ahead
Will there be more Citywide A teams in the future?
Possibly. The structure is designed to scale. As our talent pool grows, we may add additional citywide A teams. For 2026, we're starting with two teams to ensure quality and sustainability.
Are zone boundaries changing?
Not for 2026. SMSL will review zone boundaries for the 2027 season to ensure fair distribution of athletes across the city. Any changes will be communicated well in advance.
How will you know if this is working?
We'll track registration numbers, Selects opt-in rates, family retention, and end-of-season satisfaction. We'll also collect feedback from coaches, zone executives, and families throughout the season. This is Year 1—we expect to learn and refine.