The ESSC has always gathered previous records / statistics on all registered teams and moved teams up or down divisions when necessary, but in the past couple years there has been a more comprehensive approach. The main reason for this initiative is that Slo-Pitch has become our largest sport, and with over 700 teams registering each year, we are starting to see more of a skill disparity within current divisions.

A large misconception within the Club is that divisions are based on a team’s attitude or competitiveness, when in reality they are based on a team’s average skill level. We expect all of our divisions to abide by the same fun-first sportsmanship guidelines and we hold teams in all divisions to the same standard.

In order to help with this initiative, we have opened up a wider range of divisional options on most days of the week, including multiple new Intermediate Divisions. The ESSC is committed to spreading the registered teams into the appropriate divisions in 2018, using the following set of criteria:

Teams who meet one or more of the following criteria are candidates to be moved to a higher division by the ESSC:

  • Division Champion or Runner-up within the past 3 Spring/Summer seasons
  • .750 winning percentage (regular season) or better in the most recent season
  • .600 winning percentage (regular season) or better with a strong run differential in the most recent season
  • 3+ seasons in the ESSC with a .500 or higher winning percentage

By realigning teams into more appropriate divisions, we expect that all teams across the Club will experience a more enjoyable season with closer games and more skill-parity within divisions. 

In order to assist teams in choosing the most appropriate division at the time of registration, we have updated our current division descriptions. Please click any of the Divisions below to read the updated description.

Recreational

This division is for teams consisting mostly of inexperienced players who are learning the fundamentals of the game. Some players in the Recreational division will still be learning the rules of Slo-Pitch, meaning that the flow of the game will not always be natural, due to players having limited experience in batting, base running, fielding, and pitching.

The following points describe the level of play that should be expected:

  • Most batters will not place hits, and will concentrate primarily on making contact with the ball.
  • Home runs are less frequent, and strike-outs are more commonplace than other divisions.
  • Pitchers will not throw strikes consistently. Batters might walk more than in other divisions.
  • Fielding errors and base-running mistakes will happen more frequently. Not all players will understand lead-offs, tagging-up, force plays or sacrifice flies.
  • Teams might rotate players throughout the field each inning, as opposed to playing designated positions for the entire game.

Recreational Plus

This division is for teams consisting of a mix of experienced and new Slo-Pitch players. The flow of the game will be quicker than the Recreational division as there will be less stoppages and rule clarifications.

The following points describe the level of play that should be expected:

  • There is likely a few experienced batters on each team that can place hits, along with some inexperienced players who concentrate primarily on making contact with the ball.
  • There might be 1-2 players on a team capable of hitting a home run and strike-outs will occur less frequently than in the Recreational Division.
  • Pitchers will throw strikes more consistently; however, walks will still occur.
  • Fielding and base-running will be more consistent than in the Recreational Division.
  • Teams might rotate some players throughout the field each inning, but some players will play designated positions throughout the entire game.

Intermediate

This division is for teams consisting mostly of experienced Slo-Pitch players who have a solid understanding of the fundamentals and rules of the sport. Not all players in this division are highly skilled, but teams generally have several players with a higher level of skill.

The following points describe the level of play that should be expected:

  • Most batters can place hits, and some batters can hit the ball to the opposite field.
  • Home runs and extra-base hits are more frequent, and strike outs are rare.
  • Pitchers can hit different spots on the strike mat and may mix in different types of pitches.
  • Fielders are capable of turning double-plays and errors are less frequent.
  • Teams likely have players in designated positions throughout the entire game.
  • The majority of players have a solid understanding of the more advanced rules, including: force plays, overthrows, infield fly rule, and sacrifice flies.