Hi Everybody,

The competition that all of us are waiting for. This is the 3rd time Usports has been organising the Softball Mania series and this is the first time Ngee Ann poly is sending a team to compete.

Competition details:
9 Jun (Venue: Field along Sengkang East Road, adjacent to Sengkang CC, Diamond B)
1310-1410 HS3BL (Suspected strong team)
1530-1630 Nexus Wrath (Definitely a strong team, may have some NP alumni)
1640-1740 Usports Hawks (Park's coach team)

10 Jun (Venue: Same as above)
1050-1150 Oboyz (Definitely a strong team but never played with them before)
1420-1520 Dover Warriors (Suspected to be an expat team, may have a number of foreign players)

16 & 17 Jun (Reserved for wet weather)

23 & 24 Jun (Venue: Padang field, infront of SRC)
Finals (We will be playing 1 game there)
Here are my aims for the competition.
First of all, i know that there are a number of players who just started softball this year and also some who lost touch of softball for a couple of months but nevertheless i hope you could gather what you have learnt during trainings and apply them in every game. I have been out of touch from softball for 6 years and alot of things have changed throughout the years. But that doesnt stop me from getting back in form, to continue training with you guys. In the meantime, i will do my best to recall all the valuable teachings from my coach and bestow to everyone.

Secondly, even though we are playing in a very tough group, it doesnt mean that we can just give up. Softball is about team spirit and everything that goes around it. Team spirit is about harnessing everyone's strengths and weaknesses, putting them together and fight as one. We are not going down without a fight. So please put in your best effort not only to play as a team but to cheer for your teammates.

Last but not least, LET'S HAVE FUN! Dont worry if you make a mistake during the game.And most importantly shake it off, dont think about the mistake and blame yourself for it. We are a team, remember?

Admin instructions:
For players, competition attire will be blue/grey top and comfortable slacks. It will be great if you have a numbered jersey. If you really dont have any of the above mentioned top, i believe you should have your blue S&W tshirt? You can wear that but you have to slip on the number bibs that the organisers provide. For slacks, you can wear sliding pants (if you dont want to get mud stains) or PT shorts, no colour code for this, just make sure its decent looking will do. Shoes wise, preferably boots (if you dont want your precious shoes to get dirty) or running shoes (word of caution, the field might be very slippery after a rain). The nearest toilet is located at Sengkang CC, so please be dressed before you come to the field. Unless you want to be the next baywatch. There will be portable toilets provided but its very hard to get changed in there.

For supporters, just be in comfortable attire will do. Nothing obscene or offensive. Please do anticipate that your shoes/slippers might get dirty.

Things to bring. Gloves (for those who dont own one, its ok, you will be provided with one during the 8 Jun team briefing), boots if any, plenty of water (i seriously urge you to bring water), umbrella (in case it rains heavily but its sheltered to Compass Point but dont bet on it), sunblock (unless you want a sexy tanline), money for food, balls and bats (if you are volunteering/assigned to carry). Competition fee will be settled after the competition.

Punctuality:
On 9 Jun, we will be meeting 1030 sharp at Compass Point for brunch. Please dont be late. I am a very reasonable person. If you know that you are going to be late, please have the responsibility to inform me or Catherine beforehand. Dont message me at 1029 telling me that you are going to be late. As i said i am a very reasonable person, i know what is the definition of late and responsibility. In the case that you are late, message your reason, location and time of arrival. If you want me to treat you like an adult then start behaving like one.

Behaviour:
Since we are representing NP, please make sure you are at your best behaviour. No smoking is allowed and dont come and tell me that other teams' members are smoking. They are none of my concern. The next thing you know, the whole field will be burnt down because of an act of stupidity. Then the town council will not allow usports to book the field in future. Most importantly, do not litter. Whatever you bring to the field, remember to take it back. Lastly do not boo or jeer at your opponents or the umpire. It is my duty to scrutinise the umpire's call not yours. Fair play always. We reserve the right to bench or evict anyone if you exhibit unruly behaviour.

Cheers
Neo