What is UTM Fastpitch / Myths and Rumours
With the 2024/2025 tryout frenzy now upon us... we wanted to take a few moments and showcase who we are as UTM Fastpitch, and also take a moment to dispel some things you may have heard about us...
About Us
What is UTM Fastpitch?
UTM Fastpitch is a minor sports organization that operates girls softball programs primarily in Ontario, but has partnerships and teams across Canada. We have been operating since August 2015.
Is UTM allowed to have teams in PWSA?
Yes, UTM has had teams be a part of PWSA since 2015. UTM operates within the bylaws and playing rules of PWSA, and any other governing body for the sport of softball in the province of the team’s operation. UTM is not permitted (nor is any other organization) to use the name of a city, town, municipality in which there already is a PWSA member organization. However there are no rules that prevent an affiliate from setting up in a location that does not have a softball program.
Does UTM have a house league/select program?
UTM affiliates and leaders have partnered with local house league programs and offered training, learnings and opportunities for players to become better softball players. We are hoping to have “select” level teams in one or more of our communities for the 2025 season.
Is UTM suspended or in trouble with PWSA?
No, this isn’t true.
Myths & Rumours v Actual Facts:
UTM breaks the rules all the time.
No, in fact we strive to ensure our leaders follow every guideline set forth by the governing body for the sport in each province. If one of our member clubs is breaking rules they will be removed from our affiliation.
UTM is the most expensive program to play for.
No, that is just not fact. Each of our teams sets their own budget for tournaments, training, travel, equipment… just like many other teams do. Each UTM team has their own independent budget, some teams elect to spend more than others do. However all of these expenses are typically covered off in the team meetings held shortly after tryout season is complete.
My current association won’t release my daughter to allow them to attend a UTM fall tryout, because they say UTM is not a real team...
That’s unfortunate. If they continue to not provide this. Please reach out to PWSA directly and one will be provided.
I’ve heard the new UTM won’t actually be a real team.
Our goal is to provide as many opportunities for players as we can. If a program does not have enough interest we would fold the group and assist players that were interested in finding another place. However, it’s not a fair statement in August for somebody to suggest a team won’t be real.
UTM isn’t going to be allowed to play in tournaments next year.
That is simply not a fact. What is true however is UTM runs more tournament weekends than any other program in the province of Ontario (PanJam might be equal)
If you play for UTM you can’t ever come back to a “regular association”
That is a scare tactic being used by some. We won’t hold you as a player or family hostage. If your season isn’t a good one we will release you at the end of the playing season, no questions asked. If a team won’t consider you because you’re coming from UTM then they’re likely not someone you should want to play for.
UTM steals players from everywhere...
No, not the case. Check out the history of the first ever UTM team and how it allowed a group of kids the chance to play at Tier 1. Also look into UTM Brantford, or the ongoing success of UTM Morriston, the start-up of UTM Hamilton and more. UTM plays and operates by the same rules regarding player movement as every other organization. Always have, and always will.
UTM is ruining softball...
This one hurts… simply hurts. Have we always made the right choice, no we haven’t. But ruining the sport… that is really hard for our volunteers to read and hear. Those saying it really have no idea what they're talking about. Ifyou want to learn more about UTM please send us an email utmfastpitch@gmail.com we will be happy to chat with you about softball. We are also always willing to help you find a team for next season, with us or with someone that needs players like you!
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