Why Sponsor Donates to Remove $5 Fee for Rankings Nominations

BY Extra Inning Softball Staff

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Sponsor Suports the Future of Fastpitch Softball Through Generous Donation

At Extra Inning Softball, we are known for providing content that highlights the achievements of athletes and ensuring that their hard work gets the recognition it deserves. Since January 2024, we made a pivotal decision to eliminate player ranking ties, responding to the growing need for a fairer and more transparent system.

To achieve this, we developed unique, proprietary software, designed in consultation with Division 1 (D1) college coaches, D1 athletes, D1 coaches, and professional fastpitch players. This diverse group of softball experts helped us refine the process and establish an innovative check-and-balance system. No longer does one person, familiar to all, decide who ranks where based on input from a handful of coaches. Instead, a team of experts, who remain anonymous to protect against bias, reviews each nomination.

The $5 Nomination Fee and Its Purpose

The development of the new system incurred substantial costs. To cover these expenses related to our advanced software and expanded review process, Extra Inning Softball introduced a $5 nomination processing fee. However, some coaches saw this fee as a barrier and chose not to nominate players from their teams, despite the fact that parents regularly invest thousands of dollars each year in team fees and travel expenses.

While the fee was intended to enhance the quality of the rankings, we quickly realized that some players could miss out on recognition because their coaches refused to submit nominations. The issue became a potential obstacle to our mission of showcasing the very best talent in the sport.

An Anonymous Sponsor Steps Up

An anonymous sponsor from within the fastpitch softball community has stepped forward to cover the processing fee on behalf of all players and their coaches. This sponsor believes in our mission to improve the rankings system and supports our efforts to better the sport. Thanks to this generous donation, the $5 nomination fee has been completely removed, ensuring that no player is left out due to financial barriers.

This sponsorship will cover the costs associated with maintaining our new ranking software, allowing coaches and parents to nominate athletes without any charge. We are thrilled and deeply appreciative of this contribution, as it helps us maintain a robust and unbiased rankings system that puts the players first.

Maintaining Fair Rankings for Players Across All Positions

Unlike other ranking platforms that place hundreds of players in the same position or group them into broad categories, Extra Inning Softball is committed to precision. Our software ranks players in their specific positions, ensuring a meaningful comparison between athletes who play the same roles. This position-based ranking provides a clearer and more accurate reflection of where each athlete stands among her peers.

Although coach opinions remain valuable, they are just one factor in determining player rankings. Our system considers multiple aspects, including performance metrics and overall skill evaluation. This approach allows us to deliver a balanced and transparent ranking that truly reflects the best of the best.

Nominate Your Player: Coaches and Parents Welcome

With the $5 processing fee now eliminated, we encourage both coaches and parents to nominate deserving athletes. While some coaches may be too busy or unwilling to submit nominations, parents can now step up to ensure their players don’t miss out on the opportunity to be ranked. We recognize the dedication and sacrifices families make to support their daughters in fastpitch softball, and this change is part of our ongoing commitment to putting players and their achievements front and center.

As we move forward, Extra Inning Softball remains dedicated to fairness, transparency, and accuracy in all aspects of our rankings. We thank our anonymous sponsor for their generosity and unwavering support of the fastpitch softball community. Together, we are ensuring that no player is left behind, and that every athlete has the opportunity to be recognized for her hard work and talent.

Conclusion

This donation signifies more than just the removal of a fee—it represents a step forward in the ongoing evolution of fastpitch softball rankings. With the help our sponsor and a state-of-the-art system developed in partnership with top experts in the sport, Extra Inning Softball is leading the way in ensuring fair and balanced rankings for the next generation of athletes.

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As a reminder, nominations for the Class of 2026 rankings close on October 5, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Nominate HERE! Don’t miss the chance to have your player considered!

We invite you to check out our STORE, featuring apparel and accessories for the fastpitch softball community. Also, don’t forget to participate in our 2-minute HOW MUCH DOES COST IMPACT TOURNAMENT PARTICIPATION SURVEY!