Dear SMSL Families,

I'm writing to share some changes coming to our U15 and U13 programs this season. After a series of discussion and input from coaches, zone executives, and families across the city, the SMSL Board has approved a new structure designed to give every athlete—regardless of skill level—the competition and coaching they need to grow.
You can also find the FAQ, here U13 and U15 FAQ

What's Changing—and Why

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, 2026. This change also addresses some feedback we have been hearing from members. Starting in 2026, our U15 and U13 age groups will have three divisions.

U15 A division — There will be Two citywide teams, made up of our top-ranked athletes across all four zones. These teams will be called the “Selects” and compete in exhibition weekends against out-of-town competition, giving elite players the challenge they need to reach the next level. To be clear: 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.

U13 A Division – Zone based teams comprised of the top-ranked athletes within their respective zones

U15 and U13 B Division — Zone-based teams for strong athletes who will benefit from consistent, high-caliber league play. This is where the majority of experienced players will compete.

U15 and U13 C Division — Zone-based teams focused on building fundamental skills in a supportive environment. Athletes here get more reps, more coaching, and the foundation they need to move up when they are ready.

Every division in this structure is competitive. Every division matters and reflects what each division is designed to do—not where it ranks.

What Stays the Same

Registration still happens through your zone. Evaluations will still be run by our trusted 222 evaluators. Coaches will still apply through zones. And our city playoffs will still crown champions in the U13 A, and both U15 and U13 B and C divisions. The foundation of SMSL isn't changing—we're building on it. U15 A will not compete in SMSL league, nor will they participate in league playoffs.

How It Works

U13 evaluations will happen as they have in previous years and teams will be selected and formed as they have within their respective zones at all divisions.

U15 Athletes will be evaluated within their zones as usual. Those interested in being considered for A will indicate that at registration. After zone evaluations, the top 35 athletes citywide will be invited to a second evaluation, where the successful U15A Selects coaches will observe situational drills before making final selections. Athletes not selected for U15A Selects will return to their zones and B and C division teams will be selected and formed within their respective zones.

Our Commitment to Fairness

I know some of you will have questions about how athletes are selected. That's fair. We're committed to a transparent process: published evaluation criteria, standardized scoring across zones, and a coach selection process with clear guidelines. We've also put guardrails in place—for example, any parent-coach selected for U15 Selects must have a child ranked in the top 35.

What's Next

In the meantime, we've posted a detailed FAQ on our website SMSL.ca If you have questions your zone executive can't answer, reach out to us directly.

I want to thank the committee members who put months of work into this proposal. Change isn't easy in any organization, and these volunteers leaned into the hard conversations to build something better for our athletes.

This is about giving every kid in Saskatoon the best possible softball experience—whether they're chasing a spot on a provincial team or just learning to love the game. That's what SMSL has always been about, and that's what this change is designed to protect.

Thanks for your trust in our organization. I'm looking forward to a great 2026 season.

Sincerely,

Dean Bilodeau

President, Saskatoon Minor Softball League