OTTAWA- The RBI (Reaching Baseball Ideals) Program continues to grow across Canada as three additional local associations have met the required criteria to become RBI Approved.
All three associations hail from Saskatchewan giving the prairie province a grand total of ten RBI Approved minor baseball groups.
Baseball Canada introduced the RBI program in 2008 and since then 40 minor baseball associations across the country have achieved the required elements to gain RBI Approved status.
“We’re very pleased with the number of associations across Canada who have decided to take the necessary steps to become RBI Approved,” said Baseball Canada Program Coordinator, Kelsey McIntosh. “With the program gaining in popularity, more associations are striving to become RBI Approved which bodes well for growth and development of our sport.”
White Butte, Swift Current and Meadow Lake minor baseball are the latest associations to achieve RBI Approved status.
“Sask Baseball is very proud to have three new representatives in the Baseball Canada RBI Approved program,” said Sask Baseball Grassroots Development Coordinator, Nolan Bracken. “Each of these associations has shown tremendous leadership at the grassroots development level for all players, coaches and umpires in their communities.”
Baseball Canada’s RBI program (Reaching Baseball Ideals) gives associations the opportunity to apply common core criteria (Development programs, Membership with Baseball Canada, Coach Training, Accessibility and Pitching Safety) to ensure that consistent good practice is in place when running a minor baseball organization.
Bracken believes that the steps taken by White Butte, Swift Current and Meadow Lake to become RBI Approved will enhance each organization and provide them with a foundation for future growth.
“The leadership of these associations has provided all members with a safe and positive environment to enjoy the game of baseball at all levels,” he said. “These communities can take pride in the fact that they are reaching the baseball ideals set out by Baseball Canada and are helping to grow the game of baseball in our province.
“Sask Baseball would like to thank all of the volunteers and members of these associations for the countless hours of hard work and dedication they have put in to improving the game of baseball in Saskatchewan.”
To learn more about the RBI program and how your local association can be involved, please click HERE
