Layla Bryan – Appointed Assistant Executive Director

S.P.A. takes great pride in announcing that Layla Bryan has been appointed as the S.P.A. Assistant Executive Director. She will be responsible for helping develop and improve communication with our teams.  Also, she will be actively involved in establishing new organizational programs for our teams and our association. Layla has been an active member of S.P.A. for eight years. She has served as a Tournament Director in S.P.A. qualifiers and National Championships all across the country. She is well respected by the players and managers, and has a high level of integrity and personal commitment to S.P.A.  Layla has served on the Senior Summit and Women’s National Board. Currently, she is on the front line of communication for S.P.A. She has been active in the development and maintenance of the S.P.A. website since it was first established. She and her husband Jon live in Goldthwaite, Texas.  Both are charter members of the S.P.A. Hall of Fame. Layla, as a player, has been named to numerous All-American and All-World teams. She plays pitcher, is very aggressive, and has that “never say die” attitude. She also is a member of the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame. We are very proud of Layla and appreciate all her hard work and dedication to S.P.A. 

National Umpire in Chief

Welcome to another year of senior softball with SPA. But before we talk about what the future might hold. Let’s take a snap shot recap of the 2007 Umpire Program.  We started the year by having the largest group in attendance at the SPA Annual Communication Conference held at Irving, TX, in Feb., 2007.  At this conference we were able to accomplish a lot, these are just a few of the major topics.  Established a National Umpires Board, set-up requirements for an Umpire Category to the SPA Hall of Fame, designed a Travel Program, revised the Rule Book, selected the Umpire of the Year, discussed the compensation program, and what could be done at the local levels to improve and develop our umpires for National and local tournaments. As you can see by my outline of some of the topics discussed. This annual conference is a great opportunity for you as an umpire to have your ideas and suggestions heard at every level within the SPA organization.

As the year started with a bang, we also ended it with a bang.  Some of the more memorable events; largest Major + - Major National Championship ever held, Outstanding National Championship for AAA & AA in Dalton, Ga., Mickey Mathews-TX, selected Umpire of the Year 2006, Bill Hancock-OK and Roland Neal-TX, received Outstanding Appreciation Awards for SPA service.  National Championship watches went to Hubert Hair-SC, Jesse Merchant-GA, James Funk-MO, Henry Hill-SC, Gayle Collins-FL, Erin Reese-OK, for their outstanding performance, on and off the field at a National Championship.  At SPA every umpire is eligible to be selected to umpire at a National Championship, but rest assured that being “considered for selection” requires you to commit 150% towards being the best you can be each and every time you put on your SPA Umpire Uniform.

In closing, let me say THANK YOU, to all who choose to be a part of the SPA Umpire program for 2007, and I look forward to working with all of you and many more in 2008.  I will update you when I return from the conference so keep checking our web site.

From the desk of Neil O'Dell,

National Office Director

Did you know that 35% of player registration cards come to the office incomplete? Here are a few requirements for all players to receive their SPA cards promptly:

• All players need to send in an updated registration form, which can be found on our website under "forms."  Be sure the form is signed on the signature line.  Unsigned forms will be returned for signatures.

• Players Must  send in the proper amount of money which is on the player registration form.

• Players MUST send a copy of their driver's license as required to process a new renewal, or replacement card.

• A copy of the player’s birth certificate is also required for any new SPA player.

• A color photo is required for all SPA cards (no copies of driver’s license

picture’s or passport picture’s)

Important Notice on Watches 

NOTICE: All of the watches that were ordered in 2007 have been delayed by circumstances that are out of SPA's control.  We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused.  We are doing our best to resolve the issue, and we will continue to keep you updated as to when you will receive them.  Thank you for your patience!

From the Desk of Judy Lee Schreiber
National Women's Director

I want to let all of you know how proud and honored I am to be a part of SPA. An inspiring organization,headed by an old friend of mine Ridge Hooks, a man of vision and integrity. I commend his insight and trust in letting me "run with the ball", so to speak, with something I have long fought for the needs of the players. I am now in a position to help the senior ladies, and by listening to you, I intend to do just that. I will listen to any player who has a good idea of what would make the game better,safer, and of course fun.

I will give consideration to any valid suggestion that would be beneficial to the game. I will compile a list, then determine what might be accepted and become one of the rules.Ultimately it's all about what will benefit the game. Feel free to call or e-mail me with your opinions and questions.

At times we will make available at some of the qualifiers, a survey to list your ideas on what you want out of the game. Every suggestion will be seriously discussed.  We, at SPA are working on a lot of great ideas to make our Nationals one of the biggest and best in the country.

This year "SPA/WORTH" will be launching the first ever NIT Championship Qualifiers in May -2008. The winners will be crowned and receive awards at the Nationals in Gallatin,Tn in Sept.2008

Also, the National Senior Softball Hall Of Fame Committee will be selecting individuals to be inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall Of Fame. Some of these awards will be presented at "Judy Lee's SPA National Women's Championship" in Gallatin,TN.on Sept 19, 2008.

Those players selected will be inducted at the Friday night Social. After which the  Champions will be crowned and receive their awards, followed by the evening's entertainment.