SPORDLE HANDBOOK
UPDATED: DECEMBER 6, 2024
INTRODUCTION
In 2022, Baseball Alberta initiated a partnership with Spordle to streamline data management processes and enhance efficiency throughout the organization. This strategic decision was made to address inefficiencies and fractures in data reporting caused by the split between database options. We acknowledge that some members may have reservations due to recent changes, but transitioning to Spordle ID is essential for the organization's long-term success.
MANDATORY REGISTRATION
Associations
Baseball Alberta requires the registration of all members, including players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and OFMs, into the Spordle ID system. This mandatory step is crucial for managing and reporting all member data and ensures accurate tracking of participation, eligibility, and compliance with Baseball Alberta's policies and guidelines.
Members (Players, Coaches, Managers and Volunteers)
Please reachout to your local association to make sure you are registered on the Spordle ID platform. This will be a crucial step to ensure you are covered under Baseball Alberta insurance. Our full association membership list can be found here.
GETTING STARTED
All associations are required to complete the Spordle ID User Form to request access to the system. Once the form is submitted, Baseball Alberta will provide access to Spordle ID at no cost to each Association account. Associations are encouraged to opt-in now to gain access to Spordle's extensive suite of tools, simplifying various processes. Associations with access can customize account permissions to grant different users specific levels of access and add / remove users.
STAY INFORMED
Baseball Alberta will continually provide updates and important information to our members through Spordle. We are dedicated to supporting associations in adopting Spordle ID smoothly and efficiently, ensuring a successful long-term transition.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REGISTRATION OPTIONS FOR ASSOCIATIONS
OPTION 1: FULLY UTILIZE SPORDLE ID FOR REGISTRATIONS
Open all registration packages (players, coaches, volunteers, and OFM's) via Spordle ID.
[Documentation on how to open online registration is available here.]
OPTION 2: THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE INTEGRATION (RAMP, TEAMSNAP, ETC.)
This option is available for associations that prefer to temporarily use third-party software.
Important: This will require significant effort from your volunteers to manually import registration data into Spordle ID by the deadlines, or fines will be imposed.
Considerations for Third-Party Software Users:
Using third-party software may lead to duplicate issues and problems with parent/player linking in Spordle.
We highly recommend adopting the Spordle system for smoother registrations and minimizing issues.
Steps to Follow:
Collect all mandatory Baseball Alberta fields through your third-party software or externally.
Template for required fields available below.
Submit a fully completed spreadsheet (players, coaches, and managers) with correct formatting to Baseball Alberta for upload into Spordle ID. Please add them all in one single document.
Ensure this process is completed well before the roster deadlines to avoid delays and fines.
New players, coaches, and managers must be manually added into the system to ensure up-to-date registrations.
SPORDLE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL
MEMBER REGISTRATION (DEADLINE, REQUIREMENTS AND PURPOSE)
Deadline:
All Associations must add all members and finalize registrations by July 1st.
Important Note:
For associations looking to begin competing in on-field baseball activities, it is essential that all players are registered and rostered within the system. This ensures they are covered under Baseball Alberta insurance and recognized as members.
Registration Requirements:
A member is considered “registered” under Baseball Alberta when they are:
Fully confirmed in the correct year under an associations member tab.
Properly rostered to a team created in an association.
Purpose of Registration:
Timely Completion of Invoicing
Ensures smooth financial operations for your association, enabling better planning and resource allocation.
Accurate Reporting
Facilitates comprehensive reporting to key organizations, including Baseball Canada, AABC, and governmental bodies (The Government of Alberta and The Government of Canada), as well as the Baseball Alberta Board of Directors. This ensures accountability and transparency.
Data Analysis
Enables insightful data collection and analysis, providing valuable metrics that inform decision-making and improve operational effectiveness.
Enhanced Member Communications
Ensures timely communication of benefits, events, and exclusive offers to members, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Guarantees that all players are covered under Baseball Alberta's insurance, providing peace of mind for associations and families alike.
Member Database
Maintains an up-to-date member database that supports effective management and communication strategies.
Enriched Member Journey
Enhances the overall experience for members, offering them valuable resources and opportunities to engage in baseball at every level.
Player Exposure Opportunities
Provides players with exposure to coaches, scouts, and higher-level competition, helping Baseball Alberta identify and recognize future talent for tournament Team Alberta rosters.
Streamlined Registration Process
Simplifies the registration process for players, coaches, and volunteers, ensuring everyone can easily get involved and participate.
DESIGNATED ASSOCIATION SPORDLE CONTACT (REGISTRAR)
Each association must designate a Spordle contact (registrar) who will serve as the primary contact and user for the association.
If your association does not have access to the system:
Complete the Spordle ID User Form to provide Baseball Alberta with your main Spordle contact and any additional users.
Once connected to the system:
Admins will have the ability to add or remove additional users within their association.
They can also transfer user access if they are no longer the primary Spordle contact.
Note: This role is mandatory for contacting your Provincial IT and Zone IT for support.
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
To be in good standing with Baseball Alberta, complete the following steps:
1. Base Information Completion
Go to the Organization tab on your Spordle ID Association profile.
Fill out all required fields, including:
Association Full Name
Abbreviation
Usual Name
Main Email Contact
Main Phone Number
Primary Mailing Address
Website
Update your Association logo regularly.
Detailed instructions available here
2. Staff and Board Member Registration
Register all mandatory staff and board members under the Staff tab. Mandatory roles include:
President
Executive Director / General Manager (if applicable)
Registrar
Umpire Coordinator
Girls/Women’s Baseball Director
IT (Spordle Contact)
Staff must be registered as members before they can be added.
Multiple roles can be assigned to one staff member.
Ex. If you have limited or one volunteer for your association, you will have to add multiple mandatory roles onto one person.
Ensure phone numbers are added for all staff members.
Detailed instructions on applying staff here
More info on staff roles can be found in the next section
3. Association Agreement / Questionnaire Registration
2025 Association Membership Form: Coming soon
Have one person with signing authority complete the form using their personal Spordle account. Ensure only one submission per Association.
Consult with your board before signing the waiver.
4. Outstanding Invoices
Ensure all outstanding invoices or deficiency fines are settled promptly to avoid delays and ensure your Association remains eligible for approval.
Contact finance@baseballalberta.com for more info.
5. Final Submission for Approval
Once all above information is complete, submit your Association for approval.
We will review the submission, and if everything is correct, your status will change from pending to approved.
Instructions for submitting here
Deadline: March 1st for all Associations
STAFF AND BOARD MEMBER INFORMATION
Associations must provide Baseball Alberta with their current Staff and Board Members within Spordle ID.
All members need to be added before they can be designated to specific positions.
Mandatory Positions:
The following positions are required:
President
Executive Director / General Manager (if applicable)
Registrar
Umpire Coordinator
Girls/Women’s Baseball Director
IT (Spordle Contact)
You can assign multiple positions to a single individual.
Associations with additional roles (e.g., REP Directors, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.) must fill out all their staff and board positions as well. Contact media@baseballalberta.com to add a specific title for a role.
Note: This information should be updated regularly to ensure the Baseball Alberta office has accurate contact lists and staff information.
TEAMS (IN BASEBALL ALBERTA LEAGUES)
Teams participating in Baseball Alberta scheduled leagues must be properly added into the system.
List of Baseball Alberta Leagues:
Baseball Alberta Provincial League (22U, BAEL, AAA, AA & A)
Baseball Alberta Girls League
Community Leagues: ERRBL, YEGA, CUB League, and CABL
New in 2025: Team entry will be completed on the Spordle ID platform. More information will be provided soon.
Team Registration Requirements:
Teams must be entered for the correct season and rostered with all confirmed members for the current year.
When entering teams into Baseball Alberta Leagues, use the following naming convention:
Format: City/Town, Team Name, Age Category, Division/League
Examples:
FORT MCMURRAY OIL GIANTS BLUE 13U AA
CALGARY BUCKS 18U BAEL
LACOMBE DODGERS 13U CABL
BEAUMONT BOSOX 15U A
Important Note: If entering a team into Provincial "A" while having an existing Community roster that is the same or similar, you must create two separate teams in the system: one for "A" and one for "Community."
Teams will have the ability to rollover into future seasons. More details can be found in the documentation below.
Teams must all be correctly rostered. You can see more info in the next section.
TEAMS (NOT BASEBALL ALBERTA LEAGUES)
Even if you are not entering teams in Baseball Alberta Leagues, it is essential to add your teams within the Spordle ID Platform. Here’s what you need to do:
Create Teams
Ensure all active members for the season are properly registered and rostered under Baseball Alberta insurance.
This includes players, coaches, and other bench staff.
Proper Categorization
All teams must be categorized correctly to maintain accurate records and compliance.
Correctly Rostered
Continue to the next section for more info.
ROSTER MANAGEMENT (FOR BASEBALL ALBERTA PROVINCIAL LEAGUE TEAMS)
Rosters must be 100% completed within the Spordle ID platform for all Baseball Alberta leagues. Here's what you need to know:
Roster Completion
All teams participating in Baseball Alberta scheduled leagues must have Players, Coaches, and Off Field Managers (OFMs) added to their team rosters before the initial roster deadline.
Responsibility
The designated Spordle contact is responsible for roster management, not the coaches or OFMs, unless otherwise delegated.
Roster Submission Requirements
All Associations must input a full list of players, coaches, and OFMs within Spordle ID for their respective teams.
Roster Lock and Approval
Changes to the initial roster can be made up to the roster lock date. After this date, any additions or changes must be submitted to Baseball Alberta for approval.
Eligibility Compliance
All player and coach eligibility requirements must be met before the final roster approval deadline. Non-compliant players or coaches will be removed from the roster.
ROSTER MANAGEMENT (FOR NON BASEBALL ALBERTA PROVINCIAL LEAGUE TEAMS)
All players must be added under the "Team Profile" in the "Active Player" section.
All coaches, managers or volunteers must be added under the "Team Officials" section.
All player and coach eligibility requirements must be met.
New in 2025: Drag and Drop Rostering
New feature for easier roster management.
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS
Criminal Record Checks will be required by all rostered coaches and managers.
CRC's or Screening Forms are to be collected by the Primary Associaiton of the coach or manager.
TRANSFERS
If a player within an Associaiton requires a transfer in the Spordle system so they are able to be rostered or register, please reachout to media@baseballalberta.com and provide the name and ID # of the player.
All players that require a transfer in order to be approved on the roster will still have to go through the manual transfer process found here.
AFFILIATES
All Affiliate Player Guidelines can be found here.
UMPIRES
All Umpires will be required to register into Spordle ID.
If an Umpire registers for a clinic, they will then be considered registered for the season.
Umpires clinics and registration will be made available on the Baseball Alberta Spordle Page.
COACHES
Spordle, Baseball Canada and Baseball Alberta are currently working on a system to connect the NCCP Website to Spordle ID to sync data for all coaches and certifications.
For Coaches:
For all coaches currently active in the Baseball Canada NCCP system: You now should have fully synchronized profiles with the Baseball Alberta Spordle ID system. When registering at the Association level, please search for your name to locate your existing coaching profile within the system. Ensure that you select your own profile before proceeding with registration. If there is no profile showing up, select create new participant.
For Associaiton Admin Spordle ID Users:
If you are encountering difficulties rostering coaches listed under Baseball Alberta, please reach out to media@baseballalberta.com for assistance in resolving this issue.
Once roster deadlines are complete, all coaching eligibilty requirements will be checked within the Spordle ID rostering system.
CLINICS
All NUCP (umpire) clinic registrations will be hosted on Spordle.
Registration for all clinics will be made available on the Baseball Alberta Spordle Page - Clinics.
COMMUNICATION TOOLS
Spordle ID allows for communication to all members of each organization.
Associations may still use third-party applications / software to communicate with their membership if preferred.
SPORDLE PLAY REQUIREMENTS (SCORE ENTRY)
Score entry is to be completed within Spordle PLAY. Off-Field Managers and Head Coaches will have access to be able to enter scores. Coaches and managers are to be added to a roster and fully registered within the Spordle ID system before they are granted access in Spordle PLAY.
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
All communications to the Baseball Alberta office will be made through the designated Spordle contact for each association.
MERCHANT ACCOUNT
In order to collect credit card payments, you must first open a Paysafe Merchant account.
This process can be found here.
Paysafe Merchant Account Fees per transaction: $0.50 + 3.55%
($0.20 + 2.05% Paysafe Processing Fee + $0.30 + 1.5% Spordle Service Fee)
TRAINING SESSIONS, RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
Baseball Alberta along with Spordle will provide training sessions, resources, and support to assist associations in adopting Spordle ID effectively.
Spordle has created documentation for all sections of the Spordle ID system. Mostly all questions about Spordle ID can be answered from here.
All Spordle training sessions will be recorded and members will have access to view the recordings.
Spordle Training:
Future dates will be set and commincated soon...
All recordings and info from the first batch of sessions can be found here. You will be able to register for all sessions here.
COSTS
Associations will not be charged to use Spordle solutions. All costs will be covered by Baseball Alberta.
FINES / PENALTIES
Fines and penalties for non-compliance with Spordle ID requirements will be enforced.
SPORDLE PAGE
Spordle Page will be provided to all associations to add updates, news and host registrations.
This is where all schedules, stats and standings will be hosted.
Information on how to use and update your Spordle Page will be provided soon.
You are able to find Baseball Alberta’s Spordle Page here.
FAQ
Where do I get started with Spordle?
Step 1:
If you have not yet gained access to the Spordle Platform for your Association, the first thing you will need to do is fill out a Spordle User Access form here.
Once we recieve your submission, you should receive a separate email providing you with access to Spordle ID. If not, you may already have an existing Spordle Account and you will now have access to your Associations platform.
About Spordle:
Spordle is a comprehensive sports management platform designed to simplify administrative tasks for sports organizations. From registration and rostering to scheduling and communication, Spordle offers a range of tools to streamline operations and enhance the participant experience.
You are able to explore more about their management solutions here.
Getting Started:
Spordle Handbook: Dive into our Spordle Handbook for guidance on registration processes, roster management, and teams. To stay updated on registration deadlines, rostering requirements, and other important details you can also head to our new Baseball Alberta Virtual Handbook.
Training and Support: Take advantage of our Q&A sessions and training resources to maximize your understanding of Spordle. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal utilization of the platform. You can register for all Q & A or training sessions here.
Additional Resources: Explore our website and supplementary resources for valuable insights and support. From newsletters to Lunch N' Learn sessions, we offer a variety of resources to help you make the most of your experience with Baseball Alberta. Spordle has also developed comprehensive documentation that can be found here. In each page within Spordle ID you will also have the option to open support requests, and view the help center in the top right corner of your page. This will have customized details for each specific page you are on.
What are the benefits of using Spordle?
Centralized Data Management: Spordle consolidates all information, including players, coaches, umpires, and volunteers, into one database, making it easier for associations to manage their data and communication with Baseball Alberta. This eliminates the need for multiple platforms or spreadsheets.
Streamlined Communication: The platform allows for targeted messaging to specific groups (e.g., players, coaches, or parents), improving communication efficiency. Associations can also manage their own communication directly through the platform.
Efficiency and Time-Saving: Spordle automates many administrative tasks like roster management, registration, and coaching requirements tracking. This saves time for both Baseball Alberta and its member associations, allowing staff and volunteers to focus on more strategic or impactful initiatives.
Customizable and Scalable: Spordle is built to grow with an organization’s needs. It offers flexible and customizable solutions, allowing Baseball Alberta and local associations to tailor the platform to their specific requirements, ensuring long-term scalability.
Improved Reporting and Data-Driven Decisions: By having all information in one place, Spordle enables better reporting and data analysis. Associations and Baseball Alberta can use this data to make informed decisions, track trends, and improve areas that need attention.
Enhanced Member Experience: The platform provides an intuitive registration process, making it easier for new families or players to join the sport. It also simplifies tasks like roster updates and communication for association admins, improving the overall experience for everyone involved.
Full Integration of Services: Spordle integrates various functions, such as team management, game scheduling, and umpire assignment, within a single platform. This eliminates the need for multiple systems, reducing confusion and ensuring that all aspects of a baseball season are seamlessly managed.
Insurance and Compliance: The platform ensures that all players are properly insured and that associations meet the required safety and compliance protocols. This adds a layer of protection for both the organization and its members.
Collaboration with Spordle’s Development Team: Baseball Alberta benefits from a close working relationship with Spordle’s development team, allowing for customized features and improvements that directly address the needs of our organization and associations.
What is the difference between Spordle ID, Play and Page?
Spordle offers three integrated platforms for comprehensive sports management: Spordle ID, Spordle Play, and Spordle Page. Each of these platforms is accessible through your Spordle Account.
Spordle ID:
Spordle ID serves as the primary data management and registration software. It is primarily used by association administrators, organization staff, and board members. Key features include:
Opening and managing registrations
Creating and managing teams and rosters
Member management
Serving as the backbone for all other Spordle solutions and operations
Spordle Play:
Spordle Play focuses on scheduling, venue management, scoresheets, statistics, and umpire assignments. It is mainly utilized by managers, coaches, league administrators, and umpire assignors. Highlights include:
Full synchronization with Spordle ID. Automatic transfer of leagues, tournaments, teams, and rosters from Spordle ID
Streamlined scheduling and management for all levels of competition
Diamond avalibility and venue management
Umpire assigning
Spordle Page:
Spordle Page integrates all the functionalities into a user-friendly mini website. This platform allows the public to view scores, updates, rosters, and statistics. Key features include:
Automatic generation of pages for every league, association, organization, and tournament created in Spordle ID
Public access to up-to-date information and organizational details
You can view Baseball Alberta’s main Page, with a comprehensive view available under Organizations > Tree View. This will give you a full breakdown of our organizational tree.
How do I enter scores on Spordle for league games?
First you will need a Spordle Play account, all of this information can be found in the score entry section above. This can be found here.
Who can I contact for support?
For technical assistance or inquiries related to Spordle, please reach out to our Provincial IT (media@baseballalberta.com). They will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have and provide personalized support as needed. To ensure clear communication and facilitate learning and growth within your association, we ask that you designate a Spordle User who will be responsible for contacting Baseball Alberta regarding Spordle-related matters. This approach aligns with our communication strategy and ensures efficient support for your organization's needs.
Spordle also offers personal customized support right on the platform. From your dashboard you will be able to submit a support request directly to Spordle. More infomation on this process can be found here.
What will Spordle cost our Association?
Associations will not be charged to use Spordle.
Will Spordle have an app in the future?
Spordle is currently working on developing an app for all their solutions. We currently do not have a timeline on when this could be launched.