Its a sad day when a fastpitch discussion and information site that sees over 350,000 visits per month ends. But that is what has happened. Canadian Fastpitch Forum for years had been the site that allowed Canadian and especially Ontario teams, players, coaches and fans to communicate. Everything from tournament announcements, players wanted, college information, debates on rule changes, governing bodies and so on where available.
Years of bullying by the Ontario Provincial Women's Softball Association of the site host no doubt had a bearing on it closing. This organization's close minded walled garden approach is unfortunately part of their attempt to continue their own monopoly over a geographic area with a population similar to that of Michigan or Ohio and the 3rd largest metro population in Canada/US. Toronto with approximately 6.5 million and the province with 14.5 million has always been the hot bed of fastpitch softball in Canada. Its ready access to the border, similar climate to its US neighbors and its well known player and team quality, is facing potential declines in numbers.
With both NSA and USSSA operating in Canada and especially Ontario, the PWSA has tried everything possible to restrict their growth. Perhaps its time for PGF to take a run at this and open this large and lucrative market to the freedom and openness that teams and players need and enjoy on this side of the border.