06/21/2026
As the recreational staff of USA Softball of Alabama, we would like to address the decisions made regarding the Rec State All-Stars tournament.
We monitored the weather closely leading up to the event, which led us to forego opening ceremonies so we could start games earlier. While the forecast changed frequently, the consistent factor was a high probability of significant rain and lightning. Despite these challenges, we completed two full days of play at Gardendale. However, delays in Trussville on Thursday and Friday pushed several games into Saturday, creating a larger schedule than anticipated. On Friday evening, we attempted to secure additional turf fields to help the tournament move faster, but none were available. Using dirt fields was not an option due to the existing rainfall.
Regarding the tournament format, we have historically utilized three divisions: State, Majors, and Captains. This year, we moved to a "play-in" format rather than assigning divisions based on area tournament finishes. This allowed teams to earn their placement in a bracket that best suited their competitive level.
The decision to cancel the remainder of the tournament today was not taken lightly. After multiple weather delays starting at 10:46 AM, we consulted with park officials and a meteorologist. The earliest projected break in the weather was 6:00 PM. Restarting at that time would have required us to cancel two entire divisions to finish one. We believe every child’s game and championship opportunity is equally important, and we could not justify prioritizing one division over the others.
To determine award recipients, we identified the highest remaining seeds in each division. While we recognize this is not a perfect conclusion, it was the fairest method based on overall play. Our seeding system, which accounts for points earned rather than just win-loss records, is designed to give teams from smaller areas a fair chance to compete with those from larger districts.
We understand the frustration these cancellations cause. While we know this explanation may not resolve every concern, we hope it provides clarity on how we reached these difficult decisions. Our priority remains the fair treatment of all players across every division.
Sincerely,
Matt Kornegay and Bubba Piersol
