Action - Tracy Timm ready to tag Mike Rivera out.JPG

Furious - 7 Pandas on field in blue jerseys.jpg

Rodeo Goats - Seth Thornton backhand at SS.jpg

Skillset - Jaimin Garabedian line-drive hit.jpg

Rodeo Goats - Doug Mulkey swinging - Good.jpg

2 Scoops - Nick Martin ready to pitch - #1.jpg

Awards - All 4 divison champ captains.JPG

Rodeo Goats - Tabitha in teel jersey.jpg

Ringers - Vanessa Volkes, Anthony Gjivovich scoring.jpg

WE ARE DIFFERENT…

… From Every Other Softball Tournament in the World!

It is a special privilege for all ballplayers to be able to travel and compete in out-of-town slow-pitch tournaments. We applaud every softball promoter and organization - whether the tournament format is: 1) An “elimination” weekend tournament offering a 3-5 game guarantee; 2) An association-sponsored regional or national tourney; 3) A draft format in which registered players have little to no knowledge about the ability of their teammates or level of competition.

THAT’S NOT US!

NONE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED DESCRIBES THE AD SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES (ASWS).

The Ad World Series has an illustrious 40 year history. We expect the 41st annual in Reno-Tahoe will be just as spectacular and memorable. We prefer to promote the ASWS as a softball “vacation” and an unforgettable event and tournament experience that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the softball world.

Although potential “first year” players probably would be delighted to play 12-15 guaranteed co-ed games… the reality is that the Ad World Series experience is not for everybody. And we’re okay with that.

We are NOT a blood and guts”winner-take-all tournament. We cater more to the heeled business and industry professional that loves softball, but also wants to stay in upscale resorts, socialize and meet new friends from across the USA, Canada, Great Britian, Ireland, and France.

We prefer to promote the ASWS as a softball “vacation” and an unforgettable tournament experience that you can’t find anywhere else.

Our average player demographics range from the mid 30s well into the 60’s, but we are not a seniors tournament and currently do not permit senior bats. In addition, considering lodging and extensive player benefits, less than 5% of our playing audience are in their 20’s.

FITTING THE AD SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES PROFILE

Q1: You can only play in weekend tournaments due to work or family commitments?
A: ASWS games are played daytime on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Q2: You prefer to play in “winner take all” 3-5 game guarantee elimination tournaments?

A: THAT’S NOT US! You will play 12 guaranteed co-ed games (4 per day)… and you will have the option to play an additional 3 games in a mini-draft competition on the morning of Day #2, and those extra games will not conflict with your co-ed game schedule.

Q3: You prefer 75+ team tournaments which probably leads to lengthy game breaks or travel to another park? Or, you might play a single game on a Thursday, 2 games on Friday, with a potential “elimination” game on Saturday? Yet your booked flight might not leave until Sunday or Monday and the hotel might penalize you for early room cancellation?

A: THAT’S NOT US. You arrive at the ASWS on Sunday, September 22 (or come in a day earlier for leisure), and you will depart on Thursday, September 26 (unless you want to stay a day or to after).

Q4: You are content if your team falls into a loser’s bracket? Or, you travel to a community, but never see much of it because you are at the ball fields from 8am-midnight waiting for your next game? And, if your team is eliminated, you exit the fields not necessarily knowing or caring which team which team won?

A: THAT’S NOT US! All teams play well into the afternoon of Day #3, and you’re playing a second time against teams in your assigned divisions. The ASWS does not distribute awards at the fields, but during the Awards banquet that night.

Q5: You prefer to secure your own lodging (i.e., AirBnB, inexpensive hotel, or at campsite)?

A: THAT’S NOT US! Our players prefer a 4-star resort with poolside activities, restaurants, bars, and this year gaming and a Sportsbook.

Q6: You only want to play ball, don’t care to socialize nor take part in our dinner parties or off-field competitions?

A: THAT’S NOT US!

BOTTOM LINE: The Ad World Series recognizes you can play in any number of tournaments, but none will compare to our event schedule. Therefore, if you fit into any of the “aforementioned” categories, then STOP HERE.

The Ad Softball World Series Has No Rival. We Play By Day, Party Together By Night!

Every co-ed team plays 12 guarantee games over three days.
Every team plays 4 games daily from 8am - 4pm.
Every team is placed in a division commensurate with their level of play.
We asre able to accept full teams, but there are challenges getting all of your teammates on the same page when it comes to getting time off work and finances (unless teams stage fundraisers).
The ASWS is upscale. We stay in resort destinations and all players and guests stay at the same 4-star resort hotel.
- The resort’s pool area becomes tournament headquarters. Two afternoon beer gardens are staged here along with the final day “jersey trading”. The 86 degree heated pool at this year’s Reno’s Peppermill Resort will be open until 10pm every night.
- Every player and guest (even with children) are treated to three (3) elaborate dinner parties that includes entertainment. Two of those evenings include off-field competitions.
- Instead of handing out trophies/merchandise to a winning team at the ballfields when all or most of the competition has departed, the ASWS stages a gala Awards banquet.
- In addition to the 12 co-ed game guarantee, The ASWS offers a “draft-style” 1-Pitch tourney on the second morning of play. Playing 1-pitch is optional, and there is no added charge to sign-up. Therefore, players can compete in as many as 15 games over 3 playing days, and over a 5 day, 4 night stay.

Tournament Inner-Workings Off-Field Events

When “free agents” sign up and pay a small deposit, they will be introduced to one or more teams based on preferred playing position(s), ability, and competitive level. We play 6 males, 4 females, so a roster of 7 males and 5 females is preferred and every team has the option to bat their enitre roster.
The ASWS is able to place friends/teammates on the SAME team (anywhere from 2 to 8 players), and we can help fill out your roster.
Newsletters will be emailed to all participating players and guests in the weeks leading to Reno-Tahoe. The final newsletter reveals teams and division placements.
Every team’s complete 12-game schedule will be distributed the day of arrival (September 22).
Every team will play its division opponents at least twice plus designated teams from other divisions. 9-10 of those 12 games will count in every teams division standings.
Division championships are usually decided the critical third day of play when teams play their division opponents a second time (Reminder: no team will ever be eliminated, nor are there consolation or loser’s brackets.)
5 divisions of play. Every player on a division-winning team receives the same prize package.
Every co-ed team will name its own male AND female MVP, and the ASWS rewards recipients with gifts.
Certified trainers will be at the field to assist with bumps and bruises and re-taping. Massage therapists will also be on-site.

Lodging and Off-Field Events

The 4-star/diamond Peppermill Reno Resort & Casino hosts this year’s event.
The resort offers multiple pools, 10 restaurants, 15 bars, a spa, and of course, a casino and sports book.
Three (3) upscale buffets… with entertainment… and adult beverages and soft drink bars are included.
Merchandise for all players and guests.
Non-playing guests and children qualify for discounted pricing and are entitled to the same benefits asd players.
Off-field events include a team “Jersey Parade” (opening night party) and “Best Jersey” competition (player vote).
Following Day #3 games, players head back to the resort for a final afternoon beer garden, jersey trading, followed by the Awards banquet.
During the Awards Banquet: On and off-field awards will be presented, multiple short videos, followed by the official Tournament Video. Catch last year’s Naples video: https://vimeo.com/874945403
Schedule of Events: https://www.adworldseries.com/reno-tahoe-events
The Ad World Series makes all room reservations and you will group discounted room rates.
You can also extend you stay on the front or back end and continue to qualify for discounted room rates. Of course, you will be able to keep your same room for the duration of your stay

Playing on the Same Team With Friends, AND Identifying Teams Best Suited For Your Talents

We are able to place “individuals” on selected teams based on their preferred playing position(s), competitiveness, and abilities.
Unlike draft tournaments, we are able to place “friends TOGETHER on the same team”.
The ASWS looks to have 5-6 divisions in Reno-Lake Tahoe.
Our best teams might be rated as D-Level. Most teams are “E” or recreational.
The Ad World Series is independently organized, and all levels of players are immediately eligible to play.
Local umpires will officiate all games and will adapt to our playing rules.

Our Format is Simple: We Play By Day, We Party At Night, And We Do It Together!

Key Playing Rules:

On-Field: 6 males, 4 females. Additional hitters are permitted provided a female is added with a male. Females can play anywhere in the field.
1-1 count: The second foul ball after two strikes is a strikeout.
Bats: ASA and 240 USSSA stamped bats will be approved.
Ball: 52 COR, 300 Compression
Female Batters: There will be a vote this month as to whether female batters can hit with the 11” ball. If the proposal is passed, then the 200’ outfield perimeter line will not apply and all outfielders will be able to play anywhere in the outfield.
Game Times: No new inning begins after 55 minutes. The game officially starts after the home team pitcher completes his/her warm-up tosses in the top of the first inning.
Home Run Limits: Unlimited within division play; 1-Up in crossover and non-division games.
Division Championship Games: One additional game is played if two teams have an identical record in division and designated cross-division games. This game is played regardless whether one of those two teams won both head-to-head games.
Pitching Mat: An extension (mat) is placed behind home plate. Any pitched ball landing on the plate or extension (mat) is called a strike.
Pitching Arc: The ASWS began as an unlimited arc tournament, but the arc was reduced to a maximum of 15’. A pitched ball must travel above the batter’s head.
Up the Middle Rule: Safety is a priority. When a male hits up the middle, he is declared out. However, a ball that hits the ground before the pitcher is a live ball. There is no penalty if a female batter hits up the middle.
Playing Rules: https://www.adworldseries.com/playing-rules

The Awards Banquet (September 25)

FACT: Elimination tournament promoters distribute hardware at the fields after the championship game… when most teams have left the premises.

FACT: The Ad World Series introduces winners at a gala, final night Awards banquet in front of all players and guests.

MVP’s: Every team - regardless of record - will select its own male and female MVPs - and they will be awarded with an medal.
Division Winners: Champions shirts, Medals, Team Plaque
On & Off the Field Awards: Jersey Parade, Best Jersey, and off-field competitions.
Individual Recognitions: Hall of Fame induction ceremony; Character of the Game winners revealed
The Video: After the final team champions are presented, a 30 minute highlight video debuts. (recent tournament videos appear on this site.) The evening also features comedic video shorts.
Publicity: The ASWS Facebook page is a season-long promotion. All winners will be featured including great plays and the event’s funnier moments. We emply multiple sports photographers, so all players will appear from time to time. The ASWS also stages occasional trivia, GIF, and editorial contests (trip discounts at stake).
The tournament has been featured in Sports Illustrated, the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today.

Reno-Lake Tahoe Schedule

Arrival is on Sunday, September 22; however, every year we are seeing more players extending their stay either on the front end, following the tournament, or both.
All 2024 players will qualify for pre/post discounted group room rates at the Peppermill Reno Resort & Casino, and will keep their same room for the duration of their stay.
All room reservations will be made by the Ad Softball World Series.
Captains must submit team rooming lists by August 23.
Room changes can be made without penalty (based on room availability).
Player and guest registration begins at 3pm on Sunday, September 22. Every player / guest receives merchandise bags, a unique player gift, and a souvenir T-shirt.
Sign-ups for the mini “1-pitch” competition takes place during registration (both men and women eligible). Games will be played the morning of September 24. Draft results will be announced during the Opening Dinner Party. Player Entry Fee: $0.
Afternoon Beer Garden, Sunday, September 22, 3-6pm.
Prior to your departure for Reno-Lake Tahoe, players / guests will receive a series of newsletters. Topics range from what to pack, to party dress, to registration tips, More announcements will be made on the tournament’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/adworldseries
The final pre-tourney newsletter will reveal the divisions and game schematics.
The Opening Night Dinner Party features a team “Jersey Parade” whereby teams are invited to show off their jerseys and bring props. Video cameras will be rolling.
After the first day of play (4 games per team), players return to the hotel, get cleaned up, and then it’s off to the motor coaches and on the way to the Mystery Party venue to find dinner, entertainment, and a fully “hosted” bar including, beer, spirits, wine, and soft drinks.
Day #2 of play: (Tuesday, September 24). Four more games PLUS the 1-Pitch competition. A player’s free night follows. The Peppermill offers 10 restaurants, 17 bars, and a casino. h
Day #3 of play: is “Championship Day”. All teams play their “division” opponents a second time plus a cross-over division opponent (4 games total).
The final official afternoon beer garden is back at the hotel, and that event includes Jersey Trading.
The gala Awards banquet follows with team and individual awards and videos.
Following the banquet, players are invited to socialize a final time at a designated Peppermill Reno lounge.
We invite you to scroll thru our tournament website and be entertained with photo content and videos. The website is a valuable marketing and recruiting tool uncommon in softball tournament circles.
However - this tournament with ALL of its amenities PLUS a 4-star resort - does require a sizable investment. Team fees are $1,400.00 (per team for everything to do with softball snd players usually split this amount, although team sponsors are welcome.
Individual players fees will be determined in March after the party schedule and menus are finalized. As a temporary guide check out.
More below…

Final Words… And Cash Winnings

Of course, the 12 guaranteed games all sounds good… and combined with our legendary dinner parties we offer a unique brand of camaraderie. Our tournament is as competitive as any, we just won’t attract the player that plays 3-4 times a week plus tournaments every weekend.

We know where to seed teams, we greatly dislike blowouts, so there is no reason to schedule a top-rated team to play against a recreational team. You won’t find temper tantrums, bat throwers, or players being thrown out of a game for unruly behavior.

That aside, our event is designed to be social every step of the way.

The expansive pools and hot tubs at the Peppermill Reno Resort will always be a central meeting place
Our dinner parties are fancy with entertainment and competitions. Buffets will be served at 2 of them, perhaps at the Awards banquet as well. Look for three main entrees, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and desserts (not hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza). Hosted beer is served at every party, and the mystery venue dinner party includes a fully hosted spirits, wine, beer, and soft drinks bar. For the Awards banquet, every player and guest will receive three drink tickets.
The ASWS also promotes an overall team championship and awards $1,750+ in prize monies that will be awarded to three teams for the 2024 tournament. That competition includes: overall and division record (45%), off-field competitions (45%), and Facebook contributions (10%).
Players will meet new friends every step of the way. Most of our playing audience will be repeat attendees. Given all our social gatherings, there are countless number of opportunities to turn on-field opponents into fast friends off-the-field.
In fact, it is not surprising if the new friends you will meet will encourage you to visit them on their home turf. Most live in "bucket list" destinations throughout the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and Paris, France. The business connections that can be made at the ASWS are endless. And speaking of random introductions, during the ASWS’ 40-year history, 53 couples have met here and later married.
First year players will immensely enjoy their initial Ad World Series experience. There's no denying it - players will be sore, they will crave for more sleep, but shortly after returning home from Reno-:ale Tahoe, images will start surfacing on social media reminding everybody of the unforgettable good times which will automatically ignite buzz for the 2025 tournament.

We've got a great show planned for this year's 41st annual. Hope you join us for the competition, lifetime memories, and meeting a lot of new friends that will become your World Series “family”.