T-BALL (6 & UNDER)

This division introduces softball to very young girls who have likely never played softball and whose skill and coordination are just developing. Each batter will receive four (4) coach pitches then the batter will hit off the tee. Every inning, the team at bat will bat every player and the defensive team will play all players on the field. No out will be enforced, but if the batter or runner is put out by a defensive player, she will return to the dugout, the tie will always go to the runner. First and third base coaches will also act as umpires. Players are taught the very basics of how to throw the ball, field a grounder, swing a bat, and which way to run the bases. No scores are kept and everyone bats every inning and plays the field. T-Ball games are on Saturday mornings for maximum of 1 hr. game and one 1 hr. practice per week.

8 AND UNDER

This division seeks to explain and demonstrate the sport of softball to its players by introducing a greater elaboration of game rules. Players begin to pitch for themselves, and are also assisted with the help of a coach’s pitch if necessary. Emphasis is on good fundamental throwing, fielding, and hitting skills and all players are encouraged to develop something of a sound pitching motion. Advanced skills are generally not taught here but coaches are encouraged to introduce other skills such as bunting, sliding, and stealing. The season is normally 12-14 games in which scores and standings are not kept. This is followed by a round robin or elimination tournament. Equal playing time is emphasized, everyone bats in the order, no players will sit out two innings in a row and no one sits more than two innings per game. Every player should have an inning of infield and an inning of outfield per game. Jr. Umpires are used for the games and should be given the respect and latitude on the calls, because it is a learning experience for them as well. Direct or indirect earshot remarks and disrespect toward Jr. Umpire will not be tolerated. Games are 1 hour 20 minutes with no new innings and a drop-dead time at 1 hour 30 minutes, which is normally 3-4 innings in length.

10 AND UNDER

Fundamentals are still emphasized here but some competitive spirit begins to show among the players in this division. More advanced rules are introduced and pitching development is a big priority. Some finer points of hitting are developed and bunting becomes part of the game. Base running skills and team defensive play are introduced, while basic throwing; fielding, and hitting skills are reinforced. The season is normally 16 games plus games, are played 1 mid-week game and a Saturday game with an end of season play-off and tournament. Occasional interleague away games are to be expected. Scores and team standings are kept after the first month of the season. Interleague games do not count toward standings. Equal playing time is emphasized, everyone bats in the order, no players will sit out two innings in a row and no one sits more than two innings per game. Every player should have an inning of infield and an inning of outfield per game. The Free Substitution rule is used and pitching limits, run limits and a few other limitations to the game are imposed. Jr. Umpires are used for the games and should be given the respect and latitude on the calls, because it is also a learning experience for them also. Direct or indirect earshot remarks and disrespect toward Jr. Umpire will not be tolerated. Games are 1 hour 30 minutes with no new inning that plays to completion, which normally 4-5 innings in length.

12 AND UNDER

While strong advanced skill development, team play, and fun are still the emphasis, the girls become noticeably competitive. Pitching development, developing more than one pitch with pitchers is encouraged. Advanced hitting, bunting, and base running techniques are taught. Team play is emphasized on defense while a consistent demonstration of fielding fundamentals is now the goal. The full complement of ASA rules is in effect. The season is normally 16+ games, .with one game played mid-week and a Saturday game with an end-of-season playoff and tournament. Occasional interleague away games are to be expected. Scores and team standings are kept after the first month of the season. Interleague games do not count toward standings. Equal playing time is emphasized, everyone bats in the order, no players will sit out two innings in a row and no one sits more than two innings per game. Paid professional umpires are used for the games. Games are 1 hour 30 minutes with no new inning that plays to completion, which normally 4-5 innings in length.

14 AND UNDER

This more competitively oriented division is comprised of many players who may be advancing to high school play or playing for competitive travel teams. The goal is to get these players ready for this level of play. Pitchers have probably been at it for a few years and pitching strategy and throwing more than one pitch is emphasized. Advanced team play and offensive and defensive game strategies are taught and executed. Depending on the number of teams that get formed in this division the games are usually interleague game with an interleague end of season the tournament and league tournament. The season is normally 16 plus games with some mid-week games and a Saturday game that is usually a double-header. Paid professional umpires are used for the games. Games are 1 hour 30 minutes with no new inning that plays to completion, which is normally 5-6 innings in length. Scores and team standing are kept for the interleague games for end of season tournament seeding.