NOTE: Practice times are determined by field availability with the city. You will not know when your team practices until teams are assigned.
A Ball (League Age: 6-8 ), Grade: Kindergarten-1st, Birth years 2016-2018
LEVEL OF PLAY: This is non-competitive, development level softball and game scores are not recorded. At this level the coaches pitch to their own team using an 11 inch "softie" ball, not hard balls. The purpose of the division is to teach young children how to follow directions and the basic fundamentals of hitting and fielding. There are no walks/strikeouts, and players can use tee if needed. Teams bat the lineup, with players completing "station to station" base running.
TEAM SELECTION: Teams of 8-9 players are formed by grouping players that have common backgrounds. This is often done by school and/or player request to the best of our ability. Registration order is also used to direct a player to a team
SCHEDULE: One to two practice a week on a weeknight and one games a week (Saturday). Practices and game schedules are determined on field availability with the city.
EQUIPMENT: Glove and black pants required. This year, we are having players order their jersey directly through Gear UP. Ordering information will be shared once teams and team colors are set. Cleats are recommended but not required. Players must wear helmets at bat. League provides each team a helmet but many people chose to provide their own. Bats are provided by the league but many players purchase their own.
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AA Ball (League Age: 8-10), Grade: 2nd to 4th, Birth years 2014-2016
1-2 practices per week, 1 game per week
· 11” hard softball
· Kid pitch/coach pitch
· Mask required for pitching, 1st, & 3rd
· No walks- coaches pitch after 4 balls
· Strike outs
· Steal on past ball (except home)
· 3 outs/5 runs ends half inning
· Extra bases, 1 base on overthrow, runners stop when ball back to circle
· Non-competitive, development level focused on skill development
· Formed by neighborhood school as possible
· 9-10 yr old not drafted by AAA play here
AAA Ball (League Age: 10-11), Grade: 4th to 6th, Birth years 2013-2014
1-2 practices per week, 2 games per week
Starting in AAA, teams are formed utilizing a draft method that takes into account age, ability, and positional needs. Results of the evaluations are shared only with coaches and are used in order to help draft balanced teams. Because of this, we are not able to honor any player placement requests with regards to playing with specific teams/players.Some players registered for Majors will be placed on a AAA team and refunded the difference in fees. SWPLL strives to form rosters no larger than 13 players with the expectation that all players prioritize softball in front of non-school activities April-June.
· 11" hard softball
· Player Pitch
· Mask required for pitching, 1st, & 3rd
· 35’ pitching distance
· Player Evaluations and draft
· First level of competitive play focus on skill enhancement and a higher-level softball experience
· 3 outs/5 runs ends half inning with last inning open
· Full rules
Majors (League Age: 11-12), Grade: 5th to 6th, Birth years 2012-2013
1-2 practices per week, 2 games per week
-12” hard softball
-Player pitch
-Mask required for pitching, 1st, & 3rd
-Competitive play
-The minimum playing requirement for each player is six defensive outs and one at bat per game
-40’ pitching distance
Juniors (League Age: 13-14), Grade: 7th to 8th, Birth years 2010-2011
1-2 practices per week, 2 games per week
· 12” hard softball
· Player pitch Mask required for pitching, 1st, & 3rd
· 43’ pitching distance
· Highest level of competitive play for our most skilled players