8U (players 8 or younger as of 12/31 of the previous year)
This is a developmental age group in which the emphasis is on developing softball skills.
Players will receive equal playing time throughout the year, including the final tournament, regardless of playing skill.
All players will be placed on a team after participating in Player Evaluations in March (based on skill level assessed by independent evaluators, friend requests, team requests, etc.).
Our intent is to create teams of equal skill (a balance of skilled and unskilled players) at the 8U age group. In our experience, younger players "look up" to the older players and make attempts to play
Friend requests will be accepted and honored, if possible, during Registration.
A pitching machine is used for games and tournaments.
Development of proper pitching mechanics starts at this level. (Players interested in pitching will begin to learn how to pitch, but will not pitch during games.)
Coaches may be on the field during games. Coaches from each team will umpire the game in a controlled environment.
Probable season schedule:
2 practices per week in the preseason
At least 1 practice, then 1 WED regular season game starting mid-May while school is in session
Teams will begin to play double header games when school lets out (back-to-back games, with 10-15min intermission between games)
All players will be placed on their appropriate team by:
attending Player Evaluations in March, based on skill level assessed by independent evaluators,
friend requests,
team requests, etc.
The EP Fastpitch Association reserves the right to form multiple teams at a specific structure listed above if the number of girls and talent level deems it appropriate. I.e. Two (2) Black teams in one age group, Two (2) red teams, etc.
It is the Board’s desire to place each player on the proper team so they have the best chance to succeed and enjoy their year!
10U (players 10 or younger, as of 12/31 of the previous year)
Three team structures offered:
White:
This is a developmental team in which the emphasis is on developing softball skills.
Friend requests will be accepted and honored, if possible, during Registration.
Players will receive equal playing time throughout the year including the final tournament.
All positions, including pitcher, are performed by the players.
Paid umpires officiate games.
Probable season schedule:
1-2 practices per week, plus
1-2 double-header games (back-to-back, with 10-15 min open time between) per week
often Tuesday evenings
State Qualifier tournament in June
Red:
This is a moderately competitive team.
Friend requests will be accepted and honored if possible.
Players will receive equal playing time throughout league play.
Players will receive fair but not necessarily equal playing time during tournament play. However, all players will play multiple innings each game.
Coaches may choose to place players in more structured positions on the field in order to give the team the best chance to succeed.
All positions, including pitcher, are performed by the players.
Paid umpires officiate games.
Probable season schedule:
2 practices per week, plus
1-2 double-header games (back-to-back, with 10-15 min open time between) per week
often Tuesday evenings
At least 2 tournaments total in May and June
State Qualifier tournament at the end of June
State Tournament in the beginning of July (if qualified)
National Tournament in July (if qualified)
Black:
This is a competitive team. It is meant to develop each and every player but in more of a competitive "play to win" structure.
Friend requests are not applicable for this team as it will be formed through independent evaluators during the evaluations process.
Players will receive equal playing time through all league play, but coaches will position players at their discretion.
Players will receive fair, but not necessarily equal playing time during tournaments. However, ALL players will play multiple innings each and every game.
Probable season schedule:
2 practices per week, plus
1-2 double-header game (back-to-back, with 10-15 min open time between)
often Tuesday evenings
3-4 tournaments total in April, May and June
State Qualifier tournament at the end of June
State Tournament in the beginning of July (if qualified)
12U (players 12 or younger, as of 12/31 of the previous year)
Three team structures offered
White:
This is a developmental team.
Friend requests will be accepted and honored if possible.
Players will receive equal playing time throughout the year including the final tournament.
Paid umpires are present.
Probable season schedule:
games and/or practices 3 nights per week
While school is in session, double-header games are played WED evenings
When school is out, double-header games are played MON and WED evenings
State Qualifier tournament in June
Red:
This is a moderately competitive team.
Friend requests will be accepted and honored if possible.
Players will receive equal playing time throughout league play.
Players will receive fair but not necessarily equal playing time during tournament play. However, all players will play multiple innings each game.
Coaches may choose to place players in more structured positions on the field in order to give the team the best chance to succeed.
Probable season schedule:
Games and/or practices 3 nights per week
While school is in session, double-header games are played WED evenings
When school is out, double-header games are played MON and WED evenings
2-3 tournaments total in May and June
State Qualifier tournament at the end of June
State Tournament in July (if qualified)
National Tournament in July (if qualified)
Black:
This is a competitive team. It is meant to develop each and every player but in more of a competitive (play to win) structure.
Friend requests are not applicable for this team as it will be formed through independent evaluators during the evaluations process.
Players will receive equal playing time through all league play but coaches will position players at their discretion.
Players will receive fair, but not necessarily equal playing time during tournaments. However, all players will play several innings each and every game.
Probable season schedule:
games and/or practices 4 nights per week
While school is in session, double-header games are played MON evenings
When school is out, double-header games are played MON and WED evenings
