Update to Age Eligibility
Eden Prairie Fastpitch follows the USA Softball guidelines for teams. The table below shows what this means for the Spring/Summer 2023 season.
Current
|
Division
|
Age
|
Date of Birth
|
|
6U
|
6 and under
|
2016 and 2017
|
|
8U
|
8 and under
|
2014 and 2015
|
|
10U
|
10 and under
|
2012 and 2013
|
|
12U
|
12 and under
|
2010 and 2011
|
|
14U
|
14 and under
|
2008 and 2009
|
However, USA Softball has recently updated its guidelines to better align age eligibility with a player's grade level. Beginning in Fall 2023, USA Softball age guidelines are as follows:
New, starting Fall 2023
|
Division
|
Age
|
Date of Birth Range
|
|
6U
|
6 and under
|
9/1/16 to 8/31/18
|
|
8U
|
8 and under
|
9/1/14 to 8/31/16
|
|
10U
|
10 and under
|
9/1/12 to 8/31/14
|
|
12U
|
12 and under
|
9/1/10 to 8/31/12
|
|
14U
|
14 and under
|
9/1/08 to 8/31/10
|
What does this mean for my player?
As a result of these changes, some girls born in even years between September 1 and December 31 will find themselves with an extra year of eligibility at their current age division.
As an organization and as fellow parents, we realize that some girls in this situation may have spent years working towards a specific softball-related goal and developing relationships with their peers who they have played with under the previous age requirements.
My player is affected by this change. What are my options?
EPFA will be offering families who are expecting to move up, but now find themselves with an additional year of eligibility, a one-time option to either move up and align an extra year of eligibility at the higher level or stay down and experience a 3rd year of eligibility at their current level.
Once families register their player for their next eligible season (Fall ’23, Dome ’23, or Spring/Summer ’24), that player will remain in that age cohort for the rest of her time with Eden Prairie Fastpitch. No individual accommodations will be made.
In order to be eligible to participate, players must meet the following criteria:
-
Be a resident of Eden Prairie, OR
-
Attend an Eden Prairie school (regardless of city of residence)
-
Must have paid all applicable fees – past and present
-
Must have filled out all required forms, including any signed waivers and commitment forms required
Non-residents may be allowed to play if the EP Fastpitch Board determines that additional players are needed to field a team at an age group. Non-resident players must also acquire a waiver from the softball association of their home city.
