Philosophy

For girls interested in a more competitive level of play, the traveling league is offered. It requires a greater commitment, in that each participant is expected to attend all practices, league games and weekend tournaments during the summer season. Emphasis is on skill development, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship and respect for others.

 

Recognizing that individuals will have different skills and needs, a positive environment will be created to foster contribution, accomplishment, confidence and a feeling of self-worth in all players. Coaches will strive to see that each participant will be treated fairly and know they are an important part of the team and that their contribution is valued.

 

The following age divisions are offered:

10 and under

12 and under

14 and under

16 and under

18 and under

Teams are formed according to age guidelines set by the American Softball Association (ASA) and American Fastpitch Association (AFA), availability of coaches and if necessary by tryouts.

 

Fundraising may be used to help raise additional funds that benefit either the competitive program only or both the recreational and competitive programs. One or more fundraisers may be conducted during the year which will involve the participation of all members. In addition, businesses may be solicited for contributions.

 

Fees charged for each season’s program are expected to cover normal expenses of the program so that proceeds raised from fund-raising may go into the general fund to be put to use at the discretion of the Board. Typical projects funded in the past from fund-raising dollars include field improvements, storage lockers, radar gun, equipment, and coach’s training.

 

In addition, individual teams may fundraise for special events (for example, out-of-state tournament play). Dependent on Board discretion and availability of funds, the Board may provide a contribution out of general funds to teams qualifying for an ASA or AFA national tournament outside the Twin Cities area to help offset travel expenses. 

 

The following are the program goals for competitive softball:

·         Provide effective, high quality training for players and coaches at all levels.

·         Provide programs that are cooperative with and respected by other community programs.

·         Strive to create a fun and entertaining environment for the players, families, coaches and community.

·         Seek to maximize the potential of every player in the program.

·         Develop players and teams that are able to compete at a national level.

·         Encourage and foster player participation for the full length of a player’s youth sports career.

·         Foster the importance of teamwork and the understanding that all team members play an integral part in the success of the team.

·         To promote skill development and create a positive self-esteem for every player

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Players are eligible to participate subject to the following criteria:

·         Resident Eden Prairie (regardless of school attended) – non-residents will be allowed to play if the Board determines that additional players are needed to field a team at an age group or to provide a team needed pitching and catching.

·         Must have paid all applicable fees – past and present

·         Must have filled out all required forms, including any signed waivers and commitment forms required

·         Must meet age guidelines for the age group signed up for (as determined by ASA and AFA – current rules are based by the age as of January 1 of the current calendar year (summer season). For fall season, the age is determined by the age as of the following January 1^st (age for next summer season).

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·         All players must register & try out at their current age level (the youngest age group they qualify for). A player may be asked to play up based on the position that is determined by the Board to be needed for the current season. The player being asked must be determined to be a top player through the tryout and other available information, they must not displace an older player, and they have the right to refuse.

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·         Playing Up to a 16 club team

·         The following guidelines are used:

1.      You must declare your intent to play up to the Travel Commissioner

2.      You must attend the 16U tryout

3.      You must finish in the top six rated players

4.      A maximum of three players may move up

5.      You can only move up to a 16U club team. If no club team is formed you may move up to a 16A team

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Registration for summer traveling softball is held January/February for 10U through 14U. 16U and 18U are held in the fall. Registration can be made in person at one of the scheduled registration sessions or by mail. Registration forms will generally be mailed to all participants from the prior year. However, this should not be relied upon due to potential errors in our mailing list. It is the players and parents responsibility to seek out registration information – watch for announcements and/or forms in the local newspaper or online at www.epfastpitch.com. A registration deadline will be announced on the form and may be different each year. 

 

The summer traveling season is for those individuals who desire a competitive softball experience in the main part of the season. Teams participate in a league and play a number of tournaments on the weekends.

 

Practices usually start in April. League games typically begin in May and continue until early to mid July. League games are played on 1-3 weeknights per week, doubleheader style, the first game beginning at 6:15 PM. They will be played at sites throughout the Metro area but are primarily in the south and west suburbs. Exceptions:

·         10U – League games are played only one night a week – usually Mondays. This allows for more practice time with this age group to allow significant time for skill development.

·         16U/18U (potentially 14U) – If the team has a number of players on the school teams, early season games may be rescheduled and league games and practices may not start until the school season is over. 

 

Postseason play includes a State Qualifying tournament. Based on the results, a team may qualify for an A, B or C level State Tournament in July. Based upon the results at the State Tournament, a team could potentially extend their season into August by qualifying for a Regional or National Tournament.

 

Memorial Day weekend and 4th of July weekend are generally not scheduled for tournaments without parent agreement. However, while not generally the rule, the State Qualifier has been known to be scheduled for the 4^th of July weekend. EP FASTPITCH has no control over the dates scheduled for state qualifier, state, regional, or national tournaments.

 

Practice begins in April with a goal of at least 8-12 full practices before the first game. (Pitchers and catchers will be expected to put in more time!). Exception: teams with a significant number of their players on high school teams will likely practice less prior to their first games.

 

After league play commences, a typical week will consist of one or two practices each week.

 

The registration fee covers the following expenses:

·         General administration fees (newsletter postage, copying costs, storage shed rental, post office box, etc.)

·         Uniforms

·         Team insurance

·         Equipment expenses

·         League fee

·         Playing fees (game balls, field maintenance, umpire fees, tournament fees)