Is this a recreational or competitive softball league?
SBMSA is first and foremost a recreational softball league for young ladies to be active outside and enjoy learning and playing softball. On the whole, we embrace healthy competition and the great life lessons that it teaches. We also provide our more competitive all-star tournament players access to high performance teams to excel and work toward high school and potentially college softball.
How many practices and games will there be per week?
Practices are usually twice a week, and there is usually one game per week, though sometimes one practice is exchanged for a second game. Some coaches choose to practice at their local elementary school field for convenience, but others choose to practice at the game fields at Guthrie Center or Spring Branch Elementary. Once your player is assigned to a team, the specific dates of practices and games will be set.
What are the registration dates?
For 2022, registration opens on November 27th. Registration closes on January 17th.
How much is registration?
6U - players born in 2017, 2016 and 2015 = $225.00
8U - players born in 2014 and 2013 = $225.00
10U - players born in 2012 and 2011 = $225.00
12U - players born in 2010 and 2009 = $225.00
14U - players born in 2008 and 2007 = $225.00
What is the age cut-off date for each age level?
We use the USA Softball's age cut-off which occurs at the end of each calendar year. Therefore all children born during a calendar year play in the same age level, unlike school grade cut-offs which normally occur around September 1st. The benefit to “recreational” softball players is that younger/smaller players are not “forced” every other year to play up in a higher age division with their older/bigger classmates, but instead the parents are allowed to choose whether or not their child will play up early in the higher age division.
What equipment will we need?
You will need to provide your daughter a softball glove and a helmet. Many players and coaches already have bats she can to try out. We suggest you use a other player’s and coach’s bats first so that you can determine the right bat size for your daughter and whether to buy to borrow.
Are there tryouts for all age levels?
The younger ages, 6U and 8U, do not have tryouts. Those division’s teams are formed primarily by elementary school with parents taking the lead to coordinate and assemble teams. The teams will have players from more than one grade level and the parents will to work together with the age level commissioner to achieve a fair distribution. Some schools that may not have enough players to form a team and will combine their players with another school with the assistance of the age level commissioner.
The 10U, 12U and 14U divisions do attend a tryout in the form of a “skills assessment.” The actual date will be listed in the season calendar and the exact time via email. All skill levels are welcome. We often have 2 or 3 new first time players on each team even in our oldest age group.
When are tryouts?
The 14U tryouts are already finished. The 10U and 12U tryouts are January 23th. The exact tryout times will be announced via email.
When do we find out what team we are on?
The 6U and 8U teams will be contacted by their coaches a day or so after registration closes on January 19th. The 10U and 12U teams will be contacted immediately after the draft night during the week of January 24th. The 14U teams will be contacted by their coaches a day or two after the 14U tryouts.
What if we register late?
All late registrants are placed on a wait list and only added to team if room permits.
Refunds?
You may request a refund up to the day regular registration closes, but there will be a $35 administrative fee. After January 19th there will be no refunds.
When do practices start?
Practices will begin no earlier than February 5th. Coaches will provide their players information on the times and dates for practices.
Volunteers?
We welcome parent volunteers. All volunteers on the field or in the dugout must apply online to volunteer on the SBMSA website before being permitted to be in the dugout area. When registering you can volunteer to manage a team, coach, be a team mom, etc.