Spring recreational softball runs from April through the end of June. This program focuses on skill development and fun for children ages 4 and up. Girls are coached by capable volunteers/parents with an emphasis on sportsmanship and teamwork, as well as progressing their softball skills.
Age Divisions Offered:
6u (Tee-ball) |
age 4-6 |
This division is recommended for girls age 4-6 who are first getting exposure to softball. This may be their first season playing, or maybe they have played a season of ball but aren't quite ready for the step to coach pitching. Players will learn the fundamentals of hitting off a tee, fielding, throwing and catching, as well as teamwork. A 10" ball is used. Games will be played between other South Colonie teams.
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7u (Tee-ball) |
age 6-7 |
This division is recommended for girls age 6-7 who have played Tee-ball and are ready for the next step to try coach-pitch. If they are unable to make contact after a fair amount of pitches, they will have a chance to hit off a tee. Players will continue to learn the fundamentals of hitting , fielding, throwing and catching, as well as more situational softball skills. An 11" softie ball is used. Games will be played between other South Colonie teams.
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8u |
age 7-8 |
This is the start of our official USA Softball Divisions. Players will continue to learn fundamentals of the game and continue with live coach pitch. Players will have a chance to hit a reasonable amount of pitches or will be called out. An 11" ball will be used from a distance of 30'. Games will be played primarily between other South Colonie teams, possibly against other local town leagues pending schedule needs. |
10u |
age 9-10 |
Players will experience the addition of player-pitch in combination with live coach pitch with an 11" ball from a distance of 35', and expansion of fielding and base running rules. Games will be played against other inner-league South Colonie Teams, as well as against other local town leagues. |
12u |
age 11-12 |
Players will participate in a more competitive softball experience including exclusive player-pitching with a 12" ball from a distance of 40', and final expansion of all playing rules. Games will be played against other South Colonie Teams, as well as against other local town leagues. |
14u |
age 13-14 |
Players will participate in a more competitive softball experience including exclusive player-pitching with a 12" ball from a distance of 43', and final expansion of all playing rules. Games will be played against other local town leagues. |
*Teams for 14u and 16u are offered dependent on enrollment and may be combined as needed.
** If you are unsure which age division your child should be in based on their month of birth, please refer to the
USA softball website calculator.
***When registration allows, we reserve the right to add age divisions and amend playing rules to promote maximal skill development.
Schedule:
- Rec season runs for approximately 7 weeks. The season officially commences with opening day—though games and practices may start the week prior—and concludes after closing night.
- Most teams average 2 games per week, plus practice schedules set by the head coach/team manager.
- Typical game days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. However, games may be scheduled any day of the week. Games canceled due to weather/schedule conflicts will be made up as the schedule allows.
- You can view the game schedule for the season by logging in to Sports Connect via our website after it is posted (typically a few weeks before the season starts). Reminder emails will be sent for each game and practice, or for any changes made to your schedule.
- The full calendar of all games and practices for every age division is visible on the website under the 'Calendar' tab on the main header.
Pricing:
- Enrollment costs cover equipment (practice and game balls, field chalk, pitching mounds, bases, tees, and shareable team equipment), softball socks, team jerseys for all players (tee-shirts for Tee-ball), end-of-season trophies, and umpire fees for 10u and older (including games scheduled with outside town leagues).
- Seasonal registration prices vary depending on the age division and will be available to families at the time of registration.
Player Requirements:
- Have fun!
- All players are expected to show good sportsmanship on the field, towards their teammates, and towards opposing teams, coaches, and umpires.
- Recommended gear: cleats, bat, black softball pants.
- Required gear:
- Fielding glove
- Fielding face mask (7u and older)
- Batting helmet (7u and older must include an attached face mask)
- The league often has a supply of donated equipment. If you are interested or in need of donated equipment, please contact a board member for assistance.
Parent Requirements:
- Have fun!
- All parents and visitors are expected to show good sportsmanship on the sidelines, towards opposing teams, coaches, and umpires.
- Parent coach volunteers are required to complete a USA Softball Safe Sport background check. *Please see the link under the 'Programs' tab.
- Each player's family will be required to work up to 2 concession shifts during the season.
- Concession schedules are set by your team's head coach/manager.
- Concession buy-outs are available as the schedule allows. A limited number of buy-outs are allowed per shift.
Assistance:
- Here at South Colonie Girls Softball, we believe every child should have the ability to participate in youth sports programs.
- If you are interested in registering your child but have difficulty affording tuition, there are programs available that offer tuition scholarships, including All Kids Play. *Please see the link for this program under the 'Programs' tab.