MINOR LEAGUE SOFTBALL
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Primarily a league for 9 and 10 year olds. Upon request 8 year olds may be considered for a Minor Team.
REGISTRATION:
Player Skill Assessment Clinic:
Players are assigned randomly to teams in the Minors. However, 10 year olds, who can play in either Minors or Majors, should attend the softball skills assessment to allow our softball managers to evaluate skill levels. If you want your 10 year old to be considered for the Majors (10, 11 and 12 year old), attendance at the skills assessment is a necessity.
SEASON:
Pre-season typically starts in late February/early March. Regular season typically starts in late March and runs through mid June.
GAMES:
Each team will be scheduled for 15-16 games during the season. Usually two games per week, one game during the week and one on Saturday.
Games played during the week start at 5:45 PM.
Games played on Saturday will be scheduled to start at times ranging from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Game length is typically 1½ hours and can go no longer than 1 hour, 50 minutes. Minors are scheduled for six innings, but games end if time expires first.
PRACTICE:
Practice occurs two to three times a week prior to the season, with usually one practice per week during the season. Practice schedules vary from team to team based on the requirements of the manager.
UNIFORMS:
TLL provides a jersey, visor and softball shorts. The girls will keep their jersey and visor after the season ends.
Players provide team socks, and rubber softball cleats or sneakers.
PLAYING EQUIPMENT:
Players provide a glove, and are encouraged to have their own bat. Some bats are provided to each manager by TLL.
TEAM:
Teams usually consist of 12-14 players, a volunteer manager, two volunteer coaches, field preparation coordinator, and a volunteer team parent.
Other parents are encouraged to help at practices.
PHILOSOPHY:
To have fun learning the basic fundamentals and game strategy of softball.
VOLUNTEER WORK/FUND RAISING:
TLL is an all volunteer organization. We need everyone’s help! Parents are expected to serve one shift of concession stand duty during the season and to support the TLL Family Fun Day (Carnival-Picture Day).
LEAGUE DIRECTOR:
MINOR LEAGUE SOFTBALL - FAQ’s
Q: Do you keep score and are there umpires?
A: Yes. Every manager maintains a scorebook. League standings are kept to determine a regular season winner and to determine playoff games. There is a home plate umpire and a manager from the previous game to umpire the bases.
Q: What size field do they play on and where is the field?
A: All games are played on a regulation Little League Softball field with a dirt infield and grass outfield. Minors will play on Softball Field #1 or Softball Field #2. Bases are 60’ apart and the pitchers’ circle is 35’ from home plate. Minors use an 11” ball.
Q: Can I have my child play on a team with their friends?
A: Yes! For friendship and car-pooling purposes, we are happy to accommodate requests for girls to play together. Each girl may request to play on the same team as one or two of her friends(s). Each girl MUST have the other girls’ names written on her registration form, so please ask about this at registration.
Q: Can I Manage or coach a team?
A: Yes, if positions are available. Prospective managers must complete an online application in October. If you would to serve a coach please note that on your child's spring registration form. All managers and coaches must be approved by the Tuckahoe Little League Board of Directors.
Q: How much will my child get to play?
A: To be fair to all players, our rules require that each child play in at least half of each game and start at least half of the games.
Q: What are the volunteer requirements?
A: TLL is an all volunteer organization so there are many ways to volunteer. Help is always needed with registration, team parenting, assisting with picture and carnival day activities, helping with post-season tournaments, and working in the concession stand to name just a few of the many ways to help support TLL.
Q: Why a draft (for 10 year olds interested in playing in the Majors)? Sounds pretty serious.
A: A draft is the best way to evenly spread the various skill level of players throughout the league. TLL holds a player skills assessment clinic. Each child is required to swing a bat and run to first base, throw the ball, field a ground ball and catch a fly ball. The player’s skills are assessed and the manager then decides what child he would like to draft in the various rounds of the draft.
Q: I have two daughters and I’d rather not be driving them back and forth to practices and games every night. Can they be on the same team?
A: Yes! As long as they both play in the Minors. Please indicate your request on the registration form.
Q: What is “league-age?”
A: Your child’s age on December 31, 2006 will determine what league she may play in. For example, if she turns 9 on or before December 31, 2006, she will play in the Minor League.
Q: My daughter is 10 but has never played before. I’m worried about her attending the skills assessment because the Majors may be a bit too advanced for her. Can I ask that she play in the Minors?
A: Yes. 10-year-olds are asked to participate in the skills assessment clinic. They are then placed on either a Minors team or a Majors team, pending the managers’ evaluations. Please indicate your preference that she play in the Minors on the registration form. However, we still ask you to have your child participate in the skills assessment clinic and allow our managers and coaches an opportunity to evaluate her.
Q: My daughter is 9 but has never played before. I’m worried that the Minors may be a bit too advanced for her. Can she play in the 7-8 year old league (pending its formation)?
A: Yes, but please be sure to put this request on her registration form and discuss it with the Player Agen and League Director.
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