Frequently Asked SOFTBALL Questions
- Where and when are practices?
Each team’s manager determines their own practice schedule. Generally, however, Coast and Farm teams practice or play games two days a week, while Minors and Majors teams have three softball activities each week. Practice times for Coast and Farm teams are usually between 60-90 minutes, while the higher divisions practice for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Practice field locations include St. Cecilia’s, Conestoga Middle School,
Summerlake Park, and Nancy Ryles.
- What equipment does a player need?
At a minimum a player should have their own glove and cleats. Each team has a selection of helmets and bats, but many girls prefer to have their own.
- Can my daughter’s friends play on her team?
On Coast and Farm teams we can generally accommodate this request and do our best at the Minors and Majors level.
- Can I request my daughter be placed with a specific manager?
On Coast and Farm team’s we will do our best to honor these requests, but there may be times when it is logistically not possible to do this. Please let us know, though, if you have a request. The Minor and Major teams are drafted so it is not always possible to do this at those levels.
- How many games do the teams play?
Generally, depending upon rainouts, the season consists of approximately 20 games.
- When does the season begin and end?
The regular season is from approximately the beginning of April till the first or second week in June. Some teams may end their season in late May depending upon their schedule. The schedule is set in mid-March.
- How do I know if I am in the Murrayhill Little League boundaries?
If you reside in an area such that your public elementary school is Hiteon, Sexton Mountain, Nancy Ryles, Fir Grove, or Scholl Heights then you are within the MHLL boundaries and eligible to play with us.
- What is the difference between a manager and a coach?
The manager of the team is the person who is ultimately responsible for the team and its players. The coach works closely with the manager and between them they determine how practices will be run, communicate with parents, etc.
- What do I do if I want to manage or coach?
MHLL welcomes and encourages volunteers who are interested in managing or coaching a softball team. Simply go to the “Handouts & Forms” link on the MHLL website and complete the “2008 Manager & Coach Application”. Each application will be reviewed by the Vice President – Softball and decisions about team assignments will be communicated back to the applicant.
- I never played baseball or softball, but could I still coach?
Absolutely. Especially at the Coast and Farm levels prior baseball or softball experience is not necessary. What is necessary is a desire to help young girls have a positive experience through playing softball by promoting a fun and safe environment. Coaches should be organized, positive, good communicators, and willing to learn more about the
sport. MHLL has present and past coaches who can assist a person new to the
sport. In addition, on January 27, 2008, MHLL will be hosting a coach’s clinic
for experienced as well as aspiring coaches. See the website for further details.
At the Minors and Majors level, we encourage managers and coaches to further develop their skills by attending a variety of coaching clinics that take place throughout the area in the January-March timeframe.
- Can my daughter also play softball for ASA?
MHLL encourages girls who wish to further develop their skills to consider participating in ASA. In 2008, MHLL anticipates that we will field a 12U and a 10U ASA team.
- Where are softball games played?
Home games for MHLL are usually played at St. Cecilia, Conestoga Middle School, Summerlake Park, or Nancy Ryles. Away games vary from year to year depending upon which other Little Leagues we are scheduled to play against. In years past, away games may be at Sunset Park, St. Pius, Errol Hassell, Hazeldale, Kinnaman, and Mountain View among others.
Teams in the higher divisions also get the opportunity to play at Alpenrose.
- Are tryouts necessary and is there anyone who is required to do this?
As a league, Murrayhill wants players to play at a level where they will have the most success and enjoyment during the season. We use tryouts to help determine what level a player should play at according to player's ability. We require children who will are league age 9 or older to attend tryouts as well as any players who wish to participate at the minors or majors level regardless of age. Even if you do not believe that you
daughter’s skill level would place her in one of the higher visions, please
attend the tryouts so that the coach’s can make that determination based upon
their years of experience.
- What does League Age refer to?
League Age is the age of your daughter as of December 31, 2007. For example, if your daughter was born on March 8, 1997, her League Age is 10 even though she will be turning 11 years old during the season.
- When and where are tryouts?
Tryouts for the 2008 season will be on Sunday, March 8, 2009 at the Sexton Mountain Elementary School gymnasium. Additional information about tryouts will be on the website.
- How does the draft work?
Shortly after tryouts managers of the Majors and Minors division teams will meet. The Majors managers will first select players for their respective teams in a draft style format. Once their rosters are completed, the Minors division managers will follow a similar format to complete their teams. At the conclusion of the draft, remaining players will be assigned to Farm and Coast teams. Managers will then notify their players as
soon as possible about their team assignments.
- Where do I register and how much does it cost?
Registration information is located on the MHLL website.
- If I have additional questions about SOFTBALL, whom do I contact?
Please direct any softball related questions to Annette Rehms, MHLL’s Vice-President of mhllsoftballvp@aol.com
