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Frequently Asked Questions
Please scroll through this list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to help you with the registration process and your experience in the Green Hornets Softball Program.
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When will I hear from the coach about what team my child is on?
Please remember that the Green Hornets Softball program is run by volunteers at every level. There is alot going on during the weeks following registration and that first call from your player's coach. Please be patient. Normally you can expect to be contacted by your player's coach by mid-March and practices will begin in late March or early April depending on the league and the start date of games.
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Are there player evaluations in Softball?
Player evaluations are only required for age groups playing in the NCCGSL which currently includes 10U, 12U, and 14U. The purpose of player evaluations are to ensure teams are evenly matched within a given league. This is a requirement of NCCGSL. Player evaluations are held in early Spring.
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What equipment does my T-Ball or Softball Player need?
In T-ball, the basic equipment your player will need is a glove. She/he will receive a uniform and cap and bats, balls & bases are provided by Green Hornets. Certainly, your child is allowed to use their own bat if they have one.
Rubber cleats are optional - but many children do find them helpful on the dirt infields. If you decide to purchase cleats for your child - keep in mind that if your child is also going to be playing soccer - you should purchase soccer cleats and use them for softball. If you purchase a softball/baseball cleat, it will have an extra rubber cleat at the front end of the bottom of the shoe. This shoe type is not allowed in soccer. A soccer style cleat is allowed in softball.
As your player moves up to 8U Coach Pitch and beyond, rubber cleats are encouraged. Mouthguards are not mandatory - but are recommended in the upper leagues especially for players who wear braces. All upper softball leagues also receive uniforms and visors in addition to all equipment, except a mitt, needed for practices and games.
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What size glove does my child need?
When purchasing a glove or using a "hand-me-down" - size does matter - but it is not the only thing to be considered. For T-ballers - the best fit is something small - but also something flexible - that's why "hand-me-downs" can work the best. Small hands can't squeeze a brand new glove - so check out your neighborhood yard sale and pick up something that has been broken in for your new player. Make sure to put your name on it too!
As your player grows not only in size but in ability - the glove size needs to change as well. T-Ballers use a small, baseball sized ball that is soft. 8U Coach Pitch moves to an 11" softball sized ball - it too is soft. 10U uses an 11" ball - but it is a hard ball. 12U and above use a 12" hard ball. Keep these sizes in mind when purchasing a new glove.
Although age is also a factor, the position you play is also an important consideration in choosing a softball glove.
Youngsters/Beginners
- Youth models are smaller to help kids maintain control
- Avoid the urge to buy a bigger glove that you'll grow into
- Kids under the age of 8 should stick with a glove from 9 to 11 inches
- Kids from 8 to early teens, consider an 11-inch glove
- Beginners also benefit from the added control that they get from smaller gloves
High School/ Adult
- Outfielders need 12 to 12 1/2 inch gloves with deeper pockets
- Infielders need smaller gloves (10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch) with shallower pockets for better control and quicker ball transfer
- Pitchers can go with a slightly larger glove than infielders but still need a small enough glove for fielding and throwing quickly
- Softball players require gloves that are slightly longer in length and deeper in the pocket to help field the bigger ball
Determining Your Glove Size
| Age |
Position |
Glove size |
| Under 8 |
Infield |
9 inches |
| Under 8 |
Outfield |
11 inches |
| 9-13 |
Infield |
9-10 inches |
| 9-13 |
Outfield |
11-12 inches |
| High School/Adult |
Infield |
10 1/2-11 1/2 inches |
| High School/Adult |
Outfield |
12-12 1/2 inches |
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