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Welcome to Southwest Area Fastpitch! We are a girls youth fastpitch softball organization serving girls ages 10-18 in the St Paul, MN area. We play in the Tri-County Fastpitch League. Teams are typically located in the eastern metro from Forest Lake in the north to Hastings in the south.
By giving girls the opportunity to play competitive fastpitch softball our goals are to;
• Teach girls new skills and the game fundamentals
• Build self esteem and confidence and promote fitness, wellness & health
• Develop respect for others (players, coaches, officials) through teamwork and good sportsmanship
• Allow every player the opportunity to participate & develop
• Meet new friends
• HAVE FUN!!!!
Common Questions:
What is the schedule like? Do I have to give up all of my weekends at the cabin for softball?
Practices begin as weather permits. Teams typically practice two nights a week until league play begins. All league games are double headers played once a week in late May and twice a week after school ends. Some teams practice on weekends after school lets out.
Tournament ball games are typically from Saturday to Sunday. Teams typically play in two tournaments during the season plus a district qualifier and if applicable, the State tournament in July. At this point tournaments are not set for each team.
League game days are Monday & Wednesday for 12U & 16U and Tuesday & Thursday for 14U & 18U. League games are 5 inning double headers with each game lasting 65 minutes. Coaches will determine how early to be at games: generally 45-60 minutes to allow for warm ups, hitting, infield, etc.
How much does it cost?
The 2012 registration fee for returning players is 225.00 for the season. New players need to add a one time 45.00 association fee. The fee provides league play, two tournaments, the district qualifier, shorts, jersey, socks and visor. Jerseys are handed in at the end of the season to reuse the next year. Late registrations (after Feb 25th) will also need to include a 50.00 late fee. There may be individual team fees if extra tournaments or other costs arise.
There are no refunds after the initial number of teams are set as we have to register in the league and the teams are based on the number of registered girls.
Registration form can be found under the HANDOUTS section
What equipment is needed?
Girls should have their own glove, batting helmet and cleats. A sliding pad for their leg is also helpful. Southwest does provide bats but players can also bring their own. Batting helmets need to have a chin strap and face mask.
Where are games played?
Our home games are played at area fields. (CDH, Hillcrest, SPA, etc.)
If I sign up am I automatically on a team?
Evaluations will be held in February to determine teams. Our goal is to have a team for everyone but that is not always possible. Generally each team will have 12-13 players. Sometimes ‘cuts’ are necessary if the numbers don’t work out.
For the 2012 season we will be hosting teams at both the A and B level for 14U & 16U. 12U will be placed in the league where skills are perceived.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
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