F.A.Q.
Subscribe to our NewsletterFrequently Asked Questions
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) are listed with answers to help you understand Northwest Illusion softball. If you have other questions not answered please contact us.
Who may participate in Northwest Illusion softball?
When does softball registration/try outs occur?
Why does softball registration occur so early for this sport?
When does the typical softball season run?
How do I go about registering my child for Northwest Illusion softball?
What does my child need to bring?
Does my child have to attend both tryout sessions?
What is the cost to play Northwest Illusion softball?
What does the registration fee cover?
What equipment will I have to purchase for my child to play Northwest Illusion softball?
How is a player assigned to a team? Are there tryouts?
How many players are on a team?
How are jersey numbers dealt with?
Where, when and how often is practice?
How many games are played? Where and when are they scheduled?
What process is used to place players on a team?
What skills are evaluated at the tryout?
Can a player try out for a team older than her age?
What happens if my daughter does not make a team?
What if we have a family vacation scheduled during the season?
Who may participate in Northwest Illusion softball?
Any girl from 6 years old to 18 years old (based on child's age as of December 31 of the year before the season starts).
When does softball registration/tryouts occur?
Registration/tryouts are usually in July. Typically, previous year players will receive an email reminder about when. It will also be posted on our website.
Why does softball registration occur so early for this sport?
The Northwest Illusion wants to define and commit by the first of August each year as to the number of teams by age and division that will participate in the organization. This is to allow time for the softball board to complete detailed plans for the season including game schedule, training, fundraising, etc. This also provides ample time for Northwest Illusion to acquire and train quality coaches to fill any coaching vacancies.
When does the typical softball season run?
Practice typically begins in January with a pre-season practice schedule. This allows time for the players to get into "softball" shape. The regular season starts with the first games being played, depending on the age division and available tournaments this could be mid to end of April. The season ends after the completion of state tournaments usually in mid-July.
How do I go about registering my child for Northwest Illusion softball?
To register your child for Northwest Illusion softball fill out the online registration during the open registration period.
What will I need to bring?
You will need a copy of their birth certificate and a photo.
What does my child need to bring?
Your child will need to have a glove and a bat and batting helmet.
Does my child have to tryout?
Yes. Tryouts allow us to assess each player's skills and make team selections.
Does my child have to attend both tryout sessions?
No. You only ned to attend on tryout.
What is the cost to play Northwest Illusion softball?
Player fee is stated on the registration page.
What does the registration fee cover?
The fee covers may items including but not limited to:
- Each player is provided jersey. (Player will need to purchase black pants, black socks, and softball shoes)
- Registration costs which are league fees, insurance costs, coach background checks, mailing list costs, etc.
- Practice costs such as practice field (indoor & outdoor) usage & permits, coaching and practice equipment.
- Each team is supplied with set of catcher’s equipment, bats, practice softballs, game softballs, whiffle balls, batting tees, and first aid kits.
- Also included are League fees, field grooming and maintenance costs, umpire costs, and a budget for tournaments.
- Northwest Illusion softball operating expenses such as bank fees, credit card fees, ongoing coaching evaluations, coaches training clinics, and education, copying, postage, etc.
- There are no administrative costs in our programs, the Northwest Illusion program is run entirely by volunteers.
What equipment will I have to purchase for my child to play Northwest Illusion softball?
Each individual player is responsible for purchasing her own batting helmet, bat, glove, black softball pants, black socks, and softball cleats. If purchasing a new cleat please consider purchasing a softball specific cleat, which has a better base specific for softball action. 12U and under cleats are rubber, 14U and older cleats are metal.
How is a player assigned to a team? Are there tryouts?
A softball player is assigned to a team based on what the player's age is on December 31 and skills. We attempt to place a player on a team with the similar skill set and experience level. We look at the whole dynamic of the team, not just one player.
Northwest Illusion typically holds tryouts the last week in July.
How many players are on a team?
Team size can vary depending on the number of kids registering to play but the preferred roster size is 11-12 girls.
How are jersey numbers dealt with?
Northwest Illusion will take requests from new players for a specific jersey number or a request for a jersey number change. We attempt to honor those requests if at all possible. Please note, the priority of duplicate numbers requested will go to returning players first. Request your specific jersey number or choice of jersey numbers will be asked for at the first organization meeting.
Where, when and how often is practice?
Early in the season (Feb-Mar) Northwest Illusion rents the Community Field House to hold practices. Day of week and time varies based on availability.
Most teams will practice 1-2 times per week times. Days, time, and locations vary and are determined by the coaches.
How many games are played? Where and when are they scheduled?
Each age division is different. There are League games or double headers and triangular during the season as well as Tournaments.
The total number of games played in a season depends on how many tournaments and tournament games a team plays.
Tournaments are picked by the coaches and then given to the parents to see if all the girls will be available to participate. Most games are played in the Tri-Cites and most tournaments are in Nebraska.
Younger divisions play fewer tournaments than older divisions
What process is used to place players on a team?
Players are evaluated through a try-out process. No parent may participate in any aspect of the tryout when their child is being evaluated. The board reviews all data and selects the team. Generally, 12 – 13 players are selected to a team.
What skills are evaluated at the tryout?
Infield, Outfield, Hitting in a cage off of a pitching machine, Bunting, Throwing (as an aspect of both infield and outfield) and Foot Speed. Pitching and Catching are also recorded for those interested in the positions but are not part of the players' total evaluation score.
Can a player try out for a team older than her age?
Yes, a player may try out and play for the age division directly above their actual age if all of the following conditions are met: The younger player scores are in the same range as the girls of age, Team is not full and there is room or a need, and it is approved by the board.
What happens if my daughter does not make a team?
While we try to provide an opportunity for all girls that tryout there are times we can’t take everyone. You will be informed if you are or are not selected. If you are not selected for this season you can tryout next year.
What if we have a family vacation scheduled during the season?
Softball requires significant preparation and practice as well as a strong commitment to the team. Family vacations during the season are highly discouraged. Playing time may be impacted because of the time your player misses due to a vacation. You are encouraged to schedule your vacations prior to or after the season to avoid playing time impacts. If you must schedule a family vacation during the season please inform your head coach as soon as possible to understand how your team is impacted.
What if my child decides after signing up then wants to quit? What is the refund policy?
All registration fees for Northwest Illusion softball are 100% non-refundable. Any player that leaves the program after they have been placed on the team will forfeit their registration fee and any fees paid. If you wish to discuss this policy please contact one of the Northwest Illusion softball board member.
What if I want to coach?
When you register your child, notate it on the registration form or let one of the board members know during tryouts.
Who can be a coach?
Anyone can apply to be a head coach or an assistant coach. All coaching candidates will go through a pre-certification process. The process involves filling out an application, undergoing a background check and completing ASA Certification. All Northwest Illusion softball head coaches are evaluated annually both by their parents/players on their team as well as the Northwest Illusion softball representatives. Retention as a Northwest Illusion softball head or assistant coach is offered on a year to year basis based evaluations. If you are interested in coaching Northwest Illusion softball please contact the Northwest Illusion softball representative directly.
How can I help?
There are many volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering your time to the Northwest Illusion organization, please contact a Northwest Illusion softball board directly.
If I have additional questions who do I contact?
Please contact a Northwest Illusion softball board member directly. Contact Page
All information subject to change.
