New to the P.L.A.Y. Softball Program
If you are new to our program this page will provide you with information about the various options available for players - including time commitment, competitive level, and structure.
See the table below for a quick comparison of the playing options.
P.L.A.Y. Softball Options
| PROGRAM | IN-HOUSE | IN-HOUSE | IN-HOUSE | IN-HOUSE | TRAVEL | TRAVEL | TRAVEL | TRAVEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PreK/K | 1st/2nd Grade | 3rd/4th Grade | 5th-12th Grade | 8U | 10U | 12U | 14U | |
| AGE LEVELS | Currently enrolled in K or starting K in Fall | Currently in 1st or 2nd Grade | Currently in 3rd or 4th Grade | Currently in 5th-12th Grade | Born in 9/1/2015 thru 12/31/2017 | Born in 9/1/2012 thru 8/31/2015 | Born in 9/1/2010 thru 8/31/2012 | Born in 9/1/2008 thru 8/31/2010 |
| TIME COMMITMENT | 2 days/week | 2 days/week | 2-3 days per week | 2-3 days per week | 2-3 days/week | 3-4 days/week + weekend tournaments | 4 days/week + weekend tournaments | 4 days/week + weekend tournaments |
| COMPETITIVE LEVEL | Fun and Development | Fun and Development | Fun and Development with moderate competition | Development with moderate competition | Fun and Development with moderate competition | Moderate to High | Moderate to High | Moderate to High |
| PITCHING | T-Ball & Coach Pitch | Machine Pitch | Machine Pitch | Player Pitch - Slowpitch | Machine Pitch | Player Pitch | Player Pitch | Player Pitch |
| SEASON START DATE | Mid to Late April | Mid to Late April | Mid to Late April | Mid to Late April | Mid March | Mid March | Mid March | Mid March |
| SEASON END DATE | Prior to July 4th | Prior to July 4th | Late July | Late July | Early July | Late July | Late July | Late July |
| GAMES | Community League games | Community League games | Community League games | Multi Community League games | 1 league game/week | 1-2 nights per week-double headers | 2 nights per week-double headers | 2 nights per week-double headers |
| TOURNAMENTS | None | None | One at end of season | One mid season, one end of season | 2-3 weekend tournaments + State | 3-6 tournaments depending on qualifications | 3-6 tournaments depending on qualifications | 3-6 tournaments depending on qualifications |
| COST | $97 includes jersey & socks | $150 includes jersey & socks | $175 includes jersey & socks | $220 includes full uniform | $307+ cost of full uniform | $407+ cost of full uniform | $407+ cost of full uniform | $407+ cost of full uniform |
Where to Start?
Many players start by playing in-house softball at a young age. If you are unsure of whether to start with in-house softball or a traveling program, there are numerous options for getting started:
1) Explore this website. This site contains information besides what is on this page, and you can get a small flavor of the differences in rules and atmosphere in the different programs.
2) Read the Travel Handbook and In-House Rule Book. The Fastpitch Softball Handbook has detailed information about the traveling program and the In-House Rule Book outlines the playing rules for In-House levels PreK-4th Grade and the South Metro League Rule Book explains the rules for 5th-12th grade. They are all available for your viewing on our Rules Page.
3) Talk to a Board Member or other program participant. This is a great way to learn more. You can contact a Board Member by accessing the "Board" page on this site and clicking a link to email a Board Member.
4) Attend the winter skills clinic. The winter skills clinic is to help players develop their skills and to assist them in choosing which level of play they are interested in. More information on our Winter Clinic can be found on our Camps and Clinics Page here.
5) Start with Fall Ball. Fall Traveling Softball is a low-pressure option to give traveling a try. Player development is the number one goal with winning being secondary during the first few weeks of league play. The season is short, starts the second week of August through the end of September. Games are played on the weekends only during the fall season.
