Team Jersey will be available for rent. Deposit $25 required.
Team visor & socks will be provided to each player.
Softball pants or shorts and softball cleats must be worn. (Team managers may recommend uniform colors for pants.)
Sliding shorts are recommended if softball shorts are worn.
Softball Glove is required. "Position" gloves may be used, not required.
Softball bat, optional. Bats will be available for team use.
Softball Bag recommended to store/carry gear.
Catcher Gear optional for catchers, team gear will be provided.
All player equipment must meet Little League guidelines.
Major Softball is an advanced, competitive level of play. Players will refine the softball skills learned at previous levels.
Score keeping, pitching limits, game scores, and standings are kept. Teams will participate in end of season tournaments, as made available by District 1, based on place of finish.
Players are selected to this level of play through a mandatory tryout and draft process. Players not selected in the draft to a Major division team will be placed in the AAA level of play.
Hitting: Players learn the psychological part of the hitting game; and knowing the count and anticipate a variety of pitches, including pitch location from a more skilled pitcher.
Base running: Players will learn to utilize base coach; Little League lead off after every pitch and anticipate a hit or passed ball; diving back to 1st base.
Throwing: Players learn cutoffs and relays with accuracy and speed as required by the major league level; running down the runner, making only one throw in a run down; and completing a long throw with accuracy and arm strength.
Fielding: Players learn cross-over step to gain momentum for an accurate long throw; and outfield footwork on a fly ball.
Pitching: Players earn fast-pitch fundamentals including pitching to a variety of locations.
Catching: Players learn pick off plays with snap throws and signals; emphasis on moving the target; and framing the catch.
For more information, see Coaching the Alderwood Way.
Practices: Practices are organized by the team manager with assistance from volunteer coaches. Recommended practice frequency is four times a week during the pre-season (starting in mid-February); and once a week during the season. Practices are held at local school fields in the Edmonds School District. Team managers may opt to hold practice at an indoor location, additional and nominal fees may be incurred by players.
Games: Teams participate in two games a week during the regular season. Game schedules will be available at least one week prior to the start of game play. Home games will be held at the Alderwood Little League complex. Teams will participate in inter-league play with other leagues in Snohomish County, typically organized by regions.
Games are limited to a maximum of 6 innings or 2 hours and 15 minutes in length. Game play is competitive such that scores and standings will be kept. Game play will be in accordance with Little League Rules and Local rules. Note: Each league/home field may have slightly varied rules.
Season: The eight week regular season typically starts late March, ending the week prior to Memorial Day.
The first place team will represent Alderwood Little League at the Washington District 1 Tournament of Champions beginning Memorial Day weekend. All other teams may participate in post-season tournament, if available. See annual calendar for dates.
Players League Age 10, 11 and 12 year old girls ONLY may participate in the Major level of play. All players must participate in Major Softball tryouts, see calendar for date, for consideration in the draft for this level of play. (League age is a player's age as of December 31st, see Registration Basics for age chart.)
Parents volunteers serve as team manager, coaches, dugout coach, assistant during practices, Team parent, Concession Volunteer, umpire (when staff umpire not available), and other roles as may be identified by the team manager. Training is provided for manager or coaching positions, more information in Parent section.
Parents are expected to have their child at each practice and game on time, and communicate with the team manager when the child will be absent. Parents are strongly encouraged to practice with players at home to develop skills.
See "Parent" Section of this website for more information.
