Our softball program is based on the Cal Ripken League guidelines and is a developmental program for girls ages 7-12 to learn the necessary skills and rules to play the game. The league will consist of teams from Mechanic Falls, Minot, Oxford, Otisfield, South Paris, Bethel, Paris, West Paris and Norway.
Softball Director: Jeremy Lothrop:
He can be reached @ 212-2011. Email: lothrop00@gmail.com
2021 Planning:
Each year we attempt to offer a team at Rookies, Minors and Majors. If we do not have enough for any level, we will reach out to Mechanic Falls or other towns to see if we can combine players. Based on our numbers from the past two years we may be able to offer a majors team for the first time in many years!
We will have to follow any league and state guidelines pertaining to covid-19. Unless guidelines change, we can anticipate that players will need to wear a mask at practices and games. If outdoor gathering size limits do not change, we can anticipate that we will have a maximum allowance of 100 persons at any field (which includes, players, officials, coaches and spectators)
If we merge at any level...By merging with another town, there will be more flexibility (2) Having kids who loves sports play on teams with other towns in our area will only help them in the long run as they have more opportunity to meet kids that they eventually will go to school with in Middle School and High school.
Practices: Typically two nights per week (TBD)Anticipated game days:Rookies: Sundays and Mondays-May thru JuneMinors: Tuesdays and Thursdays-May thru JuneMajors: Sundays
Coaching:
If you are interested in coaching at any level, please contact Scott: ssegal@polandtownoffice.org or call # 838-8632
Team Sponsors:
We are looking for sponsors for Rookies, Minors and Majors. If you are interested in sponsoring a team, please contact Scott: ssegal@polandtownoffice.org or call # 838-8632
Rookies, Minors and Majors sponsor = $300.00
Senior League Sponsor = $400.00
Name of the business will be printed on the back of the jersey.
Batting Cages:
We are attempting to obtain some batting cage times either at In the Zone or Ingersol. Once we nail down dates and times, we will notify coaches and players. Unfortunately this year, we are going to have to pass along the cost to players for the batting cages, as our budget will not allow us to cover this cost. More information to follow.
Assessment Date and times: TBD
We will only hold assessments if we have indoor space to accommodate. If we do not hold assessments, the coaches will split into teams if we have enough players to have more than one team at any level.
All Registrations:
To register for Poland Parks & Recreation Youth softball you must be a Poland resident.
Registration Begins: February 23, 2021
All-stars:
If the State Cal Ripken and Andy Valley participate in all stars, our players will have an opportunity to be nominated. Towards the end of the season, coaches nominate players for various all star age groups. At the All star meeting in mid-June the league coaches determine the all star team. Anyone from our program who is interested in being nominated for all stars, coaches will make sure to have parents sign a commitment letter, as the all star season runs into the summer months.
**Note: softball is a team sport that requires positioning of players. Coaches are responsible to place players based on safety, skill level and desire. Parents are welcome to give feedback to the coach with the understanding that the coach makes the final decision on player positioning.
Be sure to check out our Sports Recycling program. We have used cleats, gloves, helmets, etc..
Cost:
Option #1 $100- this fee is for those who do not wish to participate in the fundraiser (includes $60 reg. + $40 opt out fee.)
Option#2 $60.00 - this lower fee is for those who will be required to participate in the fundraiser.
Note: The softball program is expensive to run and all revenues go to support softball. We do not make a profit operating softball. Expenses are league dues, uniforms, equipment, officials for certain levels, bathrooms, end of season gatherings, etc...
Fundraiser:
Due to covid-19 restrictions, instead of the usual tagging fundraiser, we will be selling prize calendars. We are looking for local businesses and families to donate prizes for the calendar. Items such as gift certificates, something home made, a service or maybe you have a camp that you would be willing to donate for a week or weekend? If you are willing to donate an item, please email Vanessa: vharlow@polandtownoffice.org
We will need to collect any donations by March 26th
Calendars will go on sale: April 5 thru April 26
Calendar winners drawn: Month of May
Uniform:
The Parks & Recreation department will supply each player with: pants, team color jersey and socks.
The players get to keep the entire uniform!
Equipment: *Your child will need to have a glove, softball mask (ask your coach if you need advice), helmet, cleats, and a water bottle for practices & games.The Parks & Recreation Dept. will supply all equipment such as: bats, catchers gear, softballs, etc...
Helmets:
We are encouraging players to acquire their own helmets, so players are not sharing helmets...We will have some used helmets available if a player needs one. Softball face mask rule from 2019:
- Babe Ruth Softball Rule Change – Face Masks– Face Masks are required for the infield positions – First, Third and Pitcher. We will have a few face masks on hand. However, we are recommending that softball players provide their own for hygienic reasons if it is anticipated that they will play any of the above positions.
Andy Valley Softball Rubric – Guidelines for different Softball levels.
For Rookies, This skill set is often the goal for the end of the season. For Minors and Majors, these skills should be evident or close to evident at the beginning of the season. Players are welcomed to bring their own equipment as well.
Level Suggested Ages Infield & Throwing; Outfield & Fielding Pitching Base-Running
Assessment for 6 year olds (If your child is age 6 by December 31, 2020) If you feel your child is ready for Rookie softball, you can request your child be assessed by contacting our office (ssegal@polandtownoffice.org) with the following understanding;
(1) Your child has participated in at least one year of tee ball
(2) There would have to be room for your child to be moved up
(3) The assessment would determine if your child is recommended to be moved up.
Rookies
Ages: 9 & Under Grades 2,3,4
* Able to demonstrate proper technique (triangle, glove down, bent knees, hips balanced).
* Able to throw with some accuracy. * Catchers able to catch and stop 75% of pitches
* Can demonstrate proper technique on a fly ball.
* Can catch a fly ball if thrown to them in practice.
* Pays attention to the game.
* Shows a desire to want to pitch and willing to work on mechanics.
* Practices these mechanics at home
*Can run to first,, round the bag and slide into home
Minors Ages: 10-13 Mostly 4th, 5th and 6th graders. May include Middle School girls who might or might not play school softball.
* Able to demonstrate proper technique and charge in on a ball, making an accurate throw to first base.
* Catchers catch 90% of pitches and throw to 2nd when necessary.
* Can catch a fly ball hit directly to them and field hard hit ground balls.
* Knows to throw to the proper base.
* Able to throw strikes.
* Willing to throw 100 extra pitches at home, practicing technique.
* Willing to slide into bases.
* Knows and demonstrates good base running.
Majors Ages: 12-14 (Mostly Middle School age girls who probably play school Softball).
Talented 5th or 6th graders able to play.
* Can play any infield position and with proper technique field hard hit ground balls.
* Infielders understand rotations on a bunt and can apply those rotations.
* Throws are strong and accurate according to position. Catchers can throw out a base- stealer
* Can track fly balls in the gaps by turning their hips and using angles, Can catch the ball and throw to the correct base,
* Can prevent hard it ground balls from going to the fence and throw to any base, hitting the cut-off infielder with accuracy.
*Able to throw fastball for strikes.
* Working on off speed pitch or other pitches.
* Able to field the bunt
* Slides into all bases.
* Can steal a base by getting a good jump of the release of the pitch.
* Aggressively takes the extra base.
Senior League Softball: This program goes from late June thru early August. We usually play an 8-12 game schedule with surrounding towns.
Due to participant numbers, most likely we will combine with another town.
Registration Ends: March 22, 2021
The last time that we had a team was in 2019.
This is for girls age 14 thru 19...Birth date as of December 31, 2020
Payment Options
Pay entire amount via credit card online (There is a 3% convenience fee) or
Choose print out registration form option to pay via check
(be advised that this option will say that you are not registered until payment has been received) Do not worry, your registration will be accepted and processed. Balance owed will be posted on your account.
Check payable to: Town of Poland