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EVAA Traveling Fastpitch Softball
2011 Season
2011 10U-A Season
GENERAL INFORMATION
Traveling softball is primarily for those players living within the EVAA draw area. Players from outside the draw area may participate in accordance with the EVAA Traveling Program Participation Policy. All players must be female between the ages of 8 and 16.
Based on number of participants, EVAA Softball will make every attempt to offer one or more traveling teams for girls aged 10 and under (10U), 12 and under (12U), 14 and under (14U), and 16 and under (16U) .
The age level for which a player is eligible is the same as the player's age as of December 31 of the year preceding the current season. Tri-County League and NAFA rules do not allow a player to "play down" to a younger age group for any reason.
Provided there are enough participants, EVAA Softball attempts to offer opportunities for play at various skill levels within each age group. If at all possible, at least one team at the highest skill or A level will be fielded at each level. The number of participants and their skill level (based on their tryout results) will determine how many additional teams can be fielded and at what level, A, B or C. “A” level teams play the strongest opponents at the league and tournament level, and frequently qualify for a regional or national tournament. B level teams will play a schedule against similar B teams during league and tournaments. Note that EVAA Softball tries to register B level teams in tournaments with other B level teams however, EVAA Softball has no control over the exact format of each tournament and B level teams may end up playing A level teams during a tournament.
EVAA Softball has established a reputation and tradition of excellence. As we strive to achieve the highest level of play possible in our summer traveling program, we ask all participants to plan to be available for all practices and the likelihood of post-season play. Many of our teams (A and B level) will qualify for regional tournaments typically held the last week of July. These tournaments are often held in Minnesota but some are held elsewhere throughout the Midwest. Parents please realize that these tournaments are often the highlight of the year for the players and when key players can't attend with the rest of their team due to other commitments, it jeopardizes the opportunity for all (we have had years where one or two players had scheduling conflicts that caused the entire team to miss these great opportunities).
If a player determines that she cannot participate at a minimum 80% of the time for practices, games and post-season play, the player or parent must indicate this limitation on their registration as availability may affect to which team the player is assigned. In addition, participation below the 80% level may adversely affect playing time (see below).
SOFTBALL PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
(Revised June 2011)
Traveling softball is the most competitive level of play in EVAA softball. While more emphasis is placed on competing and striving to win, winning is not the only focus of traveling softball. Winning at the constant expense of specific individuals will not be allowed.
The primary emphasis of traveling softball will be skill development, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship and respect for others. Recognizing that individuals will have different skill levels and needs, the program will seek to maximize the potential of every player. Each participant will be treated fairly and know that they are an important part of the team and that their contribution is valued.
SUMMER TRAVELING PROGRAM
Each age level has a slightly different softball season as follows:
10U: Practice begins when the city of Apple Valley opens the fields in the spring (usually mid- to late April), league games begin the first week of May, teams play doubleheaders on Thursdays only until school lets out in June. Then they play doubleheaders on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the end of June. The state qualifying tournament is usually held the last week of June, the state tournament the weekend after the 4th of July, and regional tournaments the last week of July.
12U: Practice begins when the city of Apple Valley opens the fields in the spring (usually mid- to late April), league games begin the first week of May, teams play on doubleheaders on Mondays and Wednesdays until the end of June, the state qualifier tournament is usually held the last week of June, the state tournament the weekend after the 4th of July, and regional tournaments the last week of July.
14U: Practice begins in May, league games begin the third week of May, teams play on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the end of June, the qualifier tournament is usually held the last week of June, the state tournament the weekend after the 4th of July, and regional tournaments the last week of July.
16U: Practice begins after the high school season ends, league games begin early June, teams play on Mondays and Wednesdays until the beginning of July. The state qualifier tournament usually held in early July, the state tournament the weekend after the qualifier, and regional tournaments the last week of July.
PLAYING TIME
Equal playing time is not guaranteed. However, over the course of the season each participant will get a fair and ample amount of playing time. Each coach is responsible for assuring this happens. At a minimum each participant will play the equivalent of one complete game during league doubleheaders and will not sit out two full, consecutive tournament games. Note that the rules for most weekend tournaments allow each team to bat the entire roster and substitute freely. However, the State Qualifier and State Tournament follow NAFA rules which restrict substitutions and require that only 9 players (10 with a flex/DP) are on the lineup card. Often times, these rules result in reduced playing time for some players as the coaches use their best judgment to field the most competitive team. Coaches have the authority to limit playing time due to any or all of the following:
· Disciplinary action
· Player is sick or injured
· Player has absences from games and/or practices
· Games are shortened due to inclement weather, darkness or time limit.
· If a player is going to be gone from any game or practice, either she or a family member must personally notify the coach ahead of time. Failure to do so may result in a loss of playing time.
EVAA realizes there may be other sport conflicts during the summer traveling softball season. We ask that if there is a conflict that softball be given a high priority. This includes practices, league games, season tournaments, and postseason tournaments.
COST
Registration fees for traveling softball include the following:
· EVAA Administration Fees
· Tri-County League Fees and officiating costs.
· Weekend Tournament Fees (2 for 10U, 3 for 12U, 14U and 16U)
· State Qualifier Fees (Gate fees for the State Tournament to be shared equally by the participants - typically $100 per team)
· Registration fee for one (1) regional/national tournament. If a team places high enough that the registration fee is paid by the qualifying tournament, no additional funds will be paid to that team by EVAA Softball.
· Team equipment (i.e., team balls, catcher's gear)
EVAA does not pay for player or family travel.
Refunds will be made only if an individual DOES NOT participate in the traveling program or cannot play for more than 50% of the season due to injury.
Players are responsible for purchasing their own softball glove, softball cleats, black sliding pads, black sliding pants and/or compression shorts, and shirt to wear under uniform tank. Individuals will also be required to provide their own batting helmets with faceguard and chin strap.
UNIFORMS
Each traveling softball participant will be required to purchase a team jersey, shorts and socks from the EVAA approved supplier. Players will be assigned numbers by EVAA for their use while they are in the program. Uniforms take up to six weeks to be delivered and all players on a team must have matching black socks.
PARENT CONDUCT
Parents of EVAA Traveling Softball are subject to all guidelines set forth by the EVAA Code of Conduct. Additionally, EVAA Softball asks all traveling program parents and players to respect the competitive environment of traveling softball by adhering to the following two rules:
1. During all games, parents are asked to respect the bench area as the coaches’ and players’ domain. Unless there is an emergency, parents should never enter the bench area without permission from one of the team coaches.
2. During all games, players are asked NOT to leave the bench area to visit with friends or family. In the event of a special circumstance or emergency, make the coach aware of the situation first.
These two simple rules will enhance your player's learning experience and help prepare our student-athletes for future competitive endeavors.
COMPLAINT HANDLING PROCESS
EVAA and EVAA Softball require the following procedure for addressing program complaints:
The person lodging a complaint is required to first address it with the coach of the team. If a coach is unable to resolve the situation, the person lodging the complaint must notify the Program Director IN WRITING. If the Program Director is unable to resolve the dispute, he or she will bring the matter before the Eastview Softball Board (ESB).
The ESB is then asked to "rule" on the matter or help resolve the dispute. In the event that ESB would require additional help to resolve the matter, ESB will refer all factual information to the main EVAA Board for ruling by a special EVAA Complaint Committee.
Any complaints NOT adhering to the above chain of events will automatically be referred back to it.
