Eastview Athletic Association

Fall traveling softball is a short season league sponsored by Minnesota Metro Fastpitch League (MMFL). As with the summer traveling program, this is a competitive level of play. However, winning is not the primary focus of fall traveling softball. Winning at the expense of specific individuals is not allowed.

 

The primary emphasis of fall traveling softball will be individual skill development, position development, pitching 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.

 

Fall traveling softball is for those players attending school within Independent School District 196, (open enrollment players from outside the 196 school district will be accepted into the program once a confirmation of acceptance from the school district is received and is presented to the Eastview Softball Board). Participation is OPEN to players from Summer Traveling and upper age group In-house. Players must be interested in competing at a higher level than In-house. Fall traveling participants are asked to attend all practices, league games and tournaments.

 

Depending on numbers, EVAA will make every attempt to offer a fall traveling program for 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under and 18 & under. The program that you will participate is determined by your age as of the next December 31st. The team (age level) for which a player is eligible is the same as the player's age on the above date.

 

If one team can be formed at a particular age level, no tryouts will take place. Coaches and the Traveling Coordinator will determined the number of players on teams.

If there are enough players, two teams may be formed at a particular age level, consisting of an "A" and a "B" team. The teams will be selected by the coaches and ESB Tryout Coordinator. The ESB Traveling Coordinator will select the best two available, qualified coaches per team. In addition to this tryout week, input may be considered from previous coaches from Traveling and Inhouse programs.

 

If there are not enough players for two full teams (at any age level), but too many for one full team, the less-skilled players will be encouraged to participate in practices. Playing time may be limited to as little as one game. The sign-up fees will be refunded to any player who is not on the final roster submitted to MMFL, or is not asked to participate in at least 3 league games. All attempts will be made to accommodate those interested in the fall program without "cuts".

 

Players may petition the ESB to "play up" to a higher age level, with a recommendation from a previous coach or "non-parent" board member. A player cannot "play down" for any reason.

 

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 coach must notify the Eastview Softball Program Director. 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 unlikely event that ESB would like 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.

 

The fall program for all age groups will begin the middle of August and run for three Sundays. Practices begin after the completion of the summer season. League games consist of double headers played on Sunday afternoons at locations throughout the metro area.

 

On the 4th weekend, each team will participate in the Fall MMFL state qualifying tournament. Teams may advance to the state tournament, which will be played the following weekend.

 

Fall season MMFL rules mandate continuous batting of all players. Unless this rule changes, each player will bat during all doubleheaders, qualifying tournament, and state tournament. All attempts will be given to ensuring ample playing time for all participants during league games. At a minimum each player will play in the field, the equivalent of one complete game during league doubleheaders. During tournaments, players will not sit out two full consecutive games from a fielding position. Each coach is responsible for assuring this happens.

 

During Fall State Qualifier and Fall State Tournament games, equal playing time or certain position play is not guaranteed. Coaches will use their discretion and previous league game performance to determine the lineup that best suits the individual players and team. Coaches have the authority to limit field playing time due to any one of the following:

If a player is going to be gone from any game or practice she must personally notify the coach ahead of time. Failure to do so will result in a loss of field playing time. EVAA realizes there may be other sport conflicts during the fall traveling softball season. As this is such a short season, we ask that if there is a conflict that softball be given a high priority. This includes practices, league games, and tournaments.

 

The registration fee for the fall program is $90. This covers the following expenses:

Players are responsible for own glove, cleats, sliding pads and compression shorts.