General Information

WELCOME TO LGSGSA 2012

Welcome to the 2012 season for our entire community of LGSGSA sponsors, volunteers, players, coaches, and families!  Thank you for your enthusiastic support of the LGSGSA.  It's going to be an exciting new year with lots of fun and new benefits for the kids.

Please review the following information, an overview provided for families with players in the league.  We want every player and family to have a terrific experience in our league and with the game of softball.  Should you have additional questions, please email the league info@lgsgsa.org.  

INTRODUCTION

The Los Gatos – Saratoga Girls Softball Association (LGSGSA) is a 100% volunteer-driven, non-profit, tax exempt organization promoting athletics, education and community through fastpitch softball for girls in grades Pre-K through High School.  We offer ASA-sanctioned recreation league teams and competitive travel ball teams.

The Recreation League Season

The LGSGSA recreation softball season runs from early March to the middle of May.  Registered players can participate in league sponsored clinics starting in January.  Teams are formed in early February and practices begin soon afterwards.  Players develop and gain experience through team practices, practice games, and regular season games.

Tournament Team Season(s)

Players that participate in our recreation league season are eligible to play on competitive summer and fall season travel ball teams.  Our travel ball program is called Magic.  Magic teams participate in ASA divisions defined as 8U, 10C, 10B, 12C, 12B, 14C, 14B, 14A, 16B, 16A, and 18's.  Magic teams play at a higher competitive level.  Tournaments begin in late May and run through August.  Fall season teams then begin in September and that season typically runs through early November.  Interested players and parents should watch the league web site and look for email announcements about Magic registration.  Magic evaluations are typically held on the first weekend of May.  Email the Magic coordinator for more information magic@lgsgsa.org.

Alexis Briski Scholarship

Each spring the LGSGSA honors graduates from Los Gatos and Saratoga High Schools with the Alexis Briski Scholarship.  In June 2011 three talented seniors from our league received the scholarship - Raven Sisco, Whitney Hansen, and Kelsey Shain. 

Proceeds from our annual fall tournament fund the scholarship(s) and other high value programs that benefit our community.  For more information and to apply for the 2012 scholarship, contact us info@lgsgsa.org.  

Items Included in Registration Fee

The following items are included with each player’s registration fee for the 2012 season.

• League softball uniform (team jersey, pants, socks, and visor)
• Skills clinics taught by the professionals at Cutting Edge Softball
• Clinics offered include new player skills, pitching, catching, hitting, and defense
• Recreation league season games played from early March to the middle of May
• Recognition award for each player at season's end
• Individual and team photo package for each player
• All necessary equipment except cleats and softball glove
• League trained volunteer coaches

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Registration Process

To register your player(s) for our league, please use the online registration system.  Click here to go to the Registration page and complete the registration process.  It makes registering faster, more accurate, and easier for everyone to use the online system.   

Information Needed to Complete Registration

The following items will be needed to help complete registration using the online system. 

• Name, address and telephone number of player's doctor
• Medical insurance policy name and medical record number
• Official birth certificate copy (mailed to the league registrar)
• Emergency contact person name, phone number
• Full contact information for parents/guardians

Returning players, please review and update the information we have on file when registering (especially medical info). 

Registration Fees

The registration fee for AA, AAA, and AAAA divisions is $220 for the first child and $170 for each additional sibling (discount will appear at the checkout). The registration fee for the A division is $135 per player.  A late registration fee of $75 will apply after January 16, 2012 to cover additional costs.

All of the A division players are eligible for a $35 early registration discount to encourage our youngest softball stars to participate and develop an affinity for the game.  To take advantage of the early registration discount for A division players, please register by December 1, 2011.

Registration fees are non-refundable after January 15, 2012.

Snack Shack Work Commitment

The league offers a $75 snack shack work “buyout” at registration.  Families that do not purchase a buyout have a mandatory obligation to perform work hours in our snack shack and at other league events including tournaments, field improvement days, and Softball Appreciation Day.  If you are not prepared to work, please purchase the buyout at registration.  To thank our full-time coaches, the league will waive the snack shack work requirement for 2 coaches per team (1 manager and 1 coach only will be designated per team for this waiver).

Financial Scholarships

The LGSGSA recognizes that there are children within our community who would like to play but cannot afford the fees. As a result, LGSGSA can provide scholarships for those who are in need financial assistance. You must satisfy the requirements of the program to be eligible for full or partial financial assistance. You can email registrar@lgsgsa.org for more information.

PRESEASON LEAGUE SPONSORED CLINICS

Clinics Program

The LGSGSA is committed to the best possible experience for players.  To help each player improve and enjoy the game, we've established a preseason clinics program that offers additional expert instruction by professionals.  

The LGSGSA partners with Cutting Edge Softball (CES) to teach a wide variety of skills including fielding, throwing, pitching, hitting, catching, and new player skills development.  Clinics are also provided to coaches to improve their teaching methods, drills, coaching strategies, and game day preparation.  There is no additional cost for clinics as the expense is included in a player's league registration fee.  Space is limited so complete your league registration early and then immediately sign up for clinics. 

Clinics Registration

Spring 2012 players that want to participate in clinics must register via our web site (www.lgsgsa.org) by clicking on the Clinics link.  Complete the online clinics registration form for each player in your family.

Before completing the form please read the description and time commitment required for each clinic.  Make sure your player is age level appropriate and agrees to attend all sessions of the clinic.  As space will be limited, any player missing a clinic is subject to being dropped and replaced. 

Cutting Edge Softball

For more information about the full scope of CES services including camps, private lessons, small group lessons, and facility rental, please contact Cutting Edge Softball (www.cuttingedgesoftball.com).  CES has a dynamic staff of instructors and maintains a large indoor training facility.  

Cutting Edge Softball is located at 1844 Stone Avenue, San Jose, CA  95125.  The phone number is (408) 231-1173. 

RECREATION LEAGUE DIVISIONS AND RULES

A player’s division is determined by the school grade in which she is currently enrolled.

A Division

For players enrolled in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1^st Grade the A division is designed to teach girls the basic fundamentals of softball.  Scores are not kept and emphasis is placed on having fun.  All girls will bat with their own team pitcher (a coach or manager).  After 3 pitches the girls will then bat off a hitting tee.  All players will bat and play in the field each inning so that they learn the game and develop team spirit and good sportsmanship.  Teams are created based upon the player’s school as well as any friend/coach requests made on her registration form. 

AA Division

For players enrolled in 2^nd and 3^rd Grade the AA division introduces player pitching and specific softball skills and strategies. Games are scored but with a limit on runs in the first 3 innings.  Continuous batting is used and coach pitching takes place only when a player issues a walk.  This assure consistent pace of play.  Teams are created based upon the player’s school as well as any friend/coach requests made on her registration form. 

AAA Division

For players enrolled in 4^th and 5^th Grade the AAA division introduces players to regulation softball play and rules.  There is a combination of player and coach pitching, stealing bases is allowed (one at a time), but the dropped third strike and infield fly are not used.  Teams are created based upon competitive balance with consideration given to the player’s school.

AAAA Division

For players enrolled in 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Grade (middle school) the AAAA division generally follows ASA championship rules and guidelines.  However, all the girls will continue to bat in continuous order and there will be an open defensive substitution policy to maximize play and experience.  Teams are created through a draft system for competitive balance.

Recreation Season Rules by Division

Please see the file attachments (.pdf file format) at the bottom of this page for 2011 LGSGSA recreation season rules by division for reference. Rules are subject to change for 2012. If rules change, new documents will be posted here.

RECREATION LEAGUE PRACTICE/GAME INFORMATION

Practice and Game Locations

The following chart gives general information about the time commitment and scheduling for each division including practices and games.  Managers make the final decision on their team’s practice schedule. 

Game Times

Weeknight games start at 5:00pm until Daylight Savings when that changes to 5:30pm.  Weekend games start between 9:00am and 4:00pm

Game Locations

Recreation league games are played primarily at Foothill Elementary in Saratoga or Blossom Hill Elementary in Los Gatos.  Some games are scheduled against other local leagues (interleague play) and will be played nearby in Campbell (Forrest Hill Elementary) and another location in Los Gatos (Alta Vista Elementary).  Check the individual Division Schedules and Field Locations for more information.

Practice Times/Locations

The practice times and locations will be decided by each manager and communicated to each family on that team.  The league assigns fields for team practices at Foothill Elementary and Blossom Hill Elementary. 

RECREATION SEASON SPECIAL EVENTS 

Photo Day

Early in the season on a Saturday to be determined each team and all the individual players will have their pictures taken.  Families receive an individual and team photo as part of the player's registration fee.  Families can purchase additional photos and photo-based items including buttons, key chains, etc. Forms will be available at photo day, and each family should complete a form for their player.  Volunteer coaches with our league have a special bonus, a buddy photo that is taken with their player and provided compliments of the league.  Photos will be delivered to each team prior to the end of the season.

Softball Appreciation Day

The most exciting event on the LGSGSA calendar each year is Softball Appreciation Day.  A day in April will be designed Softball Appreciation Day, and on that Saturday all our players, coaches, and families will come together for a huge party including dunk tank, yearbook distribution, games, activities, and a terrific raffle with major prizes.  The day includes a full schedule of softball games to go along with the other fun and surprises.  The event takes place at Foothill Elementary.  The barbecue is fired up so plan on lunch at the field and spending all day with us to celebrate softball and our kids. 

No Limit Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament

Families and friends of the LGSGSA are invited to join us for a big night of spirited poker action.  Last year nearly 50 players participated to raise money for our organization.  Food, drink, and lots of laughs are the focus with some interesting poker strategy being demonstrated as well.  The schedule for this year's event will be posted soon.  Contact us at info@lgsgsa.org to receive more information and reserve your spot in the tournament.

TEAM FORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS

Attendance Expectations

Softball is a team sport, so regular attendance is important in all divisions.

Consistent attendance is especially needed in the AAA and AAAA divisions as teams are no longer school based.  Participation is essential to maintain the competitive balance that the LGSGSA works to achieve each season.  We ask everyone to be very mindful of the playing days and time commitments for their division before signing up, to avoid scheduling conflicts.   It is not fair to the other players when players regularly miss events, arrive late, or leave early. 

Playing Up or Down a Division

The LGSGSA has a policy to allow play up or play down requests only in very unique circumstances when the player population requires a small number of additions or subtractions to balance team roster sizes.  If you would like the league to consider a play up or play down request, please note that on your registration form. 

Team Formation

As the focus of LGSGSA recreation season play is purely for enjoyment and skill development, everyone plays and there are no tryouts. Teams are formed in early February, a few weeks after registration has closed.   There are, however, player evaluations for the AAA and AAAA divisions to determine skill levels and aid in the formation of balanced teams.

LGSGSA division commissioners with input as needed from the league president make the final determination on team formation and placement of players.  Managers and coaches are not able to make any changes.  Your manager will receive the team’s roster at an orientation meeting of the Coaches and Managers in early February.  Managers will then notify players (and families) within 24 hours and provide a team practice schedule soon thereafter.

Friends Requests Policy

For players registered in the A and AA divisions the LGSGSA supports and encourages players to submit requests at the time of registration for particular friends with whom you wish to play.  This might include playing with siblings as well.  While fulfillment of requests is not guaranteed the A and AA division commissioners will do their best to support each request.  It’s important for the kids to play with friends and inspire the best in each other as they get comfortable and learn more about the game of softball.

Parent Participation

The LGSGSA is a 100% volunteer based organization, and all parents are required to volunteer their time in some capacity including in the snack shack, at tournaments, or during Softball Appreciation Day.  If families would prefer not to volunteer their time, each family can choose to purchase a “buyout” from this obligation.  A $75 buyout can be purchased at registration. 

It’s our experience that your daughter will appreciate and benefit enormously from parental involvement, and we highly encourage you to attend your daughter’s games and related softball team activities.  In addition, most Coaches and Managers appreciate any extra help they can get so please volunteer to help at practices, games or in team support positions. Don’t worry if you “know nothing about softball”- every parent has something to offer.  

EQUIPMENT

Softball Equipment Needs

The LGSGSA provides a full uniform for each player including visor, jersey, pants, and socks.  The league also provides almost all necessary equipment for game play including fields, bases, batting helmets, bats, balls, and catcher’s gear.

Players are responsible for a softball glove and cleats (either softball or soccer cleats as long as they are plastic or rubber on the bottom).  It is also recommended that players in the AAA and AAAA division provide sliding shorts and/or knee pads along with their softball pants.

This year a player can choose to opt out of receiving softball pants from the league.  Any player that does not wish to have the league provide softball pants will save $10 on the registration fee.  This option is based upon input from families that many players already own several pairs of black colored softball pants (the league standard). 

If families choose to purchase additional softball equipment for their player please be certain that the optional equipment meets the following standards: 

• Helmets must have a face mask, be NOCSAE-approved and we suggest an adjustable rather than “one size fits all” model.
• Bats must be marked "ASA Softball approved" with a 2004 date or newer.  Check with a coach first if you are uncomfortable making a selection (correct bat size is critical). 
• Gloves should be size and weight appropriate for each level with special attention given to the younger players new to the game.