OVERVIEW
PAGS offers softball in the spring, summer and fall. The programs we offer are tailored to best fit the abilities, interests and ages of our players and may vary from one season and year to the next. That said, spring is generally considered the recreational season, summer the competitive season and fall is a great opportunity for continuing development.
This year we plan to provide a spring recreation league for all girls ages 5 to 14 with “select” teams in the age divisions looking for more competitive play, a summer recreational and competitive USA softball tournament program at the 8u, 10u, 12u and 14u age divisions, and a fall recreational league with select teams in the age divisions looking for more competitive play.
One thing that doesn’t vary is our approach – we are firmly committed to providing a positive, constructive, fun and developmentally appropriate environment where all kids can develop both as individuals and teammates. Please check the ‘Coaches and Parents’ tab for more information on our approach and look for email updates after you are registered regarding some of the Positive Coaching Alliance coach and parent workshops we are planning to offer.
REGISTRATION
How do I sign my kid up?
Please register through TeamSnap using the link here. Registration typically opens in late October or early November.
LENGTH OF SEASON
How long is the season?
For the 2023 spring softball season, we anticipate Opening Day (first games) will be in mid-March and that final games will likely be played in mid-May. Team formation starts in January with practices typically starting around the third week of February depending on when the City of Palo Alto reopens Cubberley and how wet the fields are.
TEAM FORMATION
How are the teams and age groups organized?
Players are placed into age groups/divisions based on the calendar year they were born as shown below. That said, we have some flexibility in placement for some ages/teams when it is in the best interest of the player and league. If you think this might be the case for your child, be sure to let us know when you fill out the registration form questions related to playing down, friend requests and any special needs.
| Division | Birth Year | Grades | Pitching | Catcher |
| 6U | 2016- 2017 | K/1st | Tee/Coach | No/Very Limited |
| 8U | 2014- 2015 | 2nd/3rd (+ some older 1st) | Coach & Player | Beginning |
| 10U | 2012-2013 | 4th/5th (+ some older 3rd) | Player Only | Developing |
| 12U | 2010- 2011 | 6th/7th (+ some older 5th) | Player Only | Important |
| 14U | 2008-2009 | 8th/9th (+ some older 7th) | Player Only | Very Important |
How does PAGS form teams in the spring?
Team assignments are done with the goal of creating the best experience for the most kids possible. Some of the elements we consider are:
– safety (age, size and skill of kids),
– social (friend requests, school, neighborhood),
– coaches (adequate head and assistant coaches),
– pitchers and catchers (playing time, team balance),
– skill (developmental needs, interest and ability to play competitively), and
– scheduling (avoiding practice day and other conflicts).
In the younger divisions (6U and 8U), the main factors are social and coaches. Many of these teams will be primarily from one school or neighborhood and where we need to divide teams because of too many players or coach availability, we do our best to honor as many friend requests as we can.
Starting in 8U we also need to factor in how the more capable player pitchers and catchers are distributed. And starting in 10U, we also need to factor in the distribution of skills in other softball positions and how best to serve both beginning and more advanced players.
At the 10U, 12U and 14U levels, the best way to form the teams depends on the quantity and skill distribution of the registered players and we have utilized several different approaches in the past.
The generally preferred approach is to create balanced teams that play against each other as well as one or more “Select” teams for those girls who want additional practices and the opportunity to play against Select teams from other nearby leagues.
Another approach is to conduct a player evaluation and form teams with different skill levels. When we take this approach, each team typically joins one of the local interleague organizations that best fits their skill level. Some teams may also choose to schedule ad-hoc games against similarly skilled teams or play in tournaments (additional fees apply).
Can I make a friend or coach request? How does it work?
You may make a request to play with 1-2 specific friends in the TeamSnap registration form. This works best if the friend also names you when they register and if all the friends indicate that they want to play in the same age division. We generally aren’t able to honor most coach requests or requests to keep large groups together beyond the youngest age divisions because of the other factors we have to consider in team formation.
PRACTICES AND GAMES
How many practices and games per week? Where are they likely to be?
Practice schedules depend on coach and field availability so are generally not known until we are done forming teams in January. Game schedules are created after we form the teams AND coordinate with any other local leagues we may be playing with…so generally not until March. Best guesses for the coming season are below.
6U and 8U Practices and Games (typical)
6U and 8U will likely have 1-2 practices per week and 1 game per week. Home games and games against other PAGS teams are usually on Saturday morning at Cubberley Community Center. Away games are likely to be at Portola Valley Town Center or Las Lomitas Elementary. Practices may be at a local elementary school or park or at Cubberley depending on coach and team preferences. Weekday practices are typically in the 4-5:30pm or 5:30-7pm slots (the slots are 1 hour earlier prior to the start of daylight savings the 2nd Sunday in March).
10U and 12U Practices and Games (typical)
10U and 12U will likely have 1-2 practices and 1-2 games per week (players who are ready for more can also join a Select team and will usually get 1 more practice and 1-2 more games on Sunday). Home games and games against other PAGS teams are usually at Cubberley Community Center. If weekday games are planned, there will typically only be one per week at Cubberley at 5:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Weekend games are on Saturday and may be a single game or double header. Practices are usually at Cubberley and weekday practices are typically in the 4-5:30pm or 5:30-7pm slots (the slots are 1 hour earlier prior to the start of daylight savings the 2nd Sunday in March).
14U Practices and Games (typical)
14U will likely have 1-2 practices per week and 1-3 games per week. Weekday practices are usually at Cubberley Community Center in the 4-5:30pm or 5:30-7pm slots (the slots are 1 hour earlier prior to the start of daylight savings the 2nd Sunday in March). Home games are at Cubberley; away games depend on the local city we are playing against.
RULES
What are the basic rules of the game?
Please check the “General Information | Rules” tab here. Be sure to read the rules applicable to your age division.
EQUIPMENT
What equipment will the league provide and what will my daughter need to provide?
PAGS will provide:
– uniform jerseys and socks,
– bats (for the younger ages),
– catcher’s gear,
– balls, bases and fields,
– and umpires for some ages/games.
We also have some loaner equipment (mostly in the smaller sizes) so don’t hesitate to ask.
Players should bring:
– batting helmet with face guard,
– baseball or softball glove (for hand opposite of preferred throwing hand),
– a fielder’s mask is highly highly recommended for all ages (helps overcome/prevent fear of the ball for our youngers) and is required at 12U+ for pitchers, 1B and 3B,
– baseball, softball, or soccer cleats are recommended and nearly all kids will have them from 10U+. Please note that baseball/softball cleats have an extra toe cleat that is NOT allowed in soccer. Also, metal cleats are not allowed until 14U,
– baseball or softball pants are recommended (coach/team to pick preferred color of gray, white or black) and nearly all kids will have them from 10U+,
– sliding shorts and/or a knee pad are recommended at the younger ages and required from 12U+,
– batting gloves are optional and generally not needed until the older ages,
– some players may choose to purchase their own bat. Please don’t do this before trying out a few bats at practice and determining the best size with the help of a coach. Also, be sure to purchase a bat approved by USA/ASA softball or it will be disallowed by USA umpires.
FEES
What are the fees for the spring softball season?
Please check the “General Information | Fees and Payments” tab here. Be sure to note the rate applicable to your age division and volunteer status.
OTHER
Do you offer special training and/or clinics?
At the beginning of the season, we generally hold 1-2 skills clinics for beginning players and those wanting to brush up on their skills before the start of the season. We also hope to offer weekly pitching clinics again this season. We encourage interested players to take advantage of these league pitching clinics at an early age, especially as we are working to develop pitchers from a younger age.
Overscheduled Players
Each year, some players find they cannot handle all their commitments and drop out. We ask that our players meet 2-3 times per week for practice and games. If your child is playing other sports or has other activities or lots of homework, please take these obligations into account before you sign them up for Softball: softball is a team sport, and requires each player to do their part.
If your player lands on a team that conflicts with her other obligations, we will do our best to move her to another team, but we cannot make guarantees.
Exceptional Situations
If there is an exceptional situation for your player or your family, please let us know. There is a space on the TeamSnap registration form for a brief description of special circumstances. If you need more space or wish to talk with a PAGS officer, please email us at registration@paloaltogirlssoftball.org or call the hotline at 650 209-0454. We will respond to your request as soon as possible.
Still have Questions?
Send an email to registration@paloaltogirlssoftball.org.
