Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How are the teams and age groups organized?

Teams are normally organized in five age divisions: six and under 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U. Usually, a player will play in her own age division. Depending upon enrollment, PAGS may divide the 12U Division into both a recreational and a competitive division. If these divisions are created, those who request a preference to play in the competitive division will be required to attend a February skills assessment clinic. (Exact date and location to be determined.) Players in this category will be notified by e-mail after registration closes informing them of the date and location for the skill assessment

The PAGS Registrar along with the relevent Division Commissioner will make the final determination of placement for an individual player.

How much time does each age group spend practicing?

Practice schedules are set by the coaches and managers of the teams at their convenience. For the younger divisions, they will practice once or twice a week and play one game on Saturday at Cubberley Fields. For the 3 older divisions, they will have 2 practices during the week before the season starts, and then one or two practices a week during the season when games are being played as well.

How often does each age group play?

The 6U, 8U, and 10U divisions all start out playing one game each week, on a Saturday. Saturday’s game time will vary during the season. Midway through the 10U season, one weekly practice session is replaced by a game for a total of two games per week. The 12U and 14U Divisions play two games a week, with one weekly practice, for the entire season. Some of these games will be inter-league, against teams from neighboring cities.

How do I sign my daughter up?

Check this web site (www.paloaltogirlssoftball.org) during December and January for on-line registration.

What equipment will the league provide, and what will my daughter need to provide?

PAGS provides the uniforms (including visors), fields, bases, batting helmets, bats, balls and catcher's gear. Players provide their own baseball/softball gloves and athletic shoes (baseball, softball, or soccer cleats are recommended, but not required). Sliding shorts (or pants) and a knee pad are required for 12U and 14U, and recommended for those 10U girls who want to give sliding a try.

Can my daughter request playing with a specific friend or coach?

In the younger divisions (6U and 8U) we try to form teams based on schools and neighborhoods and may therefore honor requests for playing with friends and certain coaches. For the more skilled plalyers (10U-14U), our primary objective is to form balanced teams. Unless there is an exceptional situation, we do not honor requests to play with friends or particular coaches for those age groups. .

How do I become a coach or manager?

You can select to volunteer for either position on the online registration form. You will be contacted by PAGS regarding coaching and managing opportunities.

What are the basic rules of the game?

The rules differ by division. Choose the appropriate division from the list on the left side of the page.

Volunteers

PAGS is a Volunteer Organization. We rely on the generosity and good will of many, many volunteers to organize our league, coach and manage our teams, and otherwise complete the many tasks that must be done before, during and after our softball season.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! PLEASE VOLUNTEER! Except for Umpires who are paid, PAGS operates with all volunteers. The Volunteer form lists many ways you can help PAGS to function. If you have some special skills, please let us know.

Exceptional Situations

If there is an exceptional situation for your player or your family, please let us know. There is a space on the forms for a brief description of special circumstances. If you need more space or wish to talk with PAGS board member, please email us at info@paloaltogirlssoftball.org. We will respond to your request as soon as possible.

Team Assignment Guidelines

The overall objective of team assignments is to make balanced teams. In the younger divisions (6U, 8U, and to the extent possible 10U), we try to form teams with players from the same neighborhoods and schools. For players who have developed advanced softball skills, our first priority is to form balanced team. Therefore, we mix and match skills and abilities in order to form "balanced" teams for 10U, 12U, and 14U. Unless there is an exceptional situation, we do not honor a request for friends to be placed on the same team. Nor do we honor special requests to be placed with a particular coach. Teams are formed just prior to the start of the season, about Mid February. Your coach will receive his/her roster at a meeting of the Coaches and Managers in late February. In turn, the Manager of the Coach will contact the team players and will decide on practice times.

Organization of Divisions and Fees

To simplify the Registration Fees schedule, the fee is based on a player's birth date by calendar year.

Division	DOB	Fee	Focus / Pitching / Catcher	Level of Play
6U	2002 - 2003	85	Fun Tee / Coach / No	Just fun
8U	2000 - 2001	110	Fun / Coach or Player/ Tee Optional	Just fun
10U^*	1998 - 1999	145	Fun / Player (coach) / Developing	Recreational
12U	1996 - 1997	175	Fun / Player / Important	Recreational
14U	1994 - 1995	175	Competitive / Player / Very Important	Competitive

* An attempt will be made to develop pitching at the beginning of the season and may shift to player pitching depending on the interests of the families, players and coaches. We encourage interested players to take advantage of league pitching clinics at an early age (8 and up).

Practice and Game Schedules

Each year, we are always asked about practice schedules and game schedules before the season begins. Practice Schedules are set by the coaches and managers of the teams at their convenience. For the younger divisions, they will practice once or twice a week and play one game on Saturday at Cubberley Fields. For the 3 older divisions, they will have 2 practices during the week and one game on a Saturday. Saturday’s game time will vary during the season. Midway through the season, one practice session is replaced by a game for the 3 older divisions. In general, in addition to the Saturday games:

Division Suggested Practice Schedule

14U
one game and one practice per week (M-F)

12U
one game and one practice per week (M-F)

10U
one game and one practice per week (M-F)

8U
One or two practices per week (M-F) TBA

6U
One or two practices per week (M-F) TBA

Scholarship Assistance

For low income families, scholarship aid is available. We want all interested players to play even if their families cannot afford the fees. Call our message line at (650) 361-0743 or send us an email. The Registrar will contact you.

Overscheduled Players

Each year, some players find they cannot handle all their commitments and drop out. We ask our players to meet 2-3 times per week for practice and games. If your child is playing other sports, has other activities or has lots of homework, please consider carefully before you sign her up for softball.

Refunds

If a player has registered and then decides to not play, we will refund fees according to the following schedule:

Before February 1, 2009:
We will refund the full amount less $10 to cover our costs.

On or after February 1, 2009:
We will refund 50% of the registration fee.

On or after March 1, 2009:
There are no refunds.

Please email us if your player decides to withdraw from softball.