Softball faqs


Player & Coach/Team Parent Registration  


What will my softball player be doing & learn from the LWYA?

We want to make our programs a fun, rewarding, & positive experience for each of our athletes. Sportsmanship is an understanding of and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, integrity, respect of officials and coaches, and general goodwill toward an opponent. It is an declaration that an athlete is disciplined enough to have perspective, maintain self-control, and do what is best for his or her teammates. Parents, coaches, and team leaders are an essential part of maintaining group sportsmanship and composure. We truly care about developing our athletes past sportsmanship by instilling leadership values, a teamwork mentality, problem-solving skills, self-confidence, & character. 

Your softball player will also learn the basics of softball, strength & conditioning drills, & gain a network of lasting friendships along the way.

What other events can my softball player look forward to during the season?

Other events outside of softball games include, but are not limited to or guaranteed: other fun events organized & planned by your softball player's coach, the Summer PONY All-Stars tournament, other local softball tournaments, homecoming parade, or parade of lights. 

What are the ages/grade level of softball players?

LWYA Softball Program participates in the PONY League & ranges from ages three (3) through fourteen (14). Age verification documents accepted include: Birth Certificates, Military IDs, or State IDs. All documents must be a hard copy, paper form. The document must have the full name & birthdate of the player. No digital documentation will be accepted, NO EXCEPTIONS.

When does registration open & close?

Spring Softball Registration opens in January & closes February 9th. 

Fall Softball Registration information TBA

 **No softball players will be accepted after registration ends and/or once LWYA Softball team max number has been met, whichever comes first. There are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS due to the amount of time the uniform manufacturers take to make the uniforms. 

How much is registration & what does it cover?

$100 - 4U Blastball (co-ed, register under our Baseball program)
$175 - 6U T-ball
$175 - 8U
$175 - 10U
$175 - 12U
$175 - 14U
*late registration fees will apply if you are registering outside of regular registration (registration dates are announced on our FaceBook page) The registration fee covers the cost of player's uniform shirts, hats*, and an end-of-season trophy. 

The registration fee also covers operating costs such as game field rentals and preparations, umpires**, PONY registration, and liability insurance. Players will be responsible to purchase other uniform items, such as pants, belts, socks, cleats, playing glove, bat, and batting helmet. 

*Hats & visors will be covered by the league depending on availability. No refund will be provided for hats or visors that are not received. 
**As of Spring 2023 there is an umpire shortage. If umpires cancel at the last minute or do not show up to umpire a game, the LWYA is not responsible to refund any registration money for issues outside of its control. Parents have the opportunity to get registered with PONY as a background checked umpire.
*** The Summer PONY All-Stars tournament and any other tournaments are an extracurricular activity that is not included in regular season registration, is not guaranteed to any player, and the LWYA Bullfrogs are not obligated in any way to offer or pay for. See Baseball/Softball Standing Rules for information on the selection of All-Star managers and players. The selected and Commissioner-approved All-Star Team will have to raise all funds associated with that tournament for fees/equipment/jerseys/etc., follow all PONY rules, and follow all LWYA rules while representing our organization.

WE HAVE A NO REFUND POLICY.


Female high school basketball team playing game
Female high school basketball player shooting basket

Will there be other softball expenses?

Players will be responsible to purchase other uniform items, such as pants, socks, belts, rubber/molded cleats (Steel cleats only allowed in 14U), bat, playing glove, and batting helmet. 
*Due to high cost of bats and USA Bat requirements, it is highly recommended to speak to the coach before making a purchase. Some coaches may have bats available for use. 

 Other additional expenses include but are not limited to; October pink out attire, practice shirts, water bottles, equipment, tournaments, etc. 
*Your Coach or Team Parent might organize a team fundraiser to help with additional expenses, but these are not required if you'd like to pay out of pocket. 

When are uniform fittings?

We do not hold uniform fittings. You will list your player's size at the time of registration & we will order based on the size you provide to us.

When will softball players receive their uniforms?

Softball uniforms will be issued in March or August by your softball player's coach if there is no interruption in the supply chain.

How are the softball teams formed?

Teams are formed by age via a draft process. Softball players may play up, not down per the guidelines below & will be placed on teams in the exact order of the guidelines. For all leagues there will be an evaluation day (Spring only, weather permitting) that allows coaches to look at the talent that is new to the league. The evaluations are open to all players new to a division or who did not play at LWYA last year. All kids who register make a team. The evaluations simply allow the coaches to determine who they may want on their team. All players returning to the LWYA will play on the same teams as last year. However, the parent does have the option of putting their child back into the blind draft and being on another team. The guidelines may also supersede age as deemed necessary by the Softball Commissioner.  

  1. Head or Assistant Coach's children or family. 
  2. Softball sibling(s) or family.    
  3. Returning softball player (season immediately prior to the current registration season) to the same coach, provided space is available.   
  4. Special requests for team placement is based on availability & a first come, first serve basis. Special requests are not guaranteed.
*Returning softball players have the option to move to another team within the LWYA at registration only pending age requirements are met & the requested team has availability. 

When will we know what team we are on & how?

Team formations will start once softball registration closes each season. Your softball player's Coach will welcome your softball player to the team & provide season information & dates via a call, text, or email to the contact on your registration form.

How do I become a Softball Head Coach or Assistant Coach?

By submitting an application each new season. Click the button below to take you to the application page. Once softball registration closes & we know how many coaches are needed, we will schedule head coach interviews.  
*NOTE: Your placement will depend on: 

  1. How many softball teams per age division are formed. 
  2. After returning Softball Head Coach (season immediately prior to the current registration season) requests have been honored. 

Please email our Softball Commissioner with questions at LWYA@LWYAsports.org.
*Returning Softball Head Coaches: A returning head coach is not guaranteed to move up with the same softball team from the previous season unless there is a family connection. The Softball Commissioner will determine the placement of Coaches (& their returning teams) based on league registration & need. A returning Head Coach is defined as the season immediately previous; all other previous seasons head coaches will follow the new head coach interview process. 

Can I bring my own team?

Teams created by a manager with 10 or more players may request to play for LWYA and considered protected from draft. For all-star players, manager may not be eligible to manage during first year.

When does the season begin & end?

Spring Ball: Regular season starts in March & ends in August. 

Fall Ball: Regular season starts in September & ends in November. 

When does practice start & what days/times?

Practice days & times are at the Coach's discretion. 

Where are practices & games held?

  1. Practices are at approved LWYA facilities; typically Lake Worth Park or other city parks approved by the Softball Commissioner.
  2. Games are at Lake Worth Park for HOME games & AWAY games will be to cities within the PONY League. Visit their website here for a current list of cities.
*LWYA is an all-volunteer organization & as such all members are requested to serve one weekend at the Home Game concession stand. Sign-ups will go out once game schedules are finalized.

What times are games cancelled?

During the week, decisions are made by 4pm. On weekends, decisions are made as early as possible (usually by 7am). See FaceBook for updates or contact your coach with all game questions.

Are cancelled games rescheduled?

Every effort will be made to reschedule cancelled games due to weather. Games cancelled due to forfeit or non-weather related reasons will be considered on case by case basis. No refunds available.

How do I find out about rainouts?

Coaches are responsible for informing the team of any rainouts. Field closures and game cancellations will also be displayed on FaceBook. Contact your coach with all game questions.

Does it cost to get into the games?

No.

*Spectators must remain in the stands & cannot enter the dugout or softball field area.

Is there softball clinics?

We will make every effort to host an open softball clinic prior to the start of each season pending volunteer & field availability. Check our FaceBook page for announcements.

What are the LWYA Code of Conduct Rules?

All coaches, players, parents and spectators are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner. Any violations of the rules of conduct may result in being removed from the game and/or park grounds up to and including dismissal. Anyone removed from any practices or games will be subject to discipline. You can download our full Bullfrogs Code of Conduct Rules & Parent Manual here as well as the Softball Standing Rules here.

LWYA also abides by PONY rules when applicable. All rules are superseded by interlock rules prior to beginning of season.

**FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE - Always treat others (coaches, parents, officials, and players) the same way that you would want you and your child to be treated.

Do you have medical restrictions for participants?

No, but please disclose all medical issues to your child's coach so that our coaching staff can be prepared in an emergency situation. Please make sure your child has any emergency medication needed- i.e. inhalers, insulin, etc. Athlete safety is our time priority!

PARENT PARTICIPATION

The LWYA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth sports organization who rely on the generosity of our volunteers that give their time to the kids in our community. Volunteering your time can go a long way towards creating a successful season for our kids. If you would like to volunteer, please register online or contact your head coach.
*All coaches, assistant coaches, team parents, commissioners, officials, & board members are required to complete a criminal background check. 

Please email our Softball Commissioner with questions at Softball@LWYAsports.org

sign-up to volunteer