The short answer 12-15.

In a perfect world, you’d have 3 pitchers  2 catchers and speed on the bench.  12-15 players is a number that you can manage.  Typically most of the girls will see the field in most games.  You can utilize base runners and the DP/Flex rule to get another girl an at bat.  Often times, you’ll have someone hit for your pitcher (Pitcher=Flex).  This usually works out pretty well, although surely some parent will be pissed at you about something.

Keep in mind that when the season starts, if you have 15, you will more than likely be down to 12-13 after a few weeks.  It’s totally normal for people that want more playing time to leave for a better offer.

As the girls get older (16s and above) it is not uncommon to see teams with up to 20 girls on their roster in the beginning of the season.  Same scenario though, they will most likely trim down to 15-16 after players determine whether or not it’s a fit.  Girls playing in 18G need more players because they will usually depend on a deep pitching staff and base runners for their pitchers and catchers.  They will also have a handful of younger girls eager to earn a starting spot when the seniors leave.

Keep in mind that when the girls get older, some tournaments could easily have them playing 4-7 games on a weekend, especially if you get in the losers bracket.  The girls get tired, so having back up players to sub in can really help you when you need them to cross the finish line. 

It does take a lot to manage more players, but believe me, when you go out there with 10 and one gets hurt or one is sick, you’ll be wishing you had more girls. 

If you are new to travel ball you’ll have to familiarize yourself with this website to insure your players.  It is also required that any player participating in any ASA sanctioned tournament be registered through the VTD. If you are putting a team together for the fall and your players are already registered you don’t have to re-register, but you can add them to your roster as a pick up player.

Beginning in December of 2007 I would recommend getting your girls registered for 2008.  It takes a few weeks to get your cards, so if you register early, you won’t have any issues come January.

When you register, keep in mind that you will need a photo of each player without a visor and from the chest up.  You can also re-use the photo that was there last year, but if the girls want to change it, you’ll need to upload it before you register them.  If the girls are new to the VTD, you will also be required to submit a copy of their birth certificates.

In addition, all coaches who plan on being on the field or in the dugout are required to have a background check in order to be registered for the VTD.  This was a new rule in 2007 and it was enforced at all the qualifiers and nationals.

Click here to go to the VTD

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The long awaited dates for this years qualifiers and nationals are here so start planning!

• 10U Regionals 7/11-7/13/08 in Northern California
• 10U Western Nationals 7/30-8/3/08 in Phoenix, AZ
• 10U Nationals (TBD)

• 12U National Qualifier 7/4-7/6/08 in Stockton, CA
• 12U Regionals 7/11-7/13/08 in Northern California
• 12U HOF Qualifier 5/17-5/18/08 in Clovis, CA
• 12U Western Nationals 7/30-8/3/08 in Phoenix, AZ
• 12U Nationals (TBD)

• 14U National Qualifer 7/4-7/6/08 in SoCal
• 14U Regionals 7/11-7/13/08 in Clovis, CA
• 14U HOF Qualifier 5/24-5/25/08 in Sacramento, CA
• 14U Western Nationals 7/30-8/3/08 in Clovis, CA
• 14U Nationals (TBD)

• 16U State-6/20-6/22/08
• 16U Regionals  7/11-7/13/08 in Las Vegas, NV
  
• 16U HOF Qualifiers  6/7-6/8/08 in Stockton
• 16U National Qualifier 7/4-7/6/08 in Roseville, CA
  
• 16U Western Nationals 7/30-8/3/08 in Portland, OR
• 16UNationals 7/27-8/3/08 in Owensboro, KY (138 college recruiters attended in 2007)
  

• 18A State/Gold Qualifier -6/20-6/22/08
• 18A National Qualifiers 7/4-7/6/08 in Hayward
• 18A Regionals  7/11-7/13/08 in Roseville
• 18A HOF Qualifiers  6/7-6/08/08 -So Cal
• 18A Western Nationals 7/30-8/3/08 in Seattle, WA
• 18A Nationals 7/27-8/8/08 in Moline, IL (35 college recruiters attended in 2007)

• 18Gold Sector Region 14 -6/28-6/29/08-Stockton
• 18Gold Sector Region 14 -7/11-7/13/08 in Seattle, WA
• 18Gold Regionals 6/21-6/22/08 in Lancaster, CA
• 18Gold Nationals 8/3-8/10/08 in OK City (64 college recruiters attended in 2007)
  

This is for Travel Managers only.

When:  Feb 2, 2008

Where: TBD

If you’ve never been to this, here’s how it works.

Once a year ASA holds a meeting for all travel ball managers.  It’s really a great way to network and meet other team managers and coaches.  There is new and updated information given out and opportunities for you to meet your age group coordinators. 

The meeting comes with a cost which is cheaper if you pre-register through the ASA website, but you can also just show up and pay at the door.

You will get your player agreements/rule book, etc at the meeting as well. 

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Softball trading pins are extremely popular in 10u-12u-14u, not as much in 16u and above.

At the younger ages, the pin is one of they most important aspects about going to a national tournament and there is typically an event scheduled just for the girls to trade.  The girls/parents spend quite a bit of time trading and frankly, if your pin is cheap and cheesy, girls won’t want to trade with you so be prepared.  I’d advise investing at least $2.00 per pin if you can.  Anything less than that and girls may want you to trade 2 pins for their 1 pin.  I am serious, they really do that. 

So here’s a couple tips:

1) If you are on a budget, make sure you go for size before anything else or consider getting about 15 nice (impressive) pins and then get a cheaper version made as an alternate.  That way you only trade your expensive pins for other expensive pins, etc.

2) Blinky lights are popular.

3) Moving parts are very popular. 

4) If at all possible, plan ahead and get these done 6 weeks or more ahead of time.

5) If you have more than one age group in your club, try and get the same pin because most companies give volume discounts.

6) Triple check your final proof.

7) When picking a theme, think of what’s trendy.  For example, if I were designing a pin right now, I’d go for something like an iPhone or MySpace, etc.  Of course, you can always stick to the traditional softball related pins, those are also fantastic, but the unique ones tend to be popular albeit expensive.

Get a pin bag or something for the girls to keep their pins/on. (towel, sash) 

BTW-ASA is having a pin contest for 2008.  Click here for more information on that.

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The dates for the ASA Thanksgiving Tournament in Chino Hills (aka Turkey Shoot, Turkey Tourney) whatever you want to call it are November 23-25th, 2007. 

The Turkey Tournament is extremely popular and is typically a good indicator as to who will be the top teams come summer time.  There are also always fantastic vendors there, so make sure and bring your checkbooks.

So here’s the deal.  This tournament fills up FAST!  If you wait to long, you may not get in. (Especially 12’s and 14’s)

So here’s the scoop… 

When: 11/23/07-11/25/07 

Where: Chino Hills Community park (Which by the way has moved down the street since last year.)

Cost: $375.00 per team

Hotel: Hampton Inn, Chino Hills 

Format: 4 Game Guarantee - Pool play and Single Elimination 

Side note:  This tournament occasionally gets rained out and the return a small portion of your registration if this happens.  Or you can opt to let them keep it since proceeds go to the ASA players Association Scholarship Fund which has given out about 30k in scholarships this year.

Click here to get the registration form.

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The ASA ( Amateur Softball Association of America ) announced it’s roster for the 2008 Women’s National Team.  This may very well be the last women’s softball team to represent the US in the Olympic games.  These ladies will take the field in Beijing, China and spend the next year practicing and preparing to defend their 3 gold medals.  Fans all over the country will be able to come out and support the team on a 40 city tour that will begin in February of 2008.  The tour is titled ‘Bound 4 Beijing’.

2008 Official Roster for the USA Softball Women’s National Team

• Monica Abbott
• Natasha Watley
• Laura Berg
• Jenny Topping
• Crystl Bustos
• Cat Osterman
• Andrea Duran
• Stacey Nuveman
• Jessica Mendoza
• Lisa Fernandez
• Caitlin Lowe
• Jennie Finch
• Taira Flowers
• Alicia Hollowell
• Vicky Galindo
• Lovieanne Jung
• Lauren Lappin
• Kelly Kretschman

While it’s true that if the girls and parents are playing and signing up for travel ball, they should know these rules already, that is not the reality.  Here’s are generic Player and Parent Codes of Conduct I used once. 

Feel free to edit it to suit your team and remember that these are not a ‘legal’ documents.  Use them at your own risk.

Player Code of Conduct

Parent Code of Conduct

One thing about girls fastpitch softball is that the girls are loud!  They cheer none stop.  Most of the girls learn cheers and teach them to their teammates.  Just in case you are  lacking spirit and need to get your girls cheering, here’s a cheat sheet for you.  I scoured the web a few years ago and found these cheers on random sites.  I’m sure there are newer ones, but this is a start.  FYI-I wouldn’t give this to girls over 12.  They might think your crazy.

Cheers for Girls 12 and under

A lot of girls out there will be playing in their first college showcase tournament this fall and there may be some serious nerves floating around as a result.  What do you do?  What are you supposed to do?

Here’s a few things that are somewhat standard protocol to keep in mind a few weeks before your showcase.

• Check the tournament website and see what colleges will be represented there.
• Determine if you have an interest in any of those colleges.
• Call or email the coaches and let them know you will be playing and invite them to come watch an inning or two of your game.
• Make sure you tell them what number you are and if you can, the position you play and the field you will be on.
• Create a player profile for yourself and attach it to the email.
• Let your coach know that you’ve invited this particular scout to watch this game and hopefully, he/she will put you in the line-up.
• If you see the scout out there and don’t have a chance to talk with them at the showcase, call them afterward and thank them for coming out.
• Remember, you may not get a call back depending on NCAA rules, but they will get the phone call and it will leave an impression.
• Oh and try not to be nervous.  Even if you get out there and strike out, they are also watching your attitude and your parents as well.

Side note: Some coaches are looking for more than just talent.  They are looking for girls who know the game. So, know the game ladies!

Good luck, play hard!!