BGSA Frequently Asked Questions (Tball(6U)–18U) 


🥎 Question: What are the age divisions? 🥎

Answer: We offer divisions based on the player's age as of September 1 year. Ex: for 2025 Spring it is their age at Sept 1 2024:

Tball/6U (5–6 years old)
8U (7–8 years old)
10U (9–10 years old)
12U (11–12 years old)
14U (13–14 years old)
18U (–18 years old, still in high school)

Below is a sample chart for 2025 season.



🥎 Question: What equipment is needed? 🥎

Answer:

Recommended: Red belt, Water Bottle, Batting gloves, gear bag.

Mandatory: Glove, fielding face mask, cleats (no metal), black softball pants, red socks, batting helmet with face mask, and a bat (must    meet USSSA standards). This website has good info on sizing of bat: https://thehittingvault.com/how-to-pick-the-right-softball-bat/





🥎 Question: Are uniforms provided? 🥎
Answer: Yes! Each player receives a two jerseys (home red and away black) with your registration fees.


🥎 Question: When are practices and games? 🥎

Answer: Practices usually start the week registration ends for a few weeks before games. Most teams practice 2–4 times per week. Games typically occur on weeknights but often on Saturday too. Sundays games can occur but they are rare. The whole region schedules games together shortly after registration is closed.

🥎 Question: How long is the season?🥎

Answer: 
Indoor Winter Training (all ages)
- Registration: December but limited to first 40 players due to size
- Training Dates: Varies but likely once a week (on Fridays) for 2 hours for 8 or 9 weeks Jan to March

Spring Seasons (6U, 8U, 10U, 12U)
- Registration: January / February 
- Practices: March
- Games: April to mid May

Spring/Summer Seasons (14U and 18U)
- Registration: April / first of May
- Practices: mid-May
- Games: late May to early July

All other summer activities are up to coaches if they want to continue to practice or attempt to play games between Summer and Fall with other area teams. 

Fall Seasons (6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 18U)
- Registration: July
- Practices: early August 
- Games: mid August to mid October


🥎 Question: How long are games? 🥎
Answer: Game length varies by age:

Tball/6U: 1 hour
8U–12U:  1 hr 30 min
14U: 2 hr
18U: unlimited / 7 innings


🥎 Question: Where are practices and games held?🥎 
Answer: Home games and practices are at 250 City Park Dr. Bridgeport WV. Away games vary (Lewis County, Taylor County, etc.)


🥎  Question: Can I parents coach or help out? 🥎 
Answer: Yes, we always need volunteers! You can sign up to be a head coach, assistant coach, team parent, or book keeper. Background checks are required.


🥎 Question: What League rules do you follow? 🥎 
Answer: We follow USA Softball with some local league-adapted rules by age group. Rules are shared with parents and coaches before the season.


🥎 Question: Are travel players allowed? 🥎 
Answer: Travel players are permitted as long as they meet the age requirement and maintain good sportsmanship. However, our league prioritizes development and fun over competition.

🥎 Question: How is information communicated? 🥎 
Answer: During the season all communications are via the Game Changer App. Preseason, registration, etc. occurs on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BridgeportGirlsSoftball) and email from [email protected]


🥎 Question: What if it rains? 🥎 
Answer: Rainouts will be communicated via Game Changer and will be rescheduled when possible. We prioritize safety and playability.


🥎 Question: How much does it cost to play? 🥎 
Answer: Fees vary by division but typically range from $45–$95 per season. There is a uniform discount as we reuse jerseys for a few years to keep costs down. There is also sibling discounts and family max costs of $175. This covers uniforms, field use, umpires, and league operations.


🥎 Question: What about player safety? 🥎 
Answer: Safety is our top priority. Helmets with face guards are required, and we also require fielding masks for all players 12U and under, especially infielders.


🥎 Question: What is your policy on behavior? 🥎 
Answer: We have a Code of Conduct for players, coaches, and spectators. Unsportsmanlike behavior, bullying, or yelling at umpires/players will not be tolerated.

Code of Conduct: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12mZeapqxtJhHE1oG2c4fUaZgxYkC1nic2lBxXy2mC9Y/pub
 

📞 Still have questions?
Contact us at:
📧[email protected]
🌐 http://www.bridgeportgirlssoftball.com/
🌐 https://www.facebook.com/BridgeportGirlsSoftball