Softball Instructional Division
| Overview | The Instructional Softball Division emphasizes the development of basic playing skills (throwing, catching, fielding, and batting) and introduces playing rules. This division uses a combination of player pitch and coach pitch. The goal is to teach players about the sport in a non-competitive environment that emphasizes having fun. Coaches will introduce players to the elements of teamwork and sportsmanship. Players should be given equal playing and the opportunity to play all defensive positions. |
| Ages | League Age 7 & 8, League Age 6 are welcome to play in this division if they have played one year of T-Ball. |
| Team Formation | Player Agent and/or Division Representative forms the teams. Requests submitted during signups are used to help form teams. |
| League Provides | Team jersey and hat; Managers decide sock, belt and baseball pants color (purchased by parents) |
| Equipment Needed | Glove, baseball pants, and cleats. Some parents may choose to purchase a bat and/or helmet for their child’s use. |
| Events per Week | 3-4 |
| Games | Games played at Christmas Hill Park |
Softball Minors Division
| Overview | The Minors Softball Division emphasizes the development of players and their skills, and also introduces more rules and situations of the game. This is a Player Pitch division, and bunting, stealing, and sliding are allowed. Even playing time among players is encouraged, but playing time is determined by the manager, subject to minimum requirements, and may not be equal. This division is intended to offer a moderate level of competition, where the concept of winning and losing is introduced, but is always secondary to player development, learning sportsmanship, and having fun. |
| Ages | Primarily League Age 9 & 10. League Age 8 are eligible to play-up in the Minors division and may be drafted to a Minors team. To be considered for this, they must participate in the League Age 9-10 evaluation. League Age 10 are eligible to play-up in the Majors division and may be drafted to a Majors team. To be considered for this, they must participate in the League Age 11-12 evaluation, while also participating in the League Age 9-10 evaluations. |
| Team Formation | Draft |
| League Provides | Team jersey and hat; Managers decide sock, belt and baseball pants color (purchased by parents) |
| Equipment Needed | Gloves, baseball pants, and cleats. Some parents may choose to purchase a bat and/or helmet for their child. |
| Events per Week | 4 |
| Games | Home games are played at Christmas Hill Park, with the possibility of traveling for some away games within Santa Clara County. |
Softball Majors Division
| Overview | The Majors Softball Division offers a higher level of competition where players learn and put into play the tactics and strategies of the game of softball. Playing time is determined by the manager, subject to minimum requirements. Although winning games is a goal, the primary emphasis is for players to develop skills, physical fitness, and self-confidence, to understand the rules of the game, and to learn the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play. GLL may choose to open its Major Division to 10-, 11- and 12-year-olds, or limit it to 11-12-year-olds. |
| Ages | Primarily League Age 11 & 12. League Age 9 & 10 are eligible to play-up in the Majors division and may be drafted to a Majors team. To be considered for this, they must participate in the League Age 11-12 evaluation, while also participating in the League Age 9-10 evaluations. |
| Team Formation | Draft |
| League Provides | Team jersey and hat; Managers decide sock, belt and baseball pants color (purchased by parents) |
| Equipment Needed | Glove, baseball pants, and cleats. Some parents may choose to purchase a bat and/or helmet for their child’s use. |
| Events per Week | 4 |
| Games | Home games played at Christmas Hill Park, will have to travel for some away games within Santa Clara County. |
Softball Juniors Division
| Overview | The Junior Softball Division is a program for players ages 13-14 and uses a conventional 60-foot diamond with a 43-foot pitching distance. A local league may dual-roster 12-year-olds, assessed capable, to a Major and a Junior division softball teams. The local league has an option to choose a Tournament Team (or "All Stars") of 12-14-year-olds from within this division (and/or from within the Girls Senior League Softball Division), and the team may enter the International Tournament. |
| Ages | League Age 13 & 14 |
| Team Formation | Draft or one Team only with a max of 16 players and is normally formed by the Player Agent and Division Representative. |
| League Provides | Team jersey and hat; Managers decide sock, belt and baseball pants color (purchased by parents) |
| Equipment Needed | Glove, baseball pants, and cleats. Some parents may choose to purchase a bat and/or helmet for their child’s use. |
| Events per Week | 4 |
| Games | Home games played at Christmas Hill Park, will have to travel for some away games within Santa Clara County and surrounding counties. |
Softball Seniors Division
| Overview | The Senior League Softball division is a program for players ages 14-16 and uses a conventional 60-foot diamond with a 43-foot pitching distance. This is the most competitive division and is normally High School Softball players and starts after the High School season is over. The local league has an option to choose a Tournament Team (or "All Stars") of 14-16-year-olds from within this division (and/or from within the Juniors League Softball Division), and the team may enter the International Tournament. |
| Ages | League Age 14-16 – High School players preferred |
| Team Formation | Draft or one Team only with a max of 16 players and is formed by the Player Agent and Division Director. |
| League Provides | Team jersey and hat; Managers decide sock, belt and baseball pants color purchased by parents). |
| Equipment Needed | Glove, baseball pants, and cleats. Some parents may choose to purchase a bat and/or helmet for their child’s use. |
| Events per Week | 4 |
| Games | Home games played at Christmas Hill Park, will have to travel for some away games within Northern California. |