Rec League Q&A

1) WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please see our Board of Directors page to see the roles that various Board members play so that you may determine who to contact.

2) HOW OLD MUST MY DAUGHTER BE TO PLAY?
Your daughter must be currently enrolled in grades K-12.   Pre-schoolers are not eligible.

3) WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUPS/DIVISIONS?
There are 5 divisions - Youth (grades K-1), Primary (2-3), Junior (4-5), Intermediate (6-8), and Majors (9-12). Girls in grades 3, 5, and 8 are eligible to 'play up' in the next higher division if her parent(s) so desire.

4) HOW ARE TEAMS SELECTED?
In the Youth and Primary divisions, teams are selected randomly, albeit with friend preferences and school groupings in mind. In the Junior, Intermediate and Majors divisions, teams are selected based upon a draft, which occurs in March. Players are notified of their team placement in late March.

5) CAN MY DAUGHTER BE ON A TEAM WITH HER SISTER OR HER FRIENDS?
In the Youth and Primary divisions, a teammate preference can be indicated during registration. Since teams are selected by draft for the Junior, Intermediate and Majors divisions, it is difficult to honor teammate preferences. However, sisters in the same division will be drafted together, at your request.

6) MY DAUGHTER HAS NEVER PLAYED BEFORE. DOES SHE NEED TO HAVE EXPERIENCE PLAYING SOFTBALL TO REGISTER?
We welcome girls at all age and ability levels. In fact, instructional clinics are held to provide girls with the opportunity to enhance their skills. Watch the website's clinics page for updates and then register for them. (Please note that clinics may be offered for a nominal fee.)

7) WHAT IF WE DON'T LIVE IN BETHLEHEM?
The majority of girls are from the towns of Bethlehem and Ravena, but any girl residing in Albany County is eligible to play. In limited instances, we may allow a girl from outside of aAlbany County to play as well.

8) WHEN IS THE REC SEASON?
Rec season runs from Late April (around April 20^th) to Mid June (around the 15^th). Teams generally play 12-14 games, and most rained-out games are rescheduled.

9) WHERE, WHEN & WHAT DAYS ARE PRACTICES?
Each team will be assigned a weekly practice time, usually at one of the elementary schools. In the Youth division, once the season starts, practice time is combined with game time whereby the girls practice for about 45 minutes and then play for 45-60 minutes. In all other divisions, we strongly recommend that coaches continue to hold practices once games begin, as this is the time when the most instruction can take place. Teams begin practicing around April 1.

10) WHERE & WHEN DO WE PLAY GAMES?
At Elm Avenue Town Park, most Youth, all Primary and some Junior games are played on Fields 1,2,3. At Line Drive most Junior, all Intermediate, all Majors, and a few Youth games are played on fields 8,9.   Weeknight games are played at 6pm, Saturday games are played at 9am, 11:15am, 1:30pm, 3:45pm, and 6pm. All divisions except Majors play in these time slots, typically two games per week. Majors games are played as doubleheaders on Sunday afternoons. This is subject to change annually, depending upon the number of teams we have.

11) WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?
The league supplies basic equipment including batting helmets, bats, balls and catcher’s gear. However, you may choose to purchase these on your own. Included in the registration fee are: team shirt (for all divisions), visor (for Youth and Primary divisions only), ASA registration, insurance, umpire fees, and basic equipment, and the team's picture. You will need to provide:
    • Softball Glove
    • Cleats
    • Sliding Shorts (recommended for Junior, Intermediate and Majors divisions)
    • Sliding Pads (sliders to protect below the knee – for Junior, Intermediate and Majors divisions)
    • For Safety, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that girls use a mouthguard or facemask

12) ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL TRAINING AND/OR CLINICS?
Yes - Please watch the clinics page for information regarding clinics to be held and register on-line if interested. (Please note that clinics may be offered for a nominal fee.)

13) HOW CAN I HELP OUT?
There are many ways! Each team needs volunteers and your support is key to ensuring a successful league for the team. Your fees do not pay any salaries – we are all volunteers! Here are positions you may consider:
    • Manager: Total administrative and operational responsibility for your team.
    • Coach: Primary role is to teach the girls and assist the Manager
    • Team Parent: Administrative right arm of the Manager ensuring that non-operational tasks required are supported and that the league communication loop is open to all parents.
    • Scorekeeper: Maintain the game records for the team and ensure that the game publicity provides recognition to both individual girls as well as to the team (training available)
    • Field Prep: Drawing baselines and equipment set-up/storage (training available)
    • Sponsor: You or your company can help Tomboys continue to provide an great playing experience for the girls by recruiting or being a sponsor. Please click here to access the sponsor form and let us know what you’d like to do.

14) WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION FEE?
The fee is $75 for the first girl in the family, and $35 for each additional family member. There is a $25 late fee assessed for registrations received after January 10, 2010.

15) WHAT IF I WANT A REFUND?
Our goal is to be flexible and fair. Any reasonable situation which arises, we will respond to. We ask for you to understand our needs of a time frame wherein we can fairly respond. Once teams have been formed and uniforms ordered, barring highly unusual or unforeseen circumstances, refunds will not be issued.   The deadline to request a refund is April 15.

16) CAN I REGISTER ON-LINE?
Yes - click here to go to on-line registration. If you prefer to mail in your registration form, click here to download the form and mail to Terri Gehrer at 23 Trumpeter Place, Slingerlands, NY 12159 (questions? Call Terri at 475-7627).