programs & divisions
There are lots of ways to participate in our league! Read on to learn about our programs, available throughout the year!
Spring Recreational Program
(February through May) - An intramural league program that provides a recreational and instructional environment for girls ages 5 and older. The recreational program is designed to develop our players by gradually adding to and enhancing their skills and by introducing more advanced skills and more USASoftball rules of play in each succeeding league.
Summer All Stars
(May through July) - A competitive and intense environment for our more adept and dedicated players, ages 6 & older. The program provides competition against the other local, state and national All-Star teams.
The program is only open to those girls who participated in the Recreational Program and are not playing in a travel program. This program requires a significant commitment by players, parents, and coaches as it consists of weekly practices and weekend tournament play in a variety of venues throughout San Diego and Orange counties. PGSL attempts to field teams in the 14U, 12U, 10U, and 8U divisions. More than one team may be formed depending on the turnout and desire of the girls. Selection to these teams is done through a tryout and draft process. Poway Girls Softball League has earned multiple District, State, and National championships across all divisions!
Fall Ball
(August through November) Formerly known as the Winterball Program, Fall Ball is a semi-competitive, skill-building environment for any player age 6 and older desiring more instruction and opportunity to play. Games are played against other leagues in northern San Diego County. This program usually consists of weekly practices and Sunday doubleheaders at home and at other locations. PGSL attempts to field teams in the 14U, 12U, 10U, 8U, and 6U divisions. Multiple teams in each division are usually formed depending on the turnout and volunteer availability.
Divisions
The basic unit of organization in each program is the Division. We apply the USA softball age chart in alignment with our Rules & Regulations. The recreational program is comprised of five divisions. The descriptions of the divisions below are intended to give you a feel for the objectives we have for each division and the level of play we expect.
6U (T-ball)
USASoftball Age 6 & Under
This Division introduces softball to very young girls who have likely never played before and whose skill and coordination are just developing. The ball is hit off a tee and players are taught the very rudiments of how to throw the ball, field a grounder, swing the bat, and which way to run around the bases. The season is 10 to 14 games long. No scores are kept and everyone bats every inning and plays the field. Time permitting; games should be 2 or 3 innings in length.
8U (Rookies)
USASoftball Age 8 & Under
This Division seeks to explain and demonstrate the sport of softball to its players by introducing more of the sports rules. Players begin to pitch for themselves with the help of coach pitching if necessary. Emphasis is on good fundamental throwing, fielding, and hitting skills and all players are encouraged to develop some rudimentary pitching motion. While additional attention is paid to enhancing their fundamental skills, advanced skills are generally not taught here. The regular season consists of games in which scores and standings are not kept followed by a season-end round robin or elimination tournament. Playing time is evenly distributed and everyone bats while run limits and other special rules are employed commensurate with player skill development. Games are normally 3-4 innings in length.
10U (Division 1)
USASoftball Age 10 & Under
Fundamentals are still the focus here but some competitive spirit begins to show among players in this division. More advance rules are introduced and pitching development is a big priority. Some finer points of hitting are developed and bunting is introduced as an important part of girls softball. Baserunning skills and team defensive play are introduced, while basic throwing, fielding, and hitting skills are reinforced. The season is nominally 12-16 games plus a single-elimination, post-season tournament. Scores and team standings are kept and everyone bats in the order. Games are normally 4-5 innings in length.
12U (Division 2)
USASoftball Age 12 & Under
While skill development, team play, and fun are still the emphasis, the girls become noticeably more competitive. Pitching development is still encouraged for anyone interested but pitchers and catchers willing to put in the extra effort to play their positions start to decrease in number. More advanced hitting, bunting, and baserunning techniques are taught. Team play is emphasized on defense while a consistent demonstration of fielding fundamentals is now the goal. The full complement of ASA rules is in effect. The season is 14-16 games long plus a single-elimination, post-season tournament. Scores and team standings are kept and everyone bats in the order. Games are normally 5-6 innings in length.
14U (Division 3)
USASoftball Age 14 & Under
This is a more competitively oriented division comprised of many players who may be advancing to high school play or playing for competitive travel teams. The goal is to get these players ready for this level of play. Any remaining pitchers have probably been at it for a few years and are fairly serious about it. Pitching strategy and throwing more than one pitch is emphasized. Advanced team play and offensive and defensive game strategies are taught and executed. The season is nominally 16 games played amongst teams in the surrounding communities referred to as the Super League. There is usually a multi-league tournament setup and all ASA rules are in effect. Games are normally 5-7 innings in length.
