Youth softball teams are generally created to foster skill development and community interaction. While softball is usually associated with girls, many very young teams play softball with girls and boys, with leagues graduating to baseball in older grades. Some recreational softball leagues feed a traveling team, which can require significant financial and time commitment.
T-Ball As Start
Most youth softball teams form from kindergarten students. Since the game of softball can be tough for smaller children with developing hand-eye coordination, the game is typically simplified in terms of pitching and time frame. Pitching is managed by having batters bat off a supported structure, so you may find the softball league is called T-ball rather than softball. The ball used is typically a softball. In addition, rather than a full nine innings or until a tie is broken, most T-ball games run just three or five innings, depending on the league. This gives both teams plenty of opportunities at bat without wearing out the players. Players must wear batting helmets as a safety precaution and also to get them used to the equipment. Baseball gloves are also typically required.
Age Range
After kindergarten, most leagues then divide players by gender and age. Typically, teams form for age-related grades, such as first and second graders combined together, though the makeup changes depending on the number of children who enroll. Recreational leagues may go through junior high for softball players. In addition to recreational leagues, some players may move to traveling teams. Traveling teams typically require a tryout and are more competitive. Many include professional coaches and require more time from the player, and are more expensive than recreations teams. Traveling team ages vary, but many start as young as 10.
Equipment
Most softball leagues provide fields, bases, balls, team jerseys and socks. Softball size varies, depending on the age of the team, ranging from 10-inch to 12-inch. Players typically provide bats, gloves, batting helmets, baseball pants and shoes. Some leagues require further equipment, such as protective face masks for pitchers. If the league requires specialized equipment, they may provide one item for the team's use and allow players to bring individual equipment if it meets league standards.
No Jewelry
Leagues typically don't allow jewelry when playing softball. This includes obvious items, such as bracelets or necklaces, as well as less-obvious, such as earrings. While some leagues allow players to cover their earrings with tape to protect another player from facial laceration, most leagues require that earrings be removed completely.
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