Softball is specially designed to support the athletic and social needs of girls and young women. This all-girl ball program helps players make new friends, build self-confidence, develop teamwork skills and leadership skills, all while being active and outdoors.
Players must be 7 years old on January 1 of the current year to be eligible for softball. Due to the focus, coordination, and level of play, many 7 year-olds may find Mini Minors baseball or Rookie Minors baseball a better fit. Our focus is to make assess and support each player in finding an appropriate level of play for their positive development and enjoyment of the game.
MINORS (Ages 7-11): The focus in the Minor division is to develop and improve the core foundational skills of softball. This includes a strong emphasis on throwing, catching, pitching, and batting. At the same time, in an environment that emphasizes FUN, there is a focus on improving fielding skills, learning plays, positions and developing softball knowledge! This division includes base stealing! Pitching is done by both players and coaches.
Fair play rules apply, with players having the opportunity to play both infield and outfield positions, except where there is a safety concern.
Previous years have included a play-off at the end of the season and/or a tournament team representing Hampton at a District championship. We expect to do something similar again this year.
Each team must have a parent scorekeeper and parents are responsible for field set up and take down.
PRACTICES:
- Divisional practice on Tuesday evenings.
- Coaches may also schedule separate team practices.
GAMES:
- 1-2 games per week.
- Games will be scheduled on Saturday mornings as much as possible and the occasional additional day as needed.
MAJORS (Ages 10-12): The focus at this level is still on the improvement of foundational skills and having fun. Players learn basic game strategies including the use of signals and bunting. There is no coach-pitching at this level.
Fair play rules apply during the regular season, with players having the opportunity to play both infield and outfield positions, except where there is a safety concern.
The Majors division offers extended play into July and August through a competitive tournament team. All players who participated in a minimum 60% of regular season games are eligible to try-out for the tournament team, which plays in a District championships, or may go directly to a Canadian championship in August. The winning Canadian team then goes on to compete at the Little League World Series, an international tournament in North Carolina. Many past Hampton Softball players have earned their way to the World Series and say it’s an incredible experience.
Each team must have a parent scorekeeper and parents are responsible for field set up and take down.
PRACTICES:
- Divisional practice on Monday evenings.
- Coaches may also schedule separate team practices.
Games:
- 1-2 games per week.
- Most Wednesdays. Additional days may occasionally be needed.
JUNIORS (Ages 13-14): This level continues to develop player skills and elevate game strategies. Similar to the Major’s division, this level offer extended play into July and August through a competitive tournament team vying to play at the Canadian Championships. The winning Canadian team then goes on to compete at the Junior World Series, an international tournament in Kirkland, Washington.. We’re proud of the many Hampton Softball players have competed at past Junior World Series. In order to qualify for any Tournament Team – the Teams must play at least 12 games, but the player must play in 60% of the scheduled games that the league team plays.
Each team must have a parent scorekeeper and parents are responsible for field set up and take down.
PRACTICES:
- Team practices are set by the coach.
GAMES:
- 1-2 games per week.
- Most Monday evenings.
SENIORS (Ages 14-16)
This level continues to develop player skills and elevate game strategies. This level also offers extended play into July and August through a Regional tournament team that competes at the Canadian Championships. The winning team from this tournament moves on to play at the Senior World Series, an international tournament in Lower Sussex, Delaware. We’re proud of the many past Hampton Softball players have made it all the way to the Senior World Series. In order to qualify for any Tournament Team – the Teams must play at least 12 games, but the player must play in 60% of the scheduled games that the league team plays.
Each team must have a parent scorekeeper and parents are responsible for field set up and take down.
PRACTICES:
- Team practices are set by the coach.
GAMES:
- 1-2 games per week.
- Most Wednesday evenings.
Hampton Little League 