Please note that starting in 2023, 3TLL will offer two evaluation sessions in March for all softball players ages 8-12. Players looking to be selected for majors or minors’ teams must attend at least one tryout. Players under the age of 12 may be placed in minors if they do not attend at least one tryout.
--- General Information ---
Evaluations: All players intending to play on 8U, 10U and 12U teams are required to attend at least one of two tryouts in March every year. Evaluations will help determine which team players are placed on but won't be the only factor considered. More information about the evaluation process can be found here.
How will teams be split?- At the 8U level and below: If there are enough players to have multiple teams, we will make every effort to split players evenly by ability, age and by parent requests (ie: wanting to be on a team with a friend...)
- At the 10U level and above: We have tried different methods over the years but none seemed a perfect fit so we are still evaluating the best way to split teams at this level. Every league in district 6 approaches this topic differently. Some form an "A" and "B" team, some split it by age/grade and some try to split the teams evenly. 3TLL splits the teams evenly by the coaches through a 'draft' selection process.
What division should I select? The players age, experience, ability, and team availability are all considered. The decision is a joint decision by the parent/guardian and the league. The league has the final say due to player numbers and player safety. Please use the division descriptions below and reach out to us with any additional questions.
Determining ages for softball: Age determination for softball is different than baseball. Please use the Little League Age Calculator to determine the player’s age but note that skill plays a large part in placement due to player safety.
--- Seasons & All-stars---
Seasons & Timing: We are always looking for ways to get players on the field or in the gym. Players can pick and choose what seasons they would like to play, with the spring season being the most competitive season and the way to qualify for All-stars. Here's a sample of what we plan to offer every year:- Spring Season: April to June - This is the most competitive season and a must for those wanting a chance to be on a All-Star team.
- All-Stars: June/July - For U10 & U12 players selected to play on an All-Star team with a chance to play in the Little League World Series.
- Summer Season: July/August - A 'pick-up game' style season of blended ages and abilities. Individual development is the focus.
- Fall Season: September/October - This is more age-appropriate and competitive league then the summer. Players wanting to play in the spring are encouraged to play in the fall.
- Winter Sessions: Sessions typically focus on hitting & pitching. A wiffleball game or two has been known to break out.
All-Stars: 10U & 12U players will be eligible for selection to a All-Star team that competes in June/July for a chance to go to the Little League World Series. More information can found on the softball General All-Star Info.
---Divisions ---
12U Majors – Player Pitch - Advanced instructional league with Little League rules. This is the most competitive league currently offered and players picked to an All-Star team will get to compete for a chance to play in the Little League World Series.
- Ages: 11-12 (advanced 10 year-olds are eligible based on evaluations and availability, 12-year-olds can only play majors by Little League Rules unless there is a safety issue)
- Evaluations: Required. There will be two tryout dates in March and all players are expected to attend at least one.
- Practices: 1-2 practices a week. Typically Monday & Wednesdays from 5:15 – 6:45pm but not guaranteed.
- Games: 2-3 games per week (13-16 games per season) including weekend and weeknight games of various days & locations. 5:30-6pm start for weeknight games.
- All-Stars: Players are eligible to be chosen to play on an All-star team and tournament which culminates in the Little League Softball World Series.
- Equipment: Players need a 11.5” or larger glove, rubber cleats, black softball pants, black softball socks and a facemask is optional. It’s recommended that the player have their own bat, helmet and batting gloves however the coach will have a supply of bats and helmets to share if needed.
- Skill Level: Players should be able to catch a 12" ball to either side of the body and should be comfortable hitting against fast player-pitchers. This is a competitive league and the players showing the most initiative to get better will have the most playing time. Each player is guaranteed at least 1-2 innings of play per game. Positions and playing time are determined by player initiative and skill but ultimately decided by the coaches.
10U Minors – Modified Player Pitch – Intermediate/advanced instructional league
- Ages: 8-10 (Evaluations and availability determine placement)
- Evaluations: Required. There will be two tryout dates in March and all players are expected to attend at least one.
- Practices: 1-2 practices a week. Typically Tuesday & Thursdays from 5:15 – 6:45pm but not guaranteed.
- Games: 1-3 games per week (12-15 games per season) including weekend and weeknight games of various days & locations. 5:30-6pm start for weeknight games.
- Equipment: Players need a 11” or larger glove, rubber cleats, black softball pants & socks and a facemask are optional. It’s recommended that the player have their own bat, helmet and batting gloves however the coach will have a supply of bats and helmets to share.
- Skill Level: Players should be comfortable catching an overhand thrown 11” softball most of the time. Pitching is done primarily by players, but coaches can step in to pitch depending on town rules. Rules vary slightly and are ultimately determined by the home team. Players should show proper technique for throwing, catching, hitting and base running. Stealing bases is generally allowed. Some minors players can be asked to join the majors team and might be asked to play on the fall season majors team to prepare for next spring. Invitations are generally based on player abilities and imitative.
10U (Mini) Minors – Modified Coach Pitch - Beginner/Intermediate instructional league (when numbers allow)
- Ages: 8-10 (Evaluations and availability determine placement)
- Evaluations: Required. There will be two tryout dates in March and all players are expected to attend at least one.
- Practices: 1-2 practices a week. Typically Tuesday & Thursdays from 5:15 – 6:45pm but not guaranteed
- Games: 1-3 games per week (12-15 games per season) including weekend and weeknight games of various days & locations. 5:45-6pm start for weeknight games
- Equipment: Players need a glove, rubber cleats, black softball pants & socks, water bottle and facemasks are optional. It’s recommended that the player have their own bat, helmet and batting gloves however the coach will have a supply of bats and helmets to share.
- Skill Level: Players should be comfortable catching an overhand thrown ball regularly. Players are comfortable hitting a ball pitched by a coach. Depending on the team’s skill level or opponent, player-pitch is possible. Players are still honing in their batting, throwing, catching, and base running techniques. Stealing bases can be allowed. Players that show initiative and advancing skill can be invited to play in an advanced divisions.
8U - AAA (Farm) Division – Modified Coach Pitch - Beginner instructional league
- Ages: 7-8 (advanced 6-year-olds are eligible upon availability and skill)
- Practices: Typically 1 practice per week from 5:15 – 6:15pm (days vary depending on field availability)
- Games: 1-2 games per week on Friday night and/or Saturdays at varying locations
- Equipment: Players need a glove, rubber cleats, water bottle and a facemask is required. Black pants & socks are strongly encouraged.
- Skill Level: Players ideally have played Tee Ball in the past and/or feel comfortable catching an underhand thrown 11” 'soft' softball. Coaches do a majority of the pitching however depending on the skill level of the team or opponent, player-pitch is possible and is ultimately decided by the coaches before a game. Players are still learning the proper way to swing the bat, throw and catch. Stealing bases is usually not allowed.
Tee Ball – Tee Only - Great for those new players just learning the game. Softball and baseball players can be combined at this level depending on the number of players and field availability. Tee Ball players currently register through the baseball division but will remain as coed.
- Ages: 5-7
- Practices: Typically 1 practice per week from 5:15 – 6:15pm (days vary depending on field availability).
- Equipment: Players need a glove
- Skill Level: Players will learn the basics of the game: catching, throwing, hitting, and teamwork. There is no live pitching, only tees. Tee ball can have mixed genders depending on field and player availability.