Frequently Asked Questions: Select Program
What is the Select Program?
The USA Softball of Sacramento Select program is designed to enhance the recreational league experience by creating a more competitive environment for players to participate in while still remaining in a recreational league setting. This program will allow recreational leagues to form teams to represent their league in the Select program. Each league is eligible to put together 1 or 2 Select teams per division to compete against other Select teams. Essentially, the Select program is a way for leagues to allow their higher performing athletes to come together as a team during the spring rec season.
What divisions currently offer a Select Program?
10U, 12U and 14U divisions are all eligible for a select team if we have enough coach and player interest. If you are interested in coaching a Select team for FSC, please reach out to coachagent@folsomsoftballclub.com. Communication will be sent to our FSC community regarding coach openings, available teams, open tryouts, etc. as Select programs become available in any of the applicable divisions.
Who is eligible to play on a Select team for Folsom Softball Club (FSC)?
Players that live or go to school in Folsom are eligible to try out for a Folsom Select team. Waivers from other leagues are typically not accepted unless the home league does not have a rec team within the same age division. The only exception would be for players who fall under the "grandfather clause", meaning they have played with FSC under an approved waiver for at least 1 full Spring season and therefore have established themselves within the league they are waived to play in. **All exceptions, waivers, grandfather clause players, etc. are subject to USA Softball review and approval**
Select players must also play in a minimum of 75% of their scheduled rec games in order to remain eligible.
How are players chosen for the Select team?
Open tryout(s) will be held and the Select player selection process will mirror the All-Stars player selection process. Additional details on the All-Stars player selection process can be found under League Info->League Rules and Documents->League Docs->Select and All-Stars Selection Processes.
What is the player commitment?
The Select season runs from January through July. Tryouts for the Select team will typically occur in June/July and/or December/January. Select practices will begin in mid-January and the number of required practices per week will be at the coaches discretion until the spring rec season begins March 1st.
Beginning March 1st, Select players will practice and play scheduled league games with their rec teams and play in the scheduled Select games/tournaments with their Select team. The Select series games/tournaments begin in late February. Select teams will have the option to come together for practice a maximum of 1 time per week (non-tournament/game Sunday's) during the spring recreational season (March - May) if they choose to do so. Select teams can resume regular practice schedules beginning in late May/early June, until all final summer tournaments are completed.
Do Select players have to try out each season?
Yes, both Select coaches and the Select roster are guaranteed for one season only (Sept 1st - Aug 31st).
Are Select players guaranteed a certain amount of playing time in games?
Select players are not guaranteed play time in Select/All Star games/tournaments. Select is played competitively. Coaches should be focused on development of all players and fostering a passion and love for the game in practices but he or she will play the games competitively which can often mean playing the best nine players most of the time.
My daughter is a really good player and I’m trying to decide if Folsom Select is right for my daughter, or if she should play A level ball.
This is a decision that can only be made by your family and should be made with objective consideration and an accurate assessment of your daughter’s skills by you and experienced and trusted coaches/instructors in the softball community. Our recommendation is to do some research and keep an open mind regarding your daughter’s skills and make the decision that is best for your family. Making an A Ball team or a Select team are both great accomplishments that should be celebrated.
Will my daughter play for two different FSC teams at the same time?
Yes, participation in the USA Softball Select program requires all Select players to also play on a team within their recreational league during the spring season. Keep in mind the rec season is relatively short (March-May), and the Select program schedule does not conflict with the spring rec schedule. Typically, Select players practice hard with their Select coaches January & February. Starting March 1st, Select players will practice and play scheduled league games with their rec teams for the spring season. Select coaches will have the option to come together on non-tournament Sundays to practice with their Select team, and then of course for all scheduled Select games/tournaments. Select players will resume a regular practice schedule with their Select teams beginning again in late May/early June.
What team will my daughter be placed on for Rec ball?
FSC has a keeper team process in place for all returning players (including select players) who would like to return to the same team they played with during the prior spring season. If they opt to stay with the same team during registration, we will do our best to place returning coaches/teammates together per our standard keeper team protocol. Additional details on the team placement process can be found under League Info->League Rules and Documents->League Docs->Team Placement Process.
Will the regular recreational season conflict with the Select commitment?
No, there are no conflicts between the rec season and Select season schedules.
What is the cost to participate in the Select program?
This is an estimate and can vary based on number of players and miscellaneous expenses.
- Games/Tournaments: $2,650 divided between all players (based on a roster of 12 players)
- Rec Registration: $200 - $275
- Select Uniform: $175 - $225
- Misc. costs such as field/cage rentals: $150 - $175
*Participation in additional summer All Stars tournaments including Nationals will require additional funds. Teams can also fundraise to help offset costs.
What are the Select game/tournament dates for 2025?
The 2025 Select tournament/game schedule is listed below (included in the $2650 game/tournament cost noted above):
February 22-23 Opening Select Tournament
March 9 Pool play games x 3
March 23 Pool play games x 3
April 6 Pool play games x 3
May 4 Pool play games x 3
May 24-25 Closing Select Tournament
June 20-22 Association Championship Tournament
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**Teams will also register to play in Summer All Star Tournaments which will require additional funds:
May 30-June 1 Piece of Rock
June 7-8 Stars of Cordova
June 28-29 Battle of the Roses (12u & 14u only)
June 28-29 Stars & Strikes (10u only)
July 12-13 NorCal All Stars
July 12-13 Red, White and Boom (OPEN A & B class)
I have a summer vacation planned that conflicts with a Select/All Star tournament. Can my daughter still play?
You will be asked to sign a letter of understanding and commitment at tryouts. You should list any conflicts at this time as it could play a role in your daughter’s ability to be offered a spot on the Select team. If a conflict arises that the coach was not made aware of prior to your daughter being offered a spot on the team, this could jeopardize your daughter’s standing on the team and/or ability to play Select in future seasons.