Frequently Asked Questions: Select Program
What is the Select Program?
The USA Softball of Sacramento Select program is designed to create a more competitive environment for players to participate in while still remaining in a recreational league setting. This program will allow USA Softball Recreational leagues to form a team to represent their league in the Select program. Each league will be eligible to put together a Select team at the beginning of the year to compete against the Select teams formed by other leagues.
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. For the upcoming 2025 season, we will have Select teams in our 10U and 12U divisions. If you are interested in coaching a Select team for FSC in future seasons, please reach out to coachagent@folsomsoftballclub.com. Communication will be sent to our FSC community regarding 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 in 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**
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 December/January (if needed). Select practices will begin in mid-January and the number of required practices per week will be at the coaches discretion based on field availability until the spring recreation 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 tournaments with their Select team. The Select series tournaments begin in late February. Select coaches will have the option to come together for practice on non-tournament Sunday's during the regular recreation season (March - May) if they choose to do so. Select teams can resume standard 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 only guaranteed for one season (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 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, FSC is following USA Softball's recommendation of playing on a Select team and regular recreation team simultaneously. Keep in mind the Rec season is relatively short (March-May), and should always come first (practices and games). 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 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 tournaments. Select players will resume frequent practices 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?
There should not be a conflict. USA Softball has worked hard to ensure the Select tournament schedule has very little, if any, overlap with the regular season Rec ball. The schedule is published well in advance so the Board can avoid games on the 1 or 2 potential conflicting Saturdays. A player should never be forced to pick between Rec and Select. If they do, the regular rec team should always come first.
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.
- Tournaments: 6 (based on a roster of 12 players) $2,650 divided between all players
- Rec Registration: $200 - $275
- Select Uniform: $175 - $225
- Misc. costs such as field/cage rentals: $150 - $175
*Participation in additional tournaments including Nationals will require additional funds. Teams can also fundraise to help offset costs.
What are the Select tournament dates for 2025?
The 2025 tournament schedule will not be released until October/November, but the tournament dates for the current season (2023/2024) are below to give you an idea of what to expect.
February 24-25 Spring Series I
March 2-3 Spring Series II
March 10 Spring Series III – Pool Play
March 17 Spring Series III - Bracket Play
April 6-7 Spring Series IV
April 28 Spring Series V – Pool Play
May 5 Spring Series V – Bracket Play
June 21-23 Association Tournament (Sac Area)
**Teams will also register to play in Summer All Star Tournaments which will require additional funds:
May 31-June 2 - Piece of Rock
June 7-9 - Stars of Cordova
July 13-14 Red White & Boom (OPEN Tournament)
July 6-7 Stars & Strikes (10u)
July 20-21 Battle of the Roses (12u & 14u)
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.