Question 1 - Player/Team Assignment Process

   
Why was my daughter put on that team?   Why wasn't my team/coach/friend/school request honored?  How can I change teams?

Team Selection Philosophy
We spend a significant number of hours trying to accommodate every request that comes in during the registration process.  This has been a problem in past drafts with parents left unhappy when their daughter was not selected by a coach they wanted.  In order to help eliminate this problem we have gone to a "Blind Draft" process that removes the coaches from having to explain to parents why they did not select their child to play on their team.

Folsom Softball Club recreational team selection follows the following process:
1. Head Coach and Assistant Coach selected (one guaranteed Assistant for each team).
2. Head Coach and Assistant Coach's daughters placed on team
3. Pitching balanced for 8U-14U team
4. Requests for coach/friends/schools/etc.
5. Adjustments made to ensure fair teams based on player skill level
6. Remaining players placed evenly across teams based on skill level

Escalation Process
It is our goal to do our very best to accommodate each request with the understanding that some requests may not be feasible. We must make sure that our league is not only a truly enjoyable experience for the girls, but a competitive learning experience as well. To this end, we base our decisions for honoring requests on the evaluation results in order to maintain a level playing field for all teams. We thank you for your understanding regarding our choices and believe your daughter will have an amazing experience in Folsom Softball.  We do understand that not every person will be happy with their daughter's team selection and offer the following escalation policy:

1. Review the team selection process above.
2. If you are still not happy contact the Folsom Softball Club President.
3. If you are still not happy you may address the Executive Board at the next Board meeting.
4. If you are still not happy you may remove a player from the league following the published refund policy.

                                                     Spring 2013 Refund Policy

 

Date

 

Refund

 

Dec 1 - Feb 9

 

100%

 

Feb 10 - Mar 1

 

50%

 

After Mar 1

 

none

 

 

 


 Question 2 - Competitive Program

   
What is the Folsom Softball Club's competitive program? What is the difference between Comp “A”, Comp “B” and Rec softball?   

Our recreational softball program has a 3-month season (Mar-May).  The teams are formed by age group 6U (5-6 year olds), 8U (7-8 year olds), 10U (9-10 year olds), 12U (11-12 year olds) and 14U (13-14 year olds).  Players for the 8U through 14U divisions are evaluated prior to the start of the season so that individuals with experience and increased athletic ability can be fairly distributed on all teams in the division.  The rec program is designed to be instructional and developmental, while introducing a healthy level of competition.  No players are cut from participation because of talent or experience.  All who register are placed on a team.  Most rec games will be played on Folsom fields, however the 14U division may have games in cities around the greater Sacramento Valley, if we do not have enough teams within the division for inner league play.

Our competitive Folsom Freedom “B” tournament teams will be formed at the end of the recreational season.  Practice starts immediately after the rec season ends and will be at least 2, more likely 3 days a week. A try-out will used to evaluate rec players based on experience and ability.  The players with the highest ratings will be invited to participate on the Comp “B” tournament teams for the 10U, 12U, and 14U divisions.  Not all players who try-out for the Comp “B” tournament teams will earn a position on a team.  All Comp “B” tournament teams are comprised only of players coming out of the recreational fast pitch program.  Comp “B” players participate in weekend fast pitch tournaments throughout Northern California, but mostly in the greater Sacramento Valley, starting in late May.  Comp “B” tournaments are hosted by various organizations through the month of November, however most Comp “B” tournament teams only compete during the summer months.

Our competitive Folsom Freedom “A” tournament teams are formed in December, after try-outs are held to select the most experienced and talented players to form the teams.  Additional tryouts may be held during the summer months if positions open up through attrition or coach decision.  Not all players who try-out for the Comp “A” tournament teams will earn a position on a team.  The Comp “A” tournament teams compete in “A” level tournaments throughout Northern California, but mostly in the greater Sacramento Valley, from March through November.  The Comp “A” teams typically compete in 10-20 weekend tournaments over a 9 month period, while practicing 2-3 times per week.  

 Question 3 - Practice and Game Schedules

   
What are the practice and game schedules for the upcoming season?

The 2013 regular recreational season runs from Mar 1st - May 19th. Teams will practice 2-3 times per week until games begin on Tuesday, March 19th. Most teams will stop practicing after games begin, however coaches may request field time for additional practices as field availability permits. Teams will have two games per week. Usually, one game during the week and one on Saturday. The schedules won’t be finalized until registration closes and the teams are determined.   
        

 Question 4 - Age Division/Eligibility (Spring 2013)

   
How are the age groups (divisions) determined?   What division will my daughter be in?

Folsom Softball Club is a member of ASA (Amateur Softball Association) and therefore we follow the ASA age division guidelines.  Player age is determined by their age on January 1st.  For the 2013 season, the following age divisions apply:

              6U Division =  players with birth years 2006-2007
              8U Division =  players with birth years 2004-2005
            10U Division =  players with birth years 2002-2003
            12U Division =  players with birth years 2000-2001
            14U Division =  players with birth years 1998-1999

By special request, submitted to the player agent, a player with exceptional talent and experience may request to “play up” in the next higher age division. The player will be evaluated and the board may approve the player to move up to the next division.

 Question 5 - Head Coach vs. Assistant Coach

   
What is the difference in the roles of the Head Coach vs. Assistant Coach?   

Head Coach - is in charge of the entire team, including responsibility for softball instruction and coaching during practices and games. The Head Coach gives direction and leadership to the Assistant Coach(es). Knowledge of the game and skill in teaching softball skills is a requirement for this position; however in the younger age groups we will provide training and guidance. Position is applied for through an application process and approved by Coach Agent and/or Board.  ASA Background check and registration required. This leadership position requires a commitment to the team, but it is also a great deal of fun and very rewarding.

Assistant Coach(es) - This person helps the Head Coach at practices and games. There is usually one assistant coach, but there can be more than one assistant coach as long as they have completed the ASA Background check. While knowledge of the game and skill in teaching softball skills is very helpful for this position, we do provide training and the Head Coach provides overall direction. Position of Assistant Coach is applied for through an application process and approved by the Coach Agent and/or Board.  As with all coaching jobs, this position is hard work, but it is also fun and rewarding.  

Question 6 - Team Coordinator

   
What is a Team Coordinator?

Team Coordinator/Parent
The Team Coordinator works closely with the Head Coach, and supports the activities of the entire team, working closely with coaches and parents. The Team Coordinator organizes team activities, and typically is involved in team communication and overseeing other parent volunteers (snack bar, for example). The Team Coordinator function is a critical one to the success of the team. Knowledge of softball skills or rules is not required.  Requires ASA Background check to be on the field or dugout. This is a fun job with responsibility.

NOTE:  A female must be present at all team events (practice, games, training, parties, etc).  She is not required to have a background check (i.e. a mom sitting in the stands watching practice meets the criteria).  However, if the person (male or female) is in the dugout or on the field then the ASA policy applies that the person must have an ASA background check.

Question 7 - Background Check and Fee

   
Who needs to have a background check?   What about scorekeepers?   When am I allowed to go on the field?  How do I find out if I was cleared?

Who needs a background check and why:
ASA requires that anyone on the field or in the dugout with the girls must have a background check.  This includes Coaches and Team Coordinators.  Only Coaches and Team Coordinators are to be in the dug-out or on the field during games.  Parents can assist at practice if they have submitted the ASA background check.  The reason for this is to protect our girls from someone that may have a criminal past.  Since scorekeepers are not on the field, they do not require a background check (like the parents in the stands).  

Required documents for the background check:
The following items must be submitted
1. ASA Background Consent Form
2. A copy of your driver's license
3. Payment of $25 to Folsom Softball Club (the fee for ONE Head Coach and ONE Asssistant Coach will be paid by FSC)
 
Documents should be scanned and e-mailed to CoachAgent@folsomsoftballclub.com.

When Cleared:
Once the league receives your required docs and payment you are allowed to be on the field.  ASA will notify the league president if anyone comes back “not cleared” and the league will take appropriate action at that time.

Question 8 - Uniforms and Equipment

   
What equipment do I need to purchase separately?  What uniform items will be issued?

Fall Season Uniforms:
In an effort to keep costs down, players will receive one uniform shirt for the fall season (only your number on the jersey). All players will wear navy blue pants – purchased separately.  Individual teams may decide on and purchase socks of their choice (crazy socks, star socks, tie-dyed socks, etc.).

Spring Season Uniforms:
Each player will be assigned one jersey, one visor, and one pair of socks.  The jersey and visor will have the player's last name on them.  The cost of these uniform items isincluded in the registration price.  The uniform design looks like this:

Must be purchased separately:
1. NAVY softball pants  - Sports Authority, Bases Loaded, or BIG5 Sporting Goods in Folsom carry a good stock of softball pants.  There are also many online resources.
 
2. Batting helmet: Must meet NOCSAE standard (it will have a stamp on it), with face mask and chin strap.

3. Cleats:  Soccer cleats are fine if you don't want to purchase a separate pair of softball cleats.

4. Glove:  Each player will need her own glove.

5. Bat:  Must have ASA Certified stamp. Any sporting goods store can help you with picking out the right size.
  
Balls - for use outside of practices
6U: 10" Easton Incrediball (soft training ball)
8U: 10" Easton Incrediball (soft training ball)
10U: 11" regular ASA softball
12U: 12" regular ASA softball
14U: 12" regular ASA softball

Question 8 - Registration Fee Breakdown & Refund Policy

   

2013 Spring Registration Fee

2013 Spring Fee Breakdown   Amount
  Uniform   $ 38
  Umpire Equipment/Payroll   $ 26
  Player ASA/NorCal Registration Fees   $ 15
  Administration/Supplies/Director Insurance   $ 13
  Coaches (Shirts-ASA Fees-Training)   $ 15
  Equipment/Rentals/Field Prep Fees   $ 16
  Player Awards and Special Events   $ 10
  Pictures   $  3
  Scholarships   $  4
  TeamSideLine (Website Mgmt Fees)   $  4
  City of Folsom Fees (Adopt/Fields)   $ 26
  City of Folsom "Project Livermore Finish"   $ 10
Total Spring Registration Fee:    $165
     
     
2013 Spring Registration Fee Schedule   Amount Refund
Dec 1 - Jan 13
(Earlybird $15 Discount Period)		   $170 100%
Jan 14 - Feb 9
(Regular Registration Fee - No Discount)		   $180 100%
Feb 10 - Mar 1
(Registration Closed - Add to Wait List - Fee is $255 if added to a team)		 $255 50%
City of Folsom Non-Resident Fee   $ 15  
Sibling Discount   ($ 10)  


If you have other questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us at President@FolsomSoftballClub.com