FAQs

Who may play softball with WBRSA?

All girls ages 4-16, regardless of experience, are encouraged to come play softball with WBRSA. See the chart below for the most up to date Age Chart for the Season based on USSSA governing body.

How are your age groups divided?

Girls are divided by age, with rules and game times appropriate to their age groups. See above for the age chart for more accurate placement. We do offer Instructional, 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16U and up divisions.
What is “fastpitch” softball?

Fastpitch softball is a dynamic, competitive version of softball characterized by high-speed underhand pitching, typically utilizing a windmill motion. It's a team sport with nine players on each side, known for its fast pace, strategic base running, and emphasis on both offensive and defensive skills. The speed of the pitch is a key differentiator, with pitches often exceeding 50-60 mph and requiring quick reaction times from batters. Younger and newer players are not expected to know how to pitch. In our 8U and under divisions, coaches slow-pitch to the girls as they make the transition from tee ball to a pitched ball. As a player becomes more confident, they begin learning how to hit a fastpitch ball while those girls who are interested in pitching learn how to pitch windmill. Girls transition to full fastpitch in our 10U and older divisions. At WBRSA we offer Free clinics in pitching, and are currently looking to add a Fundamentals and Hitting clnic for girls of all ages.
Why a league for girls’ softball? Why not let my 6 year old daughter play baseball with the boys?

There are many reasons to get your player involved in girls’ softball.  First, the games of softball and baseball are different and require different skills.  If your daughter wants to be prepared to play softball when she is older -- such as on a middle or high school team -- getting her involved in softball at a younger age is important for her to build on those skills.  While at the youngest ages, the games of tee ball are identical for boys and girls, the second reason to involve your daughter in softball is for the camaraderie of her team.  Many girls enjoy being on all-girl teams and make great friends through the league.
How many times a week will my daughter play?

Teams play twice a week during any regular season. It is at the coaches discretion if your team practices more or less than that. We typically have Saturday games, with the exception of a game on occasion during the week, but this will always be on the same day as your practice is scheduled. When planning games, we like to schedule the younger division earlier in the day and the older divisions playing later in the day. Plus, our league is proud to offer as a bonus and at no cost to you, professionally ran clinics open to all age groups. The specific clinic, day and time it occurs, will be updated and shared each season. 
Where are your games held?

In our recreational league, we have wonderful partnership with Parkland, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek and Margate. We will play an equal amount of games at each park, including our own, which is located within South County Regional Park in West Boca Raton.  Our travel teams play tournaments throughout the South Florida area, including at the home fields at South County Regional Park.  Please note that we must follow all the rules of our host field, which includes NO dogs allowed at the fields. 
When do your seasons run?

WBRSA hosts two recreational seasons each year, in the spring and the fall. The spring season runs approximately from January-May. The fall season runs approximately from August-November.  Our travel season plays its heaviest schedule in the spring and early summer, with a lighter amount of tournaments in the Fall and practice year-round.
What should my daughter wear to practice and/or games?

For games, all players receive a practice jersey, a game jersey, belt and socks. Depending on your team name, which is chosen each season by your Head Coach, your teams coach or manager will advise what color of pants your player should wear. For the purpose of your players pants, we do have a year-around coupon and partnership with Dick's Sporting Goods to assist. For practices, girls should wear comfortable softball pants, t-shirts (practice) and cleats. Additionally, there are various equipment items that are required for safety (see below).  Finally, and additionally for safety reasons, girls may NOT wear jewelry, or clothing with zippers or many pockets while playing softball.
What equipment does my new softball player need?

One of the great things about softball with the WBRSA is the affordability of the sport for multiple reasons. When you first register we realize preparing for a new sport can seem overwhelming and the cost to get started even more. Thanks to our long standing families that continue to grow with us year after year, and donate gently used items as their player grows, we take those items and hold a semi-annual Garage Sale during our Player Evaluations. Parents will have an opportunity to purchase slightly used items for next to nothing. If that wasn't pretty awesome already, we also have a year-round coupon and partnership with our local Dick's Sporting Goods store so that you can save on anything you may need to set your player up for success. Click here, Year-Around Dick's Sporting Goods, for your coupon today.

All Players should have the following:

  • Softball glove (work with a knowledgeable store representative or your coach to ensure that it is correctly sized) 
  • Face mask 

  • Softball Bat. Must have an approved USSSA sticker on it. Additionally, while we note a player should have a bat, we encourage new players to not purchase a new bat until they have an opportunity to try a bats weight and length. Your coach will work with your player to help her find the bat that is right for her. Believe it or not, a few ounces in a bat make a big difference!
  • Approved batting helmet. Batting helmets serve only a safety function. When you are purchasing a helmet, try and fit it as you would a bicycle helmet; make sure it fits your player properly, and has no damage to the structure. The batting helmet must contain a face mask and chin strap to protect the batter. Batting gloves are optional, and completely up to the player.
  • Softball cleats. Note: metal cleats are not allowed. Also, "most" soccer cleats are acceptable for playing softball. (The reverse is generally not true; usually you are not permitted to wear softball cleats for playing soccer). 

Are there food concessions available for sale at the fields?

YES! Last season we had the pleasure of two young ladies from West Boca Community High School come out, manage inventory, volunteers, and did a lot to open as frequently as we were able. Our Board is proud now to have Maria Huling, Concessions Director, join us to keep our concessions open, but to expand what we offer. Our concessions directly affect our ability to offer free clinics to our entire league. We plan to be open regularly on weekdays and Saturday game days, with a full range of concessions are available, including but not limited to, water, sports drinks, soda, hamburgers and hot dogs and a variety of snacks, and more.

Concessions will also be used as a great way for our high schoolers to earn hours. Sign up sheet coming soon... 

Is there anything else we should bring to the fields?

Please make sure that your player, you, and anyone that may join you has plenty of sunscreen and stays hydrated. While we continue to work with Palm Beach County to get awnings installed at our fields, we currently do not have any coverings for shade and protection. Please plan accordingly. Play continues in light rain, so we encourage you to bring umbrellas in the event of inclement weather.
The weather looks pretty bad. How do I know if a game is cancelled?

Each day, officials with the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department examine the fields and assure that they are safe for play. In the event of rain during the day, these officials may opt to close the fields for that evening’s scheduled play. If the fields are closed you will be notified by eAlert (if you signed up for this feature) or by your coach. 
What are the travel leagues and how do they differ from the recreational leagues? Can my daughter play in both?

Recreational (rec) and travel softball differ primarily in commitment level, competition, and cost. Rec ball is generally more relaxed, focusing on fun and skill development, while travel ball is more competitive, demanding greater time and greater financial investment. We are proud at WBRSA that our travel teams are 75% seeded from our rec program. Travel tryouts are open to all girls in the appropriate age division and encouraged. Girls within the 8U and 10U are required to play both rec and travel, all older divisions, it is up to the player and her coaches discretion. 

Our league will communicate travel workout and tryouts as they occur through an email and Facebook communication. 

Are there opportunities to sponsor teams?

Yes! To help keep registration costs from increasing, we rely on sponsors to help our league grow. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, click here.
Sounds great! How do I sign up?

You can sign up online by going back to our Home page, and we look forward to seeing you at the fields!