Woodinville Little League Softball has several levels organized around age and skill in order to help develop players from ages 5 through 16. The progression of a child will vary based on the age at which the child starts playing organized softball and the amount of time the child practices at home and school. Parents spending the time to practice with their child and a child’s own athletic ability play a large role in how a child will progress through the levels.
Girls Ages 5-6 - T-Ball (co-ed)
Girls Ages 6-8 - Rookie Softball
Girls
Ages 7-9 - AAA Softball
Girls Ages 9-11 - Minors Softball
Girls Ages 11-12 - Majors Softball
Girls Ages 13-14 - Junior Softball
Girls Ages 14-16 - Seniors Softball
The above progressions are just examples. Each child is different which is why there are age ranges that overlap between levels. For those children who have not successfully demonstrated the required softball skills, it is best to let the child play down a level to gain confidence and have fun rather than place the child in a situation where he or she is playing below the skill level of their teammates.
Whatever the progression, it is important to make certain that a child is not pushed too fast where he or she is not given enough time to learn, practice and master the fundamentals of softball. Remember most children will not play professional softball, but by learning how to play the game and having fun while doing it, we continue the tradition of this great American past-time for the next generation.
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2007 LITTLE LEAGUE® AGE CHART FOR SOFTBALL DIVISIONS ONLY Match month (top line) and box with year of birth--League age indicated at right |
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Any child who will attain the age of 5 and 6 years old on or before April 30th of the current season shall be eligible to play Tee Ball.
This division is primarily for 5 and 6 year olds who are just starting to play organized softball.
Tee Ball is generally the first introduction to organized softball for most players. The primary objective by the end of the season is to ensure that each player has a “positive experience” with softball, desires to play again the following year, and has successfully demonstrated the skills listed below.
Any child who will attain the age of 6 to 8 years old on or before December 31st (see Age Chart above) of the current season shall be eligible to play Rookie.
At the Rookie level, all games will be coach-pitch for all innings. A softball will be used at Rookie since this will be the first-time children will be pitched to versus hitting off of a tee.
This division is primarily for 6 to 8 year olds to learn the basics of softball. As with Tee Ball the primary objective at this level is to ensure that each player has a “positive experience” with softball, desires to play again the following year, and has learned the skills listed below.
Any child who will attain the age of 7 to 9 years old on or before December 31st (see Age Chart above) of the current season shall be eligible to play AAA.
At the AAA level, all games will be
coach-pitch for the first 3 innings and player pitch for the remaining
innings.
The primary objective at the AAA level is the same as the previous
levels with emphasis on preparing players for advancement to the Minors
level.
The AAA level is where the players should begin to understand “WHY” they
are making certain plays. As with the previous levels, the primary
objective is to ensure that each player has a “positive experience” with
softball, desires to play again the following year, and has learned the
skills listed below with the emphasis on “WHY.”
It is critical that the managers and coaches of this division provide
sound training and good balance of playing time and position rotations
for all players. Besides building upon the skills taught to them at the
preceding levels, players should successfully demonstrate the following
skills:
Any child who will attain the age of 9, 10, or 11 years old on or before December 31st (see Age Chart above) of the current season shall be eligible to play Minors. A player must be selected by a manager through the player review and draft process in order to play at the Minors level.
The primary objective at the Minors level is the same as the previous levels with emphasis on preparing players for advancement to the Majors level. The Minors level is both competitive and instructional with more emphasis on instructional than competitive during the regular season.
It is critical that the managers and coaches of this division provide sound training and good balance of playing time and position rotations for all players. Besides building upon the skills taught to them at the preceding levels, players should successfully demonstrate the following skills:
Any child who will attain the age of 11 or 12 years old on or before JDecember 31st (see Age Chart above) of the current season shall be eligible to play Majors. A player must be selected by a manager through the player review and draft process in order to play at the Majors level.
The Majors level is both competitive and instructional with admittedly more emphasis on the competitive aspects of the game than at the Minors level. Managers focus on fielding a competitive team while also providing the players with a fun learning experience.
Players should focus on refining their softball skills with a strong emphasis on consistency. Often the difference between an average player and a good player is the ability to consistently execute the required skills.
Players in the Majors level should:
Any child who will attain the age of 13, 14, 15, or 16 years old on or before December 31st (see Age Chart above) of the current season shall be eligible to play Junior or Senior softball.