Falcon Softball Parents,

The 2023 softball season is ahead of us and we are excited to get this season in full swing. So let's get ready to play some ball! Softball registration will open up on January 3rd and run through February 17th. If you miss the registration deadline, any late registrant request will be evaluated based on each team's availability and a $35 late fee will be applied. Late registrations close by March 3rd and will not be allowed thereafter as the program needs appropriate time to enroll in leagues, connect and prepare coaches, and order jerseys in time for season kickoff.

Practices and Home Games will be played at the current DC West 4-Plex for the 2023 season.  Just like last year, Field #4 will be for infield practices only.  No games allowed on Field #4.

There are a few changes as to how the season will run, so here is a snapshot per grade/level:

The DC West Youth Softball provides opportunities for youth players as follows:

T-Ball (open to both girls and boys in Pre-K and Kindergarten)

• Co-ed teams. *NEW* This year, we will offer games against other local teams vs in-house only. Teams will be broken up just like all other age groups the best we can and we will ask for volunteer coaches for each team. Plan to play 5 or 6 games against other local team  Additional coaches needed. Please consider volunteering your time to help coach our youngest Falcons. 
• Multiple volunteers needed to help encourage and show the kids how to play and where to go. There are usually a good number of players out. If we can break down groups into smaller numbers it is advantageous for everyone. Please let me know if you would like to help.
• Molded cleats only.  No metal cleats allowed. Cleats are not necessarily needed for T-ball.   Tennis shoes are absolutely acceptable.

8U Falcon Softball

• 8U Softball teams consist of players who are at least in 1st grade and up to 3rd grade.  
• Birth years eligible for this league are as follows: 2014, 2015 and 2016. This is a recreational coach pitch league.
• Practices could start as early as the first week in April.  Typically (2) two - 1 hour practices each week until games start. After games start, typically (1) one - 1 hour practice per week if game schedule allows.
• Games typically start mid-May and the season typically ends before July 4th.
• Play in the Saunders County 8U League. 12-14 games can be expected and possibly one tournament.  There will be home games at the DC West 4-Plex as well as away games.  Away games will be with other towns in Saunders County, plus Arlington. Expect travel up to 25 mins one way for away games. . 
• Molded cleats only.  No metal cleats allowed.

10U Falcon Softball

• 10U Softball teams consist of players who are at least in 3rd grade and up to 5th grade.  
• Birth years eligible for this league are as follows: 2012 and 2013. 
• This is a competitive player pitch league. All ASA Rules Apply. Girls will learn to slide into home and will be expected to do so with a play at the plate. 
• Practices could start as early as the first week in April. Typically (2) two - 1 hour practices each week until games start. After games start, typically (1) one - 1 hour practice per week if game schedule allows. 
• Games typically start mid-May and the season typically ends before July 4th.  
• Play in the Logan Valley League. 12-15 games can be expected and at least one tournament.  There will be home games at the DC West 4-Plex as well as away games.   Expect travel up to 45 mins /60 mins one way. 
• Molded cleats only.  No metal cleats allowed.

12U Falcon Softball

• 12U Softball teams consist of players who are at least in 5th grade and up to 7th grade.  
• Birth years eligible for this league are as follows: 2010 and 2011
• This is a competitive player pitch league. All ASA Rules Apply. 
• Practices could start as early as the first week in April.  Typically (3) three - 1 -1.5 hour practices each week until games start. After games start, typically (1) one - 1.5 hour practice per week if game schedule allows.
• Games typically start mid-May and the season typically ends before July 4th.  
• Play in the Logan Valley League. 12-15 games can be expected and at least one tournament.  There will be home games at the DC West 4-Plex as well as away games.   Expect travel up to 45 mins /60 mins one way. 
• Molded cleats only.  No metal cleats allowed.

14U Falcon Softball

• 14U Softball teams consist of players who are at least in 7th grade and up to 9th grade.  
• Birth years eligible for this league are as follows: 2008 and 2009 (Possibly 2010, depending on experience). 
• This is a competitive player pitch league. All ASA Rules Apply. 
• Practices could start as early as the first week in April.  Typically (3) three - 1 -1.5 hour practices each week until games start. After games start, typically (1) one - 1.5 hour practice per week if game schedule allows.
• Games typically start mid-May and the season typically ends before July 4th.  
• Play in the Logan Valley League. 12-15 games can be expected and at least one tournament.  There will be home games at the DC West 4-Plex as well as away games.   Expect travel up to 90 mins one way. 
• Players are allowed to wear metal spikes at this level.  However, if they still qualify to play in the 12U league, please make sure they have molded cleats if they are asked to fill in from time to time.

Jersey Info: Starting this season, we will not be purchasing softball pants, socks or belt. Parents are asked to provide black softball pants (with belt loops), red socks and red belt for their child. A black long sleeved tee is also recommended for colder game days to wear under jersey. We will provide game jersey and visor.   A sizing chart will be provided after registration closes along with further communication on jersey number choices.

Here are some links to order pants, socks and belt, all from Epic Sports.   I have ordered from them before and been very pleased. 

Black pants Choose Black Color

Red Socks Choose Scarlet Color

Red Belt Chose Scarlet Color

Women's Sliding shorts (10U-14U) Or Women's or Girls Sliding Shorts (10U-14U)

Practice Info: Practice dates will depend on the coach of that age group as well as field scheduling availability. The coach will contact you once teams are formed and will communicate practice days/times that are scheduled for the season. All players should arrive to practice wearing appropriate practice gear (softball pants, long socks, practice tee and cleats), softball equipment, facemask and water bottle.  We do practice outside in inclement weather (light rain, misting rain, cold temps down to 45 degrees, and high winds.   Girls should come to practice PREPARED for the weather.   Hats, jackets, sweatshirts, coats, light gloves, etc.

Practice Schedules will be loaded by March 4th.

Game Info: Please see above descriptions for game info. Schedules will be loaded after March 15th.

***Important***

Copies of birth certificates of players are also required at registration.  This is needed to purchase the player insurance and to be a registered player in the league we participate in. Please email that information to jennifer.klawitter@hdrinc.com.

***Pre-Season Clinics will begin Sunday, February 5th.  These are OPTIONAL, but highly recommended!

Register for the winter clinics HERE

Link to Nebraska USA Softball:  https://www.nebraskasoftball.org/

Link to USA Softball and 2023 Official Softball Rules: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/Umpires/Official-Rulebook

Link to Logan Valley Softball:  https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=loganvalleysoftball

Absolutely looking forward to a fun and exciting 2023 season!  If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!  

Jennifer Klawitter

DCWYSO Softball Coordinator

402-679-4051

jennifer.klawitter@hdrinc.com