St. Croix Valley Girls Fast Pitch

10 and Under Parent Meeting

www.stillwaterfastpitch.org

Welcome! The St. Croix Valley Girls Fast Pitch Association began in 1984, it added its 24th year of operation and 13th year of 10 & Under fast pitch. Again in 2008 the 10U teams will play in the Tri-County League. A typical roster will have from 12 to14 girls. All players will be evaluated during the spring indoor instructional and practice sessions to determine their skill level and ability to focus and pay attention. The 10U league uses an 11" hard softball, so safety is a priority when evaluating and positioning players. The possibility exists that a player may be asked to return to the VAA softball program for another season. Please do not get discouraged if your daughter is asked to return to the VAA program, but encourage her to work hard to improve her skills. We will recommend the winter development clinic and another try next year. Truthfully, some of the 12U and 14U girls have gone this route and made a team the following year. Selection criteria will include catching, throwing, and hitting skills, and the ability to focus and pay attention.

Registration fees include league fees, tournament fees, facility fees, socks and uniform.  All 10U players must purchase a minimum of one pair white sliding shorts and one knee sliding pad.

S.G.V.G.F.P.A. has decided to order a new style uniform this year.  Players are encouraged to attend the registration meeting to try on various uniform pieces to ensure correct sizes.

Philosophy: SCV Girls Fast Pitch is a competitive program committed to the development of high school varsity softball players. Our goal is to have the highest quality softball program in the state. Participation in this program requires a major commitment from players and parents. We recognize that 10U players are inexperienced in fast pitch, and we understand the fears and anxieties that accompany their inexperience. Knowing this, our teaching and coaching techniques emphasize encouragement and positive reinforcement. We want the girls to feel good about them and have fun. Yet we have high expectations. The girls are expected to pay attention, work hard, and attend all practices and games. Their skill level and knowledge of softball will increase dramatically through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. We think these values are what competitive sports are all about.

 Pitchers: In preparation for the summer program, pitchers attend a weekly clinic from January through March at the Stillwater Junior High. In addition to the clinic, the girls are asked to practice on their own every day if possible. All pitchers who make the team will pitch during the summer, but not on an equal time basis.

Practices: Pre-season practices will be scheduled 2-3 times per week indoors and outside when weather permits. This will continue until league play begins. Once the games begin, practices will be scheduled twice per week (possibly weekend too) in addition to the Tuesday and Thursday night games. Practices may also be scheduled for Friday nights before tournaments. The pre-season will concentrate on hitting, bunting, catching and throwing. The girls will be taught sliding techniques at every outdoor practice. The girls should have sweatpants and sweatshirts (not nylon) with them at every practice. It is also advisable to wear shorts or sliding pants underneath the sweatpants.

 Attendance: Part of our responsibility is to judge how "committed" your child is to this program.  Practice attendance is critical. Good attendance saves time and allows players to grow without having to continually review specific items for players who miss practices. Once the season starts, previous games are reviewed, corrections are made, and strategies are discussed at each practice. It's also important to show up early so players have time to warm up. Injuries occur when players don't warm up adequately. Please be sure to let the coach know if your child will be absent from a practice and/or game.

 Home Practice: All the girls need to improve their catching and throwing skills. It is recommended they spend at least 15 minutes playing catch every day--no grounders, no fly balls, just catch and throw with someone they can throw hard to, or practice their form without a ball.

 Transportation: If at any time during the season you need help in this area, please feel free to call one of the coaches or another parent. The team can meet at a central location to travel caravan style for away games and tournaments if needed.

The following is a list of basic equipment your child will need for this program: 

·        Flexible glove

·        Molded cleats

·        Sliding pants (optional)

·        Batting glove (optional—Louisville and Franklin are both quality brands)

·        Bag for glove, cleats, etc. (A small duffle bag or softball/baseball bag)

·        Water bottle

·        Old towel to be kept in bag (used for hands, etc. during rain games)

·        Rain or golf umbrella (optional) for rainy or hot sunny days. Nice to have around at tournaments!

 Tournament play usually begins early Saturday mornings. All players should bring the following extra equipment to tournaments: 

·        Turtleneck or long-sleeved shirt

·        Windbreaker--water resistant if possible

·        Warm jacket

·        Extra socks

·        Cooler with food and drinks. Plain old water is still the best thing to drink during those hot days, and a bag of ice is handy to have for the occasional bruise. (Past experience tells us that eating out is not always possible due to time restrictions, and concession stand choices can be limited as well as expensive.)

 The association web site is www.stillwaterfastpitch.org . Look for added information throughout the season.