"A" - SOFTBALL - (Ages 5-6)
A- Softball - This is our youngest division. Coaches pitch in this division with a “rubberized softball” that provides a safer environment for younger players. We emphasize the development of basic playing skills (throwing, catching, fielding, and batting) and introduces playing rules. This division uses a combination of player pitch and coach pitch. The goal is to teach players about the sport in a non-competitive environment that emphasizes having fun. Coaches will introduce players to the elements of team work and sportsmanship. Players should be given equal playing and the opportunity to play all defensive positions.
"AA" - SOFTBALL - (Ages 7-8)
AA Softball - This division emphasizes the development of basic playing skills (throwing, catching, fielding, and batting) and introduces playing rules. This division uses a combination of player pitch and coach pitch. This level of softball is the first introduction to player
pitch with ability of “Coach Relief”. The goal is to teach players about the sport in a non-competitive environment that emphasizes having fun. Coaches will introduce players to the elements of team work and sportsmanship. Players should be given equal playing and the opportunity to play all defensive positions.
"AAA" - SOFTBALL - (ages 9-10)
AAA Softball - The AAA Division emphasizes development of players and their skills and also introduces more rules and situations of the game. This division is a Player Pitch division, and bunting, stealing, and sliding are allowed. Even playing time among players is encouraged, but playing time is determined by the manager subject to minimum requirements and may not be equal. This division is intended to offer a moderate level of competition, where the concept of winning and losing is introduced, but is always secondary to player development, learning sportsmanship, and having fun. Players are using an 11” ball and pitch from 35ft mound with no “Coach Relief”. This division begins with the introduction of Official umpires managing the game.
*League age 10 year olds who attend Evaluations are eligible to play in the Majors division and may be drafted to a Majors team . If you would like your 10 year old to be considered eligible for a Majors team, please contact our VP of Softball.
MAJORS - SOFTBALL - (Ages 11-12)
The Majors Division offers a higher level of competition where players learn and put into play the tactics and strategy of the game of softball. Playing time is determined by the manager subject to minimum requirements. Although winning games is a goal, the primary emphasis is for players to develop skills, physical fitness, and self confidence, to understand the rules of the game, and to learn the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play. SLL may choose to open its Major Division to 10-,11- and 12-year-olds, or limit it to 11-12-year-olds. Players are using a 12” ball and pitch from a 40 ft. pitching plate. In Majors Softball players are continuing to learn the game however all normal softball
rules are in play in this division.
JUNIORS - SOFTBALL - (Ages 13-14)
The Junior League Softball division is a program for players ages 13-14, and uses a conventional 60-foot diamond with a 43 foot pitching distance. A local league may dual-roster 12-year-olds, assessed capable, to a Major and a Junior division softball teams. The local league has an option to choose a Tournament Team (or "All Stars") of 12-14-year-olds from within this division (and/or from within the Girls Senior League Softball Division), and the team may enter the International Tournament. This is the highest level of Little League Softball that is offered in Stratford. Players are pitching from 43 Ft and play “High School Rules”.