QVSB 18U Fast-Pitch Softball

 Overview:

• The 18U team will play in the Greater Pittsburgh Girls Softball League (GPGSL) as part of a team composed of girls from Quaker Valley, Avonworth, Sewickley Academy, and Shaler Area.
  
• Typically one QV team size ranging from 11 to 14 girls per team.
• Requires one head coach, one or two assistant coaches and a scorekeeper.

Eligibility:

• Birthdates between 1/1/1994 and 12/31/1996
• High School players born after 12/31/1996 are also eligible.

Schedule:

• Team formations in mid-March and practices begin in late April/early May when the high school season is completed
  
• 12-game seasons begin in May and end in late June
• Typically 1 or 2 games each week, beginning at 6 or 6:30 pm on Legacy Fields at Bouchard Family Park and away games to be determined, with additional practices as time is available. Home games will also be played at Ohio Township and Emsworth fields.
  

Playing Time and Positions:

• Continuous batting order of all players in attendance, or ASA substitution is allowed
• 9 players in the field, players will rotate innings on bench if more than 9 are available
• Playing time, especially skilled positions (pitcher, catcher, shortstop, etc.) determined by individual player skill, merit, and safety.

Objectives:

• Very competitive, high-level fastpitch game
• Continue refining more advanced player skills in all aspects of fielding, hitting, bunting, base running, and good sportsmanship.  Includes slap and drag bunting, pick-offs, delayed steals, double plays, infield and outfield rotations on bunts and steals, etc.
• Proper sliding technique and base stealing fundamentals expected.
• Pitchers and catchers should spend additional time developing their specialized skills.

Equipment and Uniform:

• Players must provide fielding gloves, softball socks, cleats, athletic shorts or softball pants, sliding shorts, knee pads, and batting gloves. Facemasks are required for pitchers. Facemasks are also advised for other infield positions but not mandatory. 
• Players are given a team jersey and visor.
• QVSB provides all other necessary equipment for games and practices including a variety of bats, helmets, catcher’s gear, and face masks for pitchers.

Awards and Recognition:

There is not usually an all-star game for this league.

Concessions:

Parents of all QVSB participants will be required to volunteer in the concession stand for at least one game during the season.