Any girl who has or will reach the age of 9 or 10 years old on August 31st shall be eligible to play in the Miss Minors division. A player review and draft process may be held to form teams or equalize skills across teams. The Minors level is both competitive and instructional, but with an instructional emphasis during the regular season. At the Miss Minor softball level all games will allow (4) player-pitched balls, then the coach will provide up to (3) additional pitches. The purpose of this is to reduce the number of "walks", and to reinforce contact hitting for both offensive (batters) and defensive (fielders) positions. In addition, it also allows for pitching and catching skill advancement during game play. It is critical that coaches of this division provide sound training and good balance of playing time and position rotations for all players. An A.S.A. approved 11" softball will be used for all innings (not 'incredi-balls' or safety balls as in previous divisions). For games that include two HVAA teams, coaches typically collectively umpire or utilize one of the Hoosic Valley Central School Varsity players to keep games impartial. For games against teams from other athletic associations, patched ASA umpires are utilized.
2024 Softball Age Calculator
In addition to the skills taught at the preceding levels, players should successfully demonstrate the following skills:
- Advanced warm up techniques
- Where to make the play
- Covering bases and backing up positions
- Relaying the ball from the outfield to the infield
- Infield Fly Rule
- Proper footwork to field and throw quickly
- If applicable, correct pitching/catching mechanics, plate coverage
- How to rundown a base runner (pickle)
- Proper grip of the bat
- Batting stance (closed, open)
- Bunting
- Competence in the batter's box (positioning relative to pitching speed)
- Acceptable level of determining ball vs. strike
- Passing the bat through the strike zone
- Proper base running techniques including:
- Stealing after the ball crosses the plate
- When to tag up
- How and when to slide
- How to go back on a fly ball
- Sacrifice situations
- Dropped 3rd strike
- Always show good Sportsmanship on and off the field (no bad mouthing other players)
Game/Practice Days:
- TBD (30 days prior to HVAA scheduled opening day)
Fees: