PARENT FAQs

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Hello! We recognize that you must have lots of questions before, during, and even after the season. It is very likely that other parents have those same questions. Below, you will find some of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). This document will be updated continuously as we get additional questions or if policies/rules change.

How long will registration be open?
We are opening registration today, October 16, 2020 and will close at a time to be announced once the league start date has been confirmed. We will be sending out registration reminders as we go.

How do we register?
To register, please go to https://www.scpalsoftball.com/ and click on the "Register Here" button. We are using the same registration platform as last year, so if you played in 2020 you can use your same account to sign up.

Do we need to pay for registration now? What happens if things change between now and the start of the season?
We understand that there are still concerns about the Covid and state and county mandated closures. To ease these concerns, we are implementing a wait list registration system for 2021. When you register you will be placed on a wait list and not charged the registration fees yet.  As we get closer to the start of the season we will move players off of the wait list and you will be asked to go back into the registration platform to pay the registration fees.

I am concerned about the missed season when it comes to development. Is my player ready for the next age group?
The good news is that everyone is in the same situation. However, we know that this is a real concern and are taking multiple steps to help our players develop, including:

• We will be forming teams a little earlier than we have in the past to allow teams more practice sessions before the season starts
• We will attempt to keep our 2020 teams together as much as possible
• We will be relaxing our play-up/play-down policy a little this year to allow players that need another year at their previous level to have that year.  If you are interested in having your player play up or down a division, please reach out to us at scpalsoftball@gmail.com

When will the season start?
We are hoping to start practices on February 22. We are aiming for a March 20 opening day; contingent on Santa Clara County moving to the Orange Tier. Closing ceremonies are roughly scheduled for May 22.

 Will the snack shack open in the 2021 season? 

• We, as a board, are waiting to hear for guidance from Santa Clara County.
• In the case we are allowed to operate, we will do so at a limited capacity as to reduce the amount of exposure for all.
• More to come on this soon....

What safety precautions will be in place?
We have been working with our county and city partners to fully implement all required Covid protocols for safe play.  We will only play if we can safely do so and will follow all local and state guidelines in regards to youth sports.  Many more details to follow on this topic!

What if I have more questions?
In addition to reaching out via email We will be hosting division based parent Q&A nights so you have a chance to ask questions. Otherwise, please e-mail us at scpalsoftball@gmail.com. 

What are the important dates to know for this season?

• Clinics: clinics have been canceled until further notice
• Practices Begin: late February 2021
• Opening Day: Mar 22, 2021; contingent on county moving to Orange Tier
• Closing Ceremonies: May 22, 2021; contingent on when season begins

When and where will practices be held?

• Practices are subject to when the volunteer coach can schedule their team practices. Also, dependent on the age division.
  • 6U (T-ball):  Usually once or twice a week Mon-Thurs for about 45 min to 1 hr. 
  • All other divisions: Once or twice a week, Mon-Thurs, for an hour.
• Practices are held at area parks; depending on where the coach is assigned.

When will games be held?

• This season we will schedule all games to be on Friday nights or Saturday mornings.
• This is subject to change in the case of rained out games. 
• All 6U (T-ball) games will be on Saturday mornings only. 

Where will games be held?

• Games are typically held at Central Park for all divisions.
• 10U, 12U, and 14u will occasionally have games at Marsalli as well.
• 8U, 10U, and 12U will inter-league with neighboring leagues for a few games in the second half of the season and may play in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Campbell, and Milpitas. All local leagues are required to adhere to county Covid guidelines. 
• 14U will inter-league with leagues from the South Bay and the Peninsula.
  • We do this to give our players additional competitive opportunities. 

What are all possible fees for softball?

• PAL Registration fees: include jersey, socks, umpires, and use of city fields.  
  • 6u (T-Ball): $50
  • All other divisions: $100
  • Payment not being collected until we know when our season can start. More info to come on this.

• The Team Manager or Head Coach may ask for parent contributions to cover team expenses. These vary from team to team. However, many parents contribute to enhance their daughter’s softball experience and participate in sharing these costs.

• Possible expenses could be: team banner, softball hair bows, team sweatshirts, coach gifts, fun socks, end of season party, team parties, etc. 

 When are the softball clinics scheduled for and is my daughter required to attend?

• There will be three clinics prior to the 2021 Spring Season. 

What type of equipment will my child need?

• We ask that each child bring their own shoes (molded cleats recommended), helmet, glove and uniform pants. While optional, fielding masks are highly recommended.  The league can provide limited batting helmets and bats. It is also recommended that each child bring their own as well. 
• Additionally, the SC PAL Softball Board is occasionally donated equipment from prior players. Please reach out to us at scpalsoftball@gmail.com to see if we have donated inventory.
• The same goes for practice pants! 

What are softball clinics?

• Softball clinics are workshops where our players learn division-appropriate softball skills from university level players. 
• They also allow us to evaluate the older division players to properly evaluate their skill level and place them fairly and equitably across teams.  
• All players from 6u to 14u are encouraged to attend

When are the softball clinics scheduled for and is my daughter required to attend?

• There will be three clinics prior to the 2021 Spring Season.
  • Nov 21: @ Central Park, Santa Clara University Softball Clinic
  • Jan 9: Canceled
  • Jan 23: Canceled

• 1/9, 1/23 CLINICS CANCELED due to Santa Clara County Purple Tier status.

Did the division names change from a few years ago? Why?

Yes, we changed the names of the divisions to be closer aligned with neighboring leagues and with USA Softball. The divisions have been renamed as follows:

• T-ball: 6U
• Farm: 8U
• Rookies: 10U
• Minors: 12U
• Majors: 14U
  

What are the age divisions for softball and in what division should I register my daughter?

Ages are as of December 31, 2020. 

• 6u: 5 to 6 Year Olds 

                       * (4 yr olds that would like to play in this division will need to be evaluated by the 6u player agent) 

•  8u : 7 to 8 Years Old
• 10u: 9 to 10 Years Old
• 12u: 11 to 12 Years Old
• 14u: 13 to 14 Years Old

If I want my daughter to play up in the next division, what should I do?  

1. Register your daughter in her age-appropriate division.
2. Please e-mail us at scpalsoftball@gmail.com and let us know of your request. 
3. We will send you a Play-Up form that explains the requirements to play up. 
4. Please fill out and scan back to us.
5. Please reach out to us to schedule an evaluation (for 2021 only).