Lafayette Little League Softball
General League Information FAQ
Q: What is the age range for players?
Our league is open to girls ages 6-12 with divisions organized by age and skill level.
Q: What are the divisions and what should we expect from each?
A League (Ages 6-8)
Players aged 6, 7 and 8 can join the A League, which serves as an introductory level for softball. It features Coach pitch and an 11-inch soft compression softball, with no use of a hitting tee. Player pitching is not allowed according to Little League International Rules, and there are no post-season games in this category.
AA League (Ages 7-10)
AA Softball is open to players aged 7, 8, and 9, as well as 10 year olds who are new to the game or considered a safety concern on the field. This development-oriented division is a slightly modified version of the AAA program and includes both Coach and Player pitch, utilizing an 11-inch soft softball. Tryouts are mandatory for all players, and a league year-end tournament may be held at this level.
AAA League (Ages 9-11)
The AAA division is available to players aged 9 and 10, along with 11 year olds who have limited experience or safety concerns also eligible. Tryouts are required for all players in this stepping-stone division leading to the Major Division. AAA softball exclusively features Player Pitch and uses an 11-inch hard softball. A Tournament of Champions is held at the end of the season, and an All-Star team, composed of the top players from all AAA teams, may advance to the State Softball Championship.
Major League (Ages 11-12)
Major softball welcomes players aged 11 and 12, and it's played with a 12-inch hard softball. Evaluations are mandatory, and teams have the opportunity to compete against Major teams from District 4, which includes Clayton, Martinez, Antioch, Walnut Creek, and Pinole. At the end of the season, a Tournament of Champions is held, and an All-Star team is selected, potentially advancing to the Little League Softball World Series.
Q: Do players need prior softball experience?
No experience is required! We welcome both beginners and returning players. Coaches focus on skill-building, teamwork, and fun.
Q: When does the season run?
Practices begin in late February, with games starting in March and running through June.
Q: Where are practices and games held?
All practices and games will take place at both City Fields (Buckeye, Upper Community Field) and Lafayette School District fields.
Registration & Costs
Q: How and when do I register my child?
Registration is held from late October to early January. Both new and returning players must register. Please be aware that if you are new to the league, or have moved within the last year, you will need to show proof of age and residency, as this is a local Little League that follows state and national little league age and residency rules. You may register online via this website. Please verify you are within league boundaries via the Little League Finder linked HERE
Q: What is the registration fee, and what does it include?
We are working on finalizing 2026 registration fees now and will cover uniforms, field use, and umpire fees. Fees will be commensurate with other local softball and baseball leagues.
Q: Will there be a draft?
Yes! Evaluations will take place January 31st and February 1st with a draft to follow in the weeks after. Teams and schedules will be announced no later than 2/12/2026.
Q: What are evals?
Softball Skills Evaluations are tentatively scheduled for Jan 31st and February 1st. Each player must attend one session. An alternate day will be chosen if there is rain-out.
Q: Does my child have to attend the Evals (Tryouts)?
League age players 9 and above will need to participate in evaluations in order to be eligible for the softball drafts (Major and AAA) and team placement for AA (Mini-Minor).
Q: How are teams selected?
League age players 9 and above will need to participate in Evaluations in order to be eligible for the softball drafts (Major and AAA) and team placement for AA.
Q: How are Softball teams formed?
All players 9 years and older will be evaluated at Skills Evaluations tryouts.
The Major division managers meet first and draft players one by one, until each has a full team, typically 12 players.
The Minor managers meet and draft players from the remaining tryout player list.
Those players not selected for a Minor team will play AA (Mini-Minors). The Player Agent will choose the AA teams based on buddy lists, school, and player’s ability.
Equipment & Uniforms
Q: What equipment does my child need?
The league provides balls and special equipment (e.g. catcher’s gear). Players should bring their own glove, cleats, helmet, bat and water bottle.
Q: Will players receive a uniform?
Yes, each player will receive a team jersey, pants, socks, belt and hat.
Practices & Games
Q: How often will teams practice?
Teams in AA through Majors will practice and play 2 times per week (1.5 hour practices). A division teams will have 1 practice (1 hour) and 1 game per week.
Q: When are games played?
Games are usually scheduled for weeknights at 5:30pm and Saturdays between 8:30am and 4pm, with most teams playing 1-2 games per week.
Q: Where are games played?
Games will be played at city fields and other Lafayette School District fields.
Parents & Volunteers
Q: How can parents get involved?
Lafayette Little League thrives on parent volunteers. We welcome parent volunteers for coaching, scorekeeping, snack shack, field support, and team support. Or if you have a unique talent/skill, we can help put it to use.
Q: Do coaches receive training?
Yes, all coaches complete training to ensure a safe, positive, and skill-building environment. We will have a coaches clinic in February put on by local HS coaches to help all coaches prepare for the season.
Safety & Policies
Q: What safety measures are in place?
We follow national Little League/softball safety guidelines, including proper equipment, certified umpires, and first-aid support at games. Lafayette Little League also has a Safety Office for the league, Dr. Michael Kubalik.
Q: What happens in case of bad weather?
Weather cancellations are communicated via various league channels - emails, social media, and the website. The league website also provides real-time field status updates. . Make-up games will be scheduled when possible.
Q: What is the league’s code of conduct?
We expect all players, parents, and coaches to model good sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork.
Extras
Q: Are there opportunities for advanced/competitive play?
Yes, we plan to offer tournament teams for players seeking a higher level of competition. We are also open to scheduling around travel teams that girls might play for in addition to Little League.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
Email [email protected]
Sign up for more information or to be part of the steering committee HERE
Q: How do All-Stars work?
9 year olds and up are eligible to be placed on the Lafayette All-Star teams. These games begin at the end of June after the Tournament of Champions and typically the All-Star games run to mid-July. Player skills and availability are used to determine placement on the All Star teams. Team practice may begin after teams are announced and as early as mid-May.