Frequently Asked Questions - 2024-2025 Season
What is the Thunder Select Program?
The Thunder Select program is a part of the USA Softball Select Program Select provides an opportunity for teams to play competitive softball while remaining with their recreational league. Only players participating in the Spring recreational season are eligible to play. Players must tryout to be selected to a team. Teams are formed in November/December/January and participate in a set tournament schedule as determined by USA Softball. The season is from January – July. Thunder Select players shall participate in the spring recreational league. The goal is to qualify for and attend the Class B Western Nationals.
What age divisions are eligible for Thunder Select?
10u, 12u, 14u
Can I just sign-up my player for Thunder Select?
No, players must tryout and be selected to a team.
What happens if my player doesn't make the team?
Players who don't make the Thunder Select team will still participate in the spring recreational season. They then will have the opportunity to tryout for All-Stars in May. The All-Star teams will join the Select teams in competing in tournaments in the summer.
What is the registration cost to participate in Thunder Select?
Registration cost for the Select Program will be determined prior to tryouts. Registration includes fees for the spring recreational season as well as entry fees for 8 tournaments, uniforms, league associated expenses, discretionary team funds and equipment. The initial spring registration cost will be deducted from the amount of the program and there will be an option for a payment plan.
What is Western Nationals? Should we plan on attending?
Western Nationals is a week-long tournament where teams compete against the best All-Star and Select teams from all over the Western United States. Western Nationals can be hosted anywhere in the Western United States. These special events are designed to combine team bonding and team competition. Tournaments normally include costume contests, pin trading, skills contests and more.
Can high school players participate in Thunder Select?
Prospective high school players can tryout for the Thunder Select program but will have to choose whether to play on Select team or their High School team per CIF rules. If they choose high school, there may be the opportunity to tryout for the Thunder All-Star team after high school season is over.
How are Thunder Select coaches selected?
All prospective coaches and managers must submit an application for consideration. All coach and manager applicants will be interviewed by an independent panel not associated with the league. The panel will select the best candidates. The RGS Board does not select any of the coaching staff.
What do Tryouts look like?
Players will be evaluated on running, hitting, bunting, infield and outfield work. Pitchers and catchers will also be evaluated as part of the tryouts. Players will be evaluated and ranked by a panel of independent evaluators.
How are teams formed?
The top 8 ranked players will be automatically selected to the team. Coaches will select the other players.
Can I get a copy of my player's ranking or scores?
No. This is an independent panel that evaluates and reviews players. The notes and scoring are not made public and are only available to the Thunder Player Agent, selected coach and manager.
How many Thunder Select teams per division?
Each division will have ONE Thunder Select team unless otherwise decided on by the Board.
Do players play in the Spring Rec Season AND Thunder Select?
Players do have to play in the recreation spring season in order to be eligible for Thunder Select.
Why are you having players play both Rec & Thunder Select?
In response to feedback received, we have restructured our Thunder Select program to offer players the opportunity to engage in a more competitive level of play while retaining access to the benefits and supports provided in the recreational league program. This new format will support players looking to advance their skills while maintaining a connection to the league as a part of our ongoing commitment to player development.
Won't it be too much?
The Select season runs for 8 months, from December through July. The Spring recreational season only runs for 12 weeks. During the recreational season, players will be committed to their rec teams and play 1-2 tournaments a month with Select. Practices for Select will be limited during the recreational season to avoid burnout.
What is the benefit to playing Rec also?
There are so many benefits to having Select players participate on different rec teams during the Spring season:
1. They have the opportunity to develop primary positions. For example, as a backup pitcher for Select, they may not see much circle time during tournaments. Through rec, they may be able to have more innings as a primary pitcher. Same for players who are catchers, shortstop etc.
2. They can continue to play with their friends and previous teammates who are not on the Select team.
3. They have the opportunity to develop as leaders. The Select players will be distributed to different teams to help elevate the level of play on their team.
4. They can engage in friendly competition with teammates. How fun is it to show up to a game and get to play against your Select teammate. Friendly rivalries are the best!
5. They remain an integral part of the Roseville Girls Softball community, including participation in Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Mid-Season Tournaments, parades, and more!