Spring Rec
Players get to experience the fun
of recreational softball
What is Spring Ball?
Our primary season is during the spring (February - May). The season is open to all interested players within our boundaries. No experience is necessary and this is the primary recreational season. Each registered player is placed on a team using a fair and equitable draft process.
Do I need experience to play?
No experience is needed to participate.
Who Can Participate?
Players who live or attend school in Roseville or Antelope are eligible to tryout. League will select the players from the tryout.
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 Select 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?
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 and selected coach.
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 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!
Spring Rec FAQ
What is Spring Ball?
Our primary season is during the spring (February - May). The season is open to all interested players within our boundaries. No experience is necessary and this is the primary recreational season. Each registered player is placed on a team using a fair and equitable draft process.
Do I need experience to play?
No experience is needed to participate.
Who can participate?
The number of teams is large for the spring season but there is a maximum number of teams based on field availability. Players will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Once the max number of players is met, players will be placed on a waitlist.
What ages can play?
View the age chart here
What is the timeframe of the season?
Check here for a full list of tentative dates.
Late Jan: Team Formation
Early Feb: Coaches Meeting
Mid Feb: Practices Start
Mid Mar: Games Begin
Mid May: Season EndsWhen/where will practices be held?
Teams typically practice 1-2 times a week depending on the age division. Our league can only practice at the fields allocated to us by the City of Roseville and those can change from season to season. The league scheduler will try to take into account coach preferences when scheduling practices but with a league of our size, it is not always possible. We typically have upwards of 15 different practice field locations around the City of Roseville. Individual parents are not able to place requests.
When/where will games be played?
Our primary playing fields for games are: Central Park, Pistachio Park & Mahany Park in Roseville. The 14u/16u division will interleague with neighboring leagues including Lincoln, Rocklin and 5 Cities (Loomis). This is a recreational league and games can be played any day of the week. Each age division typically plays on defined nights of the week plus Saturdays.
How many days a week should I expect this to be?
Each coach is a little different but the league typically suggests the following:
T-Ball & 6u - 2 Practices Per Week Until Games Start. Then 1 Game & 1 Practice. (2 Contacts per week)
8u - 14u - 2 Practices Per Week Until Games Start. Then 2 Games & 1 Practice. (2-3 Contacts per week)
Playing a team sport in a recreational league involves a commitment to the team and the league. Practices and games are scheduled Monday through Saturday and you will receive a schedule from your coach. By signing up, you are making the commitment for the duration of the season. We cannot guarantee which nights you will practice or play.
Can I request a Buddy?
All players in the T-Ball, 6u and 8u divisions may request ONE buddy. The Board will do their best to accommodate all requests provided the Buddy Form was filled out correctly and on-time. Buddies must be reciprocal, meaning both buddies MUST request each other in order for the Buddy Form to be accepted. Buddy Form Requests can be found here.
Can I Request a Coach?
No, we don't allow for coach requests during Spring.
How are teams formed?
Teams are formed using a defined process as outlined in the RGS Operating Policy.
What Age Division should my player participate in?
Age divisions are set by USA Softball. A player's age as of August 31st (2024) determines the age in which the player is eligible to play for the Spring & Summer Season.
View the age chart here - This is a new age chart determined by USA Softball.
What is covered by the Registration Fee?
Registration helps cover the uniform (jersey), a basic picture package, player/coach insurance, coach background checks, City of Roseville Field use fees, field lights, registration with USA Softball, umpire fees, field equipment and more.
What are families required to provide for uniforms?
Players are responsible for providing a minimum of their own black softball pants, softball glove and cleats. No metal spikes are allowed except in the 14u/16u division. Players may purchase equipment such as a helmet or bat for their own use.
Do you need to be a resident of Roseville to register?
Players that live or go to school in Roseville or Antelope are eligible for participation.
Do I need to pay a deposit for volunteer hours?
No. Unlike many other leagues, you are not required to volunteer or pay a deposit to ensure completion of volunteer hours, but RGS is run by volunteers and we would love your help in making our League a success for the girls. Please reach out to our board for ways you can contribute in various ways to the organization.
When is the deadline for refunds?
Players may drop with a refund if a written request is submitted before the deadline.
November 1st - January 18th: Full refund.
January 19th – February 9th: 50% of your Registration Fee refunded
February 10th - March 8th: 25% of your Registration Fee refunded
After March 8th: NO REFUNDS*Note: Refunds do not include processing fees paid at the time of registration.
Should the league be required to shut down due to a pandemic or any other unforeseen circumstances, the Board of Directors will determine the refund amount based on the league expenditures and billed invoices.
All refund requests must be requested in writing and emailed to: Registrar@RosevilleGirlsSoftball.org.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Please reach out to your division Player Agent or use the contact us feature of this website.
