VGSA FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions):
Why can’t I register online? Both Team and Player Registration forms are in triplicate form therefore not available to download. Additional copies are required to be on file for VGSA, ASA, Team Coach, League Director and Parents (for the player registration).
How much does it cost to register? For 8U, Training League and T-Ball the cost is $65. For all other age brackets the cost is $95. There are discounts for multiple players from the same family and scholarships are available. We do our best to ensure that every girl who wants to play gets to play.
How do I apply for Scholarship? These forms are located at the VGSA complex. Ask any of the Board members registering players and they will be happy to obtain one for you. VGSA has a policy that any scholarship application be approved by more than one member of the Board therefore registration is necessary in person. Minimal fee’s may be accessed and are determined on an individual basis.
My daughter is new to VGSA, what is the procedure to get her on a team? After the final registration (Wednesday. Feb. 15th) the various league directors will gather all of the registrations for their age group and form teams. First they will go through and put together returning teams. These teams could have as few as 2 returning members, or they could be full. Next they go through all the special requests, girls who wish to play on a certain team, or with a friend they signed up with. When placing new players on a team we do our best to consider practice locations and place them with a team that practices closest to their home/school. If there are enough remaining players to form a new team we will try to find a coach and form a new team. This process should be complete, and you should hear from your daughter’s coach, by March 1st. If you have concerns or questions after March 1st, please contact the appropriate age group League Director. Their names and contact information are posted on the Personnel page of this website: http://vancouvergirlssoftball.com/contact/
What expense can I expect for uniforms? A tee-shirt and matching pair of socks are provided to all T-ball, Training League and 8U players. Any expense you may incur will be for matching pants/shorts, visors and or other articles decided upon each team. These additional items are optional and are not required to play for these divisions. For players in 10U and above, uniforms are decided upon per each team and may be required to purchase. Most of these cost are included in your player fees. Each coach is required by VGSA to have a specific contract outlining the cost, replacement or purchase of each article.
What kind of playing equipment will my daughter need? Beginning players will need a mitt that fits her hand and allows her to hold a ball in without it falling out. Although tennis shoes will work, most girls wear softball (or soccer) shoes with rubber cleats. (Metal cleats are only allowed at 16U and older.) While the teams have access to VGSA equipment such as helmets, bats, and catchers gear, most parents, for health and sanitary reasons choose to purchase their players their own batting helmet. Five through eight-year olds will also be given a team jersey.
What size and kind of softball with the girls use? T-Ball (5 and 6 year-olds) use a 10″ Softie softball. Training League (7 and 8 year-olds) use a 11″ Softie softball. 10U (9 and 10 year olds) use a 11″ hard softball. All girls 12U and above use a 12″ hard softball.
What are player fees and why do teams have them? There are no player fees for T-ball, Training League and 8U. 10U and up player fees may be accessed to help cover the cost of uniforms, tournament fees, coaches expenses, softballs and other needed equipment. Again each team is required by VGSA to provide a detailed expense report outlining each expense and provide a written player/parent contract. A team must have a treasurer to track all income and expenses and report details on a monthly basis to each member of the team. Player fees may not be necessary if teams receive outside sponsorships and/or donations.
When does the season begin and end? League play at VGSA will begin on Monday April 8th and goes through the end of June. Those teams 10U and above continuing on to championship play will continue to play throughout July and possibly into August.
Are all League games played at VGSA? Yes. If coaches choose to set up a scrimmage with another team then those games will most likely be played at another site determined by both teams.
What is the practice schedule and where will they be? Times, days of the week, and where practices are held are up to the coach. Some (but not all) teams will get their practice field assigned to them by VGSA while other teams have found their own field(s). At the team meeting prior to beginning practices the coach will outline where and when practices will be held.
What time do the games start? T-Ball plays on Saturday morning and early afternoons on the small training league field. Training League and 8U plays Monday - Friday night at 6:30 pm on the small training league field. 10U, 12U, and 14U play on the big fields at 6:30 pm Monday through Thursday from April 9 through May 10th. Beginning May 14th there will be two sets of games. The first games start at 5 pm, the second games at 7 pm.
How many games will each team play? The exact number will be determined by the number of teams registered. Most teams average10-15 regular League games per season. Some teams also participate in tournaments but these are not considered regular League play.
Why am I required to work the concessions and/or provide trash duty? VGSA is a volunteer organization. Each team will be required to help with concessions and/or trash duty during League play except for T-ball. VGSA hosts tournaments on the weekends and concession help is provided by teams and organizations as a fund raising opportunity. If your team or organization is interested in working a tournament to raise funds contact the concession manager. http://vancouvergirlssoftball.com/contact/
Why am I required to help with work parties? Again, VGSA is a volunteer organization. All work completed at the complex and on the fields is the responsibility of our parents, players, coaches and Board members. In order for VGSA to contain registration costs we must continue to expect participation form all those involved with the organization. The property is owned by the county and is provided for our use as long as VGSA continues to maintain and improve the complex and the surrounding fields.
Why doesn’t VGSA have lighting for their fields? The land is zoned as a Greenspace therefore no permanent lighting is allowed to be placed on the fields.
Updated 12-20-2013