The Redwood City Girls Softball League (RCGSL) is growing very fast. With this growth comes a need for programs that cater to a wide range of players and abilities. To address these needs RCGSL will be adding a new and exciting program that will start with our upcoming 2010 spring league.

Starting with our upcoming spring 2010 season, the Juniors/8U and Minors/10U will have both Red (upper) and Blue (lower) divisions. In addition our 12U division will now follow the full slate of Junior Olympic Amateur Softball Associate Rules (ASA) and our 6U division will have a minimum age requirement of 5 years old (as of January 1st of current spring league season).

The Red divisions within the above mentioned age groups will add a more competitive level of play. The Blue divisions within the age groups will continue to follow our current rules and league format. We are still working on the specifics, but here is an idea of how things will probably look for the upcoming 2010 spring season…

Rookies/6U – This division will continue using RCGSL's current Rookie/6U rules. However, we will implement a new policy where players must be at least 5 years old on 1/1 of the current season to play in this division.

Juniors/8U Blue – This division will continue using RCGSL's current Juniors/8U division.
Juniors/8U Red – This division will be player pitch and follow rules similar to our current 10U division (10U Blue). However, the pitching distance will be from 30ft away, not 35ft as it is in the 10U division. No base stealing will be allowed either.

Minors/10U Blue – This division will operate under the same rules as RCGSL's current Minors/10U division.
Minors/10U Red – The full slate of ASA rules for will be followed. Player pitch only. No coach pitch in this division. This division will also move to the standard 11 inch softball (non-squishy). 10U Red teams may also play some games against 10U teams from other local leagues.

Majors/12U – The full rules for ASA will be followed. The teams in this division will participate in interleague games.

Seniors/14U – This division will operate under the same rules as RCGSL's current Seniors/14U Division and will play the majority of their games in the interleague.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question – Why is RCGSL adding this new program?
Answer –With over 400 girls playing softball in 2009, RCGSL has grown to be the largest youth softball league on the peninsula nand we will probably be even bigger next spring. By offering both Blue and Red divisions we can provide a level of play that caters to the needs of players of different skill levels and abilities. It will also help establish a more even level of play within all of our age divisions. Other large and very successful leagues like Pleasanton and San Ramon offer the same type of divisions and it has been very successful for them. RCSGSL is growing and needs to continue to adapt and change to fit our youth league needs.

Question - Even if my daughter is ready to play in the Red division, does she still have to?
Answer – No. If your daughter wants to play in the Blue division she can certainly do so. A general rule to follow may be that 2nd year players in Juniors/8U and Minors/10U request to play in the Red Divisions, while first year players start in the Blue divisions. However, player's skills and abilities will also factor in the decision as to where the player is placed.

Question – How do we request my daughter play in the Red division?
Answer – During our pre-season player evaluations you will specify on the form that your daughter wants to play in the Red division. She will then go through the evaluation for the Red division in her respective age group.

Question – Is there a price difference between Red and Blue divisions.
Answer – No. Cost to play in RCGSL will be the same in both Red and Blue of the respective age divisions.

Please understand that one division (Red or Blue) is not better or superior than the other. It’s more of a matter of choice, preference, and/or skill level. Our primary goal is to ensure that all girls have a fun experience playing the great game of softball with RCGSL.

We are excited to bring this new program to our families and we hope you are as well. More information on this exciting new addition to RCGSL will come later this summer! in the meantime, please feel free to send us any comments or questions you have.