BVYSA Summer Softball League – Parent Information Guide

Season Overview

• The season typically begins late April to early/mid-May and runs for approximately 6 weeks, ending in late June.

• 14U–18U divisions may begin after school ball ends.

• Tee Ball, Coach Pitch & 8U play for 6 concurrent weeks.

• 10U, 12U, 14U Competitive teams play 12 league games over 6 concurrent weeks, usually 2 games per week (doubleheaders).

What’s Included with Registration?

• 4–5 practices at the start of the season
  (Competitive teams may have additional practices at the coach’s discretion.)

• Dedicated volunteer coaches

• Matching, numbered team t-shirts with sponsor logo
  (Players keep their shirt after the season.)

• League-provided equipment, including:

  • Helmets

  • Catcher’s gear

  • Bats

  • Practice balls

  • Game balls

• Players must provide:

  • Glove

  • Cleats
    (Players may supply their own helmet if desired.)

When Do They Play?

All games are played Monday through Thursday evenings, subject to field availability.

Game Start Times

• Tee Ball & Coach Pitch

  • 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., or 7:45 p.m.

  • No doubleheaders

• 8U

  • 6:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.

  • No doubleheaders

• 10U – 14U

  • 6:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.

  • Doubleheaders may occur

⚠️ Game days and times are based on prior seasons and may change year to year depending on field availability and the number of teams at each age level.

Age Cutoff & Division Placement

• Your child’s age as of September 1 of the previous year determines their division.

  • Example: If your child is 11 years old on September 1, they register for 12U.

• Players may play up an age division but may not play down.

Division Descriptions (10U – 14U)

Competitive Division

• Teams generally remain intact year to year once formed

• Typically 1–2 practices per week during the season, depending on field availability

• Possible off-season practices

• Tournament play:

  • Mostly weekend tournaments

  • In-state tournaments, with possible out-of-state travel if the team chooses

  • Most teams participate in a season-ending state tournament

• Additional out-of-pocket costs may include:

  • Uniforms

  • Tournament fees

  • Other team-related expenses

Division Selection Note

Due to some higher-age teams being previously established, selecting a division does not guarantee placement in that division.

• BVYSA will make every effort to place players where requested but we do not guarantee any requests are honored.

• Adjustments may be necessary based on:

• Registration numbers
• Coach availability

• In rare cases where changes are required:

  • Each situation will be handled individually

  • Available options will be discussed

Coaching Requirements

• At least one coach per team must be ACE Certified (10U-14U Coaches only)
  https://registerusasoftball.com/Account/About.aspx?info=CoachCert

• All adults assisting with the team (assistant coaches, scorekeepers, anyone in the dugout or on the field) must complete:

  • SafeSport Training (10U-14U Coaches only)

  • Background Check
    https://registerusasoftball.com/Account/About.aspx?info=SafeSport

Equipment & Safety

• Metal cleats are permitted starting at 14U

• Protective facemasks:

  • Not required by BVYSA

  • Strongly recommended

  • Individual coaches may require them for their teams

Team Placement Requests

• BVYSA prioritizes team placement based on birth year to promote long-term team development

• Requests to play with friends or classmates may be considered but are not guaranteed

Where Do They Play?

• Tee Ball – 8U: Aspen Park

• 10U – 14U: Aspen Park and Sioux Falls

*Note this fee is strictly for registration and league game costs.  With the Open and Competitive divisions especially, there may be additional costs associated with the purchase of gear, uniforms, and tournament entry fees.  These additional costs will typically be determined by your team coaches and management.  Some teams may elect to fund raise for all or a portion of these additional costs and the remaining balance, if it still exists, may be an out-of-pocket expense to the individual player.

**all Registrations are non-refundable***