FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I register my child?

Registration is done through our website, www.cabrillogals.com You will find the registration button in the upper right-hand corner.

When does registration open and close?

Registration opens in November and closes mid-January. Please visit the registration tab on our website for exact dates for the current season.

What is included in my registration fee?

Your registration fee covers field rentals, equipment loaners (if needed), team jersey, a team/individual photo (additional photo packages will be available for purchase on Picture Day), and covers costs to run our snack shack during the season.

How do I know what division my daughter will play in?

Our registration system automatically places your daughter in the appropriate division based on birthdate. Below will find detailed dates per division according to the new USA Softball rules. Please note this new update on USA Softball division age requirements! The season runs from 9/1 to 8/31, whereas in previous years, age for the year was determined on 12/31.

Division/Birthdate Age Range:

• 6U: 9/1/2016 - 8/31/2018
• 8U: 9/1/2014 - 8/31/2016
• 10U: 9/1/2012 - 8/31/2014
• 12U: 9/1/2010 - 8/31/2012
• 14U: 9/1/2008 - 8/31/2010

As an example, whatever age your player is on 8/31, that is the age they will play for the year. If your player is 10 years old on 8/31, then they will play the 10U division for the year. If that same player turns 11 on 9/1, they must play the 12U division for the year.

Can I choose which team my daughter plays on?

There are no requests allowed for 10U and older divisions as these are drafted divisions. Only 6U and 8U divisions may request. Only one request per player will be considered. Please request what is most important to you and your family - friend, coach, carpool friend, etc. This request is not a guarantee. We will do our very best to accommodate but we also need to make sure the players are divided equally between teams. Thank you for understanding.

When will I be notified of what team my child is on?

Teams will be formed in early February and all notifications will be sent through our website.

How long is the softball season?

Practices begin in February with games starting in March and running through the middle of May.

When and where are practices?

Practices will be held at various schools and city or county parks in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Live Oak and Soquel. Our coaching is volunteer based and with that in mind Gals aims to provide as much flexibility as possible to these individuals who are generously donating their time for the season. The coaching staff will make the final decisions on practices once games start and they pick a practice time based on what is best for them. As a result, we may not know exact days/times of practices schedules and games until closer to the season starting in mid-February. We will do our very best to notify everyone as soon as possible.

What days and times are games played?

Games will be held at Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel, but for the 12 and 14 divisions, there may be interleague games at various partner recreational leagues fields. The 6U division only plays games on Saturdays. For all other divisions, they will play one weekday game and one weekend game, either Saturday or Sunday. Weekday games will take place Tuesday-Thursday, and Saturdays and Sundays if needed based on fields and umpires for 12 or 14 divisions. Weekday games are either at 4:30 or 6pm, Saturday game times will take place sometime between 9am to 5pm and Sunday games 9am to 2 pm.

How long are games?

Each division has different time limits. 6U games are 1 hour long and the other divisions vary between 75 minutes to 90 minutes long.

Are all divisions offered umpires at games?

The 10U, 12U and 14U division games will be umpired whereas 6U and 8U will be coach umpired.

What equipment is supplied by the league?

The league provides a team jersey and will have spare bats, balls, batting helmets and catcher’s gear.

What equipment do I need to get for my child?

• Black softball pants for games
• Softball Socks (these are usually a team theme and coordinate with the team jersey/team name. The purchase of these are typically coordinated by the Team Parent after the team meets for the first time.)
• Glove
• Softball cleats (no metal cleats; soccer cleats can also double as softball cleats)
• Batting helmet (must have face guard attached)
• Face Mask if desired (please note: for some divisions this is required. After the season starts, your coach can provide more insight into the equipment and league rules on face masks)

Play It Again Sports in Soquel is a great resource for gently used equipment. We recommend heading there soon to get the best selection as they do run low on inventory closer to the start of the season.

Are scholarships available?

Through the help of generous donors, Cabrillo Gals is thrilled to offer a scholarship program for families in need of financial support. Due to a large increase in the number of scholarship requests, we have updated our policy.

Revised Policy:

1. Scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis.
2. The number of scholarships awarded will depend on the number of requests received in a particular season.
3. All scholarships must be reviewed and approved by Cabrillo Gals Board.
4. As a recipient of this program, we require that each family receiving a scholarship give of their time by fulfilling A MINIMUM OF 10 VOLUNTEER HOURS throughout the season. *Note: Volunteer opportunities are many and may include Board Member, Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Parent, Snack Shack Shifts, etc. These hours can be fulfilled by a parent, older sibling (min, age requirements - ask for details), grandparents, etc. Our League Volunteer Coordinator will follow up with you to discuss opportunities and scheduling.

For more information or to request a copy of our scholarship application, please contact our league registrar at: [email protected]

What is the refund policy?

• Opening of registration - First Day of Season: Full refund
• First Day of Season - Opening Day/Games Start: A 50% refund
• After Opening Day/Start of Games : No refunds will be provided
  

Exact dates will fluctuate year-to-year. The registration page on our website will reflect the most current dates each season.

Is there a competitive feeder softball program?

Yes, Cabrillo Gals has a competitive program called Crushers. You can find information about Crushers on our website. Tryouts for this program are in late May for summer ball teams and late summer for Fall ball teams.