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Q: What expectations should parents have from EWA softball?
A: There exist a wide range of expectations parents have when choosing athletic programs for their children to join. However, EWA softball places emphasis on offering the development of: softball fundamentals, sportsmanship, self-confidence, respect for other teams and coaches, and a love of this awesome sport. Every effort is made to staff teams with coaches that meet these needs and that teams are formed equitably. To the best of our ability, fielded teams will be competitive in our league. However, the emphasis of our coaches is to develop players such that they have the tools necessary for success on the field.
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Q: May I request a teammate?
A: Yes! Please input that information when registering your player. Please do not email your requests to EWA staff. The information found in the registration system ensures these requests are tracked accurately. Please note that teammate requests are NOT guaranteed. However, we will do our best.
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Q: What age division is my child eligible?
A: The AGE CUT OFF DATE is determined by WCPR Rules for the Fall/Spring seasons. The age division your child was registered to or was eligible for in the fall is the same division she will play in the Spring. Current WCPR rules are such that the "move up" period occurs in the fall.
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Q: May I register my child for a different age division than she is eligible?
A: At EWA we are responsible for ensuring that our teams adhere to all WCPR Softball rules including the age restrictions for each division. In addition, softball will generally not permit children to "play up" into a higher age division than she is eligible for. Should any parent desire for their child to be register for a higher age division please contact the Softball Commissioner. The physical abilities and player experience and safety are the primary consideration for this restriction.
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Q: How many players are on a team?
A: EWA softballl teams will be limited to a maximum of 12 players. Softball rules permit 10 players in the field (except for 6U where the entire roster is fielded). The extra players must sit out an inning.
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Q: Why are team sizes limited?
A: We want players to play and not sit the bench. Softball rules permit 10 players to be on the field in the 8U-13U divisions. We also recognize that many players have other commitments that may cause them to miss a game...leaving teams shorthanded. To balance this team sizes will be limited to 12 players so that these young ladies get as much playing time as possible.
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Q: How are softball teams formed?
A: Softball teams are rostered with primary consideration given for the need to field teams that are balanced between the experienced and new to softball players. We don’t want to have teams that are mostly comprised of new to softball players or teams that are handpicked to be the best team. Consideration is also made to ensure each fast pitch team has a pitcher and catcher. The goal is for teams to be competitive relative to each other. This goal is balanced with the understanding that players have friends they want to enjoy softball with. This is why the option to request a teammate is provided. In addition, consideration of schools is made to attempt to ensure familiar faces are on the team. We want to balance the social aspect of softball with the needs of forming effective and coachable teams.
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Q: I attempted to register my child but there is only an option to join a waitlist?
A: EWA softball registration capacity is based on a number of factors. These include field availability, volunteer coach availability, and the registration numbers from previous seasons. Every attempt is made to ensure final team roster sizes meet requirements for play and will not exceed 12 players per team. Other recreational associations in Williamson County also set registration capacity limits and once those capacities are reached, they close registration. At EWA we could do the same, however, in an effort to better serve the community and understand the demand for softball at EWA, a waitlist was implemented so that if registration capacities need to be modified, we would have the data to support that decision. This also enables EWA to communicate concrete data back to the county for budgeting and planning purposes. If there is an option please join the waitlist! Should the waitlist meet conditions necessary to add another team, every effort will be made to do so and you will be contacted in that event. We also understand that you may have to explore other options to ensure your child is able to play and hope you are able to return the next season.
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Q: Can I volunteer to coach?
A: Absolutely! We are always looking for more coaches. However, please understand that volunteering does not guarantee you an official coaching position on a team and is subject to EWA coaching needs. In addition, all volunteers assigned as coaches must be approved through a background check before the first practice. Decisions made about coaching staff are made each season based on a number of factors. EWA organizational needs take priority when assigning both head and assistant coaches to teams. Returning coaches are not guaranteed a coaching position. Typically teams are assigned 1 head coach and 1 assistant coach.
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Q: I volunteered to coach but wasn't assigned a team and I would like to help?
A: EWA coaches are encouraged to find ways to include parents in games and practices. Please let your team head coach know that you would like to help.
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Q: May I request a team/coach?
A: Unfortunately we are unable to provided a guarantee for these requests. It is understood that bonds are formed each season between families and teammates. The primary concern for team rosters is to ensure, to the best of our ability, that teams are competitive ( see above for how teams are formed). In addition, EWA coaches may change each season, regardless of the status of a coach from a previous season. Parents should be aware that EWA expects all coaches to demonstrate good sportsmanship and character and place an emphasis on age appropriate player skill development and understanding of the game. The named coaches for each team must also pass a background check. Assigned coaches are the only persons approved to oversee EWA and WCPR organized activities and at least one of those coaches must be present to conduct any official team practice or game.
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Q: I have a question/concern that isn't answered on the website?
A: Please email us at [email protected] or Softball Commissioner Charles McConnell at [email protected]