The basic unit of organization for RCGSL is the Division. Divisions are comprised of Rookies, Juniors, Minors, Majors and Seniors and are designated by the player's current age
Rookies (6U): This Division introduces softball to very young girls who have likely never played before and whose skill and coordination are just developing. This is a combination of coach-pitch and tee ball. Players are taught the very rudiments of how to throw the ball, field a grounder, swing the bat, and which way to run around the bases. No scores are kept and everyone bats every inning and plays the field.
Juniors (8U): This Division seeks to explain and demonstrate the sport of softball to its players by introducing more of the sports rules. This division is machine-pitched, with emphasis on good fundamental throwing, fielding, and hitting skills. Playing time is evenly distributed and everyone bats while run limits and other special rules are employed to enhance player skill development.
Minors - Blue (10U): Fundamentals are still the focus here but some competitive spirit begins to show among players in this division. More advance rules are introduced and pitching development is a major priority. Some finer points of hitting are developed and bunting is introduced as an important part of girls softball. Base running skills and team defensive play are introduced, while basic throwing, fielding, and hitting skills are reinforced. Scores and team standings are kept and everyone bats in the order.
Minors - Red (10U): The Minor RED teams provide a more competitive level of play. The Minor BLUE teams are considered more developmental. Both Red and Blue teams are determined by evaluations and a draft.
RCGSL will follow a general guideline when placing players in a respetive division. For example, first year minor players will first be evaluated for the Blue teams. Second year players will be evaluated for the Red teams.
However, families can request that a player be evaulated to play up. For example, if your daughter is a first year Minor player you can request that she be evaluated to play on a RED team. In addition, if your daughter is a second year player you can request that she play on a less competitve BLUE team.
Majors (12U): While skill development, team play, and fun are still the emphasis, girls become noticeably more competitive in this division. Pitching development is still encouraged for anyone willing to put in the extra effort needed at this level. More advanced hitting, bunting, and base running techniques are taught. Team play is emphasized on defense while a consistent demonstration of fielding fundamentals is now the goal. The full complement of ASA rules is in effect.
Seniors (14U/16U): This is our most competitive division comprised of many players who may have been playing softball for several years. The goal is to get these players ready for this level of play. Advanced team play and offensive and defensive game strategies are taught and executed. Pitching strategy and throwing more than one pitch is emphasized.
Major and Senior leagues use Amateur Softball Association (ASA) umpires for their games. The Minor League will use RCGSL trained umpires. The Rookie and Junior Leagues will use parent volunteers for umpires. All Leagues follow ASA Junior Olympic softball rules with some exceptions to facilitate player development at the younger age groups.
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