Welcome to 12U Slowpitch Softball!
12U Slowpitch softball is for girls ages 11 or 12 as of December 31, 2015 (born in 2003 or 2004). 12 year olds are returning to 12U Slowpitch this year and 11 year olds are moving up from the 10U Slowpitch age group. In addition, all players new to IFPAA are welcomed!
The 12U Slowpitch softball level builds upon the skills and development that were emphasized in 10U Slowpitch softball and will continue to stress safety, skill development, and fun. 12U Slowpitch softball continues with manager drafted teams and paid umpires, and the girls will also continue to learn/develop as pitchers. In addition, the competitiveness of the play increases at the 12U Slowpitch level.
12U Slowpitch Team Organization:
Teams will be formed by the managers by way of a draft system. There will be an evaluation day scheduled for early March to allow the managers to see the girls in action and assess their individual skills. The draft will occur shortly thereafter. Every player will be placed on a team. The purpose of the evaluation and draft system is to help make the teams as even as possible so that games will be competitive. Each team will have one manager and at least one coach. The number of teams will be determined by the number of players registered. We will contact registered players by email; you can also check our website, www.ifpaa.org, for more details as March approaches.
12U Slowpitch Games:
IFPAA 12U Slowpitch teams play in the Greater Pittsburgh Girls Softball League (GPGSL). This allows the players to compete against other in-house IFPAA teams and also to travel to play against opponents from other local softball associations. Games will be 7 innings, 10 players will play the field every inning and the entire roster will bat. Pitching distance will be from 40’ or 46’. Strikeouts and walks are allowed. Game scores will be recorded and tracked, and win/loss records will determine placement for the season ending playoffs in late June. GPGSL also hosts a 4th of July All Star Game featuring two players from each IFPAA 12U Slowpitch team.
12U Slowpitch Fields:
Practices and home games for 12U Slowpitch softball will be at Linbrook Park and on Field #3 at Blueberry Park. It is the 12U Slowpitch age group’s responsibility to maintain the field at Linbrook; we want to keep it in the best possible condition for our players.
12U Slowpitch Tournament Team:
Tryouts will be held to field an IFPAA 12U Slowpitch softball tournament team to travel to post season tournaments. We are also planning to host a 12 & Under softball tournament at Blueberry Park in mid-July.
How Parents Can Help:
We need parental involvement to have a successful season. There are many opportunities to be involved: we need managers and coaches as well as help with fields, supplies, equipment, Snack Shack coverage, among many others. Please sign up for a volunteer position during Registration or by visiting the Volunteer page on the IFPAA web site. Thank you for your commitment, support and involvement in the IFPAA 12U Slowpitch softball program.
Please visit the IFPAA web site for registration information or additional guidance on the many programs the IFPAA has to offer.