Welcome to 18U Slowpitch Softball!
18U Slowpitch softball is for girls ages 16 to 18 as of December 31, 2015 (born in 1997, 1998, or 1999). This includes 17 and 18 year olds who are returning to 18U Slowpitch this year and 16 year olds are moving up from 15U Slowpitch softball. In addition, all players new to IFPAA are welcome!
The 18U Slowpitch level builds upon the skills and development that were emphasized in 15U Slowpitch softball and three areas are stressed: skill development, safety and fun. In addition, the competitiveness of the play increases at the 18U Slowpitch level. Game scores are recorded and tracked, and win/loss records will determine placement for the season ending playoffs.
18U Slowpitch Team Organization:
Teams will be formed by the managers by way of a draft system. The draft will occur in early March. Every player will be placed on a team. The purpose of the 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.
18U Slowpitch Team Games:
IFPAA 18U 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. Baselines are 65’ in length, and pitching distance will be from 46’ or 50’. 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 18U Slowpitch team.
18U Slowpitch Team Fields:
Practices and home games for 18U Slowpitch softball will be at Blueberry Park on Field #1 and Field #3. It is the 18U Slowpitch age group’s responsibility to maintain Field #1; we want to keep our fields in the best possible condition for our players.
18U Slowpitch Tournaments:
Tryouts will be held to field an IFPAA 18U Slowpitch tournament team to travel to post season tournaments. We are also planning to host a 18U Slowpitch 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 18U Slowpitch softball program.
Please visit the IFPAA web site for registration information or additional guidance on the many programs the IFPAA has to offer.