For Parents

Spring and Fall Seasons

Spring Practices/Games - March thru June

The Spring Season is generally more competitive, with an All Star Game and Playoffs at the end of the season. Teams play 12 games (usually 2 games per week) before playoffs begin.

Registration for the Spring Season typically opens in January and closes by mid February. Once registration closes, we order jerseys right away and after the order is sent in, we cannot accept any late registrations. Teams fill up quick, so be sure to register on time! More about MVAA Registration...

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Spring practices are twice a week for an hour or up to two hours, depending on the coaches. Generally, these are the practice days:

• 8U practices are Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings
• 10U practices are Tuesday and Friday evenings
• 12U practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings
• 15U practices are Sunday and Thursday evenings

When the season starts, there are usually less practices since Spring games usually follow the same schedule as the practices. Home games are either at Memorial Park or Middletown Park and away games are at various fields in Frederick County. Please refer to the Schedules page for times and locations. Girls should arrive 30 minutes prior to game time.

Fall Practices/Games - August thru November

The Fall Season is generally more instructional, which is best for girls new to the sport. Teams play 8 games (usually 1 game per week on Sundays) with no playoffs. There is usually more practice time than games.

Registration for the Fall Season typically opens in May and closes in June. Once registration closes, we order jerseys right away and after the order is sent in, we cannot accept any late registrations. Teams fill up quick, so be sure to register on time! More about MVAA Registration...

jan

 

feb

 

mar

 

apr

 

may

jun

jul

 

aug

sep

oct

nov

dec

 

Fall practices will be once or twice a week with some joint practices. Generally, these are the practice days:

• 8U practices are Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings
• 10U practices are Tuesday and Friday evenings
• 12U practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings
• 15U practices are Sunday and Thursday evenings

Fall games are always on Sundays at either 1:00 or 3:30 pm for all age groups. Home games are either at Memorial Park or Middletown Park and away games are at various fields in Frederick County. Please refer to the Schedules page for times and locations. Girls should arrive 30 minutes prior to game time.

More Information

Necessary Equipment

glove

face mask

cleats*

The MVAA Softball program requires a face mask for all players to be worn during practices and games. This is for the safety and protection for our girls.

*For 10U to 15U players, cleats are necessary.

Buying a glove can be very confusing. Please refer to How to Buy and Break In the Right Softball Glove.

Optional Equipment

helmet

bat

batting gloves

sliding shorts

cleats

The 8U players may get the optional equipment, but it is not necessary. The 8U coaches do have helmets and bats for players to use.

The 10U to 15U players tend to get their own helmets and bats, due to their preference on a color of the helmet or the size and length of the bat. It is very important to know how to size your daughter for both of these pieces of equipment. Before buying a bat, please read this Bats Buyers Guide to help understand the correct method to properly fit your daughter to a bat. Having the correct bat is the key to her success as a hitter. For helmets, refer to the Batting Helmet Sizing Guide to correctly size a helmet to your daughter. A helmet with a face guard is what is needed.

Team Events

A season opening picnic starts the season and there is also a season ending event for all participants (and parents). We also have a float in the yearly Heritage Festival parade in September. Occasionallly, we go to Frederick Keys, Middletown High School or Hood College games.

Volunteering

We're always looking for parent volunteers to help with practices, games and events throughout the season. Some of the tasks that are needed from each age group parent:

• Score keeping for games
• Photographs during games and practices

Sponsoring

MVAA Softball has two levels of sponsorship. Please see the Sponsors page for more details.

Softball Clothing Provided

Game jerseys, hoodies, belts and socks are provided by the league at the beginning of the season. Jerseys and hoodies are only replaced for the next season if the player has outgrown them. Players are responsible for buying black softball pants (with loops).

2022 Jerseys (name & number on back)

2022 Hoodies (number on back)

Belt (black or orange)

Socks (black or orange)

Interested on donating or acquiring used softball equipment?

Head on over to our Equipment Swap page where you can find dontated items and donate some of your own.

Our Coaches Teach the Fundamentals of Softball

Catching & Fielding

We teach our girls the proper way to catch and field the ball at each position to ensure their safety and maximize chance of getting the out.

Throwing

Our girls learn the basic throwing motion and practice different drills to help them make stronger and more accurate throws.

Pitching

Pitching is a difficult skill to master for most girls and we strive to teach them the proper pitching motion to help them become better pitchers.

Game Situations

Our coaches help guide our girls to overcome challenges in certain game situations by focusing on how to help the team by utilizing their abilities.

Hitting

The proper hitting stance and swing help make our girls more confident as hitters and contribute to the overall team success.

Teamwork

Softball is a team sport and our coaches impress on our girls that our team is our family. We always cheer for our teammates, win or lose.

Field Locations