When do seasons begin and end?
Shrewsbury has league play during three seasons: spring, summer and fall, and hosts a series of winter clinics. The following season start/end dates are approximate:
Spring: From approximately April 15 through June 15
Summer: From June 15 through July 25
Fall: From the week after Labor Day through around October 25
Winter clinics: See registration for current schedule
When do signups begin and end for each season?
All dates are approximate:
Spring: December 1 through March 15
Summer: May 1 through June 1
Fall: July 1 through August 31
Winter clinics: See registration for current schedule
When do clinics begin and end?
The league sponsors several clinics throughout the year to help players improve their skills. Because the fall season is considered developmental, the fall clinic is included with tuition. Most other clinics are offered at an additional fee.
Winter All-Skills Clinics: Begin in February, run about 5 weeks (signups begin in December)
Pitching Clinic: Begins in January, runs about 8 weeks (signups begin in December)
Catching Clinic: Offered periodically in the winter
How are players assigned to divisions?
There are four divisions: Tee-ball (U6), Rookie (U8), Minors (U10), and Majors (U12). Players are assigned to a division based on their age on August 31st of the prior year. You will automatically be directed to the right division during registration.
How are players assigned to teams?
Teams are chosen through a draft selection process based on player evaluations. The league recognizes that there will be players of all experience levels and abilities, and there is a place for every player who wants to participate. No player will be turned away due to inexperience or skill level.
During the spring season, teams are drafted so that each team is relatively equal in skill level. During the summer and fall, players may be placed on more competitive or more recreational teams based on skill level. In the fall, players are advanced to the next age division in preparation for the upcoming spring season.
Tee-ball and Rookie players are not drafted and are randomly divided among teams in all seasons.
How are player skill levels assessed during evaluations?
Minors and Majors players participate in a one-day evaluation held in mid-February. Evaluations are not a tryout — they are a way for coaches to assess overall ability so the league can create balanced teams.
Players are assessed on a scale of 1–10 in the following categories: Throwing, Catching, Outfield (pop-flies), Infield (ground balls), and Hitting (tee and front toss). Pitchers and catchers are also separately evaluated for those skills.
Tee-ball and Rookie players do not participate in evaluations.
My child is new to softball — what equipment do they need?
A fielding glove is mandatory but does not need to be expensive — a glove from Target or Walmart is adequate. Beyond that, Shrewsbury Girls Softball has fielding masks, helmets, and bats that can be borrowed and returned after each practice or game.
If your daughter prefers her own equipment, batting helmets must have a front face cage and fielding masks should be metal (not plastic). The league website has sizing information for gloves and bats.
How do I know who my coach is?
You should be contacted by your coach or the league commissioner at least two weeks prior to the beginning of each season. If you have not heard from your coach by then, please contact the Commissioner. You can also reach out to the league at shrewsburygsb@gmail.com.
When are uniforms distributed?
Uniforms (jersey and socks) are distributed by coaches either prior to the first game or at the first game. The league no longer distributes pants as sizing can be inconsistent and players can use the same pair for multiple seasons. Pants can be purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods in Northborough.
When are games and practices held?
During the spring and summer, teams play two games and have one practice per week. (Tee-ball and Rookie divisions play one game per week.) During the fall, games are played once per week and on weekends.
Practice scheduling is at the discretion of the coaching staff, who attempt to accommodate player schedules as much as possible. Games are generally scheduled on the same night each week, but days and times can change due to rain or scheduling conflicts.
In the summer season, all games and practices occur on weekday evenings (4–8pm) to accommodate players in club/travel softball and families who want weekends free.
What if my daughter cannot make a game or practice?
We understand that from time to time your daughter may not be able to attend a game or practice. Since softball is a team sport, we encourage all players to attend as many games and practices as possible and to let your coach know in advance if she cannot attend.
Where are games played?
Shrewsbury plays in the Twin Valley League, which is composed of several surrounding towns in central Massachusetts. Girls will travel outside of Shrewsbury for about one quarter of their games.
Home games in Shrewsbury are played at Dean Park, Maple Ave., Oak Middle School, or Edgemere Field. Away games are generally within a 10–30 minute drive. Rookie and Tee-ball players do not travel.
When are playoffs?
TVL playoffs occur during the last week of each season. During the spring season, Shrewsbury also holds a Shrewsbury-only championship on Father's Day weekend, where a Shrewsbury champion for each division is crowned. Tee-ball players do not participate in playoffs.
What is the difference between Shrewsbury Little League and travel/club softball?
In addition to its seasonal and clinic opportunities, there is an opportunity for select players at the 10U level and above to participate on a travel or club team. Players must be selected through a tryout process, and there is an additional cost.
Tryouts for the travel team are held at the end of July/beginning of August. The in-town travel team, The Colonials, is not affiliated with Shrewsbury Little League but is composed primarily of Shrewsbury players and coaches. For more information, contact shrewsburygsb@gmail.com.
Can my child play other activities along with softball?
Yes — the league feels strongly that players participating in other activities alongside softball develop into well-rounded players and gain valuable life skills. Coaches, commissioners, and the board understand that players may miss practices and games due to conflicts and will work to accommodate that need. We ask families to notify the league during registration and communicate with the coach about potential conflicts.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Start by contacting your coach. If the question cannot be resolved by the coach, or if it involves the coach, reach out to your division Commissioner. If neither can assist, contact the league at shrewsburygsb@gmail.com.
