Parents
Parents Corner
We have many valuable resources for parents to utilize.
Want to help develop your softball player with additional coaching and training? Below are some resources to help you outside of the Fort Hunt rec and travel leagues.
Lisa Demmel - 571-344-9498 or lmdemmel@gmail.com
- specializing in pitcher development.
- travel level coach.
Victory Fastpitch Academy - Layla Burczak - 518-817-8218 or VictoryFastpitchAcademy.com
- specializing in all aspects of softball development.
Shea Studdiford - 703-888-9316
- I’m a junior at West Potomac HS and I’ve played on the varsity softball team for two years as a starting catcher/3rd baseman, as well as played travel softball for six years, currently on 18u Magic Elite. I’ve worked with current Fort Hunt players and have given catching lessons. I’m looking to continue giving lessons for both catchers and infielders. I charge $25 for a 45-60 minute lesson.
*Please note, these coaches and trainers are not officially affiliated with Ft Hunt Softball. All training and coaching expenses are outside of your rec league and travel league registration dues.
Once you have properly finished the online registration form, the following additional steps are needed before your child's registration is considered complete. Until all these steps are done, your child's registration is considered incomplete and they will not be assigned to a team and are not allowed on a field or court for either practice or games.
- Download and properly complete and sign the Fairfax County Youth Sports Scholarship program application (CLICK HERE for Forms).
- Provide proof that your child is currently receiving assistance by 1) attaching a copy of your official document that signifies your child is receiving aid or 2) obtaining the signature of school counselor or staff, case worker, or other official on appropriate line of Scholarship application form.
- Give signed application form and proof of aid to your sports commissioner and/or registrar.
Once you have completed the online registration AND provided appropriate paperwork to the sports commissioner/registrar, your childs registration is complete.
FHYAA wants to ensure that every child has an opportunity to participate in youth sports regardless of his or her financial situation. The Fairfax County Department of Community and RecreationalServices (DCRS) provides registration fee scholarships. To be eligible for a county scholarship, a child must be currently enrolled in a public assistance program such as Free or Reduced Lunch, General Relief, Food Stamps, ADC, Foster Care, Medicaid, or SSI. In addition the child must live in Fairfax County, be enrolled in K - 12, commit to attend 80% of practices and games, and not be currently served by an existing scholarship or fee waiver program. If you are not eligible for the above Fairfax County assistance program and require financial assistance, please contact your sports specific commisioner and/or registrar.
At Fort Hunt we want to take a minute to make sure everyone is on the same page about equipment. Your registration fee pays for your players jersey and socks and ensures that each team has a set of catcher’s gear, balls, and training aids. But there are several other important pieces of equipment for a safe and rewarding softball experience that are not provided by the league.
Most returning players have everything they need, but we often have new players to the sport, and I want to give plenty of time to prepare. The following are the items your player needs to wear and bring to practices and games:
Pants – We get that Spring season can be warm, but pants are required for games and should generally be worn during practice as well. Sliding is a part of the game, as is the occasional trip and fall, and pants protect your players leg from our wonderful Virginia clay. We recommend buying a pair of softball/baseball pants as they are built for rugged use. Most pants run in the $20-$30 range. Other athletic pants work too but are likely to tear at some point.
Cleats – Properly fitted cleats ensure your player has traction on the field and is able to quickly change position or speed. Prices vary by brand. Softball/baseball cleats are built for our game, but soccer cleats work fine too. If your player is 8U, 10U or 12U, cleats must be plastic, not metal.
Helmet – all players must have a properly fitted batting helmet, with protective cage. The helmet should not wobble or rattle when your player shakes their head, nor should it be uncomfortably tight. Helmets generally run between $40 and $60.
Protective fielder’s mask – separate from the helmet, every player must have a protective mask for wear in the field. Rules vary by league but in Fort Hunt softball, players in the infield must wear a mask and everyone eventually plays an infield position. Masks may be metal or plastic but again, should fit securely on your player’s head. They have adjustable straps and pads but should rest on your players brow and chin when fitted properly. Masks are generally between $30 and $50.
Glove – arguably the most important piece of equipment. Your player relies on their glove to play any position in softball. Gloves range from $40 to several hundred as they come in many brands and levels of quality. Though a good glove will last a lifetime if properly cared for, it is not important to have an expensive glove. What is important is to have a properly fitted glove (snug to the hand), so it is highly recommended that your player try on any glove before purchasing. Glove sizes range from 9” to 13” but it’s hard to go wrong in the 11” range. New gloves can be very stiff too, so purchasing early gives your player time to break it in. Just playing lots of catch is best, but feel free to ask if you need any help in breaking in a glove! Please note – catcher’s mitts are not required but can be a great purchase for those who want to continue catching at higher levels.
Bat – another crucial piece of equipment. To be clear, players do not have to provide their own bat though it is highly recommended for practice at home. Bats range in price like gloves depending on brand and material. Expensive does not necessarily mean better for youth softball – find a bat that fits your price range. For younger players (8-12) a bat will generally be 26” to 30” long and for older players 31” to 34”. To determine size, have your player stand with their arms out: the bat should extend from the center of their chest to the tip of their fingers. For more on bat sizing, go to: https://www.softball.com/bat-sizing-guide.
Optional items – in addition to the above, some other optional but useful items include bat bags (to store your equipment), batting gloves (for additional grip on the bat), and eye black or a pair of sunglasses that fits under the protective fielder’s mask (to reduce glare). Unfortunately, hats don’t generally fit with protective masks. Also, our jerseys are sleeveless so during the early (and cool) weeks of the season a long sleeve sweat wicking undershirt can be helpful. These are all totally up to you, but many players use, and benefit from these tools.
There is no sanctioned or preferred vendor for Fort Hunt Softball. Dick’s Sporting Goods (Springfield) is always a good local option and will offer a youth league discount period (more info to follow) but there are many other options online (be sure of sizing) or vendors that offer previously used equipment. Fort Hunt Softball will also offer some previously used equipment at Spring assessments and highly encourage players and parents to look and take what they need!
Finally, we understand that additional costs can be an issue – if for some reason obtaining a piece of equipment for your player is a challenge…or you just need some advice…don’t hesitate to reach out to the league directly, or via your coach, and we will work to find a solution. Our primary goal is providing a safe, rewarding, and enjoyable experience for your daughter in our wonderful community.
Thanks, and “BATTER UP”!
CDC Online Concussion Training
Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association (FHYAA) and Fort Hunt Youth Softball want to stress the importance of concussion awareness for all players, parents and coaches. We take the health and welfare of your daughter very seriously.
When in doubt, sit out! Please educate yourself and your child about concussion dangers signs and encourage her to mention to you and her coach if there has been a blow to the head of any kind, a rough hit on the field, even if it doesn't include the head, or any event that may have happened before she arrived on the field.
The potential for injury is much higher if she continues to play when injured. If she has any of the symptoms of a possible concussion, the safest path is to sit out and remove your daughter from active play or practice until a physician can be seen.
Concussion warning signs and protocols are being posted in the dugouts.
Use the following links to find Concussion Information from the CDC plus the CDC's Heads Up Online Training Course.
CDC handouts and information for Coaches
CDC handouts and information for Parents
CDC handouts and information for Athletes
The mission of Fort Hunt Softball is to provide a quality youth softball program for the Fort Hunt and surrounding communities. Fort Hunt Softball is intended to provide girls with the opportunity to experience softball in an atmosphere that encourages and promotes teamwork, good sportsmanship, and friendships in a positive, safe and supportive environment.
Fort Hunt Softball expects coaches, players, and spectators to exhibit courtesy and proper decorum at all times.
Below are links to the Coach, Player, and Spectator Codes of Conduct. Each member of the FHYAA community is expected to adhere to theses codes and principles of sportsmanship, fair play and mutual respect among all members of the sporting community.
While we all like to win, our goal is to groom and grow women who have athletic skills, but also have humility, honor and high character. Disrespect, taunting, bullying and aggression towards others will not be tolerated in our community and we hope that you will be part of our movement towards keeping sports as a positive environment for our children and the Fort Hunt community as a whole.
Fort Hunt Softball is run entirely by volunteers and you are vital to our program. This season, we are hoping to have an even more robust program than in the past and the key is you! Please take a look at the volunteer opportunities below, as you will be asked where you would like to help, during the registration process. Some of these duties are only one day for a few hours and others are ongoing throughout the season. Many hands make light work!
Field maintenance is required before and after each game. Coaches should be focused on getting their team ready to play the game, and therefore, we will need parents to rake and line the field. Your team's manager will create a schedule so that you only have to preform field duties once or twice per season. Click here for instructions on How to Line a Field.
Team Volunteers -Click here for duties.
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Team Manager or Team Parent - Administrative coordinator for the team. - See more.
Score Keeper
Player Development Committee
Clinic Coordinator - Contact potential clinic holders, set up dates and help publicize clinics.
Clinic Support - Bring needed equipment from the shed, help set up and put equipment back. (4-6 clinics per season).
Trophies - Order 2 sets of trophies for U12 and U18 Championship games.
All Stars Coordinator - Team and coach selection.
Operations Committee
Umpire Coordinator
Equipment Distribution Day - Help make team equipment bags, repair equipment, compile list of needs. (3 people, 4 hrs)
Field Clean Up Day - Get the fields in playing ready condition. Weed, mend fence, etc. (1 day, 3-4 hours)
Field Inventory Coordinator - Delivering all field related items (lime, turface, field tools, etc). (Once a month thru the season.) Pickup truck helpful.
Field Status Monitor - For game/practice cancelations. Needs to be available to look at the fields at 3:00 pm on rainy days.
Mitt, Bat and Cleat Exchange Coordinator - During Skills Evaluations.
Registration Committee
Registration Signs and Banners Committee - Place yard signs at intersections and put up banners at fields. (Few hours.)
Parent School Coordinator - Distribute flyers - One needed for each school!
Neighborhood email lists for registration e-blast - Please let us know if your neighborhood has a email blast service.
Uniform Coordinator - Order team uniforms.
All Stars Uniform Coordinator - Pass out and collect All Star Uniforms. Order personalized All Star shirts for keepsakes.
Public Relations Committee
Special Events Committee - Opening Day Ceremony, End of Season League Party.
Photographer - For league-wide events and championship games.
Fundraising Committee
Fund Raising Committee - Restaurant night, picture day, car wash, etc.
Banner Sponsor Program Committee - Develop a program to sell banner space on the outfield fence.
Volunteer Opt Out Fee
$55 volunteer opt out fee. Fort Hunt Softball is run entirely by volunteers. We recognize that not all families have the ability or inclination to volunteer. If you choose not to volunteer to perform at least one of the above volunteer duties, you will be assessed a $55 volunteer opt out fee.
Questions
Please email us at fhyaasoftball@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Updated August 1, 2022
All Participants, Parents, Coaches, Referees & Community: The Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association (FHYAA) is committed to creating a safe environment for youth sports and being a conscientious community member by reducing the spread of COVID-19. We are dedicated to creating a safe environment so we can continue to provide recreational sports where participants learn teamwork, develop friendships, self-confidence, and good sportsmanship, empowering our young athletes to become responsible citizens.
This policy serves to protect the well-being of players, coaches, referees, officials, parents and spectators, who all must abide by these rules. Informed by the latest information, it is updated as relevant national, state and local health regulations and guidelines change. This protocol provides overall FHYAA safety requirements, however, please review any additional sport-specific COVID-19 protocols to ensure compliance for that sport.
SICK PARTICIPANT
- PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILD TO ANY GAMES, PRACTICES OR EVENTS IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT FEELING WELL OR HAS ANY SYMPTOMS, EVEN IF YOUR CHILD HAS NOT TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19.
- COVID-19 SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: but are not limited to cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: If any FHYAA participant (1) has known exposure to a person who tested positive for or was diagnosed with COVID-19, (2) has symptoms consistent with or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they must:
○ Notify the team coach immediately
○ Cease attending FHYAA events until the player has completed the required isolation time and is symptom free.
RETURN TO PLAY
According to the CDC:
- CHIDREN AND ADULTS WITH MILD, SYMPTOMATIC COVID-19: Isolation can end at least 5 days after symptom onset and after fever ends for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving, if these people can continue to properly wear a well-fitted mask around others for 5 more days after the 5-day isolation period. Day 0 is the first day of symptoms.
- IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 BUT ARE ASYMPOMATIC: Isolation can end at least 5 days after the first positive test (with day 0 being the date their specimen was collected for the positive test), if these people can continue to wear a properly well-fitted mask around others for 5 more days after the 5-day isolation period. However, if symptoms develop after a positive test, their 5-day isolation period should start over (day 0 changes to the first day of symptoms).
FAQ's
Your daughter's USA Softball 'League Age' is determined by what her age was on August 31st of the current year. If she was 10 on August 31st, in the eyes of softball, she remains 10 for the entire year, even after she turns 11 on her birthday.
This explains why you have some girls who are actually 11 playing in the 10U league. On August 31st, they were 10 and are eligible for play in the 10U league. Or perhaps a 13 year old playing in the 12U league in the Fall. August 31st is the deciding date for the whole year.
If you or your daughter feels that she should be playing up at the next age level, before the season begins and teams are formed, speak to a coach, the commissioner, or a member of the player development team to arrange a skills assessment to make sure she can safely play at the next level. 'Aging up' between the Spring Season and the Fall Season because your daughter had a birthday is by no means automatic and depends on the skills, softball IQ, level of focus and maturity of the girl involved.
Age level changes are not made mid-season and should be discussed with the coaches prior to the formation of teams.
Softball face mask, glove, bat, and cleats. Backpack or softball bag. There is an equipment swap at the beginning of each season. Check for dates on the website.
Our league is for girls only. The leagues are set up by age and skill. All leagues but the 8U league have teams based on a skills draft. While we try to honor parent requests for team placement, priority goes to creating teams with evenly divided skill levels to keep league play competitive.
8U - girls ages 8 and under
This is a coach soft toss pitch, Louisville Slugger Machine pitch, or tee-based game, depending on the skill and coordination of the player.
Objective: Instruction on basic elements of the game. Managers and coaches introduce and advance understanding of the rules, positions and proper throwing, catching, fielding and hitting mechanics.
Key concepts: How outs are made, composition of an inning, proper catcher positioning and compliance with coach instructions.
Players play various positions in the field. No published team standings. Emphasis on building baseball knowledge and improving mechanics. All players bat in the lineup.
Games are generally played at Collingwood Park in the Spring or Walt Whitman Middle School in the Fall.
10U - girls ages 10 and under
Combination Coach/Kid Pitch. Players placed on teams via a draft dependent on skills assessments, to encourage properly balanced teams.
Objectives: Become more comfortable at the plate. Develop situational awareness and make plays when fielding, identify the strike zone, demonstrate proper mechanics in throwing, catching, fielding and hitting. Introduction and development of pitching skills.
Coaches assign players to a variety of positions in the field they can play safely.
Games are generally played at Walt Whitman Middle School fields.
In the Spring, there is an end-of-season tournament is usually conducted to determine a Division Tournament Champion. After that, an All-Star team will play at the FYFA tournament in the Spring after regular league play is completed.
12U for girls ages 12 and under
The primary ages for this group are girls aged 11 and 12. Exceptional players who are younger can come to assessments to qualify, or be nominated by their coach to play at this level. Playing up is not guaranteed, but is dependant on skill and space availability on the teams.
Kid Pitch. Development continues; play becomes more competitive. Base stealing in effect. Emphasis on pitcher-catcher-infield ball handling to control base runners. In these games, an inning ends when there are three recorded outs, or when four runs are scored (whichever occurs first). Players assigned teams by a draft.
Objective – Begin and continue to develop pitching and hitting, develop fielding and hitting skills, emphasize good sportsmanship. Skills: arm strength, relays, cutoffs, managing base runners, hitting and base running.
Players continue to play a variety of positions in the field consistent with safety.
Games are generally played at either Carl Sandburg Middle School softball field or Walt Whitman Middle School fields.
Parent support is essential for field preparation,
post-game field maintenance, as well as basic statistics during the game.
An end-of-season tournament is usually conducted to determine a Division Tournament Champion and allow coaches to select/nominate All-Star players. After that, an All-Star team will play at the FYFA tournament in the Spring after regular league play is completed.
18U - girls ages 18 and under
The primary ages for this group are girls aged 13 -15. A few older girls may be playing, which is why the league is technically named 18U, but the core range of girls is in the middle school or early high school grades. Exceptional players who are younger can come to assessments to qualify, or be nominated by their coach to play at this level. Playing up is not guaranteed, but is dependant on skill and space availability on the teams.
Kid Pitch. Development continues; play becomes more competitive. Base stealing in effect. Emphasis on pitcher-catcher-infield ball handling to control base runners. In these games, an inning ends when there are three recorded outs, or when four runs are scored (whichever occurs first). Players assigned teams by a draft.
Objective – Begin and continue to develop pitching and hitting, develop fielding and hitting skills, emphasize good sportsmanship. Skills: arm strength, relays, cutoffs, managing base runners, hitting and base running.
Players continue to play a variety of positions in the field consistent with safety.
Games are generally played at either Carl Sandburg Middle School softball field or Walt Whitman Middle School fields.
An end-of-season tournament is usually conducted to determine a Division Tournament Champion and allow coaches to select/nominate All-Star players. After that, an All-Star team will play at the FYFA tournament in the Spring after regular league play is completed.
FHLL T-Ball - ages 4-6
Fort Hunt Little League runs the T Ball program for children of both genders, ages 4-6.
FHLL Challengers Division
We are proud to support Fort Hunt Little League's Challengers Division for children of both genders, with special needs, who wish to play baseball. A recap of the program is below, but please see their Challengers Division website for full details and contact information.
Fort Hunt Challenger is Little League Baseball for boys and girls, ages 6-15, who have special needs that preclude them from participating in a mainstream Little League program.
Fort Hunt Challenger Baseball offers your player an opportunity to participate in baseball, regardless of skill level—we adapt the game to your child’s abilities. We don’t count strikes and we don't count outs. Everybody scores each inning and everybody wins. Each player has the opportunity to play defense, bat and score each inning.
Being on the field is just one of the benefits resulting from playing Challenger Baseball—socialization, friendship, and a feeling of success are part of the game plan. Challenger is a two or three-inning non-competitive game played on weekend afternoons. For families, we offer a connection with other parents and siblings and a chance to cheer for your special player and their teammates. Players are also teamed up with buddies. Buddies are current Fort Hunt players who assist players with batting, fielding and running the bases. All players will receive uniforms, and trophies at the end of the season.
In order to ensure that the principles of sportsmanship, fair play, skill development, and mutual respect among players, coaches, officials, and spectators are the primary considerations governing competition, the following Code of Conduct has been established.
Each PLAYER will ensure that his/her conduct is consistent with the primary considerations of competition. To satisfactorily meet these responsibilities, the PLAYER is expected to:
- Know the rules and abide by them.
- Respect the coaches and referees and refrain from commenting on their decisions during the play of the game. The head coach or his designee may address the referee during the game but only within the provisions of the rules and in a courteous, respectful manner.
- Maintain control of his/her emotions, avoiding the use of profanity, degrading or humiliating remarks, and/or gestures of ill temper and physical assault upon another player at any time.
- Physical assault will be considered a criminal act and result in immediate ejection from the game and possibly the league.
- Berating players on either team, for their level of play on the field will be considered bullying and will not be tolerated.
- Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team and demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game – be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat.
- Follow all gym and field rules and regulations, respecting at all times the property of others.
- Realize, accept, and practice by the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability but also on the sportsmanship courtesy and manner of each individual player.
Players who fail to comply with the above code of conduct
are subject to suspension and/or removal from their team.
This includes transgressions that occur in ANY FHYAA sport.
In order to ensure that the principles of sportsmanship, fair play, skill development, and mutual respect among players, coaches, officials, and spectators are the primary considerations governing competition, the following Code of Conduct has been established.
Each SPECTATOR will ensure that his/her conduct sets the example for team members and other spectators. To satisfactorily meet these responsibilities, the SPECTATOR is expected to:
- Respect the rules of the game.
- Respect the coaches and referees and refrain from questioning their decisions and from addressing them in a disrespectful or abusive manner.
- Let the coach manage the team and refrain from offering extensive or distracting advice from the sidelines.
- Cheer for their team in a positive and supportive manner.
- Refrain at all times from making hostile, negative, or abusive remarks about either team, any coaching staff or the referees. Physical assault will be considered a criminal act and result in immediate ejection from the game and possibly the league. Berating players on either team, for their level of play on the field will be considered bullying and will not be tolerated.
- Follow all game site rules and regulations, respecting the property of others. This includes refraining from bringing non-service animals to school game sites as it is against FCPS regulations.
- Keep control of, and monitor the children brought to view the game so that the game can be enjoyed by all attendees.
- Demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of games, win or lose. Model the behavior you want your children to emulate.
- Realize, accept, and practice by the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on its playing ability but also on the sportsmanship courtesy, and manner of each individual of its fans.
Players who fail to comply with the above code of conduct are subject to suspension and/or removal from their team. This includes transgressions that occur in ANY FHYAA sport.
