What ages are players eligible for Apponaug Pride Travel Softball?
Apponaug fields teams in the 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U age groups. Tryouts are held near the beginning of August every year (except for 8U which are completed in the spring). Coaches may hold make up tryouts at their discretion.

What age group is my player in?
A player’s softball age is the age of the player on January 1 of the calendar year in which they are playing.

How many games do the travel teams play?
Each team’s schedule will vary. The major difference in the number of games between rec and travel is that rec teams play single games, and the travel teams play double headers and tournaments. Over the course of the calendar year travel teams play 40-60 softball games.

How long is the season?
(This is approximate as each coach may have a slightly different schedule)

September: RIASA Sunday Travel League & Apponaug Charity Tournament
October:      RIASA Sunday Travel League
Nov-Dec:      Some teams take the month off; Possible; Hitting cages 1x per week
Jan-Feb:       Hitting cages 1x per week, gym 1x per week (days TBD)
March:          Hitting cages 1x per week, practice on weekend if weather permits
April-May:     10U, 12U, & 14U Play AGS recreation and their travel team may play in the RIASA Sunday Travel League
16U & 18U players focus on their school teams
AGS Travel Teams do not play tournaments during the recreation season
June-July:     Seven Tournaments (including states), the last tournament will be the first weekend of August
August:         Try-outs, first or second week of August

We have an annual family vacation over the summer. Does this mean a player shouldn’t try out?
We ask that players are fully committed to the team while “in season”. With that, exceptions can be made. Let the coach know as early as possible about vacation plans so tournaments can be scheduled.

What family commitments are expected?
Apponaug is able to help defray travel softball costs through snack bar revenue. It is expected that all parents volunteer to help cook or run the register at various times throughout the year. Without this assistant, the cost of travel softball would increase for all players.

How much does it cost to play travel softball?
Apponaug Pride Registration fees are $700 for the 2021-22 season. Families must pay a $100 deposit upon being selected for a travel team to reserve the players spot. The remaining balance must be paid prior to January 1. Other costs associated with travel softball will be paying for player equipment and possibly hotel rooms, depending on where the tournaments are scheduled.

If a travel player pulls out of the program mid-season will a refund be provided?
Unfortunately, there are no refunds. Apponaug makes a commitment to the players who commit to the team when they are selected. The decision to include players on the team is based on filling an entire roster and includes factors such as player positions, experience, character, and team make-up. Some girls are turned away because there are not enough spots on a team. It is unfair to the girls who did not make the team, the remaining girls, families, coaches, and organization when players abandon the team after the playing year has begun in September. Most of the fees are for the hitting facility, field equipment and maintenance, uniforms, USA Softball Insurance, league and tournament dues and are incurred upfront.

How far do teams travel?
Each team’s schedule will vary. The teams typically travel locally around the state. Occasionally teams will travel to a tournament that requires a hotel, please check with your coach about the tournament schedule.

How much playing time will a player get?
In travel softball, playing time for each player will depend on several variables including but not limited to: attitude, ability, performance at practice and games, and hustle. There is no guaranteed playing time or batting order. The Head Coach makes all decision on playing time.

Can a travel softball player participate in other sports throughout the year?
Yes, and it is encouraged in the offseason, September – March. The player is expected to be fully committed to the travel softball team from April through the beginning of August. We understand that players at the 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U level may also play softball for the middle school or high school team, and the coaches of the travel teams will set expectations at the beginning of the season for those players.