Traveling Philosophy

For those girls interested in a more competitive level of play, a traveling league is offered. It requires a greater commitment, in that each participant is expected to attend all practices, league games and weekend tournaments during the summer season. Emphasis is on skill development, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship and respect for others.
 
Recognizing that individuals will have different skills and needs, a positive environment will be created to foster contribution, accomplishment, confidence and a feeling of self-worth in all players. Coaches will strive to see that each participant will be treated fairly and know they are an important part of the team and that their contribution is valued.  Please click on the following link to register for Traveling softball:  http://www.cysafastpitch.com/page/show/3068770-2018-traveling
 

Fundraising

Fundraising may be used to help raise additional funds that benefit either the competitive program only or both the recreational and competitive program.. One or more fundraisers may be conducted during the year which will involve the participation of all members.  In addition, businesses may be solicited for contributions.
 
Proceeds from fundraising are used to keep league fees lower, purchase new equipment, and provide players with training to further develop softball skills.  Other projects funded in the past from fund-raising dollars included field improvements, batting cages, bleachers, storage lockers, radar gun, equipment, and coach’s training.
 
In addition, individual teams may fundraise for special events (for example, out-of-state tournament play).  Dependent on Board discretion and availability of funds, the Board has typically given a contribution out of general funds to teams qualifying for an ASA or AFA national tournament to help offset travel expenses. 

Program Goals

The following are the program goals for competitive softball:

• Provide effective, high quality training for players and coaches at all levels.
• Provide programs that are cooperative with and respected by other community programs.
• Strive to create a fun and entertaining environment for the players, families, coaches and community.
• Seek to maximize the potential of every player in the program.
• Develop players and teams that are able to compete at a national level.
• Encourage and foster player participation for the full length of a player’s youth sports career.
• Foster the importance of teamwork and the understanding that all team members play an integral part in the success of the team.
• Increase the number of District 112 girls participating in competitive sports.
• To promote skill development and create a positive self-esteem for every player.

Eligibility

Players are eligible to participate subject to the following criteria:

• Resident of school district 112 area (regardless of school attended) – non-residents will be allowed to play if the Board determines that additional players are needed to field a team at an age group or to provide a team needed pitching and catching.
• Must have paid all applicable fees – past and present
• Must have filled out all required forms, including any signed waivers and commitment forms required
• Must meet age guidelines for the age group signed up for (as determined by ASA and AFA – current rules are based by the age as of January 1 of the current calendar year (summer season).  For fall season, the age is determined by the age as of the following January 1st (age for next summer season).

Playing Up

All players interested in playing up must submit a request to CYSA prior to registration.
 

Playing Time

There is no requirement that equal playing time occur. Over the course of the season, coaches will assure that each player gets an ample amount of playing time, but not necessarily at the player's or parent's desired position. As the season progresses, players will "settle into" playing positions so that the team is competitive.

The younger the age group, the more individual player development and equal playing time is stressed. The older the age group, the more team development and placing the most competitive team on the field is stressed.
 
Once a team is selected, coaches shall treat all of the players on the team as part of the team.  
 
Playing time is at discretion of the head coach based on the following:

• The need to develop depth of talent at every position.
• Unexcused absences at practices, games, tournaments and team meetings.
• Effort of the players in practices and game situations.
• Commitment of the player to improve her skills.
• Skill level of the players on the team.

• Disciplinary action is being taken.
• The player has been suspended.
• The player is injured or sick.
• Shortened games shortened due to the time limit or inclement weather.

Player Development

Player development, depth of talent and skills at each position is extremely important.  As a result, every player needs to receive numerous opportunities during games to learn to perform in all game situations. However, not all players have the attributes or training required to play certain positions (for example, pitcher, catcher or shortstop). Therefore, not all players will be given the opportunity to play at her "favorite" position. Player development shall be encouraged at every age group.  Coaches must continue to develop the skills of every player on the team.
 
Players should be given opportunities to play at positions where they will be successful and to build player confidence.
 
The younger the age group, the more that playing time should be arranged to enhance the development of skills for every player at more than one position.
 
Team development shall consist of teaching teamwork and the concepts of working together towards a common goal.  Care must be taken to make certain that every player is a part of the team.
 
Positive reinforcement is an absolute necessity as new positions and skills are developed.  Coaches must strive to avoid negative reinforcement.
 

Registration

Registration for summer traveling softball is will be in January and should be completed online at www.cysafastpitch.com.  It is the players and parents responsibility to seek out registration information – watch for announcements and/or forms through district 112 schools, posted in the local newspaper, online at www.cysafastpitch.com, or available at the Chaska Community Center.
 
There is an early bird discount for registrations completed by March 1st.  Players that register after tryouts have taken place will be placed on a wait list. The player may be allowed to try out if numbers permit at that age level or at the Board’s discretion.  If they choose to be an alternate (on-call) player, they must be CYSA registered. The traveling registration fee is waived.

Season

The summer traveling season is for those individuals who desire a competitive softball experience in the main part of the season.  Teams participate in a league and play a number of tournaments on the weekends (see Tournament section).
 
Practices usually start in April and league games usually begin in mid-May and continue through the end of June or early July. League games are played on 1-3 weeknights per week, 5-inning double-header style, the first game beginning at 6:15 PM.  They will be played at sites throughout the Metro area – usually focused in the south and west suburbs.  Exceptions:

• ​​8U league games are played one night a week and the team will participate in 2-3 tournaments throughout the season.  Historically, 8U practices/plays on Monday/Wednesday evenings.
• 10U – league games are played only one night a week.  This allows for more practice time with this age group to allow significant time for skill development.  Typically 3-4 tournaments.  Historically, 10U plays/practices on Tuesday/Thursdays.
• 12U - league games are played twice a week with about 3-4 tournaments in addition to state.  Historically, 12U plays/practices on Monday/Wednesdays.

Practices

Practice begins in April with a goal of at least 8-12 full practices before the first game. (Pitchers and Catchers will be expected to put in more time!).  Exception: teams with a significant number of their players on high school teams usually will not practice much prior to their first games.
 
After league play commences, a typical week will consist of one or two practices each week.  A light hitting practice might be considered for one of the practice nights. 
 

Fees and Expenses

The registration fee covers the following expenses:

• General administration fees (newsletter postage, copying costs, storage shed rental, post office box, and so on)
• team insurance
• equipment expenses
• league fee
• playing fees (game balls, field maintenance, umpire fees, tournament fees)

• Team uniform (jersey, shorts, socks, cap). (May be kept at end of season.)
• Extra tournament expenses (see "Tournament" on page 17)
• Travel expenses to and from games
• Possible overnight expenses for out of town tournaments
• ​Fundraising

Tournament Funding

The fees collected by the Association usually include the ASA State Tournament and any related State Qualifiers. In addition, for the summer season, each team is allocated a certain amount (currently, $ 600 but subject to change) for tournament fees on additional weekends. This money may be spent on as many tournaments as team members are willing to play in (generally this will fund about 3 tournaments in addition to State and the State Qualifier). Additional tournaments may be played in at the players’ expense – if desired by the head coach and majority of player’s parents. Unspent tournament monies are the property of the CYSA.Tournaments played outside the metro area may require overnight stay at the player’s expense. Any team which qualifies for a National tournament and elects to participate will incur additional expenses, including travel for up to a week.  Teams usually do their own fund-raising to offset the costs of a National tournament.
 
 

Team Determination

If numbers permit, there shall be one or more teams at each age group. If there is only one team, it will generally be placed at the “gold” level. 
 
If there are multiple teams, the Board will determine the make-up of the teams depending on the talent level involved.  Generally, the following guidelines will be followed:
 

• 10U - the teams will be split equally.
• 12U – the decision to go Gold/Silver or divide into equal teams is to be evaluated each year by the CYSA Board based on the talent available, especially with pitchers and catchers.
• 14U and up - there will be a “Gold” team followed by one or more “Silver” teams split equally from the players not on the “Gold” team.  .  Depending on the talent level, the CYSA Board may register the “Silver” team to play a Gold league schedule. 

Team Selection

Teams are created using the following guidelines:

• Coaches are available
• Selection from eligible players (see policy on Eligibility) at that age group – the number of players on each team is ideally 12 however this will be determined by the  Board’s discretion.  If necessary, tryouts will be conducted.
• Players desiring to play up if a position is available (see policy on “Playing Up”
• Players from outside the eligibility area if needed to field a team.

 
Team selection is the ultimate decision of the Board.  A committee may be appointed to review tryout and all other available information and select teams, subject to Board approval.  This committee may include potential coaches at that age group but will always include at least one Board member without players at that age group to ensure a fair process is followed in team selection.

NOTE: Any player who cannot play in the State Qualifying Tournament, State Tournament or other post-season tournaments due to a conflict with any other sport, will not be placed on a Gold level team. If a player misses any of these tournaments due to an unexcused absence (see page 26), she cannot play on a Gold level team the following summer season.  The Board requires a commitment form to be signed at which point known and potential conflicts need to be disclosed.  The conflicts may or may not affect team placement depending on the needs of the team…disclosure of potential conflicts will be viewed upon more favorably by the Board than conflicts which were not disclosed.

Alternate Player

An alternate player is a player who:

• Is listed on the team roster.
• May practice and travel with the team.

• The selection of alternate players must be approved by the Board to ensure the player is a in good standing, eligible to play, etc.
• The choice of and role of the alternate player should be discussed with Assistant coaches, parents, and players.

General

This policy establishes guidelines for conducting tryouts within CYSA traveling softball.  Tryouts may be needed to select members of a single team at an age group, or to select a “Gold” team when multiple teams are offered at a particular age group and the format chosen is Gold/Silver….or in the case of 10U, to evaluate players to aid in the distribution of talent equally among teams.

Eligibility

Players are eligible to participate in CYSA traveling softball team tryouts provided they meet the eligibility guidelines of the program – see Eligibility section.

Participation

The desire is for two tryout sessions for each age group, however this is dependent on access to facilities and independent evaluators. Players must participate in all scheduled tryout sessions, unless an excused absence is granted by the CYSA. An excused absence from any of the scheduled sessions must be granted prior to the start of that session. Excused absences will include illness or injury, school functions, family vacations, and games for in-season sports.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each tryout session. Players who are absent from all tryouts without being excused will not be eligible for gold teams

Makeup Tryouts

Players who miss the scheduled tryout sessions due to an excused absence, may be granted an alternate tryout session (if available) or will be placed on a team based on other available information from prior periods and  at the discretion of the board and/or player selection committee..

Player Evaluations

Players will be evaluated on the skills of pitching, catching, fielding, throwing, hitting and bunting. In addition, game situations may be created and players will be evaluated on their game sense.

Tryout and Team Selection Committees

The tryout and team selection committees will be comprised of individuals who are known by the CYSA to possess the knowledge necessary to evaluate a player's skill at a particular level. Committee members will not be related to any of the tryout participants involved in their assigned age level. The tryouts will be facilitated by members of the CYSA. The evaluation scores and prior playing history will be the basis used by the team selection committee to select players for a traveling team.

Tryout Philosophy

There is no perfect method of determining teams.  The CYSA has studied the team selection process of a number of similar associations and has come up with a tryout methodology that –in the Board’s opinion – offers all players a chance to make the team of their choice and to be fairly evaluated.  The team selection attempts to find a balance between:
 

• evaluating players based on their current skills demonstrated in an impartial tryout process, and
• evaluating players on the skills and game sense shown in the prior year’s games.

Tryout Methodology

Seven players will be chosen from the tryout process exclusively:

• 1 pitcher will be chosen
• 1 catcher will be chosen
• 5 position players will be chosen (not specific to position)
• Players designate pitcher, catcher, or position player in advance and are evaluated within only that category (pitcher, catcher or position player).  
• Pitchers and catchers are evaluated on general fielding and hitting skills in addition to their pitching or catching skills.

• Try-out scores
• Team needs (by position)
• Prior year coach’s evaluations
• Overall needs of all teams
• Potential coaches are included in the committee only if they do not have a daughter still awaiting selection at that age group
• The selection committee’s decisions must be approved by the Board.

Written Application

There is a place on the registration forms to indicate a willingness to serve as coach for the upcoming season.   anyone who has not coached previously through the CYSA and is interested in coaching a traveling team is encouraged to contact the CYSA in advance of this to share their background with the selection committee to ensure full consideration. 
 
Each candidate will be evaluated by members of the CYSA and evaluated on their commitment to coaching, their experience and knowledge of the game, as well as their coaching philosophy. Please send applications to:
 
CYSA
P.O. Box 451
Chaska, MN 55318

Selection Criteria

Selection criteria may include the following items:

• Previous successful youth coaching experience.
• Ability and willingness to teach players of all skill levels.
• Ability to teach the key skill positions of pitcher and catcher.
• Attendance and active participation in coach and player clinics is a plus.
• If the applicant has previously coached, feedback from prior seasons.
• History of adherence to policies and procedures and willingness to work within the system.
• Current NYSCA and ASA VIP certification levels.
• Ability to provide positive reinforcement to players in both practices and game situations.