top of page

Falmouth Little League Softball

Photo and Credit: Elusive Photography, many loving parents, Nick at Life in Focus, and Timothy Morris Photography.

TMP-305.jpg

About the Divisions

Majors Softball

Majors Softball is for League Age 11 and 12. Players League age 10 might play Majors on occasion if there is an open roster spot, or if players are called up to fill absences.

Majors has pre-season practices, Skills and Drills, access to Pitchers Clinics with a professional coach, season practices, and more. There are 12 games scheduled, and a season-end tournament with D6 North. 

Majors Softball rules are not modified or phased in any way. We play straight from the Little League Majors softball rules. 

There is a Majors level All Stars Team playing in June. Please visit the All Stars page to learn more about that! 

Minors (AAA) Softball

Minors Softball (also called AAA in Baseball and in some other local Leagues) is the middle age Division, and the first Player pitch opportunity. This Division is for League Age 9 and 10, with some age 8 players depending on skill and experience, and the need of the Minors teams. 

 

Modified Player Pitch begins with players pitching (everyone has the opportunity unless they opt-out), and will sometimes include coaches stepping in to pitch in lieu of walking the batter.

 

This Division plays a catcher, and introduces stealing the bases and stealing home throughout the season. This season ends in a D6 tournament.

Rules for Minors/AAA Softball are currently phased. This has been the subject of incredible thought as we're trying to raise the level of play in Falmouth and District 6. The beginning of the season will introduce the game, and will provide opportunities for everyone to learn and try new positions. As the season progresses, new rules are added with plenty of time for coaches to teach the rules at practices. This allows for broader understanding and better access to the game among players of different skill. By the end of the season, the game is played at full All Stars rules. This is a great opportunity for older and more advanced players, it allows everyone to shine where they play the best, raises competitiveness, and teaches players to consider the good of the team. 

Minors Softball has pre-season practices and league-wide Skills and Drills sessions. Players this age also have access to Pitchers Clinics with professional coaches. Throughout the season, there are team practices and weekly all-teams practices on a designated week day. These practices aren't mandatory, but are highly encouraged and might affect play towards the end of the season.

Teams will have 12 scheduled games, or roughly 2 per week. Games are about equally travel/home games, and include teams across the District. We understand that it isn't ideal to travel, but it's necessary to be able to get our games in (unless any of you know of a benefactor willing to donate us an extra field or some lights!). 

There is a Minors level All Stars Team playing in June. Please visit the All Stars page to learn more about that! 

AA Softball

AA Softball is the youngest, most introductory age of softball currently offered at Falmouth Little League. It is for players League Age 6, 7, and 8. The AA Division is a Coach pitch league that includes underhanded coach pitches, and focuses on teaching players to hit and field.

 

Players will progress to new rules throughout the season. They will start with no base-outs, and no strike outs, but learn about and integrate strikes, base outs, and more as the season progresses.

AA Softball does have pre-season, league-wide Skills and Drills sessions, but not practices. Generally, team practices are held for the first half hour of each "game."

There are generally two AA Softball games per week, and most are played at Falmouth fields. Because Softball is a traveling sport, and it's super fun for players to play new teams, we will schedule at least one travel game per team towards the end of the season.

Players who are in kindergarten and younger should sign up for Tee Ball in the Falmouth Little League Baseball program.

Additional Information

Softball Spirit, Gear, and more. . . 

Softball is an incredible sport with a fantastic community! The Softball family is a great one, so we're excited to have you! From AA all the way through high school and college, softball games are incredibly exciting, create an enormous sense of pride in our players, and give parents an amazing experience as they watch their players soar to levels they might not have ever thought they'd reach. How fun! As you register your player for Falmouth Softball, we hope that you volunteer with the team, in the snack shack, and come to observe Skills and Drills and other clinics and practices. We also hope that you come support other teams! Watch the teams one Division up from your player, visit High School Softball games, or join us at D6 Softball Day with USM at Gorham! 

Gear is important, and it's expensive. There is a lot of gear that a player needs, but much of it is either provided by Little League, or is available at Gear Swaps, or second hand stores. Here's a list with more information:

  • Glove - please provide an appropriately sized glove for your player. In AAA and above, T-Ball gloves are not suitable. 

  • Softball Pants - Softball pants are required for all Softball Divisions. Players may not play in shorts. For Majors and Minors teams, please wait to buy pants until your coach has let you know about the uniform color. 

  • Cleats - AA Softball does not need cleats, but they are recommended. Majors and Minors Softball requires cleats. Softball cleats are available, but mostly online. You can usually find LAX or Soccer cleats in store. Please do not purchase metal cleats (even if your child has big enough feet) as those are not permitted in Little League Rules.

  • Face/Fielder's Mask - All Softball Divisions require a Face/Fielder's Mask in the infield. These are considered PPE and should be purchased by families and labeled. FLL team bags do have Face Masks available, but they are shared. If your child cannot keep the mask out of their mouth, if you are concerned about the sanitation, lice, or other things, you should purchase one for your child. There is a full aisle of them at Dick's and there are always plenty available. 

  • Helmet - Helmets are required for all batters, and helmets must have a full face cage. There are plenty of helmets provided in team bags, but they are shared. If you are concerned about lice, or if your player's head is very small or very large, you might want to purchase your own. 

  • Bat - Bats are necessary, but the team bag provides bats for players to use. You're welcome to buy a bat, but don't need to. If you purchase a bat, it needs to be USA Bat Approved.

  • Batting Gloves - Batting gloves are not required, but players tend to like them. 

  • Sliding Shorts - for Majors and Minors players, Sliding Shorts are recommended but not required. They're especially recommended with white pants.

All Stars 2023-10.jpg

Thank you to our '24 Sponsors! 

  • When does the season start and finish?
    Opening Day is the last weekend in April, and that will kick off the season with Picture Day, uniforms, a celebration, and the first games of the season (for some teams). Practices will be held throughout April, and Assessments often occur in late March. The regular season ends in early June after approximately six weeks, although All Stars, and Summer and Fall Ball will usually follow.
  • Does my child need baseball or softball experience to play?
    No! Falmouth Little League is a developmental league that welcomes children of any experience level. In any given year, there is a wide range of experience and abilities among the players.
  • How often are games/practices?
    For Minors (9-10) and Majors (11-12) Divisions, 12 games are scheduled per season (cancellations and reschedules happen). These divisions will have practices during and before the season starts as gym and field availability/weather permits. Softball often has Skills and Drills Sessions, Clinics, All-Teams practice Sessions throughout the season, and more, so check that page for more info. The AA (7-8) Divisions will also have 12 games scheduled running from Opening Day through early June, but generally have much fewer practices and pre-season activities. T-Ball starts in May, and ends in early June.
  • What does my child need for equipment to play in the Little League?
    All players at all age Divisions should purchase a baseball/softball glove. Please ensure that the glove size is appropriate for the division of play that your child is enrolled in. The League will provide each player a hat/visor, jersey, and access to team-issued helmets and bats. These are some additional notes about gear: Softball Requirements: Face/Fielders Mask - required for all in-field positions. The team bag will have some, but there are shared. Softball pants for all age Divisions. These can be re-worn, you only really need one pair. Cleats for all divisions. Do NOT purchase metal cleats, they are not permitted in this age of Little League. Soccer and LAX cleats are suitable. Please visit the Softball page to learn about other gear that is not required, but that you might be interested in. Baseball Recommendations: Cleats and Baseball Pants are highly recommended for Divisions AA, AAA, and Majors. These are not necessary for T Ball. If your child needs financial assistance, please contact the Little League Board regarding the availability of equipment grants. Additionally, stores like Play it Again Sports, looking on Facebook Marketplace, posting in the local Buy Nothing group, the Falmouth Community Page (anonymous available), and other FB pages like Moms of Maine, and attending a Little League Equipment Swap (often at Opening Day) are excellent places to find used gear that's likely still in great shape.
  • What are a player’s uniform requirements?
    The league will provide hats/visors and jerseys. Players provide their own cleats, belt, socks and pants. After rosters are announced, please consult with your coach regarding the team colors.
  • Where are the games played?
    Most home games are played at 65 Depot Rd Falmouth, ME 04105. T Ball exclusively plays on the outfield of Big Legion Field. AA Baseball and Softball Share Smith Field, and AA Softball uses the Little Legion Softball Field and will engage in Inter-league play to travel. Some games may be moved to the Huston Field, or the Middle School Fields as necessary. AAA and Majors Baseball play on Grub Field, and for the first time in a long time, will engage in Inter-league play in 2024! This results in some travel, but it's super fun for the players. Minors and Majors Softball play home games on Little Legion Softball Field, sometimes the High School Field, and travel within District 6 for approximately half of their games.
  • What is my child’s “LEAGUE AGE” this year?
    Check out these links for age information: Baseball Age Chart Softball Age Chart
  • Can my child play other sports leagues and also play Little League?
    Yes, many players play other sports and engage in other competitive activities like dance, theater, etc. during the Little League season. Many players also engage in travel baseball/softball leagues at the same time. The Board makes every effort to avoid conflicts (i.e., Softball implemented "conflict days" where teams won't play on a day of their choice to avoid conflicts), Majors teams generally don't play on weekends to avoid Travel tournaments, and Baseball is able to have a more predictable schedule because of their field availability). We are aware that conflicts are still going to happen and players cannot reasonably make every practice for every activity, and we're ok with that outside of All Stars teams. Even still, please make every effort to get your child to as many practices and games as possible. We intentionally have more than nine players on each team to accommodate for inevitable absences, but it is our hope that players will make their best efforts to keep absences to a minimum and to balance conflicts with other sports as evenly as is allowed.
  • I do not want to coach or umpire, but are their other ways that I can help out?
    Yes! Little League utilizes volunteers in a number of settings including its Snack Shack, Opening Day Ceremonies, field prep, and tournament staffing. Please contact the Board for additional information.
  • Will siblings be placed on the same team if they are in the same league?
    Yes. Siblings in the same league will be placed on the same team for convenience unless specified otherwise.
  • Can I request friends on my child's team?
    Some divisions accept friend requests. Generally, T Ball and AA divisions (7 and under) allow friend requests, but note that these are never guaranteed. There are a lot of logistics that go into making teams and we Cann't always guarantee a request. Requests are limited to 2 per player. Remember, making new friends is definitely one of the most valuable parts of Little League, so embrace the new faces and have a great time on the fields!
  • Rain outs? Weather Delays? Lightning?
    The town will close fields for rain or wet conditions. They make this call usually by 2:00 and we will email coaches accordingly. Field Closure Info City of Falmouth If rain comes during the game, the coaches will make the decision to delay or cancel. If there’s lightning things end immediately and everyone needs to leave or seek shelter.
  • What is my child’s “LEAGUE AGE” for softball this year?
    Softball Age Chart
  • What is my child’s “LEAGUE AGE” for baseball this year?
    Baseball Age Chart
  • What type of Baseball Bat should I get?
    The bat must be a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick, and made of wood or of material and color tested and proved acceptable to the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat). Look for the USA Baseball logo.
  • Where are the T-Ball games played?
    T-Ball games are played on the Big Legion Field. 65 Depot Rd Falmouth, ME 04105.
  • What time are T-Ball practices and games?
    T-ball games start at 5:30 and are usually done by 6:45. There are not typically any additional practices for T-ball, but coaches usually use the time before the game starts for working on skill development.
  • Is there a mailing list for notifications?
    Registration for the season will open in early to mid January. Keep an eye on the website for information on this once we hit the new year. We will also have Facebook posts and signs put up around town as reminders once registration is opened. Once your child is registered, you will be added to the distribution list for any future communications. Whoever the registering parent/adult is will have the opportunity to add additional emails to the coach distribution list. Please discuss with the registering parent/adult to include all relevant emails so that information gets to the right people. Softball relies heavily on the Gamechanger App. If your player is enrolled in Softball, please download the app, find your team, and link with your player for all important updates and communications.
  • Will siblings be placed on the same team if they are in the same league?
    Yes. Siblings in the same league will be placed on the same team for convenience unless specified otherwise.
  • What is my child’s “LEAGUE AGE” this year?
    Check out these links for age information: Baseball Age Chart Softball Age Chart
  • My kid is too advanced for their age group can they play up?
    We stick to the age requirements for Little League and do not allow kids to play up.
  • Are there opportunities to volunteer?
    Volunteer opportunities are available in areas of the snack shack, coaching, umpiring, serving as a team parent, field day maintenance work, board membership, and others.
  • How do I complete my required NAYS coaches training?
    1 - Login to NAYS from their website: NAYS | National Alliance for Youth Sports You will need to login if you already have an account or register for an account if you are a new user 2- Set Falmouth Little League Affiliation (if not done already) Click on My Account, then Organizations, then Manage My Affiliations Add Falmouth Little League as one of your affiliations 3-Order Required Training Programs Click on My Account, then My Trainings, then My Training Requirements Click Checkout to order the required training then Proceed to Checkout then Process Order 4- Complete Training Click on My Account, then My Trainings, then My Training Portal to access your training classes
  • Are there sponsorship opportunities?
    We are always looking for partners to advertise and help fund our improvement and maintenance projects. Check out our sponsorship page here.
  • How can I contact Falmouth Little League?
    Email us: info@falmouthlittleleague.net

© 2023 Falmouth Maine Little League

  • Facebook
bottom of page