The Rookies Softball Division is an introduction to softball for players with 1 or more years of experience in Little League or those who demonstrate advanced hand-eye coordination and the ability to follow safety guidelines and direction. This division focuses on developing fundamental softball skills, teamwork, and having fun, providing a positive environment for young athletes to discover a love for the game. Players who have never played are encouraged to register for T-Ball or Rookies Baseball before moving into Rookies Softball.
League age charts can be located here.
*Please note that softball age charts are different from baseball age charts.*
*This division is available through LSLL during spring season only.*
Schedule:
2 events per week (2 hours each), including potential Saturdays, as weather and daylight allow.
Format:
- Base path: 60 feet
- Ball size: 10" yellow safety compression softball
- Coach-pitch format for hitting
- Teams are formed by the Lake Stevens Little League Softball Coordinator using "buddy requests," school groups, and neighborhood groups, allowing kids to play with friends and classmates
What a player and family should expect:
- Growth & Confidence: Supporting each player as they improve throwing, catching, fielding, and hitting, celebrating their progress and small victories along the way.
- Fun & Enjoyment: Creating a welcoming, positive environment where every player feels encouraged, enjoys the game, and looks forward to being on the field.
- Skill Advancement: Teaching fundamental skills in ways that are clear, hands-on, and supportive, so players gain both ability and confidence.
- Teamwork & Sportsmanship: Helping players learn to work together, communicate, and play fairly, while building friendships that extend beyond the diamond. At this level, athletes develop the skills and confidence to grow in softball while having fun, making friends, and feeling proud of what they accomplish.
Parents and coaches are strongly encouraged to participate in the facilitation of practices and games that promote a safe, instructive and fun environment.
Required Gear:
- Glove: Make sure your glove is a Fastpitch Softball glove, not a Baseball glove. The pocket of a baseball glove is smaller, and your Fastpitch player will struggle catch the softball with a baseball glove.
- Batting Helmet: For all of our Softball Divisions, all batters must wear a batting helmet with face guard.
- Face Mask
- Rubber Molded Cleats (any rubber cleats are acceptable at this age)
Optional Gear:
Bat Rules - There is NOT a USA Standard for Softball Bats, so all bats are Little League-approved as long as they meet the softball bats as outlined under Rule 1.10.
Rule 1.10 – Softball
The bat must be a softball bat which meets Little League specifications and standards as noted in this rule. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick and made of wood or a material tested and proved acceptable to Little League standards. The bat shall be no more than 33 inches (34 inches for Junior/Senior League) in length, not more than two and one-quarter (2¼) inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenth (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30 inches) at its smallest part. Non-wood bats shall be printed with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.20. Bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for a distance not exceeding 16 inches from the small end. Colored bats are acceptable. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited.
In all divisions, non-wood bats must have a grip of cork, tape, or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited.