PARKLAND LEAGUE SOFTBALL DIVISIONS

As in past years, Orefield will be playing softball in the Parkland League. The Parkland League Softball Program supports various level of play based on the players age. This page provides an overview of those various age groups. The girls play in five different divisions according to age as of January 1st. The divisions are: Prep (ages 8&U), 10&U, 12&U, 14&U, and 18&U. We will support a14&u and 18&U team only if we have enough girls signing up. Please note that the Orefield Athletic Association does have a written policy on "playing up". Read about that policy here.

Prep (8&U) 8&U is for players aged 6-8 in Grades K-2. Prep/8&U is an instructional level that encourages fun and learning. We teach basic skills development-throwing, fielding, pitching and batting. The Prep division uses a separate set of rules as a teaching aid and provides every child a chance to learn and play. During the first half of the season the coaches pitch while during the second half of the season the players pitch half of the game. Scores are not kept at this level. Bases are at 45', pitching mound is 25'.
 Days of games: Tuesday @ 6:00pm., Saturday @ 11:30 am.

  10&U  The 10&U is for players aged 9 and 10 in Grades 3-4. The 10&U level teaches basic skill development of throwing, fielding, pitching, and batting. While this is still a learning and developmental stage this level provides the first level of team competition. No bunting or stealing is allowed and players pitch full games. Scores are recorded and teams with the best records advance to the postseason playoffs.
Division #1 Bases are at 55', pitching mound is 35', Division #2 Bases are at 50', pitching mound is 30'.
  Days of games: Thursday @ 6:00pm., Saturday @ 9:00am.

 12&U  The 12&U is for players aged 11 and 12 in Grades 5-6. 12&U level teaches intermediate skills development of base running and defense. Scores are recorded and teams with the best records compete in tournament playoffs. Players pitch full games, bunting is allowed, and base stealing of second and third is allowed.
 Bases are at 55', pitching mound is 35'
 Days of games: Wednesday @ 6:00pm.,Saturday @ 11:30 am

14&U  The 14&U level is for players aged 13 and 14 in Grades 7-8. The 14&U level teaches advanced skills development of base running and defense. Scores are recorded and teams with the best records compete in tournament playoffs. While full base stealing is allowed players must remain on base until a pitched ball leaves the pitcher's hand. 
 Bases are at 60', pitching mound is 40'.
Days of games: Monday @ 6:00pm., Saturday @ 2:30pm.

18&U  The 18&U level is for players aged 15-18. 18&U teaches advanced skills and competition. Scores are recorded and teams with the best records compete in tournament playoffs. 
Bases are at 60', pitching mound is 40'.
Days of games: Tuesday @6:00pm., Friday @ 6:00pm.