Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What will I have to buy when the playing Season starts?

A: The league provides a complete uniform: jersey, visor, shorts and socks as part of your enrollment fee. The players need to provide their own glove and cleats.

Q: In what age division do I play?

A: A player’s age on January 1st of the current year determines the age classification in which the player is eligible to participate. For the 2008 Season (for both Fall and Spring), the following dates apply:

T-Ball are girls and boys 4 to 7 years of age on January 1, 2008
8 & Under girls who are no older than 8 years of age on January 1, 2008
10 & Under girls who are no older than 10 years of age on January 1, 2008
12 & Under girls who are no older than 12 years of age on January 1, 2008
14 & Under girls who are no older than 14 years of age on January 1, 2008
High School girls who are 15-18 years of age on January 1, 2008

Q: Can I play in an older age division?

A: Yes. Any player who wishes to move up to a division before the appropriate age, must be at least the even year designation of the appropriate age by January 1st. Example; Girls that are 8, 10, 12 or 14 as of Jan.1st can play up (1) age division. A girl who is 10 years old (as of January 1st) may not play up two divisions (in this case Upper Division). A girl who is 12 years old (as of January 1st) may play in the Upper Division.

Exception: Upper Division may be composed of 14-Under, 16-Under and 18-Under players in any given season.

Q: What is the difference between Fall and Spring?

A: The Spring Season is a competitive season that includes official standings and recorded pitcher’s outs. The girls work towards an All-Star Season to have the chance to represent the city of Murrieta in several tournaments throughout the Southern California area. There is an end-of-season double-elimination tournament with seeding based on positioning of the teams from the regular season. Teams finishing in 1st or 2nd place in the regular season will receive trophies for their efforts. Teams finishing in 1st or 2nd place for the tournament will receive t-shirts proclaiming their hard work.

The Fall (Winter) Season is a non-competitive season that does not include official standings. The emphasis is on teaching and instruction, with the girls given the opportunity to learn new positions and develop new skills. We do have an end-of-season double-elimination tournament (random draw) that showcases all that they have learned throughout the year. Teams finishing in 1st or 2nd place will receive trophies for their efforts.

Q: How will I be placed on a team?

A: For both the Spring and Fall Seasons players need to attend an evaluation day, after which they will be drafted by the coach of a team. There are no tryouts for T-Ball. The T-Ball teams are roster ed at the discretion of the Player agent.

Q: Can my two daughters (siblings) be on the same team?

A: Yes, with some restrictions. As long as they qualify for the same age group, and they are entered into the draft only; sisters who are placed on the waiting list will not have the option of playing together. Also, they can play on separate teams as well. However, you'll need to indicate this intention to the Player Agent at the time of registration.

Q: Can we get my daughter’s friend on the same team for carpooling/assistant coaching/school purposes?

A: We cannot guarantee her friend will be on the same team. Every player (other than the head coach's daughter) is available to be drafted.

Q: What happens if I miss player evaluations?

A: With an exception, you are not eligible to be drafted. This does not mean that you won't get on a team -- it just means that your name will be placed in the "blind draw." Exception: If a known player has not attended the evaluations and is rated as an “Advanced Skills Player”, she will be selected in the round corresponding to her ability instead of being placed in the “Blind Draw”. The MVGSA Rules Committee will determine the rating and round.

Q: What is the "blind draw?"

A: Players who sign up after tryouts or do not attend tryouts and are placed in the "blind draw". After the completion of the regular draft, players in the "blind draw" are picked at random by the head coaches of each team until all players are selected.

Q: What if there aren't enough teams for all the girls to play on?

A: In the event that the maximum number of players who were evaluated have been drafted onto each team and there are still players who were evaluated but not drafted, then the remaining players shall be placed on a waiting list until another team is formed or space on a current team becomes available. Priority will be given to Murrieta residents.

Q: How are late sign ups placed on Teams?

A: Teams with the least amount of players are placed in a Hat and the player agent draws a team randomly for the player (Example: 5 teams have 11 players, 5 teams have 10 players. The teams with 10 players are eligible for a player.) Priority will be given to Murrieta residents. If a currently enrolled player drops, then she will be replaced by someone from the waiting list.

Q: When is the cut off for Registration?

A: We'll accept applications throughout the season, even while games are being played. It's our objective to let as many girls play that want to play.

Q: Will I still have to pay the same fee if we miss some games?

A: Not necessarily. When greater than 75% of the games in the intramural schedule for the team remain to be played, the full fee will be required. When 75% or less, but greater than 50% of the games are remaining to be played, 75% of the full fee will be required. When 50% or less of the games remain, 50% of the full fee will be required.

Q: When and where are games played during the Season?

A: Teams will play throughout parks and fields in Murrieta. We'll start with games on both weekdays and Saturdays to give the girls the most amount of games possible.

Q: What if it rains?

A: If you do not receive a phone call from your coach or team parent, it is important that you still show up for your game, so that you do not place your team in jeopardy of a forfeit (remember -- even if it's raining in your part of town, it may be dry at the fields.

You will be notified of your game's rescheduled date as soon as it is available. Updated schedules are also posted to the web site. COACHES only may contact the Player Agent if there are questions about rescheduled games.

Q: When will the head coach call me to start the season?

A: The draft for teams is usually held on the first Wednesday following the Saturday player evaluations. All teams will be formed via the draft (no reserving players, coaches or team moms). Practice times and locations are given during the draft meeting. Your head coach should contact you by the beginning of September, with practices starting soon after. Your team manager will contact you as soon as his team has been formed.

Q: What times or where are practices held?

A: Practices vary depending on whose team you are on--each coach has a limited option of places and times to select from. Usually, we'll practice on the same field that we play our games on.

Q: What does a team parent do?

A: The team parent is the liaison between the coach and the other parents. (S)he is the person in charge of the annual fund-raiser (only for Spring) for the team. (S)he must attend a team parent meeting, distributes the fund-raiser, collects the money and turn it in. The team parent also distributes uniforms when they arrive and coordinates the making of the Team Banner. The team parent generally arranges for a female adult (over 18) to be at all practices and games. (S)he makes arrangements for parents to take turns bringing after-game refreshments. In addition, the coach may make other requests, such as asking the team parent to make phone calls to remind players of practice times, etc.

Q: What volunteer positions are still needed to help out teams?

A: Our league is made up of only volunteers and we could use as much help as you are willing to lend. At the first team meeting, your manager will be asking for volunteers to help as team mom, scorekeeper and other duties as needed. Please step forward and help out.

Q: Do I have to stay at practices and games?

A: We strongly encourage parents of every division to be there at all times, however, if you must leave, be sure that you are there, on time, to pick your daughter up. The manager cannot leave the field until he/she makes certain that all players have gone.

Q: What are the softball rules and where can I get a rule book?

A: ASA Rule books will be given out to all head coaches at the draft. Ask your divisional VP for a copy if you would like a copy.

Q: Who do I call if I have problems with my manager, uniform, fundraiser, umpires etc.?

A: You should always try to solve any problems through your team manager/coach first. If he/she does not seem able to help, contact the divisional VP, who is listed on the web site, or you may contact any Board Member, who will forward the problem to the appropriate party.

Q: Can I attend MVGSA Board Meetings if I’am not on the board and where and when are they?

A: Anyone is always welcome to attend. To find out when/where the next meeting is held, please check the board schedule page.

Q: How can I help?

A: There are many ways for parents to help. The minimum that we ask is for you to be supportive of your child and the coaches of your team. You could be a "team parent". In Divisions 8U, 10U, 12U and Upper each team needs at least one person who can keep score. We provide a scorekeepers clinic to teach you how to keep score. Show your support by attending as many games as possible and by helping out during practices, if you can. Keep in mind that these are young children out on the field and they need lots of encouragement. Don't yell at them when they make a mistake; they will feel bad enough already! Be positive!

We appreciate and welcome criticism of a constructive nature. But keep in mind that there are many different ways of doing things; don't criticize a coach simply for doing things differently than you would. If you have a legitimate complaint or suggestion, we do want to hear from you.

The only way to make things get done your way is to do them yourself, i.e. become a coach. Every year we need coaches. This is a fun and rewarding experience that requires relatively little time, but can have a significant impact on the lives of a number of young people. We ask that all of our coaches attend a coaching clinic. We may also require that a background check be done through the Megan’s Law. This is for the protection of our children and all records are confidential. If you are interested in coaching let us know right away.

If you are interested in helping even more, and can invest a little more time and want to have more responsibility, we have a way! Our league is run by a small, hard-working group of volunteers. Every year we need new members for the Board of Directors. If you are interested, talk to one of the current Board members.