rec softball

Age Divisions

Each age level is grouped to provide the best opportunity for age appropriate instruction. Leagues will be broken down by the following:

• 6U/T-BALL League: (ONLY OFFERED IN THE SPRING) For 1st year players, generally for preschool (must be 4 by April 1st of current year) and kindergarten aged girls.

The girls play on their own specially designed field where the bases are set at 45 feet. Ball size needed: 11 inch. This league provides heavy coach and parent involvement. Team size is kept to a minimum to provide the girls with additional batting and fielding opportunities. The girls may begin the season hitting off a “T” and by the latter part of the season coaches are pitching to them. Players will be rotated between the infield and outfield to provide a maximum learning experience.

• 8U League: Teams are generally made up of 1st and 2nd grade girls. This league provides heavy coach and parent involvement. Bases are set at 55 feet. Ball size needed 11 inch. Teaching is the focus in this league and score will not be kept. In this league the girls are taught the rules of the game as they are prepared to move up to the next level. Players will be rotated between the infield and outfield to provide a maximum learning experience.

• 10U League: The teams are made up of 3rd and 4th grade girls. The players start to pitch and play the catching position in this league. Pitching distance is 35 feet. Ball Size needed: 11 inch. Coaches will pitch after 4 pitches have been thrown to a batter by the pitcher. This is an instructional league. A year-end tournament takes place in this league. Players will be rotated between the infield and outfield to provide a maximum learning experience.

• 12U League: The teams are made up of 5th, 6th and 7th grade girls. Girls fast pitch from a distance of 40 feet. Ball Size needed: 12 inch. ASA Softball governs most of the rules. This is an instructional league. A year-end tournament takes place in this league. Players will be rotated between the infield and outfield to provide a maximum learning experience. The season begins with practices mid-April and ends mid-June. Teams will practice once per week with opportunities for players to attend pitching clinics throughout the season.

FIELDS USED

Cherry Tree Elementary Softball Complex and Prather Park (formerly known as River Road Park)

SPORT SEASON

The Spring Softball season starts mid-April and runs through mid-June. 

COST

Sport Fee: $105 per season. In addition to the sports fee, families are asked to pay an membership fee of $50 once per year. All families are required to volunteer during the season, but can choose to opt-out of volunteering by paying $25.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT/OPT-OUT FEE

Carmel Dads' club requires every family to pay $25 or work a two-hour shift in the concession stand for a sporting event. Athletes whose parents serve as a league commissioner, head coach or team sponsor are exempt from this requirement.

REGISTRATION

Registration for softball is open January 1st and runs through February 21st. Fees increase February 22nd. Players may register as long as there is still room in the league, then may join a waitlist if the league is full.

Special requests are taken into consideration such as practice dates, coach request, and buddy request; however, sport fees cannot be refunded after the Refund Deadline in the event we are not able to accommodate your requests. The Refund Deadline is March 1st. 

*Refund Policy – If you register your child(ren) for one of our sports programs and then opt for them not to participate, refund requests are granted AS LONG AS the refund request is made during that sport season’s regular open registration period. Refunds are NOT given if requested after open registration unless there is a medical reason you child cannot participate. For more information or if you have questions or concerns regarding this refund policy, please contact the office.

PRACTICES AND GAMES

Teams will have one evening practice and games are typically on Saturday and Sundays. Teams will practice once per week with opportunities for players to attend pitching clinics throughout the season.

Practices and games are held at Cherry Tree and Prather Park (formerly known as River Road Park)

GEAR REQUIRED

Carmel Dads' Club will supply each player a shirt and socks for their uniform. You must purchase white baseball pants, a mouthpiece/face mask for protection and a fielding glove. Cleats are optional. The Dads' Club will provide bats, softballs, batting helmets and catchers equipment for practices and games.

ADDITIONAL CDC

SOFTBALL PROGRAMS

The Carmel Dads’ Club offers players 1st through 6th grade the opportunity to try out for the AllStar Team. This program runs in conjunction with the regular season with games played on Sundays.

 The Carmel Dads' Club travel softball program is designed to provide a higher level of training and competition to those athletes that have a desire to develop their skills beyond the level of what our recreational program allows. The travel league starts at 8U. There is an additional assessment for the travel teams. Players will be selected by team tryouts.

2026 SPRING SOFTBALL COMMISSIONERS