The teams fielded by Araby Softball participate in the Frederick County Girls Softball League (FCGSL), a league comprised of “recreational” youth fastpitch softball organizations located in Frederick County, MD. Games played will be split between Home games and Away games. Home field for Araby Softball teams is Araby Park (4240 Araby Church Rd., Frederick, MD). Games will be governed by general rules, and age specific rules, established by the FCGSL. Araby Softball’s philosophy of fun and “joy of the game,” as well as our core values of teamwork, performance, and sportsmanship, are emphasized throughout the program. Listed below are descriptions of Araby Softball’s age specific programs, and links to the related FCGSL rules.

FCGSL General Rules 

8U Division FCGSL 8U Rules 

Araby Softball’s 8U division focuses on the basics of fastpitch softball, and offensive (batting, base running, etc.) and defensive (fielding, catching, throwing, etc.) fundamentals. Fun and sportsmanship, while learning how the game is played, is the emphasis at this level. The players are introduced to the general rules, concepts, and goals of the game, as well as the various positions. The season typically spans 8-10 weeks with two practices scheduled in the “pre-season” and two games per week (one weekday and one weekend) during the “regular season.” Optional practice sessions could be scheduled during the season at the coach’s discretion. Games are up to 6 innings long with a 2 hour time limit. Coaches umpire the games and pitch to their teams (coach pitch), there are no restrictions on substitutions, and the teams bat in running order. During the first half of the season all games are coach pitch. However, in the second half pitcher development encouraged and players may pitch up to two pitches to each batter. No scores or official game records are kept by FCGSL at this age level. 

10U Division FCGSL 10U Rules 

Araby Softball’s 10U division reinforces the basics of fastpitch softball, and continues player offensive and defensive development. Fun, sportsmanship, and the team concept are emphasized in a more competitive atmosphere. Players are introduced to more complex rules and game strategy while playing in a rotation through field positions. The season typically spans 8-10 weeks with two practices scheduled in the “pre-season” and two games per week (one weekday and one weekend) during the “regular season.” Optional practice sessions could be scheduled during the season at the coach’s discretion. Games are up to 6 innings long with a 2 hour time limit. FCGSL umpires call the games, there are no restrictions on substitutions, and the teams bat in running order. A variation of player and coach pitch is used to keep games on pace (see FCGSL 10U Rules for more detail). Official scores and game records are kept by FCGSL at this age level, and there is a bracketed playoff at the end of the season.

12U Division FCGSL 12U Rules 

Araby Softball’s 12U division provides more emphasis on game strategy and the team concept. Players begin to “specialize” in the field and come to find positions they are comfortable with and excel at – realizing that “every position is important” on a team. Araby Softball’s core values of teamwork, performance, and sportsmanship are reinforced. Off-season workouts typically begin in January with a weekly indoor batting practice/throwing session; twice a week outdoor pre-season practices start in late March; and the season’s first pitch is thrown in late April. The regular season spans 6-8 weeks with two games per week plus optional practice sessions (coach’s discretion). Games are up to 7 innings long with a 2 hour time limit. FCGSL umpires call the games, there are no restrictions on substitutions, and the teams bat in running order. Official scores and game records are kept by FCGSL and there is a bracketed playoff at the end of the season. 

15U Division FCGSL 15U Rules 

Araby Softball’s 15U division is the culmination of the team concept. Players accept that “every position is important” and each contributes to the teams success. The value of teamwork, performance, and sportsmanship is displayed by the players. Off-season workouts typically begin in December with weekly indoor batting practice/throwing sessions; twice a week pre-season practices start in March; and the season’s first pitch is thrown in late April. The regular season spans 6-8 weeks with two games per week, plus at least one practice session. Games are up to 7 innings long with a 2 hour time limit. FCGSL umpires call the games, there are no restrictions on substitutions, and the teams bat in running order. Official scores and game records are kept by FCGSL and there is a bracketed playoff at the end of the season.