Q: What is the New Jersey Woman’s Fastpitch League?
The New Jersey Woman’s Fastpitch League is a league designed for women who love to play fastpitch softball. Many of us have played all our lives, through high school and some through college. Once academics are over, so seems to be our true sport of fastpitch. Just because we get older, doesn’t mean that we have to stop playing. There are many slow-pitch leagues and even a few “modified”…but to find true fastpitch is difficult. This league has been started so women have a “CHOICE” to play the game that many of us are still so passionate about.
Q: What are the requirements to play in the NJWFL?
You must be a woman 18 years or older, reside in New Jersey (or be willing to travel to a Jersey field)…and LOVE FASTPITCH SOFTBALL!!!
Q: What is the cut-off date for 17 year olds turning 18? ***
If you are 17 years old now and would like to play in the NJWFL, the cut-off date that you must be 18 is April 1st of the year you wish to play in. For example: if you want to play in the 2012 inaugural season, you will have to be 18 years old by April 1, 2012.
Q: How do we sign up to play in the NJWFL? What are the steps?
It is simple....just go to the "Online forms" tab on the left and fill out the appropriate form (either a free agent, group or team....depending on your situation). Also, be sure to "Friend" me at: “Play Womens-Fastpitch” on Facebook (you will stay in the loop there). You can also e-mail me at: WomensFastpitch@yahoo.com if you have any questions. Once we receive your form, you will be placed on a team.
Q: When does the season begin and how long does it last?
Our 2019 season begins on April 28th, 2019 for our Essex County division and will continue through August with the completion of the playoffs.
Q: Where will games be played?
Locations are centralized around areas with the most interest. For this season, we will be in Essex County-Brookdale Park in Bloomfield with games possibly at Yanticaw Park.
Q: What days/times will games be played?
Game times will be on Sunday’s at either: 10, 12, or 2pm. Times may vary depending on the availability.
Q: How many teams in the division?
6 teams, possibly 8.
Q: How are the rosters assembled?
If you have an entire team roster (12-18 girls)…you will play as a team. You will just need to fill out our roster form. If you don’t have a full roster, but have a friend or a bunch of friends that you want to be grouped with, fill out the "Group" form and I will be sure to keep you together. If you don't know anyone you can still play! Just fill out the "Free Agent" form and I will put you on a team that needs a player that plays the position you do. With these forms I will match individuals (by position needed and location) with groups to create full rosters.
Q: Is there insurance coverage?
The $1,000,000 General Liability policy protects the sports organization and its people against lawsuits alleging injury to a spectator or player
Q: How much will it cost to play?
The team fee is $650 per team, which comes out to $43/player for the season. (based on a 15 woman roster) Of course this fee can still be reduced with sponsorship and more players. If you have more women (which most teams carry more girls), your per player fee would be even less, which can be reduced even more by attaining a sponsor. An additional $100 refundable forfeit bond is also required. This fee is refunded or carried over to the following season if no forfeits were had for that team.
Q: What does the league fee cover?
The league fee covers the cost of Registration, Liability Insurance, field permits, game balls for each team, field umpires for the championship games, and awards for each division champion. The fee does not include uniform jerseys or weekly umpire fees (aprox $2/player per game)
Q: What other fees can I expect to pay?
Umpires will be approximately $2/game per player each week. Also, teams will need to purchase matching jerseys/shirts with numbers on the back. Usually this is just a one time fee…they can be used in future seasons. This may be something a sponsor would be willing to cover.
Q: Can I get a sponsor to lower my fee?
ABSOLUTELY!!! Sponsors will greatly reduce what you would have to pay out of your pocket. Also, let your sponsors know that I will add them to my website as an advertisement for them. Just have them fill out our “Sponsor Form” found in our “online forms” tab. It is also a tax-deduction for their business!
Q: How many women allowed on a roster?
There is a minimum of 12 women on each roster, with no maximum. There is a required number of games each player has to have to be eligible for playoffs.
Q: What if I don’t have enough players to fill my roster?
When each woman signs up, they will do so as an individual or a part of a team. The individuals will be placed on a “free agent” list by town. Once you know how many players you need, just let me know and I will help you complete it.
Q: What if I don’t have a team?
When you register, let us know that you are an individual and we will put you on a “free agent” list, which is where other teams will go to complete their rosters. You will be contacted by either me or a manager that is in need of a player.
Q: How many games in a season?
There will be 10 regular season games, with playoffs to follow: single elimination, with the championship series being best 2 out of 3 games.
Q: Will games be single games or double headers?
All 10 regular season games will be a scheduled single game. We will only have regular season double headers if we are trying to make up games that were rained out. Playoffs will also be single games unless we have rain issues. The championship series will be be a scheduled double header with a 3rd game to follow, if needed.
Q: Will there be playoffs? How many teams will make the playoffs?
Yes, there will be playoffs. In locations of 6-8 teams, everyone makes the playoffs.
Q: How much traveling is involved?
We are trying to keep the driving down to a minimum. We plan on adding new locations as the interest is known. The interest is pretty spread out, so the most interested areas will be the closest to home. Traveling should be less than 45min for most of the girls. In the upcoming years, I hope to be in many more counties throughout the state. We just need to get the word out that there IS somewhere to play fastpitch!
