Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What sort of time commitment is there to play Travel Softball?

In the springtime, our teams play in some weekend scrimmages and have some weekend practices.  Spring schedules are worked around both rec softball and school softball schedules.  We also try to avoid having earlier games on Sundays in the spring, to leave that time free for religious activities and other travel sports.  

Our regular season is in the summer, from mid-June through the end of July.   The County League is a weeknight league.  Games are generally at 6pm, M-F.  Some of our teams may hold occasional practices later on Sunday evenings, but besides that weekends are usually free.  Playoffs are the last week of July.

August is completely softball-free.  This is the best time of year to schedule camps and vacations.

In September and October we play weekend scrimmages.  Players play with the teammates using the rules which they will be playing under during the following year.  eg, if a player was on a 10U team in the summer, then they would play 12U in the fall.

We generally have small-group indoor batting practice in Jan-Mar.  These lessons are one hour per week.

In addition, we shoot to have each team will play in three weekend tournaments during the spring-summer.

Q2. How are HTS team rosters selected?

Our general philosophy is to have players play on teams where they are matched well.  To this end, our players seldom "play up".  The feeling is that by playing in their age-appropriate division, players will best develop their game and help their team. We assess the appropriate level for a team's overall skill level before registering them.

When necessary, tryouts will be held.  We use volunteer independent evaluators to rate players based on hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching, catching, etc.  This could be to form "A" and "B" level teams at an age-group, to form even teams (especially at the 3/4 grade level), or rarely to form just one team with players cut.  If players are cut from one of our teams, we can almost always find another team in the county for them to play on.

Some teams will have just the right number of registrants,  In this case, we will not hold tryouts.

The HTS Board makes final decisions on all rosters based on independent evaluators' assessments.  Head coaches have input, but they do not hand-pick their teams.  This insures a fair opportunity to all players, and rewards players for all the hard work they put in to improve their game.

Q3. How is the HTS Board formed?  What do they do?

The HTS Board is an all-volunteer group.  The Board meets every two months to discuss scheduling, training, rosters, Summer Sizzle plans, etc.  Our Board is made up of executive positions (Commissioner, Vice President, Treasurer & Secretary), our Head Coaches, and several Board Members at Large.  Executive positions are voted on by the full Board, and serve two-year terms. Our Head Coaches are selected for one-year terms.  Board Members at Large are solicited at registration time, and are voted in by the Executive members and Head Coaches following discussion at the January meeting.

Q4. What does my daughter need to bring to an HTS game or practice?  What equipment will she be issued?

Our players should come to all games, scrimmages & practices ready to play ball.  This means that they should have (at a minimum) a mitt, softball cleats and appropriate softball pants for sliding.  Players often also bring other items such as bats, water bottles, eye-black, hair ties, or a jacket.  We issue:

• Uniform Jerseys
• Helmets
• Uniform Socks
• Bat Bags
• Car Magnets

Q5. At what age/grade can we start with HTS?

The Bergen County League regular-season starts with players who are at least in 3rd Grade in June. We also offer a limited Fall scrimmage season for 3rd & 4th graders, as well as a very abbreviated summer season (a few games and practices) in late June/early July for players coming out of 2nd grade.

QX. How do I...

Obviously, we cannot anticipate all possible questions.  Any other questions can be directed to our email: HighlandsTravelSoftball@gmail.com