To dollow is information on general WEEKEND Tournaments and not related to Little League Intl District All Star Tournament hat begins in June.

Introduction: As we introduce competitive tournament play to our GCAA (Garden City Athletic Association) players, it is important to educate how this form of softball play differs significantly from the Spring Rec League, Spring All Star Games, and Spring School Ball. In this document, we will highlight the key differences that parents and players should be aware of.

1. Structure of Softball Tournament Play: Softball tournament teams, often referred to as "Travel Teams," participate in 2-3 day tournaments throughout the year. Tournaments generally consist of a Round Robin Game structure on Saturdays, determining the brackets for the Championship round on Sundays. Sunday games follow a single-elimination format. These tournaments are designed to accommodate multiple games in a day, with Saturday games typically capped at 75/80 or 90 minutes maximum. As a result, teams are organized with a limited number of players (9-12 max), allowing them to efficiently play three games in a day.

2. Tournament Options and Organizations: There are two major national organizations that run tournaments throughout every state, providing thousands of options for teams to choose from. Some teams may participate in 14-18 tournaments across multiple states, while others opt for a more local approach, playing in 4-6 tournaments without overnight stays. The diversity of choices allows teams to tailor their tournament schedule according to their preferences and capabilities. On Long Island, for example, there are typically 20-30 tournaments available from Labor Day through July 31, which marks the official Tournament Season governed by the USSSA organization.

3. The GC Summer Sizzle Tournament's Approach: The Summer Sizzle tournament is specifically designed to introduce higher levels of competition over the summer. It features uncapped innings (unlimited runs) and faster-paced, shorter games. Once teams are enrolled in the full year with either USSSA or USA Softball, every game becomes uncapped and fast-paced, providing a fun and challenging experience for all participants.

4. Parental Involvement and Responsibilities: Participating in tournaments requires parents to set aside days and/or weekends, depending on the tournament's duration. Parents are also crucial in assisting with team necessities such as water, snacks, and tents during midday games. Preparing for tournaments involves extra work from coaches and coordinators, making parent coordination essential for the team's success. Additionally, parents need to be mindful of sportsmanship, as banter tolerated in the Spring may not be acceptable at tournaments, with potential penalties from umpires for poor behavior.

5. Flexibility and Rainouts: Tournament schedules are often distributed just a few days before the weekend, with games potentially starting as early as 9 am or as late as 5 pm (or 7 pm for lighted fields). Flexibility is vital when committing to a tournament, as timing can vary. Moreover, rainouts are not commonly rescheduled, making it important for parents and players to be prepared for unexpected changes due to weather conditions.

Conclusion: The Summer Sizzle tournament marks the beginning of competitive tournament play for our GCAA players. Once the finals are completed, players can look forward to Adephi Summer Softball Camps, while tryouts for the 2023-2024 full-year GC Trailblazer Tournament teams are targeted for September 10th.

PS: Lastly, it's essential to be prepared for the possibility of rain affecting tournament plans, as rescheduling is rare. Thus, parents and players should be ready to adapt to potentially rainy weekends during tournament events.