Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What experience is required to play at Miss Manatee Softball League?
A: We are a recreational league so you will see players of all ability/experience levels. Previous experience is not required.
Q: How much does it cost to play?
A: Registration fee for 6U - $75 per player
Registration fee for all other divisions - $165 per player
Q: What division should my child play in?
A: Eligibility for our age divisions is determined by the player’s age as of January 1, 2023. We have programs for players ages aged 5, as of 1/1/2023, through Seniors in High School. We have the
following divisions: 6U, Players who were 5 or 6 yrs old as of Jan 1st
8U, Players who were 7 or 8 yrs old as of Jan 1st
10U, Players who were 9 or 10 yrs old as of Jan 1st
12U, Players who were 11 or 12 yrs old as of Jan 1st
13+, Players who were 13 or older as of Jan 1st, up to Seniors in High School
Once registration opens, the division your daughter is eligible to play in will show, when you sign
into your account. In Fall seasons returning players are eligible to play in the same division as they
did in the spring, or move up one season early, if they're ready.
Q: What days/times will practice and games be held?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot set our schedule until registration closes and we know how many players/teams we have in each age division.
Our 6u and 8u Divisions typically have one weeknight activity (practice/game) and one Saturday morning activity. Weeknight activities start at 6:00 pm. Saturday morning activities start at either 9:00 or 10:30 am, but coaches usually request players arrive 30-45 minutes early for warm ups.
Our 10u Division typically has two activities (practices/games) each week on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. 10u activities start at 6:00 pm, but coaches usually request players arrive 30-45 minutes early for warm ups.
Our 12u and 13+ Divisions typically have two activities (games/practices) each week on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. Activities for the 12u and 13+ Divisions begin at 7:30 pm, but
coaches usually request players arrive 30-45 minutes early for warm ups.
We do not practice/play on Wednesdays, except during the final week of the season, during playoffs.
Fridays may be used, if needed, for rainouts.
Q: Where are practices and games held?
A: We practice and play games at Lakewood Ranch Park next to Lakewood Ranch High School. The baseball fields are at the front of the complex, nearest Lakewood Ranch Blvd, and the softball fields
are at the back of the complex, nearest Mustang Alley. See map location here Lakewood Ranch Park.
Q: What equipment will my daughter need?
A: A full list of required equipment can be found under the equipment tab Equipment tab.
Q: When does the season start and end?
A: A list of important dates for the season can be found in the rotator on our home page.
-Spring Season typically runs from February through April with assessments in January.
-Fall Season typically runs from September through November with assessments in August.
Q: Why are Assessments mandatory?
A: Assessments allow our coaches to evaluate all players so that teams can be divided up as fairly as possible. Safety equipment MUST be worn for assessments. Please see our Equipment tab for a full
list of required equipment.
Q: What will my daughter have to do at Assessments?
A: Players will be asked to hit, run to first base, catch pop ups, field grounders, and throw to first
base. In our 10u, 12u, and 13+ Divisions, players wishing to pitch and/or catch must also be
evaluated for those positions.
Q: Is there a make up day for Assessments?
A: Unfortunately, there is no make up day. A tremendous amount of planning and coordination is required in order to hold assessments. There are a lot of moving parts, so it is not possible to get all of our coaches and volunteers for evaluations on multiple days.
Q: Can I request that my daughter be on a team with her friends or a certain coach?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate requests for team placement since we use a draft system to divide teams up as fairly as possible.
Q: Can I volunteer to coach my daughter's team? What opportunities are there for me to help?
A: Miss Manatee Softball League is run completely by our amazing volunteers! There are many opportunities for you to help! Each team typically consists of 1 Head Coach, 2 Assistant Coaches, and
1 Team Mom, who assists the girls in the dugout. If you would like to volunteer in any of these
capacities, please designate which positions you're interested in, on your daughter's registration
form.
To ensure the safety of our player's, we require a background check for all Coaches and Team Moms.
It is a free, quick, and simple step that is required for approval.
Q: Are there any other opportunities to help out the league, other than as a Coach or Team Mom?
A: It really does "take a village" to put everything together for our players each season and we are always looking for volunteers to help. Please see our Volunteer Opportunities tab for more
information on all the ways you can get involved.