Ages 7 & 8
Woburn Little League's first level of softball is the AAA Division. Similar to Tee Ball, coaching instruction is provided by parent volunteers & members of the Woburn Little League Board of Directors.
At this level, coaches introduce pitching and catching, as well as defensive strategy. The main focus continues to be on fundamentals in a safe and team-oriented environment.
TEAM ASSIGNMENT
The AAA SOFTBALL Commissioner assigns coaches to teams, and players are then assigned to teams by the Commissioner with a goal of creating balanced teams. An effort is made to assign players from the same school district and to keep rosters at 10-12 players. Players receive a uniform shirt, hat, and socks.
SEASON OVERVIEW
The spring season commences with the Woburn Little League Opening Day parade. All players are encouraged to march in the parade with their team.
The season then runs from late April through mid-June, and typically ends on Father's Day weekend. A season consists of 10-12 games. The season concludes with "Gonsalves Day", where the players have an opportunity to play at Gonsalves Field and have their names announced when they come up to bat.
GAMES/PRACTICES
Clinic based practices will be held twice per week, during one weekday night and either Saturday or Sunday. Each practice should last 90 minutes. One weeknight practice is held on the same day each week, lasting 60 -75 minutes. Coaches may add additional practices at their discretion. Practices are held primarily at Gonsalves Field and Veterans Field based upon availability.
Batters hit coach-pitch (with swinging strikeouts) for the first 4-5 games of the season and a blend of coach-pitch and player-pitch (with swinging and called strikeouts) for the second half of the season. An effort will be made to have player-pitch only for games played post-Memorial Day. During player-pitch, a coach or another volunteer serves as the umpire. An effort will be made by the Division Coordinator to assign an umpire.
After the game, players line up at home plate and shake hands with their opponents. Sportsmanship is extremely important and is a continued focus at this level.