Softball (Girls)
In Town
GRAA softball is open to girls Pre-K through 8th grade. Grades are split into groups and will depend on the number of girls signing up from each grade. Historically, we have grouped two or three grades together. More Information to follow soon on 2012 season.
We need as many parent coaches as possible to make this program a success. Please volunteer!
Grades Pre-K through 2nd:
We again will use the Dome in Montclair until the weather warms up and then we'll move outside. Our volunteer parent coaches will work with the Ashley's trainers in the Dome running programs we develop for each level to work on the fundamentals of softball, such as throwing, fielding, hitting and base running.
Pre-K and K sessions will be held on Sundays, beginning April 1st and will run through the end of May or early June. We'll be inside the Dome from April 1st through April 29 and then move outside to the GRHS field. Practice time will be Noon - 1 pm.
1st and 2nd graders will be inside at the Dome on Sundays from April 1st - April 29, from 1-2 pm. When we move outside, practices will be twice a week on a weeknight (most likely Wed but not definite yet) and Sunday afternoon (1 - 2pm). Field times are still being finalized.
Grades 3 through 8
Skills practices will begin in April and the season will conclude in early June. The program will focus on building fundamental skills (throwing, fielding, hitting, base running and pitching), while incorporating games as the season progresses. Emphasis will be on having fun while building skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Both our 3/4/5 and 6/7/8 grade teams will play games in the Montclair Rec (in town) league. Sessions will be twice a week on a weeknight and on Saturday afternoons. Likely times are as follows (**) 3/4/5 - Tue, 6pm and Sat , 11:30 - 1pm. 6/7/8 Sat, 1:30 - 3pm, Wed or Thur 6pm, field varies.
** Please note that field schedules are still being set so days and times could vary.
Travel
Tryouts for the GRAA travel softball teams will be held the last week in Feb, immediately after the Break (see schedule below) so please mark your calendars. Girls in the 3rd through 8th grades are eligible for our 3 teams. These are competitive teams playing games against other town's travel teams. Important - if your daughter is planning on trying out please send an email to grsoftball@hotmail.com with your daughters name, grade, birthdate, parents names(s), email and phone number(s). Walk-in signups at the tryouts are ok, but providing this information ahead of time allows us to plan for more effective tryouts.
Fees are $165 for all levels. We hope to continue using the same uniforms, but new players will have to purchase a uniform and a helmet (through GRAA). If anyone has a helmet that is not being used anymore (from an older daughter) and you would like to donate it to the teams please let me know.
All girls trying out - Please bring a properly sized glove, a bat is ok, but not necessary. Wear sweats or shorts (no jeans please) and sneakers. Do not bring any softballs as we use indoor balls only. Practices will start the following week (days and times to be determined). We may have a meeting or practice on the weekend (Mar 3 or 4) if we can notify the players before then.
Parents - we ask that you do not stay to watch as the tryouts involve a lot of balls flying around and we really need to use all available space to run an effective tryout. Please note that tryouts are by grade, but as some of our leagues are aged based, placement on teams my not necessarily be by grade.
Coaching - if anyone is interested in helping coach we can always use some extra help, especially at the younger ages. If anyone has a daughter, niece, etc that played softball and is looking to get some coaching experience please let us know.
(3rd through 5th graders)
Tue (Feb 28) RAS Lower gym, 6:30 - 8pm
Thur (Mar 1) RAS Lower gym, 6:30 - 8pm
Girls should attend both sessions. If you can not attend both sessions please let us know.
(6th, 7th and 8th graders)
Girls should attend both sessions. If you can not attend both sessions please let us know.
Mon (Feb 27) GRHS Old gym, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Wed (Feb 29) GRHS Old gym, 6:30 - 9:30pm **. Based on the # of girls attending on Mon we may split the girls into 2 sessions of 1.5 hrs each or shorten the time on Wed. We will let you know at the end of Mon's tryout.
If you have any questions you can submit an email to grsoftball@hotmail.com or call Paul Marhan (973) 449-5238 or Bob Finlay (201) 953-3539.
