DIVISION STRUCTURE

Our league is fortunate to have grown in numbers at every division to the point where we no longer need to pull players up from their age-appropriate division. Keeping players with their classmates facilitates the bond that develops among the players and their families through the seasons and maintains the level of competitiveness at each division while creating a healthy pipeline to the high school.

Our younger divisions are grade-based, providing for positive social interactions with classmates and ease of scheduling with other sports.

Our older divisions are age and ability-based.  Grouping players of similar ability provides the greatest developmental environment for our players while also maximizing safety. Players in 2nd through 9th grade are expected to participate in a mandatory evaluation session on March 14th to facilitate player drafts and team selection. Given the uncertain and unforeseeable environment presented with Covid-19, we will assess whether evaluations can be run safely within the guidelines set forth by the state and make alternate plans as necessary. Specific details will be communicated closer to March 14th.. 

EVALUATIONS

Evaluations are a critical tool NCSB uses to:

• enhance every player’s experience by creating fair and balanced teams at our older divisions

• assess a player’s level of ability to determine eligibility for a draft if the player is age eligible

• provide supporting information for all-star and travel team selection

A rec-wide evaluation is offered once per year, in advance of our main season in the spring. Evaluations are administered independently by professional BVSA  instructors. Where there is no rec evaluation available, the league will rely more heavily on other available data if available, which may include but is not limited to, end of season NCSB coach feedback, participation in NCSB programs throughout the year, and separate travel evaluations held by the travel program. 

DIVISIONS

Rookie Division (Kindergarten):

Description: The Rookie division is for our beginner softball players in Kindergarten. The emphasis is on fun and participation. Our once-per-week instructional program introduces our newcomers to the basic rules of softball and fundamentals of hitting, fielding, throwing, and base running using a clinic format and intrasquad scrimmages.

Player Evaluations: Not required. 

A Division (eligible ages 6 & 7, typically 1st & 2nd graders, Coach Pitch):

Description: The A division emphasizes fun and participation while also teaching and reinforcing fundamental skills. Coaches pitch to the batters and instruct the defensive players from the field. In games, outs will count, but each team will bat the entire line-up when they are on offense. Players will typically have one practice and one game per week. 

Uniform & Equipment: NCSB supplies team jersey and team equipment (catcher’s equipment, and bats). Player must supply their own helmet, face mask, glove, and wear black pants. Cleats are recommended. 

Player Evaluations: Required for 2nd grade and up.

AA Division (eligible ages 7, 8 & 9, typically 2nd & 3rd graders, Coach Pitch):

Description: The AA division continues to develop players’ skills and love for the game. Coaches pitch to the batters and instruct the defensive players from the field. Players will play three out innings. Score is kept. Players will typically have one practice and one game per week. 

Schedule: Players will typically have one practice and one game per week. 

Uniform & Equipment: NCSB supplies team jersey and team equipment (catcher’s equipment, and bats). Player must supply their own helmet, face mask, glove, and wear black pants. Cleats are recommended. 

Player Evaluations: Required.

AAA Division (eligible ages 8, 9, 10, typically 3rd & 4th graders, Player Pitch):

Description: In AAA players pitch from a distance of 35' with an 11” ball, with "coach rescue" rules. Stealing is introduced. Scores are recorded and the season concludes with a championship tournament. League play for this division includes teams from Darien and Rowayton. Teams will typically have one practice and two professionally umpired games per week. There is typically one weekend game and one game during the week.. 

Schedule: Players will typically have one practice and two professionally umpired games per week. 

Uniform & Equipment: NCSB supplies team jersey and all team equipment (catcher’s equipment and bats). Player must supply their own black softball pants, face mask, glove, and cleats. Softball shorts may NOT be substituted for softball pants.

Player Evaluations: Required for all returning and new players

Minors Division (eligible ages 9, 10, 11, typically 4th & 5th graders, Player Pitch):

Description: In Minors players pitch from a distance of 35' with an 11” ball, with more limited "coach rescue" rules than AAA. Expanded introduction to stealing. Scores are recorded and the season concludes with a championship tournament. League play for this division includes teams from Darien and Rowayton. Teams will typically have one practice and two professionally umpired games per week. There is typically one weekend game and one game during the week.

For a select group of players an “All-Star” season takes place from mid-June through potentially the month of July, with the end date dependent upon the success of the team throughout the tournament and their ability to advance. All Star participants are selected by a panel of the coaches in the division and are announced by mid-June. The decision by the League to put forth an All-Star team is dependent on whether player capabilities, player availability, and coaching resources exist for the age group.

Schedule: Teams typically average two games and one practice per week. There is typically one weekend game and one game during the week.

Uniform & Equipment: NCSB supplies team jersey and team equipment (catcher’s equipment and bats). Player must supply their own black softball pants, helmets, face mask, glove, and cleats. Softball shorts may NOT be substituted for softball pants.

Player Evaluations: Required for all returning and new players.

Majors Division (eligible ages 11, 12, typically 6th & 7th graders, Player Pitch):

Description: In Majors players pitch from a distance of 40’, with no "coach rescue" rules. Players move up to a 12" ball. Higher concepts in stealing and bunting are frequently used. Standings are recorded throughout the season and a playoff will determine the league champion. League play for this division includes teams from Darien and Rowayton. The season culminates with a playoff tournament. Teams will typically have one practice and two professionally umpired games per week. There is typically one weekend game and one game during the week.

For a select group of players an “All-Star” season takes place from mid-June through potentially the month of July, with the end date dependent upon the success of the team throughout the tournament and their ability to advance. All Star participants are selected by a panel of the coaches in the division and are announced by mid-June. The decision by the League to put forth an All-Star team is dependent on whether player capabilities, player availability, and coaching resources exist for the age group.

Schedule: Teams typically average two games and one practice per week. There is typically one weekend game and one game during the week. The season culminates with a playoff tournament and championship game if team qualifies.

Uniform & Equipment: NCSB supplies team jersey and all team equipment (catcher’s equipment and bats). Player must supply their own black softball pants, helmets, face mask, glove, and cleats. Softball shorts may NOT be substituted for softball pants.

Player Evaluations: Required for all returning and new players

Juniors Division (eligible ages 13 and 14, typically 8th & 9th graders, Player Pitch):

In Juniors players pitch from a distance of 43’ with a 12" softball. Juniors compete in a county-wide league versus teams from neighboring towns. The season culminates with a playoff tournament. Teams typically average two games (one weekend and one weekday) and one practice per week.

Teams typically average two games and one practice per week. There is typically one weekday and one weekend game each week. Season culminates with a playoff tournament and championship game if team qualifies.

Uniform & Equipment: NCSB supplies team jersey and all team equipment (catcher’s equipment and bats). Player must supply their own softball pants, helmets, face mask, glove, and cleats. Softball shorts may NOT be substituted for softball pants.

Player Evaluations: Required for all returning and new players.

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