Please see rules and regulations for each division for more details on the specific equipment permitted/recommended.

• Team shirt/jersey and socks provided
• Softball pants are available for those needing them (new players and those who have outgrown and/or outworn prior seasons’ pair)
• Girls typically have their own glove, helmet and bat
  • We have a limited supply of helmets and bats available to use for the season for those who do not have their own.
• Bats must be marked as "Official Softball Bat" or "Official Fastpitch Bat"
• Players must wear a fielding mask while playing an infield position (including pitcher), and we strongly recommend wearing one while playing all positions.
• Metal cleats are prohibited for A, AA, Majors divisions.

Spring Season Outlook:

• Mid/End March
  • Teams announced
  •  Parent Volunteer Field Clean-Up Day (TBA)
  • HVBSA 20% Off Shop Event Dick’s Sporting Goods (TBA)
  • Player Assessments (If necessary)
• Early April
  • Schedule released
  • Practices begin
  • Uniform distribution
  • Games start
• Mid April
  • Opening Day Event (TBA)
• End of April/Early May
  • Photo Day (TBA)
• Mid June
  • Season Ends

• Typically one weeknight per week (practice or game) and a Saturday game
• Some weeks, teams will play two weeknights and there may be an occasional Sunday game at the older levels, depending on scheduling needs
• More details on HVBSA local field locations can be found here.
• Exact Schedules (practice/game locations, dates and times) will be established in March, based on coach and field availability.

All HVBSA teams are staffed by volunteer coaches, assistant coaches, and team parents. The success of our league is largely dependent on the generosity and commitment of our volunteers. Per Hopewell Township and Babe Ruth League requirements, all coaches must complete background checks and training. If you are interested in being a head coach or an assistant coach, please email one of the division coordinators above.

Please click on the links below:

• Player Code of Conduct
• Bat Guidelines
• Softball Division Rules

Key Softball Rules at each level

• A Division (“8U”)
  • No score is kept
  • Coach pitch, or use tee if necessary (batter cannot strike out)
  • Batter can be retired on a fielded out (catch, force out, etc) 
  • No stealing

• AA Division (“10U”)
  • Player pitch from 35’, until 4 balls on batter. Coach pitch to finish batter, player pitch resumes with next batter
  • Steals permitted of third base only. Runners can leave base after ball crosses home plate

• Majors Division (“12U”)
  • Player pitch from 40’
  • Steals permitted of all bases, including home. Runners can leave base after ball crosses home plate
  • Batted ball is live and runners can advance until ball returns to pitcher in circle

• Seniors Division (“14U”)
  • Player pitch from 43’
  • Steals permitted of all bases, including home. Runners can leave base after ball is released from pitcher’s hand
  • Dropped third strike, Infield Fly in effect

Parent Volunteering Responsibilities

HVBSA is a parent-run, volunteer-supported non-profit organization and we rely on the time and talents of our parent volunteers.

All parents are required to serve in a volunteer role during the season.

How to volunteer:

Gameday volunteer responsibilities include:

• Pre-game field prep (raking, lining fields, etc)
• Post-game field prep (raking, tarps, etc)
• Scoreboard operator (if applicable)
• Dugout parent (for younger players)
• Empty and change out trash bag after game (if needed)

In addition to gameday responsibilities, there are other volunteer opportunities that are needed to fill throughout the season.

• Snack Bar volunteering
• Participate in a Fields Clean Up Day at the beginning and end of each season
• Volunteer at Opening Day or other HVBSA community events
• Volunteer a particular skill or trade of yours that could benefit and help the organization. (contractor, electrician, plumber, landscaper, etc.)

For more information on ways to volunteer, email pacepurdy@yahoo.com