Program Information

REQUIRED FORMS

Several required forms must be signed and turned in to AHS athletics department prior to first practice:

• Current sports physical form

• Sports registration

• Informed consent athletics participation agreement (COVID-19)

• Trainer consent form

• Concussion fact sheet

High School Teams

Players who just completed eighth grade and above are eligible to play on any of the high school teams. Tryouts are held for the JV and varsity teams. For the freshman team, the focus will be to win game one of a double-header. In game two, the coach will attempt to play anyone who didn't have a chance to play in game one. Open positions will be filled by players from game one, most likely in different positions.

Middle School Team

Players who just completed seventh or eighth grade are eligible to play on the middle school team. Eighth graders also are eligible to play on the high school teams. Due to conflicting game schedules, they may not be available for some of the middle school games. Playing time: The focus will be to win game one of a double-header. In game two, the coach will attempt to play anyone who didn't have a chance to play in game one. Open positions will be filled by players from game one, most likely in different positions.

Tryouts

Tryouts are held for the varsity and JV teams. There are no tryouts for the middle school team. There are no cuts.

CAMPS AND CLINICS

• Des Moines Area Community College (Boone)

• Drake University

• Iowa State University

• University of Iowa

• University of Northern Iowa

WHAT TO EXPECT

Practices

Teams practice Monday-Friday at the Ames High softball field (2005 24th St.); times vary when school still is in session. Varsity may also practice on Saturdays. Players on multiple teams should communicate with coaches about which practices to attend.

Practice times may change when school is not in session.

Games

Games are 75 minutes, unless shortened by run rule or mutual coaching decision. Home games are played at the Ames High softball field (2005 24th St.). Water coolers and athletic training staff are not always available.

Game times, subject to change:

• Middle school team: 9 a.m., most are double-headers (summer)

• Freshman team: Noon, most are double-headers (summer)

• JV: 2:30 p.m., single game (summer)

• Varsity: 5 p.m., most are double-headers. There also are some Saturday tournaments and practices.

Uniforms, Equipment

• Order at parent meeting: Practice shirts

• Helmets (black), game socks (black) and uniform belts (orange) are to be purchased on your own

• Game jerseys and pants must be turned in at the end of the season

• Catching gear and bats are available for use

• Metal cleats are allowed at all playing levels

• Funding assistance is available. Contact the head coach for more information.

Traveling

• Road games are played at high school fields, unless noted

• Directions to opponent fields are available on the AHS athletics website

• Players are expected to ride with their teams to and from games

• Bus departure times vary and are communicated to players when determined

• Buses depart from the AHS softball field (batting practice may precede departure), unless noted

• Players should pack food, snacks, drinks and sunscreen

• Admission costs vary by venue

• Typically, there are no admission charges or concessions for middle school and freshman games

Parent Help

Volunteer help is needed for home games, including the AHS varsity tournament. Volunteers are needed for:

• Concession stand (shared with baseball)

• Field prep work

• Announcing

• Scoreboard operation

• Fundraising

• End-of-season banquet