Girls in Kindergarten through 8th grade play in the Town league on teams comprised of Kindergarten and 1st graders (PIGTAILS), 2nd and 3rd graders (PONYTAILS), 4th and 5th graders (JUNIORS), 6th – 8th graders (SENIORS). At all levels, teams will be chosen in a draft format with a Tryout/Skills Day for the Juniors and Seniors level prior to their draft. Every child registered will be placed on a team. PIGTAILS/PONYS town teams will play games against each other. At the older levels (JUNIORS - 4th/5th grade and SENIORS – 6th-8th grade), the girls will get the opportunity to play teams from neighboring towns like Haddonfield, Audubon, Cherry Hill, and/or other local towns. All teams will be provided with a uniform top and visor. The goals/objectives for the Town leagues are as follows:

PIGTAILS-TEEBALL (K/1st Graders)

Main emphasis is on fun and the development of the basic softball skills (throwing, catching, and hitting) with introduction to the game (base running, fielding, games). Teams use tees and coach-pitching, as applicable, and generally play/practice twice a week.

PONYTAILS (2nd/3rd Graders)

Continued mastering of the basic softball skills with expansion of game play and rules culminating in live games with coaching instruction on the field. Teams typically practice/play twice a week.

JUNIORS (4th/5th Graders)

Official games are played with umpires and live kid pitch along with travel play against teams from other towns (Haddonfield, Audubon, Cherry Hill and/or other local town leagues). This level will track win/loss records and compete in playoffs. Teams typically practice/play twice a week.

SENIORS (6th - 8th Graders)

The last and most senior level of play, official games are played with umpires and live kid pitch along with travel play against teams from other towns (Haddonfield, Audubon, Cherry Hill and/or other local town leagues). Like Juniors, this level will track win/loss records and compete in playoffs; however, rules will be adjusted to get the players ready for the next level (high school).

HTAA Softball offers Travel competition at various age levels within the South Jersey Girls Softball Association (GSA). The Travel age levels offered at registration include the following:

· 8U

· 10U

· 12U

· 15U

Game dates and practices vary but most games/practices are played through the week. The home field is at the Recchino Turf field for ALL levels. 10U, 12U and 15U play with live coach pitch whereas 8U is generally played with a pitching machine. While the focus remains on the development of the players, this competition is meant for kids to get additional games/experience in a more competitive level.

The goal of the Travel league is to further hone the girls’ softball skills to prepare them for the next level. We are acting as Haddon Township High Schools softball farm league. Teams typically practice/play two to three times a week on varying evenings Monday-Friday with some Saturday and/or Sunday games, depending on availability of fields and the town we are playing.