How do I volunteer to be a coach?
The first step is to register here, on the MCGSA website, then select the desired position from the volunteer opportunities. This registration is the same required to sign up your child for softball.
If you have been selected to be a Head Coach, then you must register with USA Softball (Association: WV - West Virginia ), pass a background check, and complete both the SafeSport and ACE Coaches Certifications.
Assistant Coaches only need a Background Check and SafeSport Certification. Any parent that wishes to volunteer on the field or in the dugout (i.e. scorekeepers) must, at a minimum, have a background check completed.
A detailed guide is available to help satisfy the above requirements, Coaches Training Guide
What are the equipment requirements?
Players of all ages require their own fielder's glove, fielder's face mask, and batter's helmet with face guard, shown below.
Players may also opt to use their own bat and cleats. Only molded cleats are permitted in the MCGSA recreation league. Below are two resources to help find the right size bat for your player:
Where can I purchase the required eqipment?
Most sporting goods stores will stock the required equipment during the season. Dick's Sporting Goods generously provides MCGSA participants two coupons every year. One will be valid for a brief time at the beginning of season (usually the first weekend in March) and typically provides a 20% discount on in-store items. After the expiration of that coupon, another one will be made available that will be valid for the remainder of the calendar year. Be sure to check your emails and our Facebook page for those coupons.
When are practices?
Practice days and times depend on coach preferences. But, each team will be offered a weekday practice session and a weekend practice session. They are typically 1.5 hours in length, with the weekday session being split between 45 minutes on the field and 45 minutes in a batting cage. Weekend practices are also typically 1.5 hours in length, but a field and a cage will be available for the entire duration.
Once games start, teams will only practice during their weekend sessions, since games are played during the week.
When are games?
Games are typically played Monday through Friday, with the possibility of two weekend games per season (Opening Day and one other weekend game). The 6U division will also play games on Saturday mornings.
How long does the season last?
6U, 8U, 10U: Practices typically begin mid-March and opening day occurring in the beginning of April. The goal is to have the season finished before the Fourth of July (including the post-season tournament).
14U: Practice will begin in April, but only for players NOT playing softball for their school. Those who are playing for their school will join their teams upon completion of the scholastic softball season and will likely go until sometime in July.
When are MCGSA board meetings?
Upcoming meetings will be announced/posted on the website and through emails to those registered on this site.
Where are MCGSA board meetings?
In the concession stand at the Granville Softball Complex unless otherwise posted.
Who may attend MCGSA board meetings?
Any member of the MCGSA Recreational community as well as the Granville Parks and Recreation Director.