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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How experienced and/or talented do I have to be to play with the Fog? Is this an "all star" team? A: Any girls can (and should) try out for the Fog. Each team will have girls with a range of abilities, and our goal is to help everyone improve. We challenge more experienced players to support and encourage less experienced players. If more than 14 or 15 girls try out, then not everyone can make the roster, but we encourage girls to try, and if they don't make the cut then to try again next year.
Q: Do I have to play on a spring team to be eligible for the Fog? We strongly recommend that all girls play on spring recreational and/or school softball teams. It is difficult to begin playing in June at a competitive level without this experience. The Fog hold optional fall and winter practice/clinic sessions that are open to ALL potential players, and we encourage girls to come.
Q: What level of competition do the Fog face?
A: ASA fastpitch softball is divided into "A", "B" and "C" levels, with "A" being the highest level of play. The Fog will begin at "B" level and may move to "A" if they are strong enough. Our goal is to play at a level where the girls are challenged to improve, rather than at a level where they will always win (or lose).
Q: How often do Fog teams practice, and when?
A: Teams typically practice two afternoon/weeknights and once on weekends (when no tournament is scheduled) beginning in May. Schedules are usually adjusted to account for school team and SFLL schedules.
Q: Where are practices held?
A: The Fog will practice at various city park fields, Mission Blue field in Brisbane, and Treasure Island, depending on availability.
Q: Do I have to attend every practice? What if I have to miss a tournament?
A: Players are expected to attend all practices and games, barring illness or family commitments. We ask that players always be on time, and notify coaches in advance if they are unable to attend. We understand that family vacations often happen during the summer, and we ask that coaches be notified in May of any expected absences. Two planned tournament absences would be the maximum permitted to retain roster status.
Q: How much does it cost to play with the Fog? What does this cover? What if we can’t afford it?
A: Fees for 2007 were $350 per player, and will be in this range in 2008. The fee pays for equipment, uniforms, field rentals, insurance, tournament entry fees and ASA registration. Fees do not cover travel or lodging costs for any tournaments outside the Bay Area. Financial assistance may be available for players who qualify - please contact us if this is necessary.
Q: How much are Fog staff and coaches paid for their work?
A: All Fog personnel are volunteers.
Q: What is "travel ball" or "tournament softball"? A: These terms usually refer to teams that "travel" to tournaments that are held on weekends throughout the year, especially in the summer. Since tournaments are held all over the state and nation, a team can pick from many venues. The Fog 16/U team will generally play within driving distance of San Francisco, with one or two trips to more distant sites. Most tournaments are affiliated with the Amateur Softball Association (ASA).
Q: Who are the San Francisco Angels?
A: The Angels are an 18/U tournament team in San Francisco. Players older than 16 (as of January 1, 2008) are encouraged to contact the Angels.
Q: Should I “play up” at an older age level?
A: We encourage girls to play at their age level. “Playing up” means girls play with older girls, rather than their peers, and can often result in a less fun experience. They may play less with an older team, and there is no substitute for game experience in learning to play softball at a high level. The Fog endeavors to ensure a challenging experience for even the most talented girls, in order to help them develop their skills. 16-and-under fastpitch softball is highly competitive, often more so that age 18 “B” softball, and it is the level that is most watched by college coaches when they recruit players.
Q: When are tournaments held? When will I know exactly when they are scheduled?
A: ASA tournament play begins in late May or early June, and continues through the end of July. Our teams typically begin play in early June, to avoid school conflicts, and play into late July.. Last year's 14/U team played in six tournaments plus the National Championships, the first week of August. Schedules will be drafted in the spring, and finalized in May. Input regarding scheduling issues should be directed to coaches as early as possible.
Q: Are there any “post-season” championships?
A: If a team qualifies for the 16/U ASA National championships , this is scheduled from 7/30-8/3/08 in Portland, Oregon. Going to the Nationals is a team decision, and will typically be made based on player interest and availability.
Q: Will practices or tournaments conflict with SFLL games?
A: SFLL Seniors finish their season in mid-May, so there is no conflict.
Q: How do tournaments work? How many games do the teams play?
A: Most tournaments play "seeding" games on Saturdays (with an occasional Friday night game) - each team plays three games. Sunday is single-elimination play, so a team can play as few as one or as many as three games. Three Sunday wins takes the championship.
Q: How much playing time can I expect to get in games?
A: On a competitive team, playing time is usually earned by skill and effort, and is often not equal. However, Saturday play provides a good chance for players to gain experience, and most players will play in at least 1-2 games. In tournaments where several players can't attend, everyone is very busy. Fog rosters are limited to ensure adequate playing time for all team members.
Q: Will I get to play my favorite position?
A: Typically, there are at least two players who are able to play any position. Girls may be asked to learn a new position. In tournament ball, every position is crucial - outfielders get much more action than in recreational ball - so everyone on the field plays an important role. Q: What if my parents can’t make it to a tournament – can I still go?
A: Coaches will make sure that every girl who needs a ride and/or supervision is taken care of. But parents are encouraged to attend and cheer!
Q: Do I have to play on a spring team to be eligible for the Fog? We strongly recommend that all girls play on spring recreational and/or school softball teams. It is difficult to begin playing in June at a competitive level without this experience. The Fog hold optional fall and winter practice/clinic sessions that are open to ALL potential players, and we encourage girls to come.
Q: What level of competition do the Fog face?
A: ASA fastpitch softball is divided into "A", "B" and "C" levels, with "A" being the highest level of play. The Fog will begin at "B" level and may move to "A" if they are strong enough. Our goal is to play at a level where the girls are challenged to improve, rather than at a level where they will always win (or lose).
Q: How often do Fog teams practice, and when?
A: Teams typically practice two afternoon/weeknights and once on weekends (when no tournament is scheduled) beginning in May. Schedules are usually adjusted to account for school team and SFLL schedules.
Q: Where are practices held?
A: The Fog will practice at various city park fields, Mission Blue field in Brisbane, and Treasure Island, depending on availability.
Q: Do I have to attend every practice? What if I have to miss a tournament?
A: Players are expected to attend all practices and games, barring illness or family commitments. We ask that players always be on time, and notify coaches in advance if they are unable to attend. We understand that family vacations often happen during the summer, and we ask that coaches be notified in May of any expected absences. Two planned tournament absences would be the maximum permitted to retain roster status.
Q: How much does it cost to play with the Fog? What does this cover? What if we can’t afford it?
A: Fees for 2007 were $350 per player, and will be in this range in 2008. The fee pays for equipment, uniforms, field rentals, insurance, tournament entry fees and ASA registration. Fees do not cover travel or lodging costs for any tournaments outside the Bay Area. Financial assistance may be available for players who qualify - please contact us if this is necessary.
Q: How much are Fog staff and coaches paid for their work?
A: All Fog personnel are volunteers.
Q: What is "travel ball" or "tournament softball"? A: These terms usually refer to teams that "travel" to tournaments that are held on weekends throughout the year, especially in the summer. Since tournaments are held all over the state and nation, a team can pick from many venues. The Fog 16/U team will generally play within driving distance of San Francisco, with one or two trips to more distant sites. Most tournaments are affiliated with the Amateur Softball Association (ASA).
Q: Who are the San Francisco Angels?
A: The Angels are an 18/U tournament team in San Francisco. Players older than 16 (as of January 1, 2008) are encouraged to contact the Angels.
Q: Should I “play up” at an older age level?
A: We encourage girls to play at their age level. “Playing up” means girls play with older girls, rather than their peers, and can often result in a less fun experience. They may play less with an older team, and there is no substitute for game experience in learning to play softball at a high level. The Fog endeavors to ensure a challenging experience for even the most talented girls, in order to help them develop their skills. 16-and-under fastpitch softball is highly competitive, often more so that age 18 “B” softball, and it is the level that is most watched by college coaches when they recruit players.
Q: When are tournaments held? When will I know exactly when they are scheduled?
A: ASA tournament play begins in late May or early June, and continues through the end of July. Our teams typically begin play in early June, to avoid school conflicts, and play into late July.. Last year's 14/U team played in six tournaments plus the National Championships, the first week of August. Schedules will be drafted in the spring, and finalized in May. Input regarding scheduling issues should be directed to coaches as early as possible.
Q: Are there any “post-season” championships?
A: If a team qualifies for the 16/U ASA National championships , this is scheduled from 7/30-8/3/08 in Portland, Oregon. Going to the Nationals is a team decision, and will typically be made based on player interest and availability.
Q: Will practices or tournaments conflict with SFLL games?
A: SFLL Seniors finish their season in mid-May, so there is no conflict.
Q: How do tournaments work? How many games do the teams play?
A: Most tournaments play "seeding" games on Saturdays (with an occasional Friday night game) - each team plays three games. Sunday is single-elimination play, so a team can play as few as one or as many as three games. Three Sunday wins takes the championship.
Q: How much playing time can I expect to get in games?
A: On a competitive team, playing time is usually earned by skill and effort, and is often not equal. However, Saturday play provides a good chance for players to gain experience, and most players will play in at least 1-2 games. In tournaments where several players can't attend, everyone is very busy. Fog rosters are limited to ensure adequate playing time for all team members.
Q: Will I get to play my favorite position?
A: Typically, there are at least two players who are able to play any position. Girls may be asked to learn a new position. In tournament ball, every position is crucial - outfielders get much more action than in recreational ball - so everyone on the field plays an important role. Q: What if my parents can’t make it to a tournament – can I still go?
A: Coaches will make sure that every girl who needs a ride and/or supervision is taken care of. But parents are encouraged to attend and cheer!
| ©2007 San Francisco Fog Softball, Inc. |
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Latest page update: made by markcrosley
, May 24 2008, 8:15 PM EDT
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