PLEASE READ THIS COMPLETELY BEFORE CONTINUING TO REGISTER!

VERNON GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE

2024 – 2025 Travel Tryouts Update Information

We apologize for the delay in opening registration for our tryouts. This delay was due to extensive discussions, meetings, and research undertaken by the VGSL Executive Board and Board of Directors. We have been diligently working to adjust our Travel Program in response to the new age requirements enforced over the past year. Our goal has been to implement these changes in the best possible manner, ensuring the best interests of all current and future players in the Travel Program. The Board began working on this initiative last season with the initial plan of holding a single tryout in early summer and forming teams that would remain together for the Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer seasons. However, we realized that this approach might pose commitment challenges for some players. Therefore, we decided to explore alternative options that would better serve the interests of the program.

We are pleased to announce that the VGSL Travel Program will now offer several commitment options. This change aims to accommodate a variety of situations, including multisport athletes and future participants in our travel program. We are enthusiastic about these new opportunities and look forward to an exciting season ahead!

Our plan that the VGSL Board unanimously approved just last night, is to offer players roster spots with 3 options for our 10U, 12U and 14U levels (8U Level would not change).  VGSL can offer roster spots on a League Play Only Team, a Tournament Play Only Team, or for the softball players we have that want more, can be rostered on both the League and Tournament Teams.  The logistics of this initiative will depend entirely on the number of players who try out and each player’s chosen level of commitment, which may vary by level. Therefore, we will not be able to finalize our roster offers until the tryouts are completed. During the registration process, you will be required to answer several questions to help us understand your player’s situation and commitments. This information will assist the VGSL Board in making informed decisions about offering positions on a case-by-case basis. Please make sure to answer these questions thoroughly and to the best of your ability, as your responses will play a significant role in our decision on who to offer roster spots to.

Here is how it will all work, including what the commitments and costs for each will be so you know ahead of time:

NOTE: All players must attend the tryouts, and the following would ONLY be options for 10U, 12U & 14U players.  8U will remain the same and will be detailed below under 8U Commitments. All commitments will encompass participation in the 2024 Fall Season, 2025 Winter Training, and 2025 Spring/Summer Seasons. However, commitments may vary between seasons on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the board.

FALL LEAGUE TEAM ONLY PLAYER COMMITMENTS (Subject to change by the VGSL)

• Players will play in the Jefferson League, playing 5 Double Header games on Saturdays, and playoffs.
• Will play in 1 – 1 day Tournament (possibly if schedule allow, a 2 day tournament or our VGSL Fall Classic on October 26^th & 27th)
• Will have 3 weeknight practices, (2 at field and 1 Batting at a cage)

 FALL TOURNAMENT TEAM ONLY PLAYER COMMITMENTS (Subject to change by the VGSL)

• Will play in 4 one day tournaments ONLY on Sundays, plus our VGSL Fall Classic on October 26^th & 27^th
• Will have 3 weeknight practices, (2 at field and 1 Batting at a cage)

WINTER TRAINING – Players will participate in our Winter Training program starting in early February 2025 through early April 2025, on Sunday evenings for 1.5 Hours a week at the Hudson Sports Complex.

SPRING LEAGUE TEAM ONLY PLAYER COMMITMENTS (Subject to change by the VGSL)

• Players will play in the Sparta League, playing 10-12 regular season games, weekdays and weekends and will play in the Sparta League playoffs in the end of May into June.
• Will play in 2 – Tournaments (Will be a 1 or 2 day tournament or our VGSL Slide Into Summer Tournament in May, based on availability)
• Will have 3 weeknight practices, (2 at field and 1 Batting at a cage) prior to games starting, then practices will be on the discretion of the team manager based on schedule and field availability)

SPRING TOURNAMENT TEAM ONLY PLAYER COMMITMENTS (Subject to change by the VGSL)

• Will play in 6 Tournaments ONLY (Tournaments maybe a variety of 1 or 2 day tournaments), plus our VGSL Slide Into Summer Tournament in May 2025.
• Will have 3 practices, (2 at field and 1 batting at a cage)

Players may be offered the chance to play on both the League team and the Tournament team depending on availability of roster spots, number of players that tryout, at an additional fee.  Both teams may also be jointly managed, coached, and practice together.

8U TRAVEL TEAMS COMMITMENTS (8U will all be considered LEAGUE ONLY PLAYERS)

2024 FALL SEASON (Subject to change by the VGSL)

• Will play in the Mt. Olive 8U League with Double Headers on the Weekends
• Will play in our VGSL Fall Classic Tournament on Oct. 26^th & 27^th
• Will have 2-3 practices during the week starting in Mid-August till daylight becomes an issue, then 1 a week

2025 WINTER TRAINING – Players will participate in our Winter Training program starting in early February 2025 through early April 2025, on Sunday evenings for 1.5 Hours a week.

2025 SPRING SEASON (Subject to change by the VGSL)

• Will play in the Mt. Olive 8U League with 10-12 Regular season games, and playoffs.
• Will play in 2 – 1 Day tournaments as well as our VGSL Slide Into Summer Tournament in May 2025
• Will have 3 weeknight practices, (2 at field and 1 Batting at a cage) prior to games starting, then practices will be on the discretion of the team manager based on schedule and field availability)

FEE COSTS AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR EACH OPTION

Reasons for this change: The rationale for this change is to provide players the flexibility to participate in the VGSL while also pursuing other interests such as sports, cheer, dance, or other activities. However, each level will have specific minimum participation requirements to ensure the program’s success. To better understand your individual circumstances, we have included additional questions in the registration form. Your responses will help us make informed decisions when offering roster spots.

Any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at VernonNJsoftball@gmail.com

You must read the Code of Conduct prior to registration! All parents, players, and coaches will be held to the standard laid out in the code of conduct.