Leagues overview

What level should my player be in?

Players birth years are used determine what level a player plays in. Please see our age chart below.


*Our recreational teams that participate in the Rec League are formed based on grade, not birth year. 


Families choose what league they wish to play in based on time & player commitment. 

Softball Programs by Matthew Erbs
2025 USA Softball age chart used at Oregon Youth Softball

what league should my player play in?

Please see more information on our League pages - links below!

how much does it cost?

Youth Softball has a tiered cost program based on age and league and how many tournaments the teams commit to playing. 


4K/K T-Ball: $70* 


8U Coach Pitch: $100*


3rd - 8th Grade Recreational Teams: $165* (T-shirt game jerseys are supplied with registration)


10U, 12U, 14U Tournament Teams: $165* + Tournament & Uniform fees

Helmets, facemasks, gloves, black pants, orange belt, cleats are supplied by families. 


16U Tournament Team: $225* + Tournament & Uniform fees

Helmets, facemasks, gloves, black pants, orange belt, cleats are supplied by families. 


Tournament fees can range from $350+ depending on # of tournaments and if there are paid coaches. Typical cost per tournament is $40-$50 per player. 

Helmets, facemasks, gloves, bats, black pants, orange belt, cleats are supplied by families. 


*Fees may change 

PARENT SOFTBALL EQUIPMENT TIPS - WHAT MY CHILD NEEDS FOR EQUIPMENT AND WHEN

A table with the required equipment for each age group at Oregon Youth Softball

Guidelines for purchasing equipment:



Shoes/Cleats
For t-ball and 8U play, many kids choose to wear tennis shoes, though plastic cleats are allowed. 10U and 12U players should have plastic softball cleats, which can be purchased for ~$50 or less at a sporting goods store. For 10U and 12U rec players, soccer cleats are also acceptable. 14U-18U players typically choose to wear metal cleats.


Glove
T-ball and 8U players can use any appropriately-sized glove. When players reach 10U and use an 11” ball, t-ball gloves and smaller baseball gloves can be challenging due to their small size. Sporting goods stores such as Dick’s have a separate section for softball gloves, which accommodate an 11” (10U) or 12” (12U-16U) ball. Softball.com has a useful chart for determining glove size (scroll down to the Fastpitch Fielding Glove Sizing Chart).


Bat
Many t-ball and 8U players use t-ball bats, which are great due to their short length and lightweight. 1OU and above players should have a fastpitch bat. If playing 10U-18U travel and tournament ball, players will need an ASA/USSSA-approved bat. JustBats.com has an excellent buyer’s guide with a calculator to determine the ideal bat length/weight for your child.


Fielding Mask
10U and above teams may require that players wear a fielding mask. Even if not required, it’s strongly recommended that players wear a mask, especially when playing infield. Younger players may prefer a lighter plastic mask such as the Defender Series, while most older players prefer a metal mask such as the Schutt or RIP-IT models.


Batting Helmet
Helmets may be provided for t-ball and 8U players, although we recommend you get your own. At 10U rec we encourage players to have their own helmet with a face mask. Travel and tournament teams 10U and above should have a helmet with a full face mask. Easton, Mizuno, Evo Shield, RIP-IT, Rawlings, and Adidas are all good options for players seeking a safe, comfortable helmet.


Where to get equipment: