Spring Development League

The Ames Girls Softball Association Spring League is open to teams in five age divisions: 8 and under; 10 and under; 12 and under; 14 and under, and JV/Varsity. 

In 2024, we welcomed 38 teams from Adair, Ames, Bondurant, Boone, Carroll, Colo, Garner, Gilbert, Huxley, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Jefferson, Laurel, Manson, Marshalltown, Nevada, Ogden, Perry, Roland-Story, and State Center.

What To Expect

Games are scheduled on Saturdays (8U/10U/12U) or Sundays (14U, JV, Varsity) starting in March. All games are played at the Hunziker Youth Sports Complex.

• Season Dates: March 29 - May 4 
• Double headers will be played on Saturdays for 8U/10U/12U divisions
• Double headers will be played on Sundays for 14U/JV/Varsity divisions

Cost

Each weekend costs $180 and includes 2 games. We are proud to provide game play for 35% less than USSSA tournament prices!  During registration, you will select the number of weekends your team would like to participate.

What division should my team be in?

All players on the team must qualify to play within the selected division based on their individual birthdates. We follow USA softball guidelines which state the date range is for determining age group eligibility is: September 1 – August 31 So, if the player was 12 years old on Aug. 31st of 2024 and turned 13 on Sept. 1st 2024, they are eligible for 12U until Sept. 1st of 2025. Basically, what ever age the player is on Aug. 31st, 2024 dictates their age group eligibility until the next playing season begins. Please reference the USA softball age calculator for verifying eligibility. https://www.usasoftball.com/age-calculator-test OR review the division chart below:

Location

Scheduling

In general, teams will play two games on each date. We will work to accommodate conflicts if notified in advance. 

Game information

• Plate umpires provided by AGSA
• Game balls provided by the home team
• Time limit: 60-75 minutes depending on division - drop dead
• Rained-out games may not be made up (prorated refund for cancellations)
• Helmets must have a face guard (chin strap is optional)
• Metal spikes permitted in the 14U and High School divisions only
• USA Softball rules apply for 8U/10U/12U/14U and high school divisions with the following exceptions:
  • Free and unlimited substitutions are allowed
  • No per inning limit on visits by a coach to the mound (please don't abuse this exception)
  • Five-run limit per inning
  • Specific 10U Rules
    • ​All games will be played by USA Softball Rules, with the following exceptions:
      • Team manager may consult with the umpire; players, sponsors and other coaches are to keep out of discussions.
      • Coaches are considered part of the field, but must not interfere with the ball in play.
      • Pitching:
        • Distance: The pitching plate will be placed at 35′.
        • Player pitch until strike out or 4 balls, then coach relief pitching for the remaining strikes.
          • The coach pitcher must deliver the pitch from within the pitching circle. Pitching coach may only coach the batter prior to the pitch. He/she may not coach the batter-runner at ANY time
      • ​Hitting:
        • There will be no walks.
        • Roster Batting is required.
        • Batter out on dropped third strike.
      • Defense:​
        • All outfielders must remain in the grass until the ball is hit into play.
        • Teams will be allowed to play 4 outfielders.
        • No Infield Fly Rule
      • Baserunning:
        • Stealing is allowed on all based except home. Home can be open if agreed upon by coaches before the game in a meeting with the umpire.
        • Baserunners may not leave the base until the ball has has been released by the pitcher.
        • No stealing during coach pitch. 
        • On batted balls, once the ball is in control by the pitcher with one foot in contact with the 8ft circle, base runners must stop at the base they have obtained. If they are halfway to the next base they will be awarded that base. If the ball goes to the play and not the pitcher it remains live for the purpose of scoring and or defense to make an out.
        • Courtesy runners are allowed for Pitchers & Catchers only.
  • Specific 8U Rules
    • All games will be played by USA Softball Rules, with the following exceptions:
      • Team manager may consult with the umpire; players, sponsors and other coaches are to keep out of discussions.
      • Coaches are considered part of the field, but must not interfere with the ball in play.
      • Defense:​
        • All outfielders must remain in the grass until the ball is hit into play.
        • Two defensive coaches will be allowed on the field of play. Coaches must remain behind the Infield Arc.
        • Teams will be allowed to play 4 outfielders.
        • No Infield Fly Rule
      • Baserunning:
        • There will be no stolen bases allowed.
        • Baserunners may not leave the base until the ball has has been released by the coach.
        • On batted balls, once the ball is in control by the pitcher with one foot in contact with the 8ft circle, base runners must stop at the base they have obtained. If they are halfway to the next base they will be awarded that base. If the ball goes to the play and not the pitcher it remains live for the purpose of scoring and or defense to make an out.
        • Courtesy runner will not be allowed for 8U division.
      • Hitting:
        • Roster Batting is required.
        • An At-Bat will consist of 5 pitches or 3 swinging strikes (if the final pitch is a foul ball, the at-bat will continue).
        • There will be no walks.
        • Bunting is NOT allowed.
      • Pitching Distance: The pitching plate will be placed at 35′. The coach pitcher must deliver the pitch with one foot in contact with the pitching plate. Pitching coach may only coach the batter prior to the pitch. He/she may not coach the batter-runner at ANY time

Please contact developmentleague@amesgirlssoftball.org if you have any questions.