Rosemount Traveling Softball
PARENT HANDBOOK
Revised
11/2015
WELCOME TO ROSEMOUNT TRAVELING SOFTBALL
Rosemount Traveling Softball is a community based, non-profit, volunteering organization serving the
city of Rosemount. Rosemount Traveling Softball is a member of the Tri-County League. Through that
membership, it is sanctioned under the rules of three organizations: 1) American Softball Association
(ASA) which governs Junior Olympic (JO) softball, 2) North American Fast Association (NAFA), and 3)
United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). Minnesota Sports Federation (MSF) is the governing
body for ASA and USSSA in Minnesota. Minnesota Metro Fastpitch League (MMFL) is the governing body
for NAFA in Minnesota. TriCounty League covers the entire eastern half of the Twin Cities and western
cities of Wisconsin. Whenever possible, teams are divided up into geographical divisions. Summer and
fall leagues are our primary focus.
Rosemount Traveling Softball sponsors girls traveling fastpitch teams in the following age groups: 8 and
under (8U), 10 and under (10U), 12 and under (12U), 14 and under (14U) and 16 and under (16U). The
emphasis at the 8U, 10U A, B, C and 12U A, B, C levels is on the learning the fundamentals of the game,
playing as a team, and having fun. Teams at 10U A and 12U A and older levels stress fundamentals but
add more game strategy and advanced skills.
Rosemount Traveling Softball is a volunteer organization. All of our coaches receive training through our
organization or by attending authorized training clinics. We welcome volunteers at all levels. Our
coaches, team managers, scorekeepers and board members are all volunteers.
ROSEMOUNT TRAVELING SOFTBALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Rosemount Traveling Softball Board of Directors shall consist of thirteen (13) members. The Board
of Directors shall be elected, appointed or volunteered for at the annual general meeting. All current
members of the Rosemount Traveling Softball organization may nominate and vote at the annual
General Meeting. The Board of Directors shall consist of the following voting board members:
 Program Director - President
 Vice President
 Secretary
 Fundraising & concessions
 Communications & website
 Tournament director
 Player and coach development
 Equipment manager
 In-house coordinator
 Uniforms and apparel
 Treasurer
 Fields & Umpire Scheduling
 3Members at large – non-voting
All voting board members are elected for two-year terms. The terms of all directors and other board
positions are varied so a maximum of 6 terms expire in one year, the September board meeting coincides
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with the end of the terms. It is also the intent of the Rosemount Traveling Softball Board to have
representation for each player age level on the board. Appointments by the Rosemount Traveling Softball
Board may have to be made to achieve a balanced representation for each player age level. If a position
is not filled, the Program Director may appoint an individual to that position. Also each board position will
be assigned a particular area of responsibility i.e. equipment, PR, etc. The general duties and expectations
for each Board position shall be reviewed at the Annual General Meeting prior to nominations.
The Rosemount Traveling Softball Board shall meet at least 10 times per year to administer the program.
The expected meeting date is the 2nd SUNDAY of each month. Meeting location is Rosemount
Community Center and starting time is 7:00 P.M. Additional meetings will be scheduled as deemed
necessary.
ROSEMOUNT TRAVELING SOFTBALL PHILOSOPHIES
Rosemount Traveling Softball Mission
The mission of the Rosemount Traveling Softball is to create an enjoyable, memorable experience
for girls, providing instructional guidance at an intermediate to advanced level in the
fundamentals and competition of fast pitch softball.
Rosemount Traveling Softball Objectives
The objectives of Rosemount Traveling Softball are listed in order of importance.
 Demonstrate and encourage fun and enjoyment for all participants.
 Emphasize the teaching and reinforcement of the fundaments of individual and team play as
well as physical development.
 Assist in the development of quality citizens
 Support the High School Programs
 Be competitive. Win games.
Importance of Winning
Winning is an objective of Rosemount Traveling Softball teams but not the driving force behind
every team. Winning at all costs is never acceptable. Winning is important to the extent that it
helps achieve Rosemount Traveling Softball's mission and objectives.
The importance of winning varies among the teams' age level and classification (A, B, C). At the
8U, 10U A, B, C and 12U C levels, teaching fundamentals and developing a love for the game
should be the primary objectives. This is especially important during league games and early
season tournaments. For the 12U, 14U, and 16U levels, fun and fundamentals should still be the
primary objective, with winning growing in importance. The 10U A, 12U A, 14U A and 16UA level
teams are the most competitive, and their better developed skills should allow then to focus
more on team success.
Rosemount Traveling Softball teams can achieve their objectives and win if they take the proper
approach. If the following are established and applied on a regular basis, individual players will
find success. Person achievement for each player is the core of a successful program.
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11/2015
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If players are given a safe environment in which to practice and play, they will develop
more rapidly without risk of undue injury.
If players are taught and encouraged to enjoy the practices and games, their excitement
and commitment to their team will be enhanced, as well as their ability to understand
new skill techniques.
If players are provided skilled instruction that allows them to learn and practice
fundamentals, their overall ability as players will be enhanced and sustained.
Travel
All Rosemount Traveling Softball teams are required to travel to different communities in league
games and tournaments. Parents and players having conflicts in schedules or transportation
should make arrangements with other parents or players to insure that they will be able to
participate. Each team depends on all players being in attendance at every game.
Uniforms and Equipment
Rosemount Traveling Softball registration fee includes a jersey, pants and 1 pair of socks.
Additional items may be purchased by the parents. Other items required to play are the
responsibility of the parents. These items include:
 Glove
 cleats - No metal cleats except at 14U and older
 Batting Helmet - All players must have their own helmets to provide proper. Batting
helmets must have a chin strap and a NOCSAE approved face mask.
 Sliding shorts (optional)
 Sliding pad (optional)
 Bat - Bats are not provided however teams may have a bat for use. All bats must
conform to the ASA bat performance standard. Please check the bat guidelines for
proper length and weight for your daughter.
 Softball bag - Players will need something in which to carry their equipment and
possessions. (optional)
Other Items Recommended but not necessary:
 Batting gloves, mouth guard, fielder/pitcher face mask, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug
spray, sweatpants, sweatshirt, ball, hat or visor, dry socks, Under Armor type long sleeve
shirt and water bottle.
Length of Season
The summer season runs April through July. Outdoor practices begin in April for the 8U, 10U and 12U
teams. 14U and 16U teams will start later (early May) as many of the girls are also playing high school
softball. Practice times before the end of the high school season for the 14U and 16U may be limited.
The typical summer schedule includes practice twice a week prior to games starting. Once games start in
early May, practice may be limited to 1-2 nights with league double headers once a week in May and 2
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league double headers a week in June and weekend tournaments. Rosemount Traveling Softball teams
usually participate in 3-6 tournaments during the summer Rosemount Traveling Softball teams
participate in Rosemount hosted tournaments and 1-2 other local or out of state tournaments as well as
the State Qualifier, State Tournament and Nationals (when earned).
Please be aware that it is possible for post-season tournaments, either regional or national, sanctioned
by ASA, NAFA or USSSA may extend the season into early August.
Player/Team Expenses
The Rosemount Traveling Softball registration fee covers:
 League fees
 Team Insurance
 Uniform
 Administration costs
 Tournaments - Rosemount hosted and 1 local tournament
Please note that individual teams may have additional cost above and beyond those funded by
Rosemount Traveling Softball. These fees may include:
 Additional local or out of state tournaments
 Hotel accommodations
 Meals/Concession
 Gate Fee for State Qualifiers, State and National Tournaments
 Team Parties  Apparel
 Clinics
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
Practice
Practice is critical. During the summer session, players can usually expect 2 or 3 practices per week until
the start of the league games schedule. After the league games schedule starts, players can expect
practice at least once per week with 2 nights of league games and tournaments on the weekends.
Practices will be organized to accomplish specific objectives.
Players are expected to attend all practices, games and tournaments. Please contact your coach if
unable to make practice, game or tournaments due to illness, family, church, school obligations.
Player and Coach Relations
Every umpire, coach and player should be treated with respect. This is the top priority for every coach
and player. This includes positive reinforcement and working out issues in private conversations. Any
player who feels she is not being treated appropriately should discuss the issue with her coach. If for any
reason a player is uncomfortable raising the issue with the coach, she should address her concerns to
the Rosemount Traveling Softball Coach and Player Development Director.
Playing Time Expectations
Revised
11/2015
On the Rosemount Traveling Softball teams, playing time may not be equal. The amount of playing time
any particular player receives is dependent on many factors, a few of which are: skill, ability, competitive
attitude, attendance at games and practices, punctuality. Also please understand that factors such as
full rosters and substitution rules can make it difficult to equalize playing time.
Fielding and Batting Position Expectations
A player may choose to pursue a starting spot at any position on the field. Every effort will be made to
develop the skills necessary for every player to play at her preferred position. This applies only to
players who have shown a firm commitment to the team by attending the majority of practices and
games.
The following process will be used to develop and determine players at each position.
 First Practice
o Ask players desired positions
 Explain what skills are need for each position
 During Preseason practices
o Evaluate the players at each position against the skill set that is needed
o Tell each player what skills need practice
o Work with each player on weaknesses
 End of Preseason
o Tell each player individually where she is likely to play given her skills and the skills of
her teammates at that point.
 Explain to each player what skills need improvement and how to improve them.
 Mid-season
o Each player should have enough exposure to every position to have a general idea of
the responsibilities and skills required to play (except pitcher and catcher and any
position for which safety is a concern.)
o Tell each player individually where she is likely to play given her skills and the skills of
her teammates at that point
o Explain to each player what skills need improvement and how to improve them.
Assessing each player's abilities to play preferred positions and balancing the needs of the team
as a whole will determine the starting players at each position. In most cases, the highest skilled
players will play where they prefer. However, this is a team sport, and players may be asked to
play in a non-preferred position for the overall good of the team.
The minimum number of plate appearances for every player should be at least 60% of the team
average number of appearances (total team appearances on the season divided by the number
of players on the team). This only applies to players who frequently miss practices or games
should not expect to play as often.
Batting order is not guaranteed. Coaches have the discretion to move players around as they
deem necessary. For example, a strong batter and/or fast runner who normally bats in the top 4
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may be moved to a lower batting order to provide strength and/or speed in the bottom half of
the batting order.
Softball Training and Clinics
Players are encouraged to attend Rosemount Traveling Softball Winter Dome Training. This
training is offered November through March. During these training sessions, the girls will
participate in drills and exercises designed to work on hitting, bunting, throwing, and catching.
The girls will be participating in conditioning exercises to help with their agility and speed.
Pitchers and catchers will also have opportunities to practice during the sessions. The
Rosemount Traveling Softball coaches will be conducting the sessions.
Rosemount Traveling Softball will also offer pitching and catching clinics throughout the year.
There are also other opportunities within the community that offer hitting, pitching and
catching clinics.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
One of Rosemount Traveling Softball's primary objectives is to teach the fundamentals of
fastpitch softball. We realize that in coaching a team there is so many things to teach that
coaches often have to choose which skills to practice. They know that they cannot properly
cover all needed skills. The list below is intended to be a guide. These items represent the
minimum skills that Rosemount Traveling Softball expects the highest number of players to have
mastered at each age level. Appropriate practice time should be committed to those areas to
insure highest success rate.
Resources are given to our coaches to help teach and provide practice outlines and drills. At the
lower age levels, 10U and 12U, mastering these skills should be a primary focus.
10 and Under
 Proper overhand throwing mechanics
o Wrist snap
o Hand and elbow position
o Ball rotation
o Proper catching mechanics
o Elbow and hand position for target
o Two Hands - when and why
o Fly ball catching
o Ground ball fielding
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11/2015
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Hitting Mechanics
o Develop and understanding of a basic swing
o Basic bunting
Base running
Difference between a "force out" and a "non-force out"
Sliding
12 and Under
 Refine throwing mechanics for position play
 Develop catching skills that position the body for proper training
 Teach crow hop for outfield throw
 Teach advanced running, stealing and sliding skills
 Refine hitting mechanics
 Develop more advanced bunting skills
HOME PLAYING FIELDS
Rosemount Traveling Softball plays its home games in 3 locations in Rosemount. We ask your
cooperation in assisting to keep these fields clean. Please observe the City of Rosemount park rules.
Home fields are:
 Shannon Park #3
 Shannon Park #4
 Shannon Park #5
 The Cove
 The Pond
Shannon Park is located at 13501 Shannon Parkway.
The Cove is located at 3335 142nd St W. The Cove is the Rosemount High School Varsity field which is
across the street and on the curve/hill.
The Pond is located at 3335 1425nd St W. The Pond is the Rosemount High School JV field. It is located
behind the high school.
FALL LEAGUE
Fall league game rules allow players the opportunity to learn new aspects of the game in a less intense
environment. These rules include a five run limit per inning, the entire lineup must bat, and unlimited
substitutions are allowed. In addition, league games are not scored and are not considered for State
Qualifier tournament seedings. (Note: The five run limit per inning does not apply for State Qualifier and
State Tournaments.) This is an ideal time for younger players moving up to the next age level to see
what it is like or for established players to try new positions.
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11/2015
Rosemount Traveling Softball has established the following fall league guidelines to encourage a fun,
learning experience for players.
 Teams consist of 10-12 players of equal skill
 Pitchers and catchers will be divided up among the teams
 The season runs August through September
o Practices are 1-2 times per week at Erickson Park (14115 Brazil Avenue)
o League games consist of 3 weeks of double headers played on Sunday's, one
State Qualifier Tournament played on a Saturday or Sunday, and one State
Tournament played the last weekend of the season.
If Rosemount Traveling Softball hosts Fall league games and/or tournaments, we may request
volunteers for concessions, field prep as well as other duties as needed.
ANNUAL CALENDAR
January
Winter Dome Training
Pitching/Catching Clinics
Coaching Clinics
Summer Registration Opens
February
Winter Dome Training
Pitching/Catching Clinics
Summer Registration Closes
March
Winter Dome Training
Pitching/Catching Clinics
Parent Meeting
Player Tryouts and Team Selection
April
Outdoor Practices Begin – 8U/10U/12U
Coaches Clinic
May
Summer League Games Begin – 8U/10U/12U
Tournament Games Begin
Rosemount Hosted Tournaments (1-2 in May)
Practice Begins for 14U/16U
Games begin for 14U/16U
June
Rosemount Hosted Tournaments (1 in June)
State Qualifier – 8U/10U/12U
July
State Tournament – 8U/10U/12U
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11/2015
State Qualifier - 14U/16U
State Tournament - 14U/16U
Regional/National Tournaments – all age groups
Fall League Registrations
August
Fall League Team Selection
Fall League Practice and Games Begin
September
Fall League State Qualifier
Fall League State Tournament
October
Registration for Winter Dome Training
November-December
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Winter Dome Training
Pitching & Catching Clinics
Dome Ball