Whitpain Spring Softball
Community softball program for grades 1–9
About the Program
Whitpain Softball is part of the Whitpain Recreation Association and offers in-house programs for girls ages 6 to 8, as well as league play for ages 9 to 14 through the BuxMont Recreational League, which includes teams from across Eastern Montgomery County.
Our program emphasizes skill development and sportsmanship in a fun, family-friendly environment led by volunteers who ensure every player has the chance to learn, grow, and enjoy the game. Follow us on Instagram for our latest news and happenings. For more information, contact committee chair A.J. Russo.
Understanding the Term "Softball Age"
USA Softball and USSSA Softball are the national governing bodies that set the rules and age divisions for softball in the United States. Under their standards, the softball calendar year runs from September through August of the following year.
What is “softball age”?
A player’s softball age is the player’s age on September 1, which is the first day of the softball year. That September 1 age is the age used for division placement for the entire softball year.
This is the part that often causes confusion. Even if your child has a birthday during the winter or spring, their division does not change mid-year, because divisions are set using the September 1 cutoff. USSSA Softball provides an age calculator tool, which you can find here.
IN-HOUSE 6-7 DIVISION
For softball ages 6 and 7, our 6-7 Division offers a relaxed environment that lays the groundwork for what we hope will be a lifelong love of softball. Each week includes one weeknight practice and one Saturday game. Games feature coach pitch, with batting tees used as needed. Players born on or after September 1, 2019 can register for WRA Co-Ed Quick Ball.
IN-HOUSE 8U DIVISION
For softball age 8, our 8U Division is designed to prepare players for their eventual transition to 10U, where pitching, strikeouts, and base-stealing are introduced. Each week includes one weeknight practice and one Saturday game. Games feature coach pitch, with batting tees used as needed, but will gradually introduce 10U elements (such as kid pitching) as the season progresses.
BUXMONT 10U DIVISION
For softball ages 9 and 10, Whitpain forms teams to compete in the BuxMont inter-community recreational league, which includes programs from neighboring areas such as Montgomery, Nor Gwyn, North Penn Valley, and others.
During the season, teams typically play two weeknight games and hold one weekly practice. Scores and standings are not recorded. The season wraps up in mid- to late June with a league tournament, championship game, and All-Star game. Games feature player pitching from 35 feet until four balls are thrown outside the strike zone, at which point a coach takes over pitching for the remainder of that at-bat. 10 players take the field on defense, 4 in the outfield. Inning rules include limits on the number of batters and runs. Strikeouts and base stealing are also introduced at this level.
BUXMONT 12U DIVISION
For softball ages 11 and 12, Whitpain forms teams to compete in the BuxMont inter-community recreational league, which includes programs from neighboring areas such as Montgomery, Nor Gwyn, North Penn Valley, and more.
Once the season begins, teams typically play two weeknight games and hold one weekly practice. Scores and standings are not recorded. The season concludes in mid- to late June with a league tournament, championship game, and All-Star game. Games feature player pitching from 40 feet. 10 players take the field on defense, 4 in the outfield. Inning rules include limits on the number of batters and runs. All bases can be stolen, and the drop third strike rule is introduced at this level.
BUXMONT 14U DIVISION
For softball ages 13 and 14, Whitpain forms teams to compete in the BuxMont inter-community recreational league, which includes programs from neighboring areas such as Montgomery, Nor Gwyn, North Penn Valley, and more.
Once the season begins, teams typically play two weeknight games and hold one weekly practice. Scores and standings are not recorded. The season concludes in mid- to late June with a league tournament, championship game, and All-Star game. Games feature player pitching from 40 feet. 9 players take the field on defense. Inning rules include limits on the number of batters and runs. All bases can be stolen, and the drop third strike rule is introduced at this level.
Practice Field Locations
While Wentz Run Park serves as the primary home for practices and games, additional fields across the Wissahickon School District are also used. BuxMont Softball League games take place both at Wentz Run Park and at fields in neighboring communities.
Required Equipment
Families new to softball often require a little help navigating what to purchase. No worries, we got you covered. See equipment list below.
- Softball pants*
- Fielder's glove
- Fielder's mask
- Softball cleats (metal spikes prohibited)
- Fastpitch softball bat
- Batting helmet
- Batting gloves (optional)
- Gear bag
Prior to the start of each season, Dicks Sporting Goods hosts a 20% off weekend for participants. This is often the best time to gear up.
*While softball pants are required for all divisions, players 10U and up will need pants with a belt loop.
Fall Ball, Winter Training, and More
From organizing training sessions with local hitting and pitching coaches to offering Fall Ball and Winter Workouts, Whitpain Softball provides year-round opportunities to help players build skills and grow their confidence.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow our association on Facebook, as well as our individual sports programs on Instagram.
NEED SOME HELP?
Choose a support topic below or explore our FAQs for broader assistance.
CONTACT US
For general information about the Whitpain Recreation Association and its youth sports programs, email us at info@playwra.com or use the contact form below.
©2022 Whitpain Recreation Association. Address: P.O. Box 64, Blue Bell, PA 19422