Teams & tryouts

What ages are players eligible for NE Beasts Travel Softball?
NE Beasts fields teams in the 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U age groups. Tryouts are held near the beginning of August every year and coaches may hold make up tryouts at their discretion.

What is the difference between 12U and 12U Elite teams?

The main difference in the two teams is that the 12U Elite will be more time consuming, include more traveling, play in mostly open and A level tournaments in USA softball league.

What age group is my player in?
A player’s softball age is the age of the player on September 1 of the calendar year in which they are playing.

How many games do the travel teams play?
Each team’s schedule will vary. Travel teams play double headers and tournaments which could be 5+ games in a weekend, and will play in 4-6 tournaments throughout the summer.

How long is the season?
(This is approximate as each coach may have a slightly different schedule)

September: Fall Ball League (Saturday & Sundays)
October:      Fall Ball League (Saturday & Sundays)
Nov-Dec:      Holiday Break; practice 2x per week starts
Jan-March:     Practice 2x per week, plus pitchers/catchers 1x per week
April-May:     Outside Practices begin 1x per week around school seasons
June-July:     Tournaments (4-6 total)
August:         Try-outs for upcoming season

We have an annual family vacation over the summer. Does this mean a player shouldn’t try out?
We ask that players are fully committed to the team while “in season”. With that, exceptions can be made. Let the coach know as early as possible about vacation plans so tournaments can be scheduled.

If a travel player pulls out of the program mid-season will a refund be provided?
Unfortunately, there are no refunds. We make a commitment to the players who commit to the team when they are selected. The decision to include players on the team is based on filling an entire roster and includes factors such as player positions, experience, character, and team make-up. Some girls are turned away because there are not enough spots on a team. It is unfair to the girls who did not make the team, the remaining girls, families, coaches, and organization when players abandon the team after the playing year has begun in September. Most of the fees are for the hitting facility, field equipment and maintenance, uniforms, USA Softball Insurance, league and tournament dues and are incurred upfront.

How far do teams travel?
Each team’s schedule will vary. The teams typically travel locally around the state. Occasionally teams will travel to a tournament that requires a hotel, please check with your coach about the tournament schedule.

How much playing time will a player get?
In travel softball, playing time for each player will depend on several variables including but not limited to: attitude, ability, performance at practice and games, and hustle. There is no guaranteed playing time or batting order. The Head Coach makes all decision on playing time.

Can a travel softball player participate in other sports throughout the year?
Yes, and it is encouraged in the off season, September – May. The player is expected to be fully committed to the travel softball team from May through the beginning of August. We understand that players may also play softball for the middle school or high school team, and the coaches of the travel teams will set expectations at the beginning of the season for those players.