Program Description:
The Xtreme program was designed to provide additional opportunities for girls to play an extended softball season, at a higher level of play than spring recreational softball, but less intense in both level of play and commitment than the Riptide program or club programs. Xtreme plays in the NH USA Softball B/C League, which is also fairly new. Xtreme has gained a lot of interest in the past 2 years starting with just 2 teams in the summer of 2021, and is now fielding 5 teams this 2023 summer season; an 8U, 10U, two 12U’s, and 14U.
Since these teams are designed to provide a more competitive level of play than spring recreational softball, tryouts are held in order to build successful teams. Players can expect to see a wide range of skill levels based on the teams they are playing. Many of the girls from the Xtreme program choose to play in a fun, fall softball league organized by a neighboring town. However, participation in fall ball is NOT required and it DOES incur an additional cost. In the winter, Xtreme teams each hold at least 6 weeknight indoor sessions that are typically held anytime between January and early April, depending on the availability of indoor facilities. Indoor winter schedules are typically set sometime mid-fall.
The summer schedule includes local weeknight games and practices as well as weekend tournaments. The goal is to keep the majority of weekend tournaments fairly local where traveling back and forth each day is doable. However, in order to find tournaments that provide that “just right” level of play, teams may have to travel farther (up to 3 hours away). When traveling farther, teams often organize staying in a hotel as a group, which is an additional expense. The competition is variable; Xtreme plays some teams that have faster pitching and are more advanced while also playing other teams that are less competitive. Players can also expect to have fun, as our teams all have in the past. The bond these girls build with their team is incredible, and something your daughter will remember for a long time. The bulk of the season takes place from the end of spring recreational softball (mid-June) through the last weekend in July/1st weekend in August.
Rosters are usually 11-12 players, but coaches are allowed some flexibility in regards to their personal preferences. Some coaches prefer an 11 player roster, others prefer 12, and some even choose to roster an alternate.
Commitment:
Just like most sports programs, Xtreme requires a solid commitment to the team. Should your player be offered a spot, we kindly ask that you be willing and able to commit to being available for the majority of the summer season. We understand and expect that families/players will take time for a vacation at some point, and may miss an event. However, if your player will miss more than 2 weeks of the 6 week season, Xtreme is probably not the best fit for your family’s schedule. Coaches work very hard spending a lot of time building schedules – they need to be confident in their ability to field a team for all scheduled events in order to provide the full season that families signed up for.
Age Groups for Summer teams ONLY:
- 8U – tryouts will be held in the spring of 2024
For 10U and up, a player’s age as of August 31 determines the age in which the player
is eligible to play the following year.
- 10U (USA age cut offs) – A player whose 11th birthday is prior to September 1, 2023 is INELIGIBLE. Must be 10 years old or younger on August 31st, 2023.
- 12U (USA age cut offs) – A player whose 13th birthday is prior to September 1, 2023 is INELIGIBLE. Must be 12 years old or younger on August 31st, 2023.
- 14U (USA age cut offs) – A player whose 15th birthday is prior to September 1, 2023 is INELIGIBLE. Must be 14 years old or younger on August 31st, 2023.
** PLEASE NOTE ** Players of younger age classification MAY play in older age classifications, but an older age classification player MAY NOT play in the younger age classification.
2024 10U/12U/14U Xtreme Registration Fees:
$450 includes:
- Fees for 3-4 tournaments
- 2 uniform shirts
- 2 pairs of uniform socks
- Minimum 6 indoor practice sessions
- Babe Ruth and USA Softball registration fees
- Note – players provide their own softball pants and belt
2024 8U Xtreme Registration Fees:
$300 includes:
- Fees for 2-3 tournaments
- 1 uniform shirt
- 1 pair of uniform socks
- Babe Ruth and USA Softball registration fees
- Note – players provide their own softball pants and belt
Payment:
Once a player accepts an offer to play on one of the Xtreme teams, they will be provided information on how to register via the Sports Engine platform. An initial deposit of $150 is due at the time of registration. All remaining fees are required to be paid in full by November 1, 2024 as we will be quickly securing and paying for indoor time, tournaments, and ordering uniforms.
Spring Recreational Softball registration requirements:
- In order to maintain compliance with our governing body, Babe Ruth Softball, all players at the 10U & 8U age levels are required to register for and play spring recreational softball.
- At the 12U and 14U age levels, all players are required to register for and pay the spring recreational softball fee. However, because many of these players also play for their middle or high school teams, they are given the option to “opt out” of actually playing in the recreational season in order to prevent overscheduling and burnout. This option also maintains compliance with Babe Ruth rules at the 12U and 14U levels.
- Partner Town Players only: Players from our partner towns will continue to register and play spring recreational softball for their hometowns. They will still need to register with SAU16 Softball and pay a $25 fee which covers their Babe Ruth registration and league insurance. ** As of July 5th, 2023, it is estimated that Recreational Softball signup fees will remain the same at $125 for early birds and $150 for standard registration. **
PLEASE NOTE: ** As of July 5th, 2023, it is estimated that Recreational Softball signup fees will remain the same at $125 for early birds and $150 for standard registration. **