What is Select?

The WGGSL Select Program provides players who are ready for a higher level of competition with additional opportunities to develop their softball skills through advanced instruction and competitive play.

Select serves as a bridge between recreational softball and higher-level competitive softball. Players receive additional practice and game experience while competing against Select teams from other recreational leagues.

Select is intended for players who are ready to be challenged beyond the recreational level while continuing to develop their skills in a positive and competitive environment.

How is Select different from recreational softball?

Recreational softball is WGGSL's primary program and provides players of varying skill and experience levels the opportunity to learn, develop, and compete.

Select is designed for players who demonstrate the skills and readiness to compete at a higher level and are looking for additional instruction, repetitions, and competitive game opportunities. Select teams typically compete against other Select teams from neighboring recreational leagues.

Is Select right for my player?

Select may be a good fit for players who enjoy softball, want additional opportunities to play, and are ready for a faster pace and higher level of competition. Players should have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and the skills necessary to safely and successfully compete at the Select level. Select provides additional instruction, repetitions, and competitive game experience for players who want to continue developing beyond the recreational level.

Families should also consider the additional time commitment associated with Select before accepting a roster position. Depending on the program, Select may include additional practices and Sunday games in addition to regular recreational team commitments.

What divisions offer Select?

WGGSL may offer Select teams in eligible age divisions based on player interest, available coaching, competition opportunities, and the needs of the league.

The divisions offered may vary by season, and the formation of a Select team is not guaranteed in every division. Depending on player interest and the availability of qualified Coaches and Managers, WGGSL may form more than one Select team within an age division when there are enough players to support multiple teams.

Is there a difference between Fall Select and Spring Select?

WGGSL offers Select opportunities during both the Fall and Spring Seasons; however, the structure and commitment differ between the two seasons.

During the Fall Season, Select Maroon is a standalone Select team and replaces the player's regular Fall Rec team. Select Gray is played in addition to the player's regular Fall Rec team.

During the Spring Season, Select is always played in addition to the player's regular Spring Rec team. Players participating in Spring Select must remain on an active Spring Rec team, and recreational team commitments take priority over Select activities when scheduling conflicts occur.

When multiple Select teams may be formed within an age division, the teams are designated as Select Maroon and Select Gray, with Maroon competing at the Gold level and Gray competing at the Silver level.

What is the difference between Select Maroon and Select Gray?

During the Spring Season, if multiple Select teams are formed within an age division, the teams are designated as Select Maroon and Select Gray. Maroon represents the higher competitive level, consisting of the division's more advanced players and competing as the Gold team. Gray provides an additional competitive development opportunity and competes as the Silver team. Both Maroon and Gray players remain on their regular Spring Rec teams and participate in Select in addition to the recreational season.

During the Fall Season, Select Maroon is a standalone Select team and replaces the player's regular Fall Rec team. Players selected for Select Maroon participate exclusively on their Select team for the Fall Season. Select Gray is played in addition to the player's regular Fall Rec team, with players participating on both teams throughout the season.

Placement on Select Maroon or Select Gray is determined through the Select evaluation and team selection process and is based on player skill, competitive readiness, team composition, and the needs of the division.

What is the time commitment for Select?

The time commitment varies depending on the season and Select team.

Fall Select Maroon is the player's primary WGGSL team and does not include participation on a separate Fall Rec team. Fall Select Gray is played in addition to the player's regular Fall Rec season.

Spring Select is also played in addition to the player's regular Spring Rec season and generally includes one additional Select practice each week.

Select teams participate in friendlies on Sundays against Select teams from neighboring recreational leagues. A friendly may include multiple games on the same day. Because Select games are played against other recreational leagues, participation may require local travel to neighboring league fields.

Select teams may also have the opportunity to participate in Select tournaments throughout the season. Tournaments are typically held over multiple days and may include multiple games in a single day. Tournament participation, including the number of tournaments a team participates in, if any, shall be determined by the team's Manager based on the opportunities available and the needs of the team.

Families should consider the additional practice, game, travel, and potential tournament commitments before accepting a position on a Select team. Specific schedules and expectations will be communicated to families by the team's Manager whenever possible.

Who is eligible to participate in Select?

Players must meet current WGGSL and applicable USA Softball eligibility requirements for the season and age division in which they wish to participate.

Additional eligibility or participation requirements may be established by WGGSL for each Select season and will be communicated to families before evaluations.

How are players evaluated and Select teams chosen?

Players interested in Select must participate in the WGGSL Select evaluation process. Evaluations may include hitting, fielding, throwing, base running, pitching, catching, softball knowledge, and other age-appropriate skills.

Players are evaluated based on their overall softball ability and readiness for a higher level of competition. Select roster decisions also consider the overall needs and composition of the team and are not determined solely by an individual evaluation score.

The evaluation and selection process may include the Select Head Coach, Manager, independent evaluators, Commissioners, and/or other individuals designated by the Board of Directors. WGGSL strives to conduct the selection process fairly and objectively and to avoid conflicts of interest whenever possible.

Participation in Select evaluations does not guarantee placement on a Select team.

How are Select Head Coaches and Managers chosen?

Individuals interested in serving as a Select Head Coach or Manager must apply through WGGSL's established application process. Select Head Coaches and Managers are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with league requirements.

All Select Coaches and Managers must satisfy applicable WGGSL and USA Softball background check, SafeSport, training, and certification requirements.

Does Select take priority over my recreational team?

It depends on the program and season.

For Fall Select Maroon, the Select team replaces the player's Fall Rec team and is the player's primary WGGSL team for the season.

For Fall Select Grey, the player remains on a Fall Rec team and participates in Select Grey in addition to recreational softball.

For Spring Select, the player must participate on a Spring Rec team. Recreational team commitments take priority over Select activities when scheduling conflicts occur.

Does playing Select guarantee my player will make All-Stars?

No. Select and All-Stars are separate programs with separate selection processes. Participation on a Select team does not guarantee or provide automatic placement on an All-Star team.

Select does, however, provide players with additional opportunities to develop their skills, receive additional repetitions, and gain experience competing at a higher level.

What does Select cost?

Select fees vary depending on the season, division, number of Friendlies or tournaments, uniforms, and other team expenses.

Current Select fees and what is included will be communicated before players are asked to accept a roster position. Select teams may also participate in WGGSL-approved fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to help offset team expenses.

How do I register my player for Select evaluations?

Select evaluation information, including eligible divisions, registration instructions, dates, times, and deadlines, will be posted on the WGGSL website and/or Social Media sites and communicated to eligible league families before each Select season.

Players must complete the required evaluation registration process by the published deadline.

Questions regarding Select or player eligibility may be directed to the appropriate Division Commissioner, Player Agent, or Select Program representative.