PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Required Equipment

All YCGS players are required to have the following equipment.

Helmet - All helmets must have both a chin strap and a face mask secured to the helmet.  Never use a helmet that is cracked, deformed,  or if the interior padding has deteriorated.

Cleats -  Softball cleats with plastic or rubber cleats are allowed, 6U thru 12U rubber or plastic Cleats ONLY, 14U and above may wear metal cleats but not required. (See USA Softball Rule 3 Section 6) Make Sure you purchase Softball Cleats and not Soccer Cleats. Although they look the same Softball Cleats are designed for running on both grass and dirt infield where as soccer cleats are designed for grass only.

Glove - Softball gloves are slightly longer in length and deeper in the pocket than baseball gloves to help field the bigger balls used in softball. Do not buy a baseball glove. See the chart below for sizes used in each division. Keep these things in mind when buying a softball glove.

Recommended Equipment

Softball Bat - YCGS does supply some bats to the coaches, but each player should have their own bat. New players can ask to try other players bat to see what is comfortable for them before buying their own.

Approved USA Softball List - Click Here

DON'T BUY A BASEBALL BAT!!! Any softball bat used must be an ASA certified softball bat with the ASA certification stamp clearly visible on it (look for the marking on the barrel or check the ASA Equipment webpage for a list of approved and illegal bats). If the bat is damaged/disfigured, the bat is considered illegal and cannot be used in game play. You will find as many different opinions about bat length/weight as you do varieties of bats. Here are some general guidelines for purchasing a softball bat:

Weight - It's best not to purchase a bat which is too heavy for your player. Rather than growing into the bat the player will develop bad habits that will be difficult to correct later on, not to mention poor self esteem because the overly heavy bat keeps the player from successfully hitting the ball. As for weight one rule of thumb is for the player to hold the bat in one hand (which ever is the top hand on the bat) and extend it out fully holding this position for at least 8-10 seconds. If the player can't do this the bat is too heavy. If in doubt about two bats it is always better to err on the side of the lighter bat!

Length - Generally speaking if the bat is the proper size the player should be able to stand in the batters box in the hitting position and with arms extended and be able to reach the outside edge of the plate. If the bat extends beyond this point it's too long, can't reach this point, it's too short.

Fielding Masks - Although not required, but HIGHLY recommended, especially for new players. These are masks worn on the field to protect players faces from bad hops, missed fly balls, or missed thrown balls. More experienced or older players tend not to use them, but it only takes that one time.

Again, recommended for new players, less experienced players, players that are unsure of themselves and their skills, and players playing on the infield (especially the pitcher, and corner positions, 1st and 3rd). Wearing a fielding mask is not a sign that you are not very good, just that you and your parents are cautious and have safety in mind. Good players wear them too.

Sliding Shorts - Sliding shorts are worn underneath uniform shorts or pants and can give players the confidence to slide without the fear of getting injured. Although they are not required, YCGS recommends them for the 8U division and above. Sliding shorts can be purchased with heavy padding or little padding.

Equipment Bag - Bags for your players softball equipment (helmet, glove, bat, fielding mask, hat, visor, balls, batting gloves) and other miscellaneous items help keep things organized. Some bags are bigger than others, such as catcher's bags that require more room to carry the catchers' gear.

Other Equipment

Balls - The brand, model, and size of ball used is based on the Division of play, level of play (rec ball vs. all-stars), and organization governing play. See table below for balls used by YCGS during Spring Season.

Catchers Gear - YCGS does provide each team with catchers gear with the exception of a catchers glove. However, players may choose to purchase their own catchers gear.