WHAT IS A SEASON?

A season includes FALL and SPRING. Each athlete accepting a spot on a team will be on that team for an entire season with exception to 14u possibly only playing fall tournaments due to roster availability in the spring.

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WHAT IS THE COST?

There is a non-refundable evaluation cost that is required each year to participate in our evaluations. Evaluation costs are $30 and includes a t-shirt. 

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The cost if you accept a roster spot for the season is $775 + $50 commitment fee. With exception of 14u possibly only playing in the fall, all athletes are required to pay the entire amount even if they decide to only play half a season. Payment of the entire $775 will be due no later than August 31, 2025, unless payment arrangements are made. The association has a no pay, no pay policy if dues have not been paid and payment arrangements have not been made or adhered to. ​

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​HOW ARE TEAMS SELECTED?

Teams are selected based on evaluation score totals from our evaluations [hosted post-spring tournament season] as well as previous team coach input [if applicable], number of registrants, and team needs. Team offers are not guaranteed to every athlete who tries out. Teams are also established based on USSSA age requirements. Girls can play up one level but can not play down - the association will make this determination after evaluations are completed.

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HOW MANY TOURNAMENTS WILL WE PLAY IN?

The association sets a standard of eight to ten total tournaments per season [fall and spring combined] but ultimately will leave this decision up to the head coach of the team. Most teams' fall tournaments are completed by the end of October and spring tournaments by late June.

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IS THERE MUCH TRAVEL INVOLVED?

Most tournaments that we play in are hosted in the Des Moines metro area. There may be small travel involved within 60 miles. More experienced teams may travel further including Omaha and Kansas City. This decision is up to the head coach of the team.​

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HOW OFTEN DO WE PRACTICE?

We try to dedicate two practices a week that can range from one hour to two hours. Fall ball practices start in mid-August. Spring ball starts indoors in late January or early February. We also have once a week practice times for pitchers and catchers starting after the first of the year, depending on space availability. ​​

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WHAT IS THE ASSOCIATION'S STANCE ON EXTRACURRICULAR CONFLICTS?

The association encourages and supports other extracurricular activities; however, this may be a delicate balancing act. If an athlete misses a practice or game due to another extracurricular and it's communicated prior to the conflict, the athlete's playing time will not be impacted due to absence. It is the expectation that the athlete attempts to attend at least one practice per week if there are conflicts with other activities. If athletes are not able to attend a majority of practices or are frequently absent from games, this can affect the team's level of competitiveness and possibly takes a team spot away from a player who is regularly available.​​

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