WHAT IS THE PROGRAM ALL ABOUT AND WHO IS IT FOR?
The All Star program offered through the BPGSA is intended to be for those players that have exhibited a high level of performance during the Spring recreational season and who are interested in an opportunity to participate in a more competitive form of softball against other local communities. If more than 12 players have elected to participate in the All-Star program, players will be evaluated and rated during tryout sessions from non-biased coaches from higher age group levels. Player evaluations during tryouts will be the basis of All-Star selection; however, Spring season performance will be taken into consideration with final roster selections. After the initial 12 All-Star players are selected, a Head Coach will be appointed as a parent of an All-Star or a Board approved selection. Players are expected to commit to the program that spans roughly 6-9 weeks, including a few weeks of practice prior to the start of tournaments. In most cases practices will begin immediately after the selection of the All-Star team. Alternate players may be selected that can participate in all All-Star practices and may be called upon during tournaments where they may be needed if initial 12 All-Star players are not available.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
All players who have both paid in full and have been an active participant during the Spring season of recreational softball are eligible to be selected for an All Star team.
HOW ARE HEAD COACHES SELECTED?
Head Coaches will be appointed via the BPGSA Board after selection of the age division All-Star team.
IF MY DAUGHTER IS SELECTED AS AN ALL STAR, WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
- All Star Tournaments are very competitive. While some managers will make an effort to play all girls, please keep in mind that team managers are not required to rotate players in the field and there is no requirement for a minimum number of innings played per game.
- The All Star team is a different level of commitment compared to recreational softball. Most All Star seasons consist of 4 full weekends of tournament games preceded by several practices each week. In many cases, you may be asked to play 1-2 games during a weeknight prior to the weekend, as well as multiple games during the weekend.
- Each tournament offers a fresh start for the team. There are usually trophies, t-shirts or other awards available for the winners of each tournament.
- Costs vary depending on the number of tournaments entered, the cost of each tournament, and the cost of the uniforms chosen by the manager. Typically, these costs fluctuate around $75-$125 per player for the travel season but can go up or down from there.
- Special Note: The BPGSA does cover the registration cost for all of our BP All Star teams to participate in our own hosted tournament(s).
WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER IS NOT SELECTED AS AN ALL STAR?
Unfortunately, not everyone can be selected for an All Star team as there are a limited number of roster spots, and coaches must take into consideration key defensive positions when creating their teams. This does not mean that your daughter did not also have a great Spring season or that she has not made amazing improvements in her skills in the past season either. Our hope is for all of our players to continue to progress and show interest in advancing their skills. Please don't hesitate to ask for feedback from your Spring coach on what your daughter can do to improve her skills. Also, if interested, you can inquire with the All Star Head Coach about being selected as an emergency backup player for the team.
WHAT ARE EMERGENCY PLAYERS?
Once the All Star season has started, there are circumstances in which the team may find themselves shorthanded or in a position where they have to consider forfeiture. This can happen on short notice due to injury, sickness, death in the family, etc. If your daughter is selected as an emergency player, they may be asked to participate in some/all of the team practices in order to keep her skills sharp in the event that she is needed.
Should a team find themselves in this situation, the team manager may select emergency player(s) prior to submitting their team rosters for any given tournament. Under these circumstances, a team manager is permitted to act quickly and select a player that meets the following criteria:
- Participated in the spring season of BPGSA softball and paid in full
- Participated in EITHER the slow pitch or fast pitch program
- Does not have a conflict with another team that would prevent them from fulfilling their obligations to the requesting All Star team (this applies to call-ups or cross-league play)
OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES….
The All Star season is a commitment, both in regard to time and finances. Please make sure that the Head Coach is aware of any vacations or conflicts as soon as possible, as this information is taken into consideration when determining in which tournaments the All Star team chooses to participate. Softball is a team sport and during a competitive All Star season the team will rely on your full attendance, outside of an emergency, to remain competitive.
Please also note that disputes with the manager over playing positions and playing time must be discussed and resolved with the All Star Head Coach. The Board will not intervene in such circumstances. The BPGSA Board will act if there are actions and/or behavior exhibited by the manager that can be substantiated. Those would include but are not limited to; abusive behavior towards the player (yelling, belittling, etc.), use of foul language, fighting or being confrontational with other coaches or parents.