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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does the travel season consume?
The travel season begins in the fall with weekend clinics and practices. 10U, 12U and 14U teams will play in at least one fall tournament. Fall play for older girls is dependant on team make up and fall school sport participation.

Durning January & February, teams begin indoor practice at least once a week with individual batting cage time during the week. In March/April younger teams move outside and get together in some combination of practice and games 3-5 times a week. The season is in full swing May through July. High school players start imediately after the HS season.

What are the player’s responsibilities during the season?
Players are expected to be punctual and attend all practices and games, except for excused absences and unforeseen emergencies. The importance of this commitment comes from the basic nature of team sports. When a player misses a game or practice, it negatively affects every other player on the team. Differences in playing time are determined by a player’s commitment along with work ethic and skill. Missed practices and games may mean less playing time.

What league do the girls play in and how many games will they play?

Travel softball is predominantly tournament focused. However, skill development requires repetition and experience in game situations. North Shore Fast Pitch League (NSFPL) play provides an environment conducive to giving players that opportunity.

The NSFPL operates at the 10U, 12U & 14U levels and is comprised of teams from Gurnee to Mt. Prospect and from Wauconda to Lake Forest.

A team's total number of games is made up from NSFPL games (or other for 16U & 18U) and tournament games. Typically the 10u team will enter 4 tournaments, based on performance this could add up to 20–25 games in addition to their 10–12 NSFPL games, for a total of 35–40 games. This is roughly equivalent to the combined number of in-house games plus play-offs and the post-season tournament team schedule. The 12u & 14u teams will typically enter 6-7 tournaments and based on performance and in addition to the 12-15 NSFPL games will equate to 45-50 games.

Are the travel teams intensely competitive?
The travel teams are more competitive than the in-house league. Each team plays to win while developing the skills and sportsmanship of all team members. We do want to field highly competitive teams made up of girls that are learning and having a positive experience.

Lightning teams generally participate in USSSA tournaments, at either the B or A level.

Do all girls get equal playing time?
Unlike house league, the travel league does not require coaches to give each player equal playing time. It is expected that each player will participate to some degree in each game. Attendance at practice and games will affect playing time. Tournament rules may affect playing time.

Do players rotate positions during games?
Players will be expected to learn more than one position in practice and may be rotated through those positions during a game. Coaches do not rotate positions every couple of innings as you may find in in-house.

Do parents need to volunteer any of their time?
Yes. We need the help of all parents to give our daughters the best possible experience. Every team will have its share of areas that require a positive response. While on-field duties require skills that not everyone has, there are always organization and administrative tasks that any parentcan handle, often from home or office. 

In the end, the feeling of success the girls have on the field is amplified when it's a "family affair". Parents that actively support their daughter's teams are powerful role models.

Are fundraising activities required?
Yes. All Lightning families must participate in a Program Level fundraising event. The specific event may vary from year to year, but will always be the lowest effort, highest return format we can find. 
Funds raised thru the fall fundraiser will help control individual player fees and provide for specialized instruction and/or shared training aides.

Do individual teams also conduct fundraisers? 
Sometimes. Player fees are calculated to cover uniforms, League play, and 5-7 tournaments. Teams with a Season plan that exceeds the typical Lightning plan may need to conduct separate fundraisers.

What is the difference between Lightning and Storm teams?

Click HERE for a comparison of the two programs. 

If you should have any further questions please contact Doug Homuth.