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U13 PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
U13 division represents a transition toward a more competitive and structured style of softball while maintaining a strong focus on player development, confidence, and sportsmanship.
Players at this level are encouraged to apply learned skills in real game situations, develop resilience, and build a deeper understanding of the game.
Success is measured through growth, effort, teamwork, and respect—not solely by wins and losses.
Strengthen core softball skills: throwing, catching, hitting, pitching, base running and defensive play
Develop proper defensive positioning and teamwork
Encourage accountability, effort, and personal responsiblity
Prepare players for higher levels of competitive softball while ensuring continued enjoyment of the game
Games are typically 90 - 120 minutes in length with 4-5 innings (time permitting)
Games are played with official umpires (subject to availability)
Scores are standings are recorded
Coaches are encouraged to manage lineups and positoins to support long-term developement
Coaches may rotate lineups and positions to support player development.
Batters hit from live player pitching
Walks, strikeouts, and hit-by-pitch are enforced
A 5 run limit per inning is applied
Bunting is permitted
All standard fair and foul ball rules apply
Batters are expected to demonstrate safe, controlled swings and peroper on-deck behavior
All batters run through first base.
Base runners may lead off and steal bases in accordance with Softball BC rules
Sliding is permitted and strongly encouraged
Runners may advance oat their own risk on overthows
Players are expected to begin to demonstrate their own awareness of game situations and make responsible base-runnign decisions.
Defensive play follows full regulation BC Softball Rules
Players should rotate through mutiple positions throughout the season to support developement
Pitcher usage should be monitored by coaches to protect arm health
Defensive outs are enforced, and players are expected to understand force plays, tags, and cut-off responsiblities
Coaches should prioritize development and learning over specializing players where possible
Softball-approved bats (lightweight, age-appropriate)
Softball glove for each player
Helmets are mandatory for all batters and runners
Catchers must wear full protective catching gear
Protective gear (face masks, mouthguards) are recommended
No metal cleats allowed
Helmets must be worn at all times while batting or running bases.
Bats may only be swung in the batting area.
Coaches and parents must remain aware of batters and runners at all times.
Injured players should be removed immediately and assessed.
Positive encouragement is required from:
Coaches, Parents, Spectators
No yelling instructions to players during live play.
Umpires (if present) and coaches are volunteers and must be treated respectfully.
The emphasis is learning over winning.
Bases are set 55 feet apart .
Pitching distance for coaching pitching is approximately 55 feet
Regulation bases and field markings are used
All players line up for:
High-fives
Thank-you acknowledgements
Focus on fun, effort, and learning rather than results
U13 softball is a critical stage in player development where athletes begin to combine skill, strategy, and mental toughness. The goal is to foster confidence, resilience, accountability, and a strong foundation that supports both competitive growth and a lifelong love of the game.