What does my child need to play softball?
All CYA softball players must wear a batting helmet when they bat and a face mask when they are fielding. Girls will need a softball glove and a softball bat that is sized appropriately for their age level and size. Cleats are highly recommended for all age groups. For games, girls will need softball pants. Jersey and socks are provided as part of the registration fee. 

Do I need to purchase all new equipment?
CYA Softball offers rental gear at the beginning of the season for any family that does not want to purchase their own gear. Used equipment can be obtained from stores, social media marketplaces, and family/friends. Play-It-Again Sports in Leesburg sells and buys used sports equipment. Also, Dick's Sporting Goods partners with CYA to offer a 20% off coupon before the season starts. This coupon is provided by email. 

What if my child forgets her gear?
Coaches are provided extra helmets, masks, and bats that they bring to practice. Coaches also have full catcher's gear: leg guards, chest protector, helmet, (glove for 12U and up).

I want to buy new gear for my daughter? What do you recommend?
Check out our glove recommendation guide made by Coach V: CYA Softball Parents Guide to Softball Glove Sizes
Here is a softball sizing guideline from Dick's Sporting Goods: Softball Bats Buying Guide

When is registration?
Spring registration starts in December and closes in March. Fall registration starts in June and closes in August.

What is the fee for registration and what does the fee cover?
Please see our Fees page for a detailed breakdown of the costs.

When can I expect to hear from my coach?
For fall, teams will be formed in late August. For spring, teams will be formed in early March. Practices will begin shortly after and games will begin a few weeks after your first practice. 

What can I expect from the season?
Every team will practice at least one night a week, with most 10U teams and higher practicing two nights a week. Games will be held on Saturdays, with approximately 10 games per season. T-Ball and 8U teams will play against other CYA teams, while 10U and up will play both CYA teams and other league teams. Some travel may be required to play the other leagues. 

Where are practices and games?
T-Ball and 8U primarily practice at elementary schools like Greenbriar East, Greenbriar West, and Brookfield (closed for renovation).
10U practices at Franklin Middle, Greenbriar Park, and Brookfield Elementary (closed for renovation).
12U/14U/18U practices at Franklin Farm Park, Rachel Carson Middle, and Greenbriar Park.
Practice and game locations are subject to change from season to season due to the availability of fields due to school construction.

Why are the fields not equipped and well groomed like other organizations?
FCPS fields are maintained by our volunteers, who have limited control over the field's playability. We have tractors stationed at Greenbriar East, Franklin Middle, and Carson Middle, as we are permitted to have sheds at these locations. This allows us to nail drag and skim the field surfaces to promote faster drying. However, water retention remains a challenge beyond our control, largely due to the fields’ locations and ongoing weather conditions. Fields owned by Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), like Franklin Farm, Greenbriar Park, and Poplar Tree Park, are maintained by FCPA. 

We maintain regular communication with CYA Board regarding field availability and conditions; however, our access is limited by permit restrictions. Many fields are shared among multiple organizations, each with their own permits, which can further complicate scheduling.

When it comes to school fields, we must follow Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) rules and restrictions, which dictate what is permitted on their property. Even if we have the funding to add features like benches, FCPS ultimately decides whether we can use our own materials and labor or must go through an approved (and often more costly) vendor. We are often able to navigate this by having improvements completed as community service projects through Eagle Scouts or Girl Scouts.

How are coaches selected?
CYA Softball is entirely volunteer-driven. Coaches are drawn from a small pool of parent volunteers, many of whom step up out of necessity to ensure the season can happen. While some may not have prior softball experience, they take on the responsibility so their children—and others—can play, often stepping in when no one else will. These dedicated individuals take the initiative to learn through online resources and instructional videos to create a positive and meaningful experience for their players. We are always in need of more help. If you have experience, please consider volunteering to support our teams.

What are the rules for the different age groups?
8U Interleague Rules - Spring 2025
10U Interleague Rules - Spring 2025
12U Interleague Rules - Spring 2025
18U Interleague Rules - Spring 2025

How are rules determined?
CYA Softball participates in an Interleague that includes CYA, BRYC, SYC, NVGSA, VGSL, and FHYAA. Each season, board members from these organizations meet to finalize a shared set of rules. These rules are based on USA Softball guidelines, with additional modifications designed to support player development within a recreational league setting.