10U Minors is a division offered in the spring season for girls ages 9 and 10 (view age chart for girls). The 10U Minors division is a large step up from 8U Rookies in the progression through the various divisions of EBYBS. The fields are the full sized dirt softball fields and batters will now hit off a pitcher from the opposing team, with rules in place to allow assistance for struggling pitchers. Outs will count from the start of the season and players will begin to consistently make defensive outs.

The purpose for this division will be to introduce the players to real softball rules with fewer limitations in play. Players will continue to build on what was learned in lower divisions with more practice to develop higher level skills in hitting, catching, throwing, and base running. Players interested in pitching will also experience their first introduction to pitching mechanics. More emphasis will be placed on rules and defensive strategy in softball. Coaches are not allowed on the field with the players during games. 10U Minors is considered a semi-competitive division. Scores and standings will be kept, outs will count all season, and teams will participate in a divisional end of season tournament based on the results of the regular season.

• Assessments and Playing Up▲

  In this division, attending assessments before the season is mandatory in order to be drafted by a 10U Minors coach. All players league age 9 and 10 that assess are guaranteed to at least make a 10U Minors team. The sole purpose of the assessment is to balance the teams so games are competitive. All players are required to assess, even the children of coaches and their assistants. 10U Minors coaches will select from players ages 8 to 10 that are not drafted into higher divisions. Players that are league age 8 will have the opportunity to skip their second year of 8U Rookies to play up to 10U Minors by attending assessments with the league age 9 and 10 group (please make an official request to the league via email). If your child attempts to play up, but is not drafted by a 10U Minors coach, then they will automatically be placed on an 8U Rookies team.

  NOTE: Teams are formed from assessments and a subsequent draft. During registration, you may request that your child is placed on a team with a friend and/or a particular coach. If requesting to play with another player, both parents must make the request in order for it to be validated. We do try to fulfill requests, but since this division balances teams competitively using assessments and a draft, we cannot guarantee that your request will be fulfilled.

• Practices and Games▲

  Practices typically start mid-March. The location and frequency of practices is at the discretion of each coach. Generally 2-3 practices per week leading up to the regular season and then 1-2 practices per week during the season. The regular season consists of 12 games to be played mainly at Simplot Sports Complex. Depending on the level of participation, travel may be required to play teams in Kuna, Mountain Home, Meridian, and/or Nampa. Generally no more than half the games are away from the Simplot Sports Complex, and with enough participation, sometimes EBYBS teams are not required to travel. There will be an additional 1-3 games in the end of season tournament at Simplot Sports Complex. The end of season tournament will conclude near the time the traditional school year ends.

• Seasons Offered▲

  Players in the 10U Minors division are eligible for spring, summer, and fall ball.

• Equipment required for your child to participate in this division:▲
  • Youth softball glove, typically 10.5" to 11.5", preferably of soft leather
  • Plastic molded softball cleats
  • Helmet with face mask (optional)
  • Softball bat (optional), 1.15 BPF, 2-1/4" barrel diameter, not to exceed 33"
  • Softball pants, style per the recommendation of your child's coach

  EBYBS will provide your coach with helmets, game balls, and catcher's gear for the team, along with hats and jerseys for each player.

Coaches at this level are generally experienced, but still need your help. EBYBS will give each coach a guide instructing them on how to help your child develop these skills. If you are able to assist your team's coach in his or her quest to help the team develop these skills, then please do so. This league runs entirely on volunteers so the true strength of the league comes from parents stepping up to contribute in any way they can. Not every child will be able to perform these skills at the 10U Minors level by the end of the regular season. We suggest working with your child at home to help them develop these skills so they are prepared to move on to the next division.

• Throwing and Catching▲
  • Proper throwing mechanics with their glove side in a straight line towards the target, glove foot stepping towards the target, and throwing arm properly positioned throughout the throwing motion and finishing across their body.
  • Stronger emphasis on accuracy over distance and playing catch rather than chasing balls around. Catch starting around 15 feet and increasing up to 75 feet when possible.
  • Catching a thrown ball in a ready position with glove and throwing hands up at shoulder height and facing the player throwing the ball.
  • Ability to demonstrate how to position a glove to catch a ball based on the location of the ball (above waist, at waist, below waist).
  • Understanding the purpose of, and how to, relay a throw from the outfield to the infield.
  • Starting to use proper form for 'crow hop' throwing over longer distances.
  • Emphasis on strong throws, not high arcing throws.
• Hitting▲
  • Basics of a proper batting stance. Their feet square to the plate, about shoulder width apart, knees bent, their hands around shoulder height and slightly back, elbows relaxed, and their knuckles in line.
  • Stronger emphasis on a level swing through the strike zone.
  • Demonstrating how to adjust swing location based on pitch location, rather than swing in one area regardless of where the pitch is located.
  • Starting to use their hips and turn their back foot to assist in their swing rather than just using their arms to swing. This will help hem to generate more power in their swing.
  • Able to avoid most common bad habits, including pulling their head and/or front foot away from the plate while swinging, moving the back foot while swinging, and not swinging level.
  • Understanding of basic bunt technique.
  • Starting to develop discipline at the plate, generally swinging at strikes or pitches that are close to strikes.
• Fielding▲
  • Able to demonstrate a proper stance and approach to fielding a ground ball. Their feet a little wider than shoulder width apart, with their butt down, eyes focused on the ball, and their glove and throwing hand down while slightly forward, ready to receive the ball.
  • Knowledge on the various ways to get outs during games. Fielding balls and throwing to a base, touching the base while holding the ball, or tagging a runner.
  • Starting to properly catch fly balls and pop flies.
  • Knowledge of how to identify the relays and cut-offs from the outfield and when to use them in certain base runner situations.
  • Knowledge of the responsibilities of each position on defense.
  • Understanding of backing up throws in simple situations.
  • Understanding of how to apply a proper tag to a moving runner.
• Running Bases▲
  • Able to follow the proper sequence of base running (home to first, first to second, second to third, third to home).
  • Able to run through first base on infield hits and 'round-and-look' on hits to the outfield.
  • Able to demonstrate a proper softball lead based on the pitcher's throwing motion.
  • Able to pay attention to base coaches for the possibility of running more than one base on a hit, error, or other situation.
  • Understanding on going 'half-way' on a ball in the air and to return to their base if the ball is caught.
  • Understanding of how to respond properly to the infield fly rule.
  • Able to take a secondary lead after each pitch and stealing on wild pitches and passed balls, when allowed.
  • Able to demonstrate a basic and physically safe slide into a base.

Download Official Local Rules for this Division

Download Quick Reference Rule Sheet