12U Majors is a division offered in the spring season for girls ages 10 to 12 (view age chart for girls). The 12U Majors division is played at a noticeably higher skill level and faster pace than the 10U Minors division. Pitching is more accurate and faster than in 10U Minors and the skill level of players is less varied. The field size is of standard 60' base paths with a 43' pitching distance. There are no significant limitations to game play in this division.

In 12U Majors, players will be able to demonstrate their skills and knowledge learned from previous seasons of EBYBS and continue to fine tune those skills with higher level practices and fast paced games. Additional emphasis will be placed on all baseball rules, as well as offensive and defensive strategy in baseball. 12U Majors is considered a competitive division. Scores and standings will be kept 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 12U Majors coach. 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. 12U Majors coaches will select from players ages 10 to 12. Players that are league age 11 or 12 will have first priority to 12U Majors teams and will not play in the 10U Minors division. Players that are league age 10 will have the opportunity to skip their second year of 10U Minors to play up to 12U Majors by attending assessments with the league age 11 and 12 group (please make an official request to the league via email). If your child attempts to play up, but is not drafted by a 12U Majors coach, then they will automatically be placed on a 10U Minors 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 12-15 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 12U Majors division are eligible for spring, summer, and fall ball.

• Equipment required for your child to participate in this division:▲
  • Baseball glove, typically around 12" (depends on age and size of child), soft leather
  • Position specific softball glove (optional), ie, first base, catcher, outfield
  • 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 12U Majors 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.
  • Throws consistently hitting the receiver around the chest area.
  • Strong emphasis on accuracy over distance and playing catch rather than chasing balls around. Catch starting at around 15 feet and increasing up to over 100 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.
  • Able to position their glove to catch a ball based on the location of the ball (above waist, at waist, below waist).
  • Properly demonstrating understanding of relays and cut-offs from the outfield to the infield.
  • Demonstrating the correct form for 'crow hop' throwing over longer distances.
  • Strong throws are made from each position, not high arcing throws.
• Hitting▲
  • Demonstrating 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.
  • Demonstrating a strong level swing through the strike zone.
  • Demonstrating ability to adjust swing location based on pitch location, rather than swing in one area regardless of where the pitch is located.
  • Demonstrating use of their hips to generate power in their swing rather than just using their arms to swing.
  • Able to avoid 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.
  • Able to execute a bunt properly.
  • Demonstrating discipline at the plate, generally swinging at strikes or pitches close to strikes.
  • Demonstrating proper slap-hitting techniques.
• 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 of all the ways to get outs during games. Fielding balls and throwing to a base, touching the base while holding the ball, or tagging a runner.
  • Demonstrating how to properly catch fly balls and pop flies.
  • Able 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.
  • Knowledge and ability to back up throws in most situations from most positions.
  • Able to apply a proper tag to a moving runner.
• Running Bases▲
  • Able to follow the proper sequence of base running and how to round the bases quickly (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 and follows their guidance in advancing from base to base.
  • Demonstrating proper tagging up or when to go 'half-way' on a balls in the air.
  • Successfully avoiding double plays on pop flies and responding properly to the infield fly rule.
  • Demonstrating a secondary lead after each pitch and stealing on wild pitches and passed balls from each base.
  • Able to slide safely into each base.

Download Official Local Rules for this Division

Download Quick Reference Rule Sheet