Softball Information, Operating Rules & Transfer Policy
Northeast Zone Softball offers programs for boys and girls from 4 to 19 years old. We offer grassroots softball for children of all skill levels and more competitive softball through the Edmonton Warriors Athletic Club.
How Long Does the Season Run?
The season starts at the beginning of May – depending on the weather and goes to the end of June. Teams from U11 to U17 conclude their season with the GEMSA City Finals in June. Teams can choose to go on to Softball Alberta Provincial Championship play in July.
What Equipment is Required?
U5, U7 & U9 players require a softball glove and running shoes. At U5 we supply Nerf Equipment so no helmets are required. At U7 and U9 helmets are required and each player should have their own. Players should wear sweat pants, leggings or softball pants (No jeans). All other equipment is supplied.
U11 & up players require a softball glove, batting helmet, fielders mask, uniform softball pants and running shoes or softball cleats (no metal cleats are allowed). All other equipment is supplied.
What Time Are the Games?
Games start at 6:30 pm for U5, U7, U9 and U11. Games start at 7:00 pm for U13 & up.
How Long Are the Games?
The games vary in length depending on age category, but typically range from 45 minutes at the U5 level, 60 minutes at the U7 level, 75 minutes and the U9 level then up to 2.5 hours at the higher levels.
Here are the specific per game time limits for each age category:
- U11 / U13 – No new inning starts after 90 minutes of play
- U15 / U17 – No new inning starts after 120 minutes of play
- Super League (A Teams) – No new innings starts after 120 minutes of play
Where Will Games be Played?
U5, U7 and U9 will play at various diamonds in northeast Edmonton.
U11 & up will play all over the greater Edmonton area including St. Albert, Beaumont, Sherwood Park and surrounding areas.
We are members in good standing with Greater Edmonton Minor Softball Association, Softball Alberta and Softball Canada.
Northeast Zone Softballs’ focus is on fun, fair play and sportsmanship.
U5 is for 4 year old girls and boys and is an introduction to the game. Games are played once a week on Thursday evenings. Nerf equipment is used. At this level players learn the basics of the game – running the bases, throwing and catching the ball, hitting and basic rules of the game.
U7 is for 5 & 6 year old boys and girls. Teams are mixed and games are played on Tuesdays and Thursdays with some occasional practices on other days. Players hit off a batting T &/or a hand operated pitching machine.
U9 is for 7 & 8 year old boys and girls. Once again teams are mixed and skill development is the emphasis. At this level pitching is with the hand operated machine. Early in the season some hitting is off the T. Games are played on Mondays and Wednesdays with practices on other days.
At U5, U7 & U9, all teams participate in the two Rally Cap Skill Development days and the Machine Pitch Tournament. U7 & U9 can also participate in the MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Competition. There is no extra charge for any of these events. At the tournament all players will receive a participation medal and goodies. They can also compete for some extra awards that are presented to each team. At all events a free hotdog lunch is provided to all participants.
U11 program is for 9 & 10 year olds and is the category where players start to pitch. Teams are still mixed with both boys and girls on each team. Teams play in the citywide softball program governed by GEMSA. Games are played on Tuesdays and Thursdays with practices on other days of the week.
Play continues in leagues under the governance of GEMSA in the U13, U15 & U17 categories. U13 and U17 play Mondays and Wednesdays and U15 play on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Teams practice on other than game nights. All categories from U11 to U17 play in citywide leagues against teams from outside of Northeast Zone.
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Softball Operating Rules
For NEZ Softball Operating Rules Click: Softball Operating Rules
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Transfer Policy
Please refer to the Softball Alberta Player Transfer Policy. NEZ Softball will review transfer requests March 15 & after of the current playing year. Decisions will be made within seven days of receiving.
Transfers will only be accepted on or after the 15th of March for the upcoming season. Any transfers sent in prior to this date will be discarded and will need to be sent in again on or after March 15th.
Transfer requests for NEZ players can be emailed to nezsports@gmail.com
***Exceptions on a case by case basis will be up to the discretion of the board.