WAGS SELECT Program - Frequently Asked Questions

What is SELECT?
The SELECT program ("SELECT") is a program to provide additional opportunities for players who wish to improve their softball skills beyond the recreation season.  The SELECT program is for the 8U through 14U divisions only and operates alongside the recreational season.  Under the program, one or more SELECt teams are formed in these divisions and these teams have additional practices, tournaments and "friendly" games with other league's SELECT teams throughout the year.  The SELECT program is intended for more advanced players and is not intended for new or developmental players.  There is an evaluation process to make a SELECT team and not every girl who tries out for SELECT is guaranteed to make a team.


What does SELECT offer?
SELECT allows players an opportunity to practice and play at a more advanced level than a typical recreational season offering. The teams will be comprised of girls who have played softball before and have a more advanced skill set than a beginner or first year player. They will be playing against similar teams which will expose them to a more competitive brand of softball than you might experience at the recreational level. 

When does SELECT start?
SELECT may begin as soon as teams are formed.   There is a Fall SELECT program, which runs typically from September 1 through December 31.  There is also a Spring SELECT program, which runs from January 1 through early April.  Tournaments and friendly games can take place any time from September through early April.  Team practices will coincide with the tournament and friendly game schedules.

When does SELECT end?
The Fall SELECT program ends on December 31.   The Spring SELECT program ends in early April. 

What are other USA guidelines that must be followed?
The SELECT program is created and regulated by USA Softball.  Under USA Softball rules, there are different requirements for Fall and Spring SELECT.   For example, while Fall SELECT has no limitation on how often teams can participate in activities, Spring SELECT teams may only participate in one event each week.  This is because Spring SELECT coccus at the same time as the recreational season and priority is given to the recreational season.  There are other requirements regarding player eligibility. For example, in Fall SELECT, a player can play on both a travel-like team and Fall SELECT at the same time.  However, in Spring SELECT, a player is not eligible to play on Spring SELECT if they play on a travel-like team on or after January 1.

Where are the games played?
Games, also known as friendlies, may be organized at WAGS fields, with other organizations in the local community at their fields or at other locations in SoCal. The number of friendlies played throughout the Fall and Spring SELECT seasons is ultimately determined by the manager.

Where are the tournaments?
Tournaments are organized throughout Southern California. There is some travel involved for certain tournaments. Several tournaments are within the Conejo or San Fernando Valleys.
 
When are the tournaments?
The number of tournaments available will vary from year to year.  Generally, tournament will be available from October through March.  Expect to play at least 2-3 tournaments each SELECT season (i.e. Fall and Spring).  However, the number of tournaments played in either the Fall or Spring SELECT season will ultimately be determined by the team manager.  Tournaments played during the Fall SELECT season are played over a weekend.  Tournaments played during the Spring SELECT season may be played over two weekends - with pool play on the first weekend and elimination/championship play on the second weekend.
 
What is the competitive level of tournaments?

In SELECT tournaments, most recreational leagues present their more advanced players to compete. Therefore, the competitive level is higher than a typical recreational season and similar to what you may see in an All-Star tournament. 

When is practice?
Practice will be organized by each manager. The practice schedule is up to the discretion of the manager. As a reminder, for the Spring SELECT season, after January 1, SELECT teams may only participate in one event each week.   This means usually one practice per week if the team is not playing a tournament or friendly.

Where is practice?
Practices will be provided by the WAGS organization and located within the Westlake Village or Agoura Hills neighborhoods.

Who are the SELECT players?
Evaluations are conducted to select the top players of each division.  Each year, depending on the interesting the program and the qualified players and coaches available, the teams will be formed.  For example, if there are enough qualified players and coaches available, there could be two teams per division formed.  If there are enough qualified players for two teams in a dvision, only one team may be formed but it could have a large roster to accommodate both tournament and practice players. 

How does a large roster work?
If the decision is to form one team with a roster of up to 20 girls, while each girl will be on the SELECT team, not all girls may participate in every tournament. All girls on the team will be required to practice together and based on performance, skill level, and team needs the manager of the team will then choose girls to represent WAGS at SELECT Tournaments. The tournament roster may change from tournament to tournament based on the manager's discretion.  Players not selected to play in a particular tournament will not be required to travel or attend the tournament. While some players may not compete in a tournament throughout the SELECT season, these players will benefit greatly from practicing with more advanced players, learning the game strategy involved at that level and developing the fundamentals necessary to compete.

Is my daughter a candidate for the SELECT program?
SELECT is a fantastic opportunity for top level players within our organization to develop their skills at a faster pace while working on more complicated game strategies.  SELECT provides mid level players an opportunity to participate in games and practices with players who have a more advanced skill set. The opportunity to have extra reps at practices and games will help them to push their skill set to new heights.  SELECT also requires a significant time commitment.  If your daughter is new to softball or is just beginning to develop her skills, or, if your daughter participated in other activities that also have a significant time commitment (i.e. club soccer, travel basketball, etc.), SELECT may not be the best fit for your player.  While additional game play will give players better experience, there can be a level of discouragement if they are competing outside of their abilities.  

Should my daughter try out?
If your daughter loves softball, has shown a skill set above the beginner level, and she has the time available to commit to the SELECT program, she should try out. Whether your child is looking for competition above the traditional recreational experience, additional practice, to play with friends, or just cannot get enough softball, she should try out.

Will all players who evaluate make the SELECT team?
No. Based on the players who evaluate, only the top players will be selected for the team. 

Who will coach the select team?
SELECT managers are chosen by the Board of Directors.  Assistant coaches will then be chosen by the approved manager.