Playing in the League
How do I play?
If you are on a team but not yet registered, please get in touch with your Coach or Team Manager. They will send you an invite where you can log in and pay your registration fee. If you are not on a team, please email membership@softballaustin.org
How are League announcements handled, such as rainouts/cancellations/etc?
We communicate with players and coaches through several means. Our primary means is email. We also regularly update our official Softball Austin Facebook page.
What kind of bat can I use?
The League follows USA Softball rules, meaning all bats must be USA Softball Certified. Please see USA Softball’s article on Certified Bats. Your team’s coach can also provide guidance on the approved type of bat.
What equipment do I need to play?
- Uniform: Your team will provide or make a uniform (at minimum, a team jersey) available for purchase.
- Glove: You will need your own glove, though some teams and players have extra gloves to lend to new players.
- Bat: Players generally share bats, though you may wish to purchase your own eventually.
- Shoes: Cleats or turf shoes are recommended for additional traction on playing surfaces. Metal cleats are not allowed for safety reasons.
- Batting Gloves: These are recommended but not required.
Where are games played?
All Softball Austin games are held at Krieg Softball Complex, 515 S. Pleasant Valley Road in Austin. The fields are conveniently located about seven minutes from downtown Austin. For detailed information about individual field locations and parking, visit the Krieg Softball Complex field map.
When are games played?
Softball Austin hosts both spring (February – June) and fall (September—November) seasons. Games are played on Sundays, typically between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (with exceptions). Please visit the schedule page for the most current information. Teams usually play two games each Sunday.
What are the rules for Softball Austin’s games?
Softball Austin’s games follow USA Softball rules, the rules of the two national leagues that govern our organization, NAGAAA and ASANA, and the Softball Austin Bylaws (IOG).
About the League
Why do we need our own league?
Softball Austin helps build a stronger, more cohesive LGBTQ+ community. Players and fans can be themselves in a fun, safe environment.
Who runs the league?
An elected board of directors, along with dozens of volunteers, works with each team’s coaches and managers to operate the league. The current Board membership can be found on the Board of Directors page.
Who’s eligible to play in the league?
Anyone who joins the league signs a waiver form, and pays a player fee is eligible to participate. Player fees help administer the league and pay for field rentals, game balls, umpires, website management, and social events. Every player must be a Softball Austin member before participating in a game. These closed roster rules do not allow teams to pick up players from the bleachers or another team. Teams are encouraged to register enough players to avoid forfeiting games due to lack of participation.
Is there a place for me in Softball Austin?
Absolutely. This is an inclusive, affirming, “open” league welcoming all community members. Softball Austin has five divisions to accommodate players of all skill levels. We offer an Open Division (gender-inclusive) and a Women’s Division, and women may play in both divisions.
How much does it cost to register?
Team and player registration fees are announced at the beginning of each season. Fees for the Spring 2023 were $425 for teams and $50 for players. Please note that some teams charge players a separate fee to help offset their registration costs and practice field rentals. Ask your Coach or Team Manager for details.
What is NAGAAA (Open Division)?
Softball Austin is a member of the iPride Softball. Created in 1977, iPride Softball has 54 member cities in the United States and Canada. Teams representing these leagues participate in the iPride Softball World Series (GSWS), hosted yearly in a different member city.
What is ASANA (Women’s Division)?
Softball Austin is a member of the Amateur Sports Alliance of North America (ASANA). Created in 2007, ASANA currently has 28 women’s division softball leagues in the United States and Canada. Teams representing these leagues participate in the ASANA Softball World Series (SWS), hosted yearly in a different member city.
Who sponsors Softball Austin?
Softball Austin enjoys broad support from the Central Texas community. If you are interested in sponsoring Softball Austin, please email commissioner@softballaustin.org.