Click here to view Fall 2011 Game Results.
Mandarin Sports Association (MSA) offers two softball seasons each year. In spring 2011 MAA merged their softball program with MSA to form one stronger organization playing as MSA. All of our practices and home games are played at the new Palmetto Leaves facility. MSA maintains this beautiful four-field complex and operates as one of the premier softball programs in northeast Florida. Our Spring Ball registration begins in January each year, and Fall Ball registration begins in August. You can register either online or in-person at Albert's Field or Palmetto Leaves Park.
Practices are typically two to three days a week, for one and a half to two hours. In the Spring, practices start first week in February. Spring games begin the first week in March and run through the end of May. In the Fall, practices start the first week in September. Fall games start the last week in September and end the week before Thanksgiving. Teams play a minimum of 14 games in the Spring and 12 games in the Fall. There are no Saturday games held in the Fall season. All MSA age groups play within a coalition with nearby associations and will travel to other parks to play some of their games.
Following the spring season, all star tournament teams are formulated in the 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16U age divisions where teams can participate in invitational tournaments leading to the district, state, and southeast regional tournaments. Teams in the 12U and 16U age divisions can advance to the Babe Ruth World Series.
MSA follows the Babe Ruth Softball rules for all age divisions. MSA provides the following divisions in which children can play:
Division |
Ages |
Field Size |
Game Time |
Details |
6U T-Ball |
4-6 |
Mound: 35’ |
6 Innings |
A program recommended for 4, 5, and 6 year olds to teach the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. The coach pitches to the batter and after five pitches they are allowed to hit off a batting tee. There are no strikeouts at this age group. The primary goal is to begin to instruct young players in the fundamentals of softball in a supportive team environment. |
8U Pitching Machine |
7-8 |
Mound: 35’ |
6 Innings |
The pitching machine league designed for 7 and 8 year olds. Each batter has up to five pitches to hit a fair ball off of a Louisville Slugger catapult pitching machine. By controlling pitches with a pitching machine, there is more action at the plate and in the field. The pitching machine league is an excellent way to continue teaching the fundamentals of the game and building player confidence. |
10U Kid Pitch |
9-10 |
Mound: 35’ |
6 Innings |
The 10U division is designed for 9 and 10 year olds. The players are introduced to live pitching at this level. Players are allowed to steal multiple bases including home, but not lead off. Offensively the bunt is allowed in this division. Prior to a pre-established date in both Spring and Fall seasons, no walks are allowed in this age division. After four balls, a coach from the offensive team pitches until a fair ball is hit or three strikes occur. After the pre-established date, standard Babe Ruth softball rules apply. Stealing is allowed after the release of the pitch. Among teammates of their own age and experience level, players continue building and refining their fundamental skills while they begin to understand game. |
12U |
11-12 |
Mound: 40’ |
6 Innings |
In this age division pitchers are more experienced, thus the no walk rule does not apply. Stealing is allowed after the release of the pitch. This age division is often an avenue to prepare girls for middle school softball. However, beginners are welcome and can learn and improve their skills by competing with and against more experienced players. |
14U and 16U |
13-16 |
Mound: 43’ |
7 Innings |
This division provides a competitive softball environment for girls who do not play on their middle school or high school teams as well as an opportunity for girls to supplement their school ball experiences. These age groups are typically combined during the rec ball season but separate all star teams are formed for 14U and 16U age groups. These age groups fall under the rules of the 16U Babe Ruth age division. |
All players are required to go through a player evaluation process in order to create a better distribution of talent through the draft process. (Player evaluations are not required for the 6U age group). Team selections are made using a draft process based on the player evaluation scores. All children will be placed on a team.
