Golden Girls Softball Assoc.
PO Box 88
Oakton, VA 22124
2008 Playing Season
DEAR PROSPECTIVE GOLDEN GIRL:
Thank you for your interest in the Golden Girls Softball Association. Please take a minute or two to read this letter before completing your application.
BACKGROUND, PHILOSOPHY AND ORGANIZATION
Golden Girls was formed in 1989 to field a senior women’s slow pitch softball team to play in a tournament in Michigan. It seemed like such a good idea that the organization was continued and expanded to include a league of our own. The primary goal of the organization became to promote and encourage participation in sports, especially slow pitch softball, for women aged 40 and over in the National Capital Area.
We encourage players of all abilities and experience levels to participate. We have an outdoor program of intramural games in the spring and fall and an indoor winter program of exercise, skill drills and games. The winter program, beginning in January, is especially recommended for new or inexperienced players.
Golden Girls is run by a Board of Directors who meet approximately monthly. The meetings are announced in the newsletter and all members are invited to attend. The Bylaws and Rules and Regulations are available for review. Each year we have an election meeting in the fall and a breakfast meeting in the spring. As a member, you will receive a cap (first year only), a team T-shirt, a membership directory and the approximately monthly newsletter as well as the chance to participate in outdoor and indoor programs. Annual dues are $40.00 for the entire year, beginning in January, or $20 after the conclusion of the spring season. For $15.00 a year you may be a non voting, non playing affiliate and receive the directory and newsletters and attend the social events.
If you have any questions, suggestions, complaints or compliments about the program after you become a Golden Girl, we want to hear from you. Please talk to your team manager, the at-large board members (Mary Adams, Beth Hersey, Bettie Pell) or the board itself. We want you to be happy.
LEAGUE PLAY
League games are played primarily on fields in Vienna. Our games are relatively informal; e.g., no paid umpires, all team members present are included in the batting order and will play at least half of each game defensively. We play according to the Amateur Softball Association of America slow pitch softball rules as modified for seniors and by local custom to make play as safe and enjoyable as possible. Playing rules are available in the spring prior to play.
In 2007 we had four teams in our league. Each year, league members are rated by skill level and their attendance is tracked. Teams are formed by a committee of people who make use of this information in order to achieve as much parity as possible, with a different mix of personnel each year. Games are played on one weekday evening (Wednesdays) and on Saturday mornings. You may elect to play both days, or only one if that better fits your schedule.
Whereas, at one time, we had a special team for new players and a separate practice rather than the Wednesday game, in the past few years there have not been enough women interested in being on that team to make it worthwhile. Therefore, this year we are going to try to have special skill drills for a half hour before each game. Inexperienced players will be integrated into the regular teams, where they will be coached and encouraged by their teammates. So if you’re new to the game or just rusty, don’t let that stop you. You’ll be made welcome and your skills will improve weekly.
TOURNAMENT TEAM PLAY
Golden Girls tournament teams are nationally known and have participated in masters and senior softball tournaments (including the Senior Olympics) throughout the U. S. and Canada. We have fielded teams in the 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 age brackets. Tournament team activities, decisions and costs are separate from the Golden Girls league business. Golden Girls dues are not used for the tournament teams and all expenses (fees, rooms, transportation, etc.) are the responsibility of the players (augmented by any fund raisers the team may conduct or external donations acquired.) To be eligible for tournament play, you must be a full dues-paying member of Golden Girls and meet the requirements of the specific tournament and team. Tryouts may be held. Decisions as to who plays on which team, what position and how much they will play are made by the tournament team(s) managers and coaches.
We hope that the above gives you a good idea of what our organization is about. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We hope that you join us and find new friends, challenge and enjoyment.
Donna Packard
Membership Chairman
(703) 938-0387 oldeepee@juno.com