Softball
As of 2026, the Triton softball program includes Newbury, Byfield, Rowley, and Salisbury and is now part of the USA-Essex Softball League which is separate and distinct from the baseball program that participates in the local intertown league.
Under USA Softball guidelines, the league is an age-based league with three divisions: 10U, 12U, and 14U. Parents will need to register their player(s) on the USA Softball website (instructions will be shared) to ensure age eligibility in addition to our BNBSL website.
We also offer an Instructional 8U softball team that is not part of USA Softball. In addition to practices, we will coordinate weekly games with local towns for this age level. Kindergarteners should continue to register for Tee Ball, and 1st and 2nd graders may choose to play on the Instructional team or Single A/Double A baseball. Please contact our softball coordinator (softball@bnbsl.org) if you have questions about the different programs and which is best for your child.
Ages
What aged players are appropriate for this program?
A player’s age for the 2026 season is determined by how old they are on September 1, 2025. 10U (born September 2014 to August 2016), 12U (born September 2012 to August 2014), and 14U (born September 2010 to August 2012). Younger players may “play up” to an older division (e.g., a 10U-aged player could play 12U), but they cannot “play down.” We will determine player eligibility and teams at evaluations.
When
What time of the year does this program run?
Pre-season begins in March with indoor practices at the Governor's Academy Field House on Sundays and moves to outdoor practices in April. Regular season games begin at the end of April and run through mid-June.
Where
Where are practices and games typically held?
Instructional, 10U and 12U: Practices and home games are held at the Newbury Elementary School Softball field or Rowley/Salisbury softball fields.
14U: Practices and home games are held at the Triton JV Softball Fields.
For all levels, away games are scheduled at locally participating towns through USA Softball.
Practices
When are practices, and how often are they?
March: Teams may practice on Sundays at Governor's Academy Field House in March. A schedule will be announced.
Practices are held outside two days a week after 5 p.m., typically for an hour and a half. Once games begin, practices are reduced.
In addition to regular practices, we try to offer developmental clinics prior to the season.
Games
How many games will they play? What days of the week?
All game schedules are coordinated through USA Softball.
Instructional: 1 game a week on Sundays although this is subject to change as we coordinate the 2026 season.
10U: Teams will play 10-12 games over the course of the season during weekdays.
12U and 14U: Teams will play 10-12 games over the course of the season during weekdays. These levels are eligible for additional playoff games after the regular season.
Uniforms and Equipment
Are full uniforms provided, or are they purchased separately?
Players at all levels will receive a team jersey and socks, which should be worn to each game. Players are responsible for their pants.
Players should bring their own appropriate-sized glove, bat, cleats, and batting helmet with a face guard. Each team has extra helmets and bats if needed. Fielding masks are optional but highly recommended for infielders and a must for pitchers.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between the divisions?
Instructional: Players may hit off a tee or off coach pitching. Each team hits through the entire batting order before switching to defense. No score is officially kept.
10U: Pitchers pitch from a 35-foot pitching distance. There are no walks (after 4 balls, the count returns to 3 balls, and a coach comes in to pitch until the batter strikes out or puts the ball into play. Coaches cannot field the ball, and the pitcher returns for the next batter). Limited stealing of third and home is allowed (baserunner may leave when the ball crosses the plate).
12U: Players do all the pitching, and the pitching distance increases to 40 feet. Bunting and stealing are allowed (baserunner may leave when the ball crosses the plate). The run on a dropped third strike rule and the infield fly rule are both in effect.
14U: Pitchers pitch from a 43-foot pitching distance. Competitive play includes full stealing of second, third, and home (baserunners may leave their base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand).
I want to buy the right size softball for my player to practice with at home; what size should I buy?
Instructional: 11” softie training balls
10U: 11" fast-pitch softballs
12U and 14U: 12" fast-pitch softballs
2026 SOFTBALL
2026 Softball Registration