NEW TO VYSA?

Registration

Registration opening and closing dates will be announced on the Vidor Youth Softball Association (VYSA) Facebook page.

If you are new to VYSA, you must create an account through the registration section below or through the registration link provided during the open registration period.

If this is your player's first season with VYSA and we do not already have a birth certificate on file, a clear and legible photo or scan of the birth certificate must be emailed to vidorysa@gmail.com as soon as possible to complete the registration process.

Player Evaluations & Team Placement

All new players, as well as returning players who are not currently on a core team, will be required to attend tryouts.

Following tryouts, a player draft will be conducted to determine team placement. Parents will be contacted by their player's head coach the following week with details regarding the team meeting.

Tryout dates, times, and additional information will be posted on the VYSA Facebook page.

Team Meetings & Communication

Once teams have been formed, each team will hold a preseason meeting. This meeting gives families an opportunity to meet their player's coach and learn about:

• Team expectations
• Practice schedules
• Tournament schedules
• Communication methods
• Fundraising requirements
• Volunteer opportunities
• League and team policies

The season schedule is determined at the district meeting. Coaches will share schedules, tournament information, and other important dates with their teams as information becomes available.

Season Timelines

Spring Season

• Practices typically begin in early February.
• Tournament play generally starts in mid-February.
• The season continues through late May.

Fall Season

• Practices typically begin in late August or early September.
• Tournament play generally begins in late September.
• The season continues through late October or early November.

Practices & Scheduling

Most teams aim to hold two practices per week.

Coaches submit practice requests each Sunday evening and generally receive finalized field schedules shortly thereafter. Once practice schedules are received from VYSA, coaches will communicate practice times and locations to their families.

Season Format

Spring Season

The Spring season consists primarily of:

• Double-elimination weekend tournaments
• Weeknight league games

Tournament schedules will be distributed by each team's coaching staff as they become available.

Fall Season

The Fall season typically consists of:

• Four (4) round-robin weekend tournaments with a three-game guarantee
• Two (2) double-elimination weekend tournaments

There is no All-Star season following the Fall season.

Tournament Scheduling

Larger tournaments may occasionally require games on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These schedules are determined by the host organization and cannot be adjusted by VYSA.

Families should be prepared for games on any of these days, as tournament schedules may change due to weather, field conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Travel & Tournament Fees

Players should expect to travel for both league and tournament play. Common locations include:

• Vidor - Orange - Bridge City - Port Neches - Nederland - Lumberton - Kirbyville - Jasper - Winnie

Tournament entry fees are set by the district and are not included in registration fees. These fees are the responsibility of each team and are typically collected by coaches prior to each tournament.

Players generally contribute approximately $12-$22 per tournament, depending on team roster size and tournament costs.

Fundraising & Volunteer Requirements

Fall Season

All players will be asked to participate in a voluntary team fundraiser. Fundraiser goals, expectations, and details will be discussed during the team meeting.

Parents may also be asked to assist with concession stand operations throughout the season.

Spring Season

All players will be asked to participate in a team fundraiser. Fundraiser goals, expectations, and details will be discussed during the team meeting.

Participation in fundraising activities and concession stand duties is an important part of supporting the league and is required for a player to be considered for the VYSA All-Star Program.

Facility Workdays & Volunteer Opportunities

The VYSA Board periodically schedules volunteer workdays to help maintain the ballpark and complete facility improvement projects. Parent participation is always appreciated.

Information regarding workdays will be communicated through the VYSA Facebook page and other league communication channels.

Additionally, a field preparation work evening is typically held on the Friday before each hosted tournament. Any assistance families can provide is greatly appreciated and helps ensure a successful experience for all players and families.

All-Star Program (Spring Season Only)

At the conclusion of the Spring season, eligible players may be considered for selection to a VYSA All-Star team.

Selection is based on multiple factors, including:

• Player eligibility and performance
• Participation in team fundraising efforts
• Fulfillment of concession stand responsibilities
• Good standing with team and league commitments

Players and families should understand that All-Star participation requires an additional commitment of time, travel, and effort beyond the regular season.

Additional information regarding eligibility requirements, expectations, schedules, and financial responsibilities will be provided during the Spring season.