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Table of Contents
What is the Gold Country Senior Softball Association?In 1983 a group of players got together and formed the GCSSA. The intent was to create a recreational softball league designed for the player who was at least 50 years old. Back to Top
How good a player do you have to be to join the league? I’m interested in getting some exercise and playing softball but I’m not sure that I have the skills.Because it is a recreational league, GCSSA is designed for players of all athletic abilities. The league ranges from players who at one time played professional sports to players who had never before played slow-pitch softball. Back to Top
What exactly do you mean when you say it’s a recreational league ?Our recreational league re-drafts their entire teams at the start of each season. This is different from other slow-pitch softball leagues that feature tournament level teams. Those tournament teams remain together year after year constantly trying to upgrade their players. Since our league was organized for recreational purposes we use a player draft system to create entirely new team line-ups every season. Back to Top
I’m not 50 years old – I’m well into my 60’s. Can I still play in the league?You sure can. Each year we have first year “Rookies” sign up who are in their 60’s, and even 70’s. Players in our league range from 50 to nearly 80. Back to Top
I won’t be 50 until December. Can I play in the league this year?Yes. Our league rules say that if you turn 50 on or before December 31st you’re eligible for the current year. Back to Top
How is it different from fast pitch softball? I’m not that familiar with slow pitch softball.If you’ve seen fast pitch softball you’ve seen just how fast the pitcher delivers the ball to the plate. The batter has to make a decision to swing at the ball in the blink of an eye. It is a great game. However, slow pitch softball recognizes that no matter how good our reflexes were when we were 20 we have all slowed down over the years. Slow pitch softball requires the pitcher to deliver the ball with an arc that is not less than 6 feet nor more than 12 in height. Back to Top
Other than the pitching are there any other differences between slow-pitch softball and fast pitch softball or baseball?Sure, there are lots of differences ranging from the dimensions of the playing field to the types of equipment we use. But the first thing you’d notice in our games is the set of rules we follow to increase safety. For instance, sliding by a base runner is not allowed. Instead, we use what we call “run-through” lines at second and third base, at first base we have adjacent bases – one white for the first baseman, one orange for the base runner, and at home we have two plates – one for the catcher to protect and one for the runner to cross. We do all this to try to minimize collisions between players and reduce player injuries. We use four outfielders instead of three and we encourage the outfielders to call for the ball, even if the player is not sure of making the catch. Again this is done to minimize the chance of two outfielders colliding on a play. And no metal cleats! Back to Top
Do you have try-outs where I have to qualify for the league?We do not have "try-outs". All new players qualify for the league that meet the age requirement. However we do conduct "sign-up sessions" where team managers assess the abilities of new players. This assessment is used only for the purpose of drafting teams that are reasonably balanced. Back to Top
If I decide to sign up to join the GCSSA league what are the chances I’ll get to play?You’ll play. Everyone who signs up will be drafted by a league team at the start of the season and will play in every one of their team’s games. Back to Top
When can I come out to watch or participate in the sign-ups?We have our sign-ups every Saturday morning during the month of March, (weather permitting) between 9 am and noon. You’ll see the signs for Senior Softball at Western Gateway Park in Penn Valley, which will guide you to the ball fields. Once you’re there look for the league representatives at the sign-up table behind the backstop. Back to Top
When does the GCSSA play its games and where?Team play begins with exhibition or tune-up games during the first part of April. League play between the teams begins in mid-April and ends towards the end of August at which point each team will have played a 35 game schedule. In September the teams compete in a double elimination tournament. The league has a weeknight schedule and a Saturday game day season. Some players want only to play during the week, others prefer to play just on Saturdays while still other league members participate in both schedules. All the league games are played at Western Gateway Park in Penn Valley located just next to Highway 20. The first weekday games begin at 5:30 p.m.; the second game begins at 6:45. All teams play on Tuesday nights; half the teams will also play either Monday or Thursday evenings. Each league team thus plays two games each week – one game always on Tuesday evening and the other either Monday or Thursday. The Saturday league begins their games at 9:30 a.m. early in April with play continuing through September. Back to Top
I might not be able to play every game. Does that mean I can’t sign up?Nope, not at all. We all have personal lives and many of us still work for a living. Vacations, illness and personal matters can prevent us from playing. The league recognizes this and so we have a substitution rule that allows players from other teams who would like to play even more games per week to sign up to play in place of an absent team roster player. Back to Top
I don’t have any new softball equipment. Should I buy a new glove and bat before I come to the sign-ups?”Probably not. Equipment, particularly bats, is constantly evolving so it would probably be best to wait and talk to some of the players at the ball field to find out what they recommend. During the sign-ups you’ll take your turns at batting practice, but don’t worry there’s always enough bats available for you to borrow one. It’s probably a good idea to buy a glove before you come out if you want to play in some practice games. Back to Top
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