FAQs

Member Questions

New Member FAQ's
Current Member FAQ's

New and Prospective Member Questions

What is NVSS all about?

How is NVSS unique?

How do I apply for membership?

May Women play in NVSS?

What are the demographics of the NVSS membership?

I haven’t played for several years; will I be able to participate?

What is the assessment process used for?

What skills must be demonstrated during the new member assessment?

What equipment do I need to have for the assessment?

Why is NVSS organized into three conferences?

What equipment will I need to buy to play?

Are there bats that are not allowed?

May I join NVSS and continue to work?

What are the playing days and hours?

What are the start/stop dates of the season?

Are there accommodations in the rules for the physical limitations of seniors?

Are there off-season training/conditioning programs available?

What if I am able to play only 1 day per week?

I would like to play; however, I am subject to being unavailable on short notice.

How does NVSS keep the fees so low?

What is NVSS all about?

This was best answered by one of our past presidents in SLOW PITCH, our newsletter, as follows: “Management believes it’s a collection of mature senior women and men for whom softball is a means to remain active, play ball at a competitive but not cutthroat level and build some new friendships along the way. Rules are made to ensure that all players and teams are treated fairly and equitably.” Our motto is “You don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing”

How is NVSS unique?

There are several factors that guide us that we believe makes us unique. Some of the more important are:

· We form new teams each year, which offers the opportunity to meet and play with new people and make new friendships.

· We offer three skill levels of play, which gives each of us the opportunity to compete and contribute at our own level.

· We follow ASA rules, which ensures all players and teams are treated fairly and equally.

· We do our own umpiring, which not only keeps costs down, but places emphasis and importance on fair play.

· We have two important documents, the NVSS Creed and the Code of Conduct, which can be found under the General Info tab on our website (www.nvss.org). These are not just words to us – we really try to live up to them.

How do I apply for membership?

Applications and instructions for submitting them can be found on the NVSS website (www.nvss.org). Questions can be answered by contacting the membership chairman, using the “contact us” tab on the website.

May Women play in NVSS?

Absolutely, in 2008 approximately 6% of our players were women, and we are very interested in increasing that participation in the future.

What are the demographics of the NVSS membership?

The average age of our membership is 66.1 years, ranging from 10 players under 50 years and 15 players over 80 years. Our oldest active player recently celebrated his 90^th birthday. 72% of our players have played less than 10 years in NVSS, and 4% over 20 years.

I haven’t played for several years; will I be able to participate?

This is a comment we commonly hear from new players. The answer is yes. You will find that the old skills will return very quickly with regular play (although nothing is done quite as fast or as easy as we remember doing it years ago). It is important; however, to concentrate on conditioning, particularly stretching and strength building for softball activity. First year players are very prone to minor injuries, such as pulled muscles and sprains. NVSS offers pre-season conditioning training to all registered members, beginning in mid February each year.

What is the assessment process used for?

The assessment is used for two purposes: (1) It ensures that each player possesses a very minimal level of softball fundamentals, and (2) It allows an evaluation of skill level of each player to make the best placement in one of the three conferences, which are differentiated by skill.

What skills must be demonstrated during the new member assessment?

Each new member will be assessed on batting, fielding both ground and fly balls, and base running The requirements are to throw a ball over 50 feet in the air, to catch a ball thrown from 65 feet away, to hit a pitched ball 3 out of 5 swings, hit a ball out of the infield, run to first base in ten seconds or less, and play at least one defensive position effectively.

What equipment do I need to have for the assessment?

All that is required for the assessment is a glove and bat. However, if you do not own these items, there will be equipment available to borrow for the assessment. If you haven’t played in several years, it is good to see what is new in the equipment area, particularly bats, before making that investment.

Why is NVSS organized into three conferences?

The conferences are set up to provide a similar range of skill level and physical capabilities of the players in each conference. Generally, the physical capabilities and skills are greater in the National Conference, then the American, and then the Continental. While they do tend to reflect an age difference also, there is not an age requirement to play in any of the conferences. Because players in each conference reflect similar skills and capabilities, a spirit of competition flourishes in each. With three conferences differentiated by skill level, NVSS offers a place for everyone where you will feel comfortable playing.

What equipment will I need to buy to play?

Players are required to provide their own bat, glove, and shoes. If you do not already own equipment, it is recommended you talk with some experienced players before making the investment.

Are there bats that are not allowed?

Yes, NVSS follows standards set by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). The ASA has testing capabilities that measure the bats to ensure they meet the standards established. The list of approved bats can be found on the ASA website (http://www.softball.org), and a link to that site can be found on the NVSS website (www.nvss.org). Since bats can involve a significant investment, it is recommended that you not make that purchase until you have had an opportunity to talk with members and try out various bats.

May I join NVSS and continue to work?

Yes. Several NVSS members continue to work. It does; however, require a degree of cooperation by your employer, as we do ask that you be able to maintain the commitment you indicated when joining.

What are the playing days and hours?

Regular season games are played on Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting at 9:30 AM and ending, usually by 12:30 PM.

What are the start/stop dates of the season?

The spring/summer season begins in mid April and ends with a season tournament in early August. The fall season begins the day after Labor Day in September, and ends with a tournament by the end of October.

Are there accommodations in the rules for the physical limitations of seniors?

Yes, we follow ASA senior men’s slow pitch softball rules that are in place to increase the safety of players. Examples are:

· We use 11 players on defense, with four outfielders and a short fielder playing behind second base.

· We use a scoring plate at home plate, used by the runner to decrease the chance for runner/catcher contact.

· We use a runners bag at first base to decrease the chance of collision.

· Substitute runners are allowed after a batter reaches 1st base.

Are there off-season training/conditioning programs available?

Yes. NVSS sponsors an indoor winter workout program at the Fairfax Sportsplex in Springfield from November to early April, which includes exercising, throwing, batting, and fielding practice. There is a charge for registered NVSS members for this program. Sessions are held Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, from 9:30 to 11:30am and Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Additionally, beginning in mid-February and continuing to just prior to the start of the season in April, there is a two day per week exercise program Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30am to 12:30am offered free to registered NVSS members that emphasizes stretching, muscle strengthening, and running. As the spring weather improves, outdoor batting practice is available after each exercise session, as well. Additional information is under the Physical Conditioning tab on this web site.

What if I am able to play only 1 day per week?

Players are allowed to play 1 day per week. We ask that you indicate that fact on your registration form, so team assignments can be made accordingly to ensure balance of less than full time players across the teams.

I would like to play; however, I am subject to being unavailable on short notice.

We still have a place for you. Each of the conferences has a group of “pool” players, which consists of individuals who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to commit to a team on a regular basis. When teams fall short of players on a particular day due to injuries or absences, they draw on the pool for additional players to fill out their roster for that day. This allows us to accommodate players that have an unpredictable schedule, and we welcome you.

How does NVSS keep the fees so low?

NVSS very successfully uses the talents and willing participation by many members to staff the large number of positions that are required to run the organization efficiently and effectively. One large expense that is avoided by NVSS is that of umpiring. We umpire our own games, using players from each of the teams. This works successfully because of the players support of the practice, the training we offer to all members, the positive attitude of players during the games, and the mentoring of umpires by managers and other umpires.

Current Member Questions

How are team rosters developed?

What if I don’t want to play for a certain manager or with a certain player?

What if I want to car pool with another player?

How is the number of games per season decided?

How does NVSS determine which bats are allowed for use?

What happens when a player is late to a game?

How are new rules changes established and implemented?

Why do we play two 7-inning games per day rather than one 9-inning game?

Why do we start games at 9:30 AM rather than 10:00 AM when traffic is less?

Why do fees differ for Fairfax County residents and non-residents?

What is the policy and procedure for canceling games due to wet fields?

What qualities are considered important for selecting team managers?

May I use another player’s bat?

How are uniforms and equipment selected and purchased?

How are the game schedules developed?

What is the NVSS Hall of Honor?

Does NVSS use the 11" sofball when pitching to women players?

What is the average age of players in each of the conferences?

What is the distribution of players by number of years played in NVSS?

How are team rosters developed?

Team assignments are made by a committee of experienced players, assisted by a computer program that uses prior year statistics and manager assessments of player ability in the categories of hitting, slugging, fielding, running speed and skill, and position assignment. Each team normally has between 13 and 15 players. The goal is to balance each of the teams as closely as possible in both offense and defense.

What if I don’t want to play for a certain manager or with a certain player?

You should indicate such desires on your registration form at the beginning of the year. Such requests will be made available to the team assignment committee. While we can’t guarantee satisfaction of every request, every effort will be made to honor your desire.

What if I want to car pool with another player?

Both players should indicate the desire to car pool on their registration forms, and the information will be made available to the team assignment committee. Every effort will be made to place both players on the same team, considering factors such as team balance, position assignment, etc.

How is the number of games per season decided?

It is set by the Board of Directors based on the starting and ending dates of the season, and has to take into account several factors such as: when Fairfax County makes the fields available, when the Esprit de Corps and Homeland Security tournaments will occur, on what day the 4^th of July will occur, when the end of season tournaments will occur, and any other considerations that may arise.

How does NVSS determine which bats are allowed for use?

NVSS follows standards set by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). The ASA has testing capabilities that measure the bats to ensure they meet the standards established. The list of approved bats can be found on the ASA website (http://www.softball.org), and a link to that site can be found on the NVSS website (www.nvss.org).

What happens when a player is late to a game?

The player is added to the end of the batting order. However, it must be remembered that team managers put a lot of effort in planning for a game, and knowing which players will be there is important to that planning. Lineups are made considering position rotations, batting sequence, substitute runner requirements, etc. When a player is late, these plans must be changed at the last minute, causing disruption to the game plan, and inconvenience to the entire team. When unforeseen circumstances arise, it is important to notify the manager as soon as you know you will be late or not be present for the game.

How are new rules changes established and implemented?

Generally, the rules committee and the board of directors review proposed rule changes during the winter months. Any approved changes are then incorporated into the NVSS Rules and Regulations books distributed to all players at the beginning of the spring season. Team managers are also provided a new ASA rule book.

Why do we play two 7-inning games per day rather than one 9-inning game?

An official softball game is seven innings long, and our allotted playing time of three hours is ample for two games. Moreover, it is not unusual for a team to build a large lead in the early innings of a game that would be difficult to overcome. Playing a second game gives a fresh start, and another chance to win. A large percentage of our play dates end in splits.

Why do we start games at 9:30 AM rather than 10:00 AM when traffic is less?

Several years ago, in response to numerous requests to start at 10 AM, we began all of our fall season games at 10 AM to determine whether there would be advantages. At the conclusion of the season, the consensus among the players was that traffic was not much different at the later start time, and that it was a disadvantage for those with other commitments in the afternoons. The Board was also concerned that a later start time in the summer would result in a larger portion of the games being played in the heat of the day. Accordingly, we decided to stay with the 9:30 start time.

Why do fees differ for Fairfax County residents and non-residents?

NVSS pays fees to Fairfax County for each player registered to play. Those fees are higher for non-county residents, and that higher charge is passed on to players from other counties in the form of a higher membership fee.

What is the policy and procedure for canceling games due to wet fields?

The First Vice-President makes the decision in conjunction with on-site assessments of field conditions. Although on occasion conditions may vary at fields across the county, our policy is to cancel all or none of the games. We have limited flexibility to transfer one or two game sites. The procedure for canceling is as follows: Those making the on-site assessments relay them to the 1^st VP by about 6 AM. If the decision is to cancel, the 1^st VP initiates a phone tree with the managers in all three conferences. The managers, in turn, initiate their team phone tree, with those living farthest away usually called first. By 7 AM everyone has been called. If the decision is to play, no action is taken. This year, decisions to cancel games will also be posted on the NVSS website as soon as the decision to cancel is made.

What qualities are considered important for selecting team managers?

NVSS places a great deal of responsibility on the team managers so a variety of considerations are taken into account: Knowledge of the game and of the players in the prospective manager’s conference; some demonstrated organizational skills; a commitment to uphold the NVSS creed and enforce the Code of Conduct. This requires an ability to resolve disputes in the spirit of fair play, and willingness to discipline players—in consultation with the 1^st VP-- on those rare occasions when behavior is in conflict with the code of conduct. All those expressing a willingness to manage are vetted with the NVSS Board, which approves the selections in an “all things considered” decision.

May I use another player’s bat?

We strongly encourage all players to obtain their own bat; although, because of the expense involved, it is encouraged that you try out other player’s bats a few times to identify what feels good to you. In trying them out, there is an etiquette to follow. The following is an excerpt from an article, which appeared in the Winter 2007 Slow Pitch that addresses this topic. “The common practice regarding the use of other players’ bats that has been in use in NVSS for many years is: a player should request permission to use another player’s bat, and not use it without permission. If a player does not want his bat used by someone else, he should ask fellow players not to use it, and should keep it separate from other bats in the dugout (e.g. near the owner’s ball bag). Denial of permission should not be the basis for the requester to criticize the owner and cause ill feelings on the team.”

How are uniforms and equipment selected and purchased?

The Board of Directors approves all uniform and equipment item purchases. The Administrative Secretary then makes the purchases, maintains the inventories, as necessary, and distributes the items to the team managers. The list of items ordered and maintained for the NVSS membership includes, but is not limited to hats, team shirts, balls, scorebooks, instant ice packs, season and tournament championship shirts, NVSS jackets, NVSS polo shirts, all star patches, longevity patches, and Hall of Honor patches.

How are the game schedules developed?

This is a major challenge each year. The objective here is to make it as fair as possible. To the extent possible, each team should (1) play every other team an equal number of times, (2) play on each field (or each park location) an equal number of times, and (3) be the home team or visiting team an equal number of times. Then other factors enter in, such as some fields are not used by National Conference teams because of short outfields, each conference needs all games at one location on a day to allow a picnic to be held, etc.

What is the NVSS Hall of Honor?

The Hall of Honor was established in 2003 to recognize and reward NVSS members for noteworthy effort on the organizations behalf. The individuals inducted into the Hall of Honor have given uncountable volunteer hours and accepted many responsible tasks to meet the enormous administrative, management, and support demands required to make NVSS the outstanding success that it is.

Does NVSS use the 11" softball when pitching to women players?

Co-Ed leagues do not normally separate players according to skill level, and compensate by using the smaller 11" sofball when women players come to bat. NVSS on the other hand, goes to great lengths to ensure that our conferences and teams are matched according to skill level, with the goal of maintaining parity among teams in a conference. Both men and women players meet the same criteria in this process, and conferences and teams within a conference are as evenly matched in skill level as possible. Within a team there will be various levels of ability, but generally the men and women are evenly matched within a team and conference. To allow women to use the 11" softball when batting under these circumstances would not be fair to the men on the teams within the conference who may be of equal or slightly less ability.

What is the average age of players in each of the conferences?

The following table provides the age distribution of our active players as of the end of the 2008 season:

2008	<50	50-54	55-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80+	Total	Avg Age
National	0	9	33	43	28	12	2	0	127	62.1
American	4	6	9	40	45	35	18	0	157	66.9
Continental	2	5	11	27	32	48	27	14	166	68.7
Total	6	20	53	110	105	95	47	14	450	66.2

The following table provides the age distribution of our active players as of the end of the 2009 season:

2009	<50	50-54	55-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80+	Total	Avg Age
National	0	7	25	51	28	14	4	0	129	62.6
American	1	5	9	32	53	33	18	1	152	67.1
Continental	10	4	12	22	32	49	34	14	177	68.8
Total	11	16	46	105	113	96	53	15	458	66.5

What is the distribution of players by number of years played in the NVSS?

The following table displays active players by number of years in NVSS as of the 2009 season:

Years

Number of Players

%

of Total

1-5

188

42%

6-10

128

28%

11-15

89

20%

16-20

31

7%

21-25

14

3%

Over 25

3

1%