Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What opportunities are available to introduce my child to softball?

DEGSL, in conjunction with the ECHS Lady Mariner Softball Team, hosts a Future Mariner Camp at the beginning of each spring season. This is open for the 6U - 12U age groups and goes over everything from basic principles to more advance techniques.  This is a 1/2 day event for the 6U & 8U age groups and an all day event for the 10U & 12U age groups

2. Are Scholarships Available?

Yes! Click here for info. Full and partial scholarships are available upon request for families in need of financial assistance. Email with any questions regarding scholarships.

3. Who can sign up for Down East Softball?

Players who are league age 4 - 18 years old and live within DEGSL service area are eligible to play. DEGSL serves families in the Atlantic, Beaufort, Harkers Island, and Smyrna Elementary Schools, Down East and Beaufort Middle Schools and East Carteret High School attendance boundaries. If your child attends another school, but lives within boundaries for one of these schools you are welcome to register. You can refer to the Carteret County Public Schools District Attendance Zone tool to determine if your address is within our boundaries.

Players who are league age 13 and over and reside outside of the above of the above referenced boundaries and wish to play with the DEGSL 14U, 16U, and 18U division are free to do so. Babe Ruth regulations allow these age groups to play with any softball league they choose.

4. What equipment does my daughter need?

Each player needs their own mitt and softball cleats, although 6U players can play in regular sneakers. Bats and batting helmets will be required. Catching gear is provided by DEGSL, but those serious about the position usually have their own. 

There is typically an equipment swap held at the beginning of each season where parents and players can swap out equipment

DEGSL offers its members an online Equipment Swap throughout the year through its website and social media groups.

Uniforms jerseys will be provided by DEGSL and socks and belts will be available for purchase from the league as well. Pants are the responsibility of families.

5. Who needs to attend evaluations?

DEGSL currently does not have skills assessments for its players.

6. What size bat does my daughter need?

DEGSL has a limited a selection of bats for each team, however if your player prefers to have their own bat, please make educated choices when selecting a bat. Bats must be marked as "Official Softball Bat" or "Official Fastpitch Bat".  Please refer to Babe Ruth League for current season guidance on any exceptions to this rule. Umpires have the discretion to remove a bat from the game if the bat is not on the approved list, which changes yearly. Bat size depends on the ability level and the size of the player. Please consult with your child's manager or visit websites that discuss appropriate bat sizes to choose a bat that fits the player. The biggest mistake is getting a bat that is too big for the child to swing effectively.

7. What size mitt does my daughter need?

Resist the temptation to let your child use that old, well broken-in glove you used in high school. Larger gloves may seem easier to use when you are just playing catch, but in a game it is different. In games, everything happens much faster, and your kid will be trying to catch and field balls in all sorts of different positions. Smaller gloves are easier to maneuver and easier to dig a ball out of after the catch. You can figure that you'll need to buy your kid a new glove at least twice in a typical progression from 6U - 14U. Below is a chart of recommended glove sizes. If your child is particularly large or small for her age, adjust the sizes accordingly.:

• 6U: 9-to-11 inches
• 8U: 9-to-11 inches
• 10U/12U: 9-to-11 inches
• 12U/14U: 11.75-to-12.5 inches
• 14U+: 12-to-13 inches

8. When does the season start and end?

The season begins in late March / early April (weather permitting) and runs through end of May.

9. How much of a time commitment is there for my child?

For younger players the norm is two to three events (practices and/or games) per week. For older players three to 5 events (practices and/or games) per week is more common.