Frequently Asked Questions...
Coaches:
All of the coaches that participate in IGSA are required to complete a thorough background check through the City of Independence. We, and the city, take the safety of your daughters very seriously. Anyone that does not pass this check or does not complete one, is not allowed to assist at practices or during games.
What is the time committment?
No more than 4 hours per week is permitted for practice. Most coaches will practice once a week for 2 hours. Due to insurance reasons, practices may not begin prior to April 1, 2024. There may be additional clinics and camps that your daughter is welcome to attend, but it is not mandatory.
** Please Note: If a coach is requiring your daughter to practice prior to April 1st, please be aware that your child is not covered by IGSA's league/team insurance until April 1st. Your coach is aware of this and is ultimately responsible for any injuries incurred at practices prior to that date. Please know that your child is not required to attend these practices and if you are intimidated into doing so, we would request that you report it to igsa@igsasoftball.com immediately.) The safety of your daughter is of the utmost importance to this league.
What nights/times are the games?
Youth (Coach Pitch through Division 5) games are regularly on Monday and Thursday nights. Games begin at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Blast Ball, T-Ball, and rainout make-up games will be scheduled for Wednesday nights. If rainout games cannot be scheduled on Wednesday nights due to field availability, a few Tuesday night games may be necessary.
Where are games played?
Most youth (CP thru D5) are played at Adair Park, just South of Home Depot and Cracker Barrel on Lee's Summit Road in Independence.
Blastball and T-ball will be played at Independence Athletic Complex, off 291 & Salisbury Road.
What division is my daughter in?
What division your daughter plays in is determined by her age as of January 1, 2024. A player can play up one division, if ready, but may not play down a division, according to USSSA rules. (To know what division your daughter will be in, please see Board Member page, under home tab.)
What is a Family Membership?
A family membership, which costs $155, applies to all female siblings (2 or more) that live at the same address. At this time, we do not limit the number of siblings that can play for $155. This does not apply to any other relationships (ie, cousins, friends, etc.). Parent may be required to show proof of relationship between players if the board so requests.
What about uniforms?
Your registration fee will cover shirts for all players. Players may purchase their own black pants or shorts, however, they cannot have any other visible color (logos, piping, stripes, etc.) on them. We get asked a lot if teams can purchase their own uniforms and the answer is no. We feel that because this a recreational league, everyone should wear the same league-issued shirts.
Where does my money go?
Your fee covers uniforms, umpire fees, field usage (yes, we have to pay to use Adair Park), insurance, lights and awards at the end of the season. Because the registration fee does not cover all of these expenses, it is necessary to do a fundraiser.
Do I have to fundraise?
Yes, or you may choose to do the fundraiser buyout. We will be selling Double Good Popcorn for the 2024 season. Each player fundraising will be required to sell $100 worth of popcorn. You may choose to do the fundraiser buyout when you register, for $40. If you choose to do the fundraiser buyout AFTER you register, the fee is $50.
When will my daughter find out who her coach is?
Our coach's meeting is typically the third or fourth week of March. The coaches will be given a list of their players on that night. Please give the coaches at least until April 1st to contact you. If you do not hear from them by then, please contact your division rep (see board member contact information under home tab).
What if I can't afford the fee? If you need assistance paying your player fee for the 2024 season, please email IGSA@igsasoftball.com with your circumstances and we will see what we can do to help out. We may find you a sponsor or discount your fee, based on your current situation. Those that have been awarded season fee scholarships in the past are not eligible.
Who can I contact with a question or problem?
We encourage you to contact your division rep first. All division reps are listed on the Board Member drop down tab on the home page. If you do not get your question answered or your problem taken care of, we would ask that you email your concern to IGSA@igsasoftball.com and we will address your concern as soon as possible.