2025 Summer Softball Season

Age Level & Eligibility

• Age eligibility follows MN Softball’s age chart (based on age as of September 1, 2024)

• Minnesota Softball League classifies teams by A, B, and C levels for fair competition

• View the official age chart

8U Program Overview

The 8U division focuses on fundamentals, skill development, and fostering a fun environment to grow interest in fastpitch softball.

Key Features:

• Played with 11” official softballs

• Players rotate through all positions

• All players bat each game

• Modified rules apply for an age-appropriate experience

Game Play & Rules:

• Coaches pitch using a pitching machine

• Batting: Each batter gets 3 swings or 5 pitches (continues on a foul ball)

• No advancing on dropped third strikes

• Half innings end after 3 outs or 5 runs

• No bunting or stealing

• Full rule details: 8U Rules

Game & Practice Schedule

Game Nights

• Single games on Wednesdays (April 30 – June 25, 2025)

• Last two game nights (June 18 & 25) will be doubleheaders

• Teams play 4-5 home and away games based on field availability

Practice Schedule

• Mondays (60 min practices) are the primary practice night

• Flexible practice scheduling per team/coach availability

• Practices start 1st or 2nd week of April

• April practices: 1-2 times per week, subject to field/gym availability

• Game schedules released mid-April

Tournaments

• Each team will play:

  • 2 Invitational Tournaments

  • 1 State Tournament (June 28-29, 2025)

• 8U tournaments are typically one-day events

• National Tournament Qualification:

  • Teams can qualify for an 8U National Tournament in July by placing in a qualifying tournament

  • Coaches will communicate details if the team qualifies