Select Softball
A competitive USA Softball program that gives 8U–14U players extra coaching and games in addition to the Spring rec season — never instead of it.
Any travel team activity on or after January 1 — tryouts, practices, games, friendlies or tournaments — makes a player ineligible for Select. A player or team that plays in a USA Softball “A”/Gold or any non-USA Softball travel qualifying event also loses B/C All-Star eligibility.
Who is eligible
Your daughter can be considered for Select if all of these are true:
Staying eligible
- Play in at least 75% of your Spring rec team’s scheduled games.
- Select meets one day per week(Sunday–Saturday week), usually Sundays. January USA Softball Select events may run two days before rec play starts.
- Select can never interfere with rec. Spring rec always takes priority.
- Select teams only play events approved by our Board and the USA Softball District Commissioner.
How teams are formed
- Players are equitably drafted from our rec rosters based on Manager/Coach assessments. Recruiting players to a specific team isn’t allowed.
- Managers and the Coaching & Training Committee (CTC) build draft rosters; the Board reviews and gives final approval.
- Rosters hold up to 20 players and are locked once approved and submitted to USA Softball.
- Number of teams depends on manager availability and player interest. Interest doesn’t guarantee a spot — players not selected still play the full rec season.
How Select affects All-Stars
No bearing on selection. Select doesn’t guarantee an All-Star spot, and players who don’t play Select are still eligible and encouraged to try out.
Travel events cost eligibility. Playing in a USA Softball “A”/Gold or non-USA Softball travel qualifying event makes a player ineligible for B/C All-Star play.
March 31 cutoff. For All-Stars, players may not take part in any travel or non-league team activity after March 31.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Select Program?
Select was created by USA Softball (our league’s governing body) to give highly skilled recreation league players a more competitive environment. Players get extra coaching and games on top of the recreational season.
What is the extra time commitment?
Select players play with a different group of teammates in addition to their regular Ranch Spring team. Select runs January through early April, and all teams disband by April 5. Spring rec teams stay together from late January through the year-end tournament in April.
After rec play starts, Select is one day per week, usually Sunday. Some Sundays may be open, some a practice, and some a full tournament-style day with possible travel to fields around San Diego County.
Select is in addition to Spring practices and games, not in place of them. If you can’t commit time to both teams, please don’t sign up for Select.
Who is eligible to participate?
Girls in the 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U divisions who are registered for The Ranch Spring season and have not taken part in any travel team activity on or after January 1. Not every interested player is guaranteed a spot, and players can’t play down out of their age group. Players must keep playing fully with their Spring rec team, including at least 75% of its scheduled games.
How are teams selected?
The number of teams in each division depends on player interest and coach commitment. Select Managers for each division meet with the CTC to build draft rosters through an equitable draft based on assessments. The Board reviews, amends if needed, and gives final approval. Players who aren’t selected still play the full Rec season.
Who will coach the Select teams?
The Coaching and Training Committee (CTC) reviews all Manager applications and recommends managers to the Board for approval. Applicants may be asked to interview with the CTC first.
How does Select impact All-Stars?
Select has no bearing on All-Star selection. Girls who don’t play Select, or aren’t chosen, are still eligible and strongly encouraged to try out, and Select doesn’t guarantee an All-Star spot. Travel ball does matter: playing in a USA Softball “A”/Gold or non-USA Softball travel qualifying event makes a player ineligible for B/C All-Star play, and All-Star players may not take part in any travel or non-league team activity after March 31.
How much does Select cost?
Select fees are in addition to Spring rec registration and vary by team, depending on umpire fees, friendlies and tournament entry fees.
Select rules follow the USA Softball of Southern California 2026 Yellow Book, Section 2.6. Rules are reviewed every year and may change for 2027.
Questions? Contact the Player Agent