FAQ

Not a requirement!  We welcome players from all neighboring cities as long as they can commit to practices at our home field (corner of Melrose & Shadowridge), and games (we play other North County leagues throughout the fall, and all Rec games are at our home field in the Spring).

Yes.  In fact, we encourage playing up in the Fall for girls who are close to aging up to the next bracket.  As rules of play and ball sizes can vary by division, most parents want to get their child used to the speed of the higher divisions before going into the more competitive Spring season.  It is also an option to age-up in Rec but play in a child's age-specific division for Select or All Stars during the same season.

No.  We must adhere to the birthdate ranges in the table provided by USA Softball.  This is particularly important if your team is participating in tournaments as the team will be disqualified if we cannot prove birthdates/ages of each player.

RECREATIONAL PROGRAM (Rec): our VGS Rec programs run in the Fall and Spring with a focus on player development.  Rec is ideal for new and experienced players.  Tee Ball, 6U, and Spirit League players do not require a try out or assessment.  All other age groups will join "Assessments" prior to the season start so that managers can assess skill levels and draft their teams.  There are no cuts in Rec ball - all players who join Assessments will be placed on a team.   

SELECT PROGRAM (Select): the VGS Select program is a highly competitive additional Fall and Spring option for experienced 8U, 10U, 12U & 14U players.  The Select team is an additional team with its own separate schedule, coaching staff, uniforms, etc.  A player must be on a Rec team roster to play Select.  1 meet-up per week is allowed which can either be a practice, game(s) vs. other Southern CA Select teams, or a tournament.   Due to the limited number of Select teams, not all girls that express interest in the Select program will be “selected” to play.  Disclaimer: participation in the VGS Select program does not always guarantee a spot on the All Star team.   

ALL STAR PROGRAM (All Stars): Each May as the Spring season ends,  All-Star teams are selected for 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U to represent Vista Girls Softball in Southern California All-Star tournaments throughout the summer.  We typically have a GOLD and SILVER All-Star team in each age division (excludes Tee Ball, 6U, and Spirit League). The decision to consider participating in All-Stars is important for each family to discuss as it is an additional expense beyond the normal recreation season, and requires a significant time commitment; however, the rewards are also significant.  During the All-Star season the players will receive a higher level of instruction and coaching  which will help develop them to play at the next level.  From May thru July the teams typically practice for 2 hours every week-night and attend tournaments for 8-10 consecutive weekends.

• Fall Rec: August - October
• Fall Select: August - December
• Spring Rec: February - April
• Spring Select: February - April
• All Stars: May - July

All friend and sibling requests must be submitted via email to playeragent@vistags.org. Please be sure to include both players names, both parents name and contact phone number and email, and division. 

Friend requests in Tee Ball are generally guaranteed. While we will make an effort to ensure friends are placed on the same team as requested in 8U, friend requests are not guaranteed. We do not accept friend requests for 10U or above. 

Teams are formed through a manager draft based on assessments. The draft ensures teams are balanced for equal play. 

While we offer opportunities to work on pitching and catching during team practices, these positions often require individual (private) or group lessons for additional skill development.

The following coaches offer private lessons and league sponsored clinics at the Buena Vista Park Softball Fields:

Pitching - Coach Jamie (760) 672-8134 (free pitching and fielding clinics are being offered for the fall 2026.  Sign up at bit.ly/vgsclinics26)

Catching - Coach Tiffany (760) 473-4438

Private lessons typically range between $25 - $40 for 30 minutes, but some coaches may charge more.  For questions or referrals to other coaches, please email playeragent@vistags.org 

Each player will need their own bat, glove, cleats, helmet with a face mask and a fielding mask (fielding masks are strongly recommended but not required). 

The league will only provide a jersey but does also distribute donations of gently used equipment. Please email playeragent@vistags.org for more information about equipment.