REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

All CGSA players are required to have the following equipment: 

All Pitchers are required to wear a fielding mask while playing that position (these fielding mask may not have any reflective lens attached to them per USA guidelines).

Helmet - All helmets must have a face mask secured to the helmet.  The chin strap is optional. Never use a helmet that is cracked, deformed,  or if the interior padding has deteriorated. A helmet should be sized so that the helmet does not move or require the player to hold it in place while running. 

Cleats - Softball cleats provide stability and traction when running on both grass and the dirt infield. Only plastic or rubber cleats are allowed, i.e. no metal cleats will be allowed

Glove - Softball players require gloves that are slightly longer in length and deeper in the pocket than your typical baseball glove to help field the bigger balls used in softball. (See the Ball section for ball sizes used in each division). The following is a general guide to help with sizing a glove. Understand that when purchasing a new glove it will take additional time and work to "break in" the glove so it is easier to use when catching a call. Dick's sporting goods sometimes has a glove steamer that you can purchase to use (in store) that can help with this process.

 Division                          Glove Size      

6U                                      9 - 11.5 inches             

8U                                    10 - 11.5 inches 

10U                                   10 - 12 inches 

12U                                  11.5 - 12 inches

14U                                 11.5 - 13 inches    

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT 

Fielding Masks - Although not required they are  HIGHLY recommended as an additional safety precaution for all players. These are masks worn on the field to protect players faces from bad hops, missed fly balls, or missed thrown balls. We are seeing more players each year opting to use these mask at all fielding positions. ***All Pitchers are required to wear a fielding mask (these fielding mask may not have any reflective lens attached to them). 

Softball Bat - Although not required, CGSA recommends each player have their own bat. Any softball bat used must be an ASA or USA certified softball bat with the ASA or USA certification stamp clearly visible on it (look for the marking on the barrel or check the USA Equipment webpage for a list of approved and illegal bats).Please note that a baseball bat is not a softball (fastpitch) bat. If the certification stamp is not visible, has been worn off or the bat is damaged/disfigured, the bat is considered illegal and cannot be used in gameplay. You will find as many different opinions about bat length/weight as you do varieties of bats. Here are some general guidelines for purchasing a softball bat: 

 Weight - It's best not to purchase a bat which is too heavy for your player. As for weight one rule of thumb is for the player to hold the bat in one hand (whichever is the top hand on the bat) and extend it out fully holding this position for at least 8-10 seconds. If the player can't do this the bat is too heavy. If in doubt about two bats it is always better to err on the side of the lighter bat! Indications that a bat may be too heavy for a player: The player is overpowered most of the time by good fastballs. The player swings and misses a lot. When the player does make contact, balls tend to be hit weakly and to the opposite field more often than up the middle or to the player's pull side (left side for RH hitters; right side for LH hitters). 

Length - Generally speaking if the bat is the proper size the player should be able to stand in the batters box in the hitting position and with arms extended and be able to reach the outside edge of the plate. If the bat extends beyond this point it's too long, can't reach this point, it's too short. 

Equipment Bag - Bags for your player's softball equipment (helmet, glove, bat, fielding mask, hat, visor, balls, batting gloves) and other miscellaneous items help keep things organized. Some bags are bigger than others, such as catcher's bags that require more room to carry the catchers' gear. 

OTHER EQUIPMENT 

Balls - The brand, model, and size of the ball used is based on the Division of play, level of play (rec ball vs. all-stars), and organization governing play. See the table below for balls used by CGSA during Spring Season.    

Division             Ball        

8U                     10" Rif1

10U                   11" Rif10

12U-14U            12" Dreamseam

Catchers' Gear - CGSA provides each team with 2 sets of catchers' gear with the exception of a catchers' glove. However, players may choose to purchase their own catchers' gear if desired.