AVGS REQUIRES ALL players to use & wear the following equipment & uniform clothing while participating in any practices, games or softball related activities associated with AVGS.  These items protect players & contribute to maximum potential for success & growing softball skills. 

 GLOVE (or mitt)
1)  Glove & ball size should correlate.  
2) If you play with an 11" ball, use an 11" glove MINIMUM.  A slightly larger glove (11.5" or 12") wouldn't hurt as it gives more area to catch the ball.  
3)  Larger gloves will be heavy & harder for young players to manipulate.  
4)  Buy a soft glove playable out of the box so you don't have to break it in.
5)  To break a glove in: Rub oil on it, stick a ball in it and wrap it TIGHTLY with a rubberband.  

SOFTBALL CLEAT 
There is a difference between soccer and softball cleats. Soccer cleats can be used for softball as well but softball cleats CAN NOT be used for soccer.  
Metal cleats are strictly forbidden!

 BLACK SHORTS 
& SLIDING SHORTS
1)  Must have own black shorts
2) Be sure  when you run, they stay up!
3)  Sliding shorts are not required but are STRONGLY recommended for divisions in which sliding is required for stealing.

 SLIDING KNEE PAD
1)  Required whenever sliding is required.  
2)  Long knee/shin pads or short knee pads.
3)  Should fit comfortably & allow running & sliding without moving up or down leg much.

 HELMET
1)  Players should shake & nod head vigorously & the helmet shouldn't move.
2)  It shouldn't be too tight & uncomfortable.  Don't look for larger sizes to grow into.  Heads actually don't grow that much, so find one that fits now & it'll last a while.

HELMET (Continued)
 3)  Must have face mask & chin strap attached.  Mask must be NOCSAE approved.  99% today are approved. 
These can be added after purchase, but it's difficultt to do, so get one pre-attached from the manufacturer and save yourself the headache.

    *** AVGS provides Jersey, Visor and Socks as part of required team uniform.  ***
Be sure to write your name on all your equipment!!!  

 The following equipment is NOT required by AVGS but is suggested 
to maximize your performance, provide you additional support or comfort, 
or encourage additional practice and play outside of league games and activities.  

SOFTBALL BAT
1)  Should be softball, not baseball.  
Look for ASA approval logo on bat.  
2)  Length: Have child stand up straight, arms hanging at side.  Stand bat up on its end &  knob should come to about wrist bone. An inch longer or shorter will not make much difference, but weight will.
3)  Weight:  Have player hold bat with dominant hand at knob & hold bat straight out in front of her with one hand.  She should comfortably hold  bat in this position for 5-10 seconds. 

   
Click on this link 
for a guide to selecting a bat 
from Sport Chalet's web site

SOFTBALL BAT (Continued)
If she can't, then it may be too heavy. If there is no lighter bat at that length, then go a bit shorter & lighter.  
4)  Resist temptation to buy a bat to grow into.  If she can't handle the bat, she will not hit comfortably.  For new players, don't buy fancy composite material bats.  A simple aluminum bat should be fine & should be less than $50.


  

EQUIPMENT BACKPACK OR BAG
Not required but nice to have to be able to keep track of your visor, glove, batting gloves, bats, helmet, water bottle, etc.  Should be easy  to carry.

  


BALL
Ball sizes by division:
6U and 8U : 10" Worth RIF ball
10U: 11" Worth RIF ball
12U & above: 12" standard softball
Not every brand of ball is the same. 
Some 11" balls are hard as a rock,
so find softer ones.  
Look for Worth RIF labels
(Reduced Injury Factor) 
It's nice to have your own ball for home.

 BATTING GLOVE(S)
Though not required, they definitely help improve  grip on the bat and protect your hands on cold days.