FAQs • Athens, AL • CivicEngage

1. What sanction is the softball under?: We are not sanctioned, but we play modified United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) rules.

2. When will the season start and end?: Opening day for Summer - Mid-June start / 1st August end; Opening day for Fall - Mid-September / October end.

3. What nights do they play?: They play Monday (Men's League), Tuesday (Co-ed League), and Thursday (Alternate between both leagues). Friday nights if needed for rain-outs.

4. Can you play in Men's League and Co-ed League?: Yes. Men's and Co-ed leagues are played on different nights.

5. What are the game times?: Usually 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm

6. Can you play on 2 different teams in the same league?: No, you cannot play this way. Each player is only allowed on one team roster per league.

7. How many games are in the regular season?: Approximately 10 plus the tournament.

8. Does the Recreation Center schedule practice?: No. The Wavaho field is available for practice on a first come first serve basis but must be reserved at the Athens Recreation Center at: 270 U.S. 31 N Athens, AL 35611

9. When is registration?: May 1 - 31 and August 1 - 31 the cost is $350 per team

10. Will there be an end of season tournament?: Yes, there will be an end of season single elimination tournament.

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Parks & Recreation - Adult Softball Equipment

4. What are the specifics on softballs?

1. Do you have to wear uniforms?: Yes. Matching Jerseys are required by around the 3rd week. Player's number must be on the back of Jersey.

2. Do teams furnish their own bats and softballs?: Yes. You would hit your own softballs.

3. Do you have to wear helmets?: No, you do not have to wear helmets.

Men - 12 inches, .44 cor, 375 comp, yellow optic

Women - 11 inches, .44 core, 375 compression, yellow optic (can choose to hit men's softball)

Recommended that the softballs have a stamp from an association ie:

WSL along w/ 44 core/375 comp

NSA along w/ 44 core/375 comp

USSSA along w/ Classic M / Classic W

ISA along w/ 44 core/375 comp

5. Where can I purchase bats and softballs?: Academy Sports, Athens Athletics, Hibbetts or others.

6. What bats are legal?: You can find the updated rules on bats at the USSSA.com must have the USSSA thumbprint.
USSSA site.

7. What are the dimensions of the field?: The dimensions are 275 feet.

8. What are the bases set at?: The bases are set at 65 feet.

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Parks & Recreation - Adult Softball Player Specifics

1. How many players are allowed on the roster?: Twenty players are allowed.

2. How many players can play on the field?: Ten players can play.

3. Is there a guy/girl ratio for the infield and outfield for Co-ed?: No. There must be 3 women on the field at all times.

4. How many players can you start the game with?: You can start with 9 players. An out will be recorded for the 10th player until they arrive.

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Parks & Recreation - Adult Softball Registration

1. When is Registration?: Registration is (Summer) May 1 - 31. (Fall) August 1- 31

2. How much does it cost?: $350 is the registration fee.

3. What does that the registration fee cover?: Umpires, season and tournament T-shirts.

4. Can you register online?: Yes. Go to https://secure.rec1.com/AL/athens-al/catalog to set up an account and register.

5. How do you register?

Go the Athens Recreation Center at:

270 U.S. 31 N

Athens, AL 35611

There, fill out the registration form, and pay the entry fee.

Go to https://secure.rec1.com/AL/athens-al/catalog to set up an account and register.

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Parks & Recreation - Karate

1. When is registration?: Registration is continually ongoing. The first 2 classes are free.

2. How much does the class cost?: The first 2 classes are free, after that $30/month; each additional family members are $15/month due on the 1st of each month.

3. What days/times do they meet?: Monday (advanced), Tuesday (beginners), Thursdays (all skill level) from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

4. Who is the instructor?: Bill Ireland

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Parks & Recreation - Park Rules

1. Are pets allowed in the parks?: Yes. Pets are allowed in the parks, but not allowed in the baseball, softball, or soccer pods. Pets in the parks must be on a leash and you must dispose of their waste.

2. What is there to do at the parks?: Each of our parks include a pavilion and a playground. Some parks include other facilities such as tennis courts, basketball goals, ball fields, and horseshoe pits.

3. How long will the bathrooms stay open during winter months?: It depends on the weather, but usually we will close them around mid November and open them back up around the middle of March.

4. Can moon bounces be used in the parks?: Yes, but you must meet with a Parks and Recreation employee at the park to see where to set them up. You can call the office Friday morning the weekend of your event.

5. Can water slides be used in the parks?: No, they cannot be used.

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Parks & Recreation - Pavilion Rentals

1. How do I reserve a pavilion?

Go to: https://secure.rec1.com/AL/athens-al/catalog to set up an account and reserve online or in person at Athens Recreation Center

270 U.S. 31 N

Athens, AL 35611

$30 pavilion, an additional $25 for kitchenette (prompted before payment)

Athens Recreation Center.

2. How much to reserve a pavilion?: $30 a day.

3. How far in advance can I rent a pavilion?: Starting January 1st you can rent the pavilions anytime April 1 – 2nd weekend of November of the same year.

4. Can I get a refund for my reservation?: Refunds are only given for inclement weather and must be requested. Please notify us withing 3 business days. In the event a refund is issued, a check will be mailed to the person who paid. Please make sure we have an updated address when you request a refund.

5. Does your pavilions have kitchens?: Three of them do: Jimmy Gill Park, Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park, and Robert Tinnon Park (5th Avenue). The kitchenettes may be reserved for an additional $25. No cooking is allowed in the kitchenettes.

6. Do we have to pay for pavilion rentals in advance?: Payment is due at the time of reservation.

7. Is a deposit required?: No, a deposit is not required.

8. Where are your parks located?: There are 7 parks with unique locations across the city. For addresses view our parks page.

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Baseball General FAQs

1. When does the season begin?

Spring - Practice will be in March; games in April and May.
Fall - Practice will be in August; games in September and October.

2. What days/times will they play?

Possibly Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Saturdays are primarily for make-up games.
Weekday games will start at 5:30 p.m.; Saturday games will start at 9:00 a.m.

3. Will there be evaluations?

Yes, most age groups will have a skills evaluation in order to help us divide the teams up as evenly as possible.

4. Will there be all-stars?

Spring season will have all-stars (5-6 age all-stars will be inter-league only.)
Fall season does not have all-stars.

5. What do I need to do to coach?

Fill out a coaches application and return to Athens Rec Center. Must pass background check. Complete Coach Safely training.

6. What size equipment is needed?

Bat size:
- 5-6 league Bats cannot exceed 2 1/4" (t-ball bats do not have to be USA stamped, can use official t-ball bat.)
- 7-12 league bats cannot exceed 2 5/8" (must be USA stamped)

7. Will there be trophies, medals, or awards offered?

Spring: Individual 1^st place season/tournament trophies, individual 2^nd place season/tournament medallions for each age group. Participation medallions for ages 5-6 & 7-8 only (participation medallions won’t be given to 9-12 age.) All-stars medallion for ages 7-8 & up.
Fall: Individual 1^st place trophies, individual 2^nd place medallions for the end of season tournament for each age group. Participation medallions for all age groups.

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Basketball

1. What do I need to do to coach?

Fill out a coaches application and turn it into Athens Recreation Center. Must pass background check. Compete Coach Safely training.

2. When does the season begin?

Practice will be in November; games begin in December and January

3. What days and times will they play?

Possibly on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
Weekday games will start at 5:30 p.m.; Saturday games will start at 8 a.m.

4. Will there be evaluations?

Yes, most age groups will have a skills evaluation in order to help us divide the teams up as evenly as possible.

5. What size equipment is needed?

Ball size
- 5-6 league 27.5"
- 7-8 boys and girls, 9-10 boys & 9-12 girls league 28.5"
- 11-12 boys & 13-16 boys league 29.5"

6. Will there be all-stars?: Yes. There will be for 8U, 10U, and 12U.

7. Will there be trophies, medals, or awards offered?

1st place season/tournament trophies, individual 2nd place season/tournament medallions for each age group. Participation medallions for ages 5-6 & 7-8 only.

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Basketball Registration

September 15 - October 15

6. What does the registration fee go toward?

3. What ages can participate?

Girls age 5-12
Boys age 5-16

Go to https://secure.rec1.com/AL/athens-al/catalog to set up an account and register.

4. Where do I sign-up?

Athens Recreation Center 270 U.S. 31 N Athens, AL 35611 Or online at https://secure.rec1.com/AL/athens-al/catalog. You must set up an account to register online.

5. Do I need to bring my child's birth certificate to register?: No. We will not need your child's birth certificate unless he/she makes all-stars.

Jersey and shorts

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Soccer General FAQs

1. What days/times will they play?

Possibly Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Saturdays are primarily for make-up games.
Weekday games will start at 5:30 p.m; Saturday games will start at 9:00 a.m.

2. Will there be evaluations?

Yes, most age groups will have a skills evaluation in order to help us divide the teams up as evenly as possible.

3. When does the season begin?

Spring - Practice will be in March; games in April and May
Fall - Practice will be in August; games in September and October

4. What do I need to do to coach?

Complete coaches application and return to Athens Rec Center. Must pass background check. Complete Coach Safely training.

5. Will there be all-stars?

Spring season does not have all-stars.
Fall season will have all-stars for 7-8, 9-10, 11-13, and 13-16 age groups.

6. What size equipment is needed?

Ball Size:
- 5-6 & 7-8 league size 3
- 9-10 league size 4
- 11-16 league size 5

7. Will there be trophies, medals, or awards offered?

Spring - Individual 1st place tournament trophies, individual 2nd place tournament medallions. Participation medallions for all age groups.
Fall - Individual 1st place season/tournament trophies, individual 2nd place season/tournament medallions for each age group. Participation medallions for ages 5-6 & 7-8 only. (Participation medallions won’t be given to 9-12 age.) All-stars medallions for ages 7-8 & up.

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Soccer Registration FAQs

Spring - January 20 to February 20
Fall - June 20 to July 13

3. What does the registration fee cover?

Spring - $40
Fall - $50

Spring - Jersey
Fall - Jersey, shorts, and socks

4. What ages can participate?

Spring 5-13 (4 year olds can play if they turn 5 on or before December 31 of current year.)
Fall 5-16 (4 year olds can play if they turn 5 on or before December 31 of current year.)

5. Where do I go to sign-up?

Athens Recreation center 270 US 31 N Athens, AL 35611
or online at https://secure.rec1.com/AL/athens-al/catalog. You must set up an account to register online.

6. Do I need to bring my child's birth certificate to register?

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Softball General FAQs

1. When does the season begin?

Spring - Practice will be in March; games in April and May.
Fall - Practice will be in August; games in September and October.

2. What days/times will they play?

Possibly Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays. Saturdays are primarily for make-up games.
Weekday games will start at 5:30 p.m.; Saturday games will start at 9:00 p.m.

3. Will there be evaluations?

Yes, most age groups will have a skills evaluation in order to help us divide the teams up as evenly as possible.

4. Will there be all-stars?

Spring season will have all-stars. (5-6 age all-stars will be inter-league only)
Fall season does not have all-star.

5. What size equipment is needed?

Bat size:
- 5-6 league Bats cannot exceed 2 1/4“ (t-ball bats do not have to be USA stamped, can use official t-ball bat)
- 7-12 league Bats cannot exceed 2 5/8“(must be marked BP 1.15)

USSSA site.

6. What do I need to do to coach?

Complete coaches application and return to Athens Rec center. Must pass background check. Complete coach safety training.

7. Will there be trophies, medals, or awards offered?

Spring: Individual 1^st place season/tournament trophies, individual 2^nd place season/tournament medallions for each age group. Participation medallions for ages 5-6 & 7-8 only (participation medallions won’t be given to 9-12 age.) All-stars medallion for ages 7-8 & up.
Fall: Individual 1^st place trophies, individual 2^nd place medallions for the end of season tournament for each age group. Participation medallions for all age groups.

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Softball Registration FAQs

Spring Ball – January 10 to February 10
Fall Ball – June 15 - July 8

5. Do I need to bring my child's birth certificate to register?

Spring Ball $70
Fall Ball $50

3. Where do I sign-up?

Athens Recreation Center 270 U.S. 31 N Athens, AL 35611
Or online at https://secure.rec1.com/AL/athens-al/catalog. You must set up an account to register online.

4. What ages can participate?

Spring – Ages 5-12 (4 year olds can play if they turn 5 on or before December 31 of current year.)
Fall – Ages 5-13 (4 year olds can play if they turn 5 on or before December 31 of current year.)

6. What does the registration fee go toward?

Spring – Jersey, pants, hat, and belt or socks
Fall – Jersey and hat

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Swimming

1. Who is in charge of the Swim Team?: The Swim Team is ran by a volunteer parent board.

2. What are the prerequisites?: No prior competitive swim experience is necessary. We do require, though, that your child be able to swim an age-appropriate length without assistance: 25 yards (8 and under), 50 yards (9-12), or 100 yards (13-18).

3. What is the Swim Team website?: https://athensgators.swimtopia.com/
Athens Swim Team.

4. How often does the team practice?: Summer practices are normally held every weekday morning (except Wednesdays). Younger children (10 and under) or beginner swimmers are generally only required to swim for 1 hour, and they may only swim 3-4 days per week. The coach will determine what is best. Attendance at practice is strongly encouraged; please notify us if you will be unable to attend on a certain day. Regular practice attendance builds discipline, both mental and physical, which is essential for competitive swimming. Generally, the more you practice, the more you win!

5. What are meet details?: All of our 6-8 swim meets are scheduled to be split between home and away. Our regular season away meets are within a 1 2-hour drive and are during the months of June and July. They are usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays.

6. Can I help?: Volunteers are needed for all meets. It is really fun to be part your child's team. Kids love to see that parents are an active part of their sports! No formal training is required for any of the duties; we can show you what you need to know in less than 2 minutes. Duties include Timers, Scoring, Judging and Ribbons. Sign up sheets are posted at practices so that all parents can sign up well in advance. Home swim meets cannot be run without 15 volunteers per meet! Away meets require 10 volunteers. Therefore, parents must volunteer for at least 2 meets or you may choose to pay $20 per meet so that we may hire someone to take your place.

7. Is there a uniform?: The Athens Swim Team suit is currently a TYR print available at First Place in Huntsville at:
805 Regal Drive SW
Huntsville, AL 35801

You are not obligated to use this suit; however, it is an excellent suit and will hold up well. We advise using it only for swim meets and using an inexpensive one for practices. A very large selection of goggles is also available at First Place. We recommend trying a few on to find a good fit. Representatives from First Place usually come to the pool the first week with suits and goggles as a convenience to parents.

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Swimming Registration

1. When is registration?: Around the end of April.

2. Who is allowed to register?: Athens or Limestone County residents from ages 5 to 18.

3. How much is registration?: $125. This fee covers practices; all meet fees (with the exception of the Madison Medal Meet, which is optional); all coaching fees; and all equipment (other than goggles and a swimsuit) for the entire season. You will also receive a latex team swim cap with registration. The fees also cover the swimmer's end-of-season party. You can elect to receive up to a $40 credit, deducted at registration time toward your fees if you do 1 of the fundraisers.

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Tennis

1. When is registration?: May 1- 30 is the registration period.

2. How much is registration?: $40 is the registration fee.

3. Where do I go to sign-up?: Athens Recreation Center 270 U.S. 31 N Athens, AL 35611 The Center is beside the Athens High School football stadium.

4. What ages can participate?: Ages 5 - 12.

5. Do I need to bring my own racquet?: Yes. You can purchase a junior racquet at a local retail store.

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Volleyball General FAQs

3. What do I need to do to coach?

1. Will there be all-stars?

Yes. There will be an inner-league all-star game for each age group. The all-star palyers are selected by coaches.

2. Can I request a coach for my child to play for?: No. We do not honor request other than siblings; however, you may strike one coach.

Fill out a coaches application and turn it into Athens Recreation Center. Must pass background check.Complete Coach Safely class.

4. When does the season begin?

Practice will be in May; games will start mid-June.

5. Will there be trophies, medals, or awards offered?

Individual 1st place season/tournament trophies, individual 2nd place season/tournament medallions
All-star medallions to top 14 in each age group

6. What days and times will they play?

Possibly Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Weekday games will start at 5:30 p.m; Saturday games will start at 9:00 a.m.

7. What size equipment is needed?

Knee pads (optional, strongly recommended)
Volleyballs
- 8-10 age group - Volley-Lite
- 11-13 age group - Regular size

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Volleyball Registration FAQs

April 1 - 30

5. Do I need to bring my child's birth certificate to register?

3. Where do I go to sign-up?

Athens Recreation Center 270 U.S. 31 N Athens, AL 35611 Or online at https://secure.rec1.com/AL/athens-al/catalog. You must set up an account to register online.

4. What ages can participate?

Ages 5-13

6. What does the registration fee go toward?

Jersey

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Parks & Recreation - Zumba