Evaluation Day: Save the Date

Sunday, March 15
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Conway Dome | Saint Paul, Minnesota

• Evaluations are for 10U and older athletes
• 8U athletes do not evaluate, but registration is required so we can plan teams
• Specific time windows assigned by age group

Questions or conflicts?
Email: club612fastpitch@gmail.com
(Please notify us of illness or injury conflicts as soon as possible.)

 

Why Evaluations Matter at 612

Each season, 612 Fastpitch forms competitive teams by grouping athletes according to skill level—with the goal of placing every player in an environment where they can grow, develop, and be appropriately challenged.

Evaluations help us do this thoughtfully and fairly.

What Evaluations Help Us Do

• Create balanced teams that support player development
• Place athletes with teammates of similar ability and experience
• Ensure competitive integrity across all teams and age groups
• Reduce mismatches that can limit growth or confidence

An Objective, Third-Party Perspective

To support fairness and consistency, 612 partners with Strike Zone Sports to provide an unbiased, third-party assessment of each athlete’s skill set. This outside evaluation helps supplement:

• Prior season coach evaluations
• Prior season observation
• Historical team placement

Together, these inputs give the selection committees a more complete picture when forming teams.

A Note About 8U Players

• 8U athletes do not participate in on-field evaluations
• All 8U players must still register
• Registration allows us to plan for number of teams per age group,  roster sizes, and coaching needs for the season

Every athlete—regardless of age—must be accounted for as we prepare for the upcoming season.

One Part of a Bigger Picture

It’s important to note that evaluations are one tool in the team-formation process. No single drill or score determines placement. Committees review evaluation data alongside historical and developmental factors to ensure the best possible outcomes for athletes and teams.
 

How Evaluation Scores Are Used

Team Formation & Selection Committees

• After evaluations, the Analytics Director compiles all data by age group
• Data is shared with board-appointed selection committees
• Each committee includes 3–5 members responsible for building rosters

No Conflicts of Interest Policy

Selection committee members cannot:
• Coach at the age level they are forming teams for
• Have a child playing at that age level
• Have a spouse or family member coaching at that age level
• Have any other conflicts related to team formation

**one exception is having 8U coaches/board members who are parents or guardians assists with 8U friend requests if all 8U teams are formed that way

Rosters, Levels of Play & Number of Teams

Selection committees are responsible for:
• Creating rosters from the full pool of athletes
• Determining number of teams, roster sizes, and levels of play (A, B, etc., when applicable)

Important context:
• Athlete numbers rarely divide evenly into 12-player rosters
• Committees must ensure each team has pitching and catching coverage along with a roster size that supports attendance and commitment realities

This may result in:
• Slightly larger rosters, or
• Smaller rosters (e.g., 11 players) when historical attendance supports it

Registration, Uniforms & Refund Policy

To ensure uniforms arrive before the season starts:
• Uniforms must be purchased at registration
• New players will be assigned a jersey number
• No refunds will be issued if a family declines their team placement. HOWEVER, if 612 is unable to offer your athlete a roster spot, uniform fees will be refunded

Anticipated Season Costs

 

Evaluation Fee
10U+: $70
8U: No cost

Season Fees
8U: $200
10U+: $525

Uniforms
Estimated $78-$150 
Full uniforms include: Two team jerseys, pants, socks
 

Additional Expectations & Potential Costs

Fundraising

Families are expected to sell local business discount sheets
Opt-out option: $100

Volunteer (DIBS) System – New This Year

• Each family is required to complete a set number of volunteer hours
• If hours are not completed or you choose to opt out, a fee will be collected. More info about DIBS to come

You’ve Completed Evaluations — Now What?

After evaluations, several steps happen before rosters are announced:
• Evaluation data is finalized
• Selection committees build rosters
• Board review and approval
• Teams are released

 Please note: This process takes time. We appreciate your patience while it’s completed thoughtfully.

Coaches, Tournaments & Schedules

Once rosters are announced:
• Coaches will reach out to families
• Teams will begin planning tournament and practice schedules

Typical practice timelines:

• 8U / 10U / 12U: After MPS Spring Break. We know we have some 12U athletes in 7th grade playing ball for their MPS high schools, or some athletes who attend private middle schools where softball is an option. Communication between all your 612 and school coaches is ESSENTIAL to make this work, but it's possible if desired. Each school coach may have different rules about attendance.
• 14U–HS: Near the end of or immediately following the high school season

 

Attendance, Communication & Commitment

Travel softball is a team commitment.

Pay close attention to:
• State Qualifiers
• State Tournament dates
These dates can be found on our calendar.

Absences at key tournaments impact the entire team

Be transparent with coaches about summer schedules. We include a known out of town dates section in the registration to assist in planning.

 

Parent Meetings
 

Online parent meetings will be held after evaluations and before team release. Watch for club emails with details

Final Note

We know evaluations and team placement can feel stressful. Our goal is to be transparent, fair, and athlete-centered, while building teams that can grow together all season long.