Softball Program Guidelines

The Villages Recreation and Parks Department

Effective Fall 2025 • Last updated August 15, 2025

The Villages Softball Program is offered to residents of The Villages and is organized by the Recreation and Parks Department. These guidelines exist to help promote a safe, enjoyable environment across all leagues within the Villages Recreation Softball Program. Each league is governed by a player-elected volunteer resident board that handles game schedules, volunteer coordination, and league rules.

1. Registration

Registration dates can be found on each league's application form and website.
Players are responsible for submitting an application to the Saddlebrook or Everglades Recreation Centers or directly to the desired league during the scheduled registration dates. Applications include a waiver of liability and the Recreation and Parks Department Code of Conduct. Players must complete a new application and sign a Code of Conduct for each season they wish to participate in.

2. Player Placement

Recreation Leagues

Volunteer league representatives collect completed applications, signed waivers, and Codes of Conduct.
Recreation Staff reserve a facility for the leagues to conduct player drafts.
Team managers from each league draft players in a process determined by the league.

Neighborhood Leagues

Volunteer league representatives collect completed applications, signed waivers, and Codes of Conduct.
Those representatives select neighborhood teams. When possible, teams are comprised of players from the same village. If there are not enough players from one village to form a team, those players are placed accordingly onto other teams within the same league.

3. Player Eligibility

Age: A male or female player must become at least 50 years of age during the calendar year to be eligible to play in that calendar year.
Residency: Each player must have a valid resident or renter ID. Guests may not participate in the Recreation Softball Program.
Waiver: Participants must have a current waiver and Code of Conduct on file with the Recreation and Parks Department.
New Players: All new players must complete three evaluation sessions. The sessions do not have to be consecutive weeks, but all three must take place within six months of the first evaluation.
Initial Season: Each player must participate in the league they were evaluated for as either a roster player or substitute for their initial season. Players may decide to move up or down one league per season after their initial season.
Undrafted Players: If a player goes undrafted for 2 consecutive seasons that he/she signs up for, he/she must drop down one league for one season beginning the following season. (Seasons: winter, summer, fall.)
Mid-Season Evaluations: Newly evaluated players who complete their evaluation while a season is currently underway enter the priority sub protocol of their assigned league. Speak with the volunteer league leaders of your assigned league for details.
League Verification: League leadership is responsible for verifying that players have been evaluated. Each league board may request a one-day re-evaluation for a player in their league. Requests must be made to the Recreation Department Softball Staff in writing.
Returning Players: If a former player has not played Villages Softball in 3 calendar years, they must attend a re-evaluation before they can register to play again.
Attendance: Each division may create its own attendance rule. Players cannot be removed from teams or suspended without the approval of the Recreation Department. Players may request a "leave of absence" in writing for injury, illness, family emergency, or any other acceptable reason. Every request is considered on an individual basis.
Conduct Violations: A two-game suspension is mandatory for any player or manager ejected from a league game. In the case of any physical contact, the minimum suspension is one month. The Recreation and Parks Department has sole authority to discipline or suspend players from the Recreation Softball Program.

4. Recreation and Parks Department Responsibilities

Operation and support consistent with the Recreation and Parks facility guidelines
Guideline creation
Field maintenance
Staffing
Scheduling of fields
Disciplinary issues
Safety concerns
Creating and maintaining the softball budget
Purchasing of equipment and supplies
Resolving player discrepancies

5. Cancellation of League Play

Softball Program activities may be cancelled for various reasons, including but not limited to field conditions, weather events, and any other unforeseen circumstances. Cancellations are determined by the Recreation and Parks Department, Property Management, or Public Safety staff.

When a cancellation occurs, the Recreation and Parks Department will immediately notify WVLG to make an announcement on the radio, and will also make every attempt to send an email notification to those signed up for E-Notifications through districtgov.org.

The Recreation and Parks Department reserves the right to alter, modify, or update these guidelines as deemed necessary.

Source: Softball Program Guidelines PDF • For more information, visit districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/softball