DYSL - Divisional Information

6U Division (Tee Ball) – For players aged 4-6; the child's age is what they were on 12/31 of the previous year

The 6U division is designed to encourage first time softball players to begin learning the game.  At this level players begin to learn the basic mechanics of throwing, catching, fielding, and hitting.  However, expectations are mostly social interactions with their peers.

The 6U league generally meets 1-2 times per week (1 practice during the week and 1 game on Saturday mornings).  Practices during the week are usually held 60-75 minutes between 5:30/6:00 - 6:30/7:00 PM and games on the weekend are generally held between 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM for 60-75 minutes. All activities are held on Field C at Shaws Lane in Dover, NH. 

8U Division – For players ages 7-8; the child's age is what they were on 12/31 of the previous year

The 8U division is designed to reinforce and build the skills learned in 6U.  And introduce more challenges.  All players new to softball who may not have played before are welcomed.  At this age level, players build on the mechanics of throwing, catching, fielding, and hitting.

The 8U division generally meets 2-3 times per week for about 75-90 minutes each with more emphasis on practices than games. The practices and games during the week are usually 6:00-7:30 PM and games on the weekend generally begin around 9:30 AM or later.  Games and practices are held on Field B at Shaws Lane in Dover, NH.  There is the possibility of some travel to nearby towns for an occasional event, likely on Saturdays only.

10U Division – For players ages 9-10; the child's age is what they were on 12/31 of the previous year

The 10U division is designed to continue to build upon the various skills learned in 8U.  Players new to softball who may not have played before are welcomed.  The 10U division follows the rules as prescribed by Babe Ruth Softball. 

The league conducts player skills assessments for this division prior to the season to assist with creating equal, yet competitive teams. Players will pitch to each other the entire season.  There are playoffs.  

The 10U division generally meets ~3 times per week (1 practice and 1 game during the week and 1 game on Saturday mornings).  Practices and games during the week are usually 6:00 - 7:30 PM and games on the weekend are usually held between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM depending on the number of teams.  Additionally, DYSL 10U teams also play games against teams from the neighboring towns of Somersworth, Barrington and Rochester.  Games and practices are held on Thorner Field at Shaws Lane in Dover, NH. 

12U Division – For players ages 11-12; the child's age is what they were on 12/31 of the previous year

The 12U division is designed to continue to reinforce and build upon the skills learned in 10U. Players new to softball who may not have played before are welcomed.  The 12U league follows the rules as prescribed by Babe Ruth Softball. 

The league conducts player skills assessments for this division prior to the season to assist with creating equal, yet competitive teams. Players will pitch to each other the entire season.  There are playoffs. 

The 12U division generally meets 3 times per week (1 practice and 1 game during the week and 1 game on Saturday mornings).  Practices and games during the week are usually 6:00 - 7:30 PM and games on the weekend are usually held between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Additionally, DYSL 12U teams also play games against teams from the neighboring towns of Somersworth, Barrington and Rochester, both home and away.  All home events are held at the South Side - Gabarro Field located on Towne Drive off of Henry Law Avenue in Dover, NH. 

16U Division – For players between 13-16 years old; player needs to be 13 and cannot be 17 on 12/31 of the previous year

The 16U division is designed to enhance players’ skills learned in 12U and prepare the players for high school softball.  There is softball as fully described by the rules outlined by Babe Ruth Softball.  Players new to softball and may not have played before are welcomed. 

Assessments may be held for this division prior to the season to assist with creating competitive teams.   The 16U division generally meets 3 to 4 times per week (combination of games and practices).  Practices and games during the week are usually 6:00 - 7:30 PM and games on the weekend can be any time of the day.  16U teams will play games against teams from the neighboring towns within the seacoast area (Portsmouth, Rochester, Exeter, Somersworth, Newmarket, etc.). All home events are held at the South Side - Murray Field located on Towne Drive off of Henry Law Avenue in Dover, NH.