DYSL - Divisional Setup and Goals

                                                                          6U Division (Tee Ball)

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. They learn which way to run bases, where to throw the ball, and how to stand in relation to home plate. The season begins with all players hitting off of a tee and can progress to coach pitch by the end of the year for those that can handle a pitched ball.

The 6U division 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 5:30/6:00 to 6:30/7:00 PM and games on the weekend are generally held between 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.  All activities are held on Field C at Shaws Lane in Dover, NH. 

                                                                                     8U Division

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 skill of bunting can be introduced. There is more emphasis on playing a game where runs are counted, outs are recorded and education on the rules begins. The season begins with coach pitch and progresses towards players pitch by the end of the year.  By the time they leave 8U they should be able to catch with two hands, hit a pitched ball, and make some accurate throws across the diamond. 

The 8U division generally meets 2-3 times per week 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 10:00 AM or later.  Games and practices are held on Field B at Shaws Lane in Dover, NH. 

                                                                                  10U Division

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.  Players are introduced to new skills such as leading from a base and stealing, the ball always being “live”, bunting is encouraged. 

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.  Upon graduating to 12U, skills players should know include being able to: catch a pop fly (and knowing to stay on base until a pop fly is touched), how to round a base, leading from a base and steal when instructed,  know what constitutes a force play, and which is the correct base to make a play.

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

 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.  Players are introduced to new rules such as drop third strike rule, leaving a base too early; infield fly rule, and some game strategies. 

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.  Upon graduating to 16U, players should be able to: bunt, know/execute a force play, make a throw/play at the proper base, and know/understand coach’s signs (steal/bunt/take a pitch).

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

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.