Raptors Softball offers competitive youth softball for girls in the 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U age divisions. Our program serves Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Larkspur, Sedalia, and surrounding communities.

Raptors Athletics is a member of the Arapahoe Youth League (AYL), which provides competitive softball opportunities throughout the Denver metropolitan area.

Players are assigned to age divisions based on the applicable AYL softball age determination date. For the 2026 Spring and Fall seasons, this date was September 1, 2025. Future season eligibility dates will be published when confirmed by AYL.

Proof of age may be required during registration or league eligibility verification.

Raptors Softball offers one competitive division at each of four age levels:

• 8U Softball: Introduces players to competitive softball while emphasizing throwing, catching, hitting, fielding, baserunning, and teamwork.
• 10U Softball: Builds upon fundamental skills while introducing more advanced defensive responsibilities, pitching, catching, and game situations.
• 12U Softball: Focuses on improving individual skills, situational awareness, game strategy, and competitive performance.
• 14U Softball: Emphasizes advanced fundamentals, positional development, softball IQ, and preparation for high school or more advanced competitive softball.

Unlike Raptors Baseball, which offers multiple competitive levels within its AA program, Raptors Softball currently offers one competitive division per age group.

Raptors Softball provides an organized competitive experience through the Arapahoe Youth League.

Our program emphasizes player development, fundamentals, softball IQ, teamwork, and competitive games while maintaining a commitment to sportsmanship and a positive environment.

Recreational softball programs generally focus on introductory instruction and participation. More advanced travel softball programs may require extensive tournament participation, additional travel, and a greater financial and time commitment.

Raptors Softball provides an opportunity for athletes to develop and compete without requiring the year-round commitment commonly associated with travel softball.

The AYL Spring Softball season generally runs from April through May.

Per the 2026 AYL website:

• League games began April 11–12.
• Teams will be scheduled for approximately 10–12 regular-season games.
• Games are generally played on Saturdays and Sundays.
• The season concludes with a single-elimination postseason tournament in May.

The AYL Fall Softball season generally runs from August through September.

Per the 2026 AYL website:

• League games began August 14.
• Teams will be scheduled for approximately 10–12 regular-season games.
• Games are generally scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays, often as doubleheaders.
• Sundays are reserved primarily for makeup opportunities.
• No games  scheduled over Labor Day weekend.
• The season concludes with a double-elimination postseason tournament, with a two-game guarantee.

The exact schedule and tournament format are determined annually by AYL.

AYL schedules games on available dates throughout the spring to account for Colorado weather and field availability.

The exact dates, game format, and postseason schedule are established annually by AYL and may change from season to season.

All players must register online through the Raptors Athletics website.

Visit the Raptors Softball page and select the registration link for the appropriate Spring or Fall season.

Families should complete all required player information, review the applicable policies, and submit payment according to the registration instructions.

Registration is not a guarantee of placement on a particular team. Team formation is dependent upon roster availability and coaching resources.

For the Spring 2027 season, the Raptors Softball registration fee is $450 per player.

Registration fees help support the expenses associated with operating a competitive youth softball program.

These expenses may include:

• League Expenses: AYL registration fees, game scheduling, umpire fees, game fields, insurance, and league administration.
• Organizational Expenses: Practice fields, facility permits, practice scheduling, registration administration, and operational support.
• Coaching and Safety: Background checks, required coach training, concussion education, and other safety requirements.
• Team Expenses: Shared team equipment, organizational supplies, and other expenses necessary to support the season.

Registration fees support the operation of the program and are not solely based on the number of games played.

Players are responsible for providing their own personal softball equipment.

Common equipment includes:

• Softball glove
• Batting helmet with an approved faceguard
• Appropriate fastpitch softball bat
• Softball cleats
• Athletic shoes and practice clothing
• Personal water bottle

Additional protective equipment may be required based on a player's position or the applicable AYL rules. Catchers must use properly fitted protective equipment meeting league requirements.

Families should confirm current equipment specifications before purchasing new equipment.

Raptors Softball uses official team uniforms to maintain a consistent appearance across the organization.

All 2026 uniforms may still be worn, however there will be updates to the uniforms for 2027.

Specific uniform components, pricing, and ordering instructions will be provided before each season.

Players must wear the approved Raptors Softball uniform during league games unless otherwise authorized.

Families should not order personalized uniform items or select jersey numbers until receiving confirmation from the program.

Returning players may be able to reuse existing uniform components if those items remain part of the current approved uniform set and are in good condition.

Because Raptors Softball is updating its uniforms for Spring 2027. Please note the following uniform pieces.

• Multicolor Fade Jersey - Same as 2026, with updated branding to keep consistent with Raptors Athletics branding
• Black Pants - Same as 2026, but new vendor in Champro
• Black Socks - Same as 2026, but new vendor in Champro
• Black Belts - Same as 2026
• Visor - Same as 2026, with updated R logo branding to keep consistent with Raptors Athletics Branding
• On-Field Sweatshirt - Same as 2026, with updated branding to keep consistent with Raptors Athletics branding

Uniforms that are excessively worn, damaged, or no longer fit appropriately should be replaced.

Raptors Softball forms teams based on the number of registered players, age eligibility, roster availability, coaching resources, and the overall needs of the program.

When multiple teams are available within an age division, the program may consider player experience, skill development, returning team assignments, and other factors that support balanced and competitive teams. If reqistration does not yeild enough players for a single team, then players will be given the opportunity to play up an age level to fulfill team needs.

Our priority is to provide an appropriate environment where players can develop their abilities, enjoy the game, and contribute to their team's success.

Final roster assignments are determined by Raptors Softball.

Families may communicate requests to play with a particular coach, teammate, or friend during registration when that option is available.

Raptors Softball will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests when possible.

However, requests are not guaranteed. Age eligibility, team capacity, roster composition, and coaching availability take priority when forming teams.

Raptors Softball is a competitive program, but evaluation and team placement procedures may vary depending on the season, age division, and number of registered players.

If evaluations are required, the program will communicate the dates, locations, procedures, and any applicable fees in advance.

The purpose of an evaluation is to help place athletes in an appropriate competitive environment and identify areas for continued player development.

Families should not assume that registration automatically guarantees placement on a particular team.

Players are generally expected to participate in the age division determined by the applicable AYL age eligibility rules.

Requests to play outside a player's assigned age division require review and approval under AYL policies.

The Raptors Softball program cannot independently guarantee an exception to league eligibility requirements.

Families interested in requesting an age-division exception should contact the Softball Director before registering.

Team roster sizes may vary depending on the age division, the number of registered players, and the applicable AYL roster requirements.

Raptors Softball strives to maintain roster sizes that allow teams to compete effectively while providing meaningful opportunities for player development and participation.

Team size can vary depending upon the number of players registering, but the preferred roster size is 12 players per team.

RAPTORS WILL NOT ROSTER A TEAM WITH LESS THAN 11 PLAYERS.

RAPTORS WILL NOT EXCEED 13 ON A ROSTER UNLESS REQUESTED BY THE COACH.

All Raptors practice fields are located within Castle Rock.

For Spring 2027 - Teams will be given 2 practices per week in the preseason (March) prior to games starting. Once the regular season starts, teams will continue to have two practices per week (April - May) but those might be reduced to one practice per week depending on field availability.

Due to Raptors renting fields from the Town of Castle Rock and DC Parks, PRACTICE FIELDS DO CHANGE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON. Even though Raptors will do its best to keep teams on the same nights, the fields might change as the permits change throughout the season.

The start and end time for practices take into account the team's age, coaches work schedule and field availability. Generally, practices are 90 minutes long and are from 5-6:30pm, 6:00-7:30PM, 7:00-8:30PM and 8:00-9:30pm. 

8U teams will have practices that end no later than 7:30pm (unless otherwise requested by the coach)

10U and 12U teams will have practices that end no later than 8:30pm

14U teams can and will practice until 9:30pm. 

Older age groups will get earlier practices if the practice schedule allows.

AYL generally schedules approximately 10–12 regular-season games for both Spring and Fall softball, followed by postseason tournament play.

AYL member organizations are located throughout the Denver metropolitan area, including Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Littleton,

Aurora, and surrounding communities. Games may be scheduled at fields operated by participating AYL organizations. Families should expect some travel throughout the south Denver metropolitan area during the season.

Game schedules vary by season.

Spring Softball: Games are generally scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays, with occasional doubleheaders.

Fall Softball: Games are generally scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays, frequently as doubleheaders. Sundays may be reserved for makeup opportunities.

Schedules are determined by AYL and may change based on field availability, weather, and league requirements.



Families should review the published schedule before making other commitments.

Colorado weather can create challenges during both the Spring and Fall seasons.

AYL schedules games on available dates throughout each season to maximize opportunities for competition.

Because of field permit limitations and the league's scheduling structure, canceled games are not guaranteed to be rescheduled.

The league establishes a final date for each season, after which games cannot be played.

Raptors Softball and AYL will communicate cancellations and schedule changes as information becomes available.

AYL offers postseason tournament opportunities during both Spring and Fall softball.

The 2027 formats included:

• Spring: Single-elimination postseason tournament.
• Fall: Double-elimination postseason tournament with a two-game guarantee.

Tournament eligibility, seeding, formats, and schedules are established by AYL and are subject to league rules.

Participation may depend on a team's eligibility and compliance with league requirements.

Competitive softball requires a commitment to practices, games, and teammates.

Families are strongly encouraged to schedule vacations outside the season whenever possible.

We understand that family commitments arise, but missing practices or games can affect the entire team, particularly when absences leave insufficient players available for competition.

If your daughter must miss a practice or game, notify the head coach as early as possible.

Repeated or avoidable absences may affect playing opportunities, depending on team expectations and applicable program policies.

Forfeits affect more than the team that cannot participate. They also impact opponents, umpires, field providers, and the league.

Families are expected to honor their commitment to the team and communicate scheduling conflicts as early as possible.

AYL may impose penalties or fines for forfeited games under its current rules.

Any responsibility for forfeit-related charges or other consequences will be governed by the applicable Raptors Athletics policies and league requirements.

Raptors Athletics maintains registration and financial policies governing cancellations, withdrawals, and refunds.

Families should review and acknowledge the current policies during registration.

Because the organization commits funds to league fees, fields, uniforms, and other expenses in advance of each season, refunds may be restricted or unavailable after registration is submitted.

Any refund request will be handled according to the applicable Raptors Athletics financial policy.

Raptors Athletics relies on volunteer coaches who are committed to player development, sportsmanship, and creating a positive athletic experience. Individuals interested in coaching may contact the Raptors Softball Director to learn about available opportunities.

Coaches are subject to applicable organizational and league requirements, which may include background checks, concussion education, and required training. Head coaches are expected to teach proper fundamentals, communicate effectively with families, support organizational policies, and provide a positive competitive environment.

Team assignments are generally communicated after registration and roster formation are completed. The exact timing varies between Spring and Fall seasons.

Once teams are finalized, families will receive information regarding their assigned team, head coach, practices, and other preseason details.

If a team does not have a confirmed coach, roster announcements or practice schedules may be delayed.

Raptors Softball is a volunteer-based program, and the availability of qualified coaches is an important part of team formation.



As a competitive organization players may not receive equal play time. However, Raptors Softball has our own rule that every player must sit one inning prior to any player sitting a second inning for the weekend.

For league specific play time rules please visit the AYL Softball rules at www.aylsports.org

AYL's playing time rule state every player in attendance must play 4 defensive outs in every game played. The only exception to this is in instance of injury or disciplinary action due to the player's attitude or attendance.

At Raptors Softball, success is measured by more than wins and losses. While every team competes to win, our greatest priority is developing better softball players and stronger individuals, both on and off the field.

We believe in playing to win, not winning at all costs. Our coaches emphasize fundamentals, skill development, softball IQ, teamwork, sportsmanship, and providing meaningful opportunities for every player to grow.

A successful season means our athletes finish more skilled, confident, resilient, and knowledgeable about the game than when they started. Learning to win with humility, lose with grace, and overcome adversity are lessons that extend far beyond softball.

Our goal is simple: Develop great players, build strong character, and create a positive softball experience where winning is a result of doing things the right way.

Absolutely!

Raptors Athletics strongly supports Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) and encourages young athletes to participate in multiple sports throughout the year.

Playing different sports helps develop coordination, agility, strength, balance, and overall athleticism while reducing the risks of overuse injuries and burnout associated with early specialization.

Although Raptors Softball offers both Spring and Fall seasons, families are not expected to participate in both.

We recognize that players have interests and commitments beyond softball, and we encourage families to make decisions that support their athlete's overall development and well-being.

Our philosophy is simple: Better athletes become better softball players.

Raptors Softball participates under the official Arapahoe Youth League softball rules.

The league establishes rules governing age eligibility, equipment, pitching, game play, minimum participation, postseason competition, and other requirements.

Families and coaches are encouraged to review the applicable rules before each season.



Official league information and rulebooks are available at: https://www.aylsports.org/downloads

Raptors Athletics encourages respectful communication between parents, coaches, players, and program leadership.

If a concern arises regarding playing time, coaching decisions, team expectations, or another issue, families are expected to wait at least 24 hours following the game or incident before addressing the matter.

Parents should first communicate directly with their head coach.

If the issue cannot be resolved at the team level, families may contact the Raptors Softball Director.

Communication should remain respectful, constructive, and focused on the best interests of the athletes. Non-urgent communications should take place between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

For questions regarding Raptors Softball registration, team placement, coaching, schedules, or general program information, please contact:



Raptors Softball Director

Collin@raptorsathletics.org

Raptors Athletics Support

support@raptorsathletics.org