Rookie Sox (Flexi-Ball)
Howick Softball Club offers junior pathways as part of the developmental process towards competitive softball (fastpitch).
Commencing with Small Sox, players then progress to Tee Sox grades at ages 5 & 6 years of age. Tee Sox is focused on player participation and the teaching of catching, throwing, hitting and fielding. Batting is off a tee and aluminium bats are used in this grade as opposed to the foam bats that are used in the Tiny Sox Grade. A 10.5 inch soft rubber ball is used for Tee Sox and all players get to bat and field throughout the game.
From this grade players then progress to Rookie Sox (approximate age 7-10 years of age) whereby players then hit a moving ball that is pitched from a manual pitching machine. Depending on team entries there can be two divisions in this grade - one catering for the younger players (Minor Sox) and the other for the more skilled older players (Major Sox).
Age appropriate rules for Rookie Sox are followed depending on which team and grade, players are put into. Focus on these grades is primarily on teaching children more skills in the art of throwing and catching and batting and fielding. By hitting a moving ball, players are being prepared for fastpitch competition softball once they reach the Under 12 age group.
Ages for the above grades are approximate as sometimes younger players may be put up to Rookie Sox if their skill levels and confidence displays a need. Players can also be kept down in age groups dependent on special needs or confidence building. Parents are required to request to the Junior Management Committee any special requests or needs.
The season commences October, 2024 after Labour Weekend and goes through to mid March 2025 with all school Christmas holidays off in between.
All Tee Sox and Rookie Sox games will now be played on Friday Evening at Meadowlands Reserve. 5pm Small Sox, 5.30pm Tee Sox and 6.30pm Flexiball/Rookie Sox.
A uniform of top and pants will be supplied - to be returned at the end of the season. Club caps are available for purchase. Tee Ball/Softball Gloves are available for purchase from the club at very reasonable rates.
The club will endeavour to place children as per parent's requests, but this may not always be possible due to team numbers or age groups available.