Rookie Sox (Flexi-Ball)

Howick Softball Club offers junior pathways as part of the developmental process towards competitive softball (fastpitch).

Commencing with Tiny 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, 2022 and goes through to mid March 2023 with all school Christmas holidays off in between.

All Tee Sox and Rookie Sox games are played on Saturday mornings from 9am at Meadowlands Reserve.  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.

Tee Sox & Small Sox

Small Sox and Tee Sox are for children between 3-6 years of age.  Generally those on the younger end of the spectrum start with Tinyl Sox, then move to Tee Sox.  Both programs are focused on player participation and the teaching of catching, throwing, hitting and fielding.  

In Small Sox, foam bats and smaller, softer balls are used.  Then, in Tee Sox, batting is off a tee and aluminum bats are used, with a larger 10.5 inch soft rubber ball.  Additionally, all players get to bat and field throughout the game, as well as enhancing participation and above all, fun. Tee Sox and Tiny Sox last approximately 45 minutes and commence at 9 am on Saturdays.

Encouragement and praise is important at this level, and parents are very much encouraged to participate to both help their children have fun, as well as learning skills to help their children at home if their child is keen.

By also keeping parents actively involved and aware of the reasons why we do things, is encouraging more parents into coaching tee ball teams and to furthering their skills as their children progress through the grades.

Uniforms are supplied on loan for the season.  Club caps can be purchased and gloves are available for purchase from the club at reasonable rates.

Season commences October, 2022 and goes through to mid March 2023 with school holidays off in between.