1) FURY - WHAT IS IT?
Franklin Fury is a competitive summer softball program affiliated with Franklin Girls Softball Association. Fury teams are registered and classified through American Softball Association (“ASA”) as “Class C” teams – the primary requirement of which is 100% of the girls reside in the Town of Franklin. Teams will be formed in the 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U age brackets provided there are enough qualified players and coaches.
2) FURY MISSION
Franklin Fury is designed to give Franklin girls under the age of 18 an opportunity to play fastpitch softball at a level higher than the in-town spring recreation league. This is accomplished by competing in local travel league games against surrounding towns, and in softball tournaments. Dedicated practice time focuses on developing fundamental softball skills, instilling knowledge of advanced rules, understanding softball situations, and playing smart. Franklin Fury teams all operate in an environment that fosters teamwork and demonstrates good sportsmanship.
3) FURY PLAYER/PARENT EXPECTATIONS
A) Commitment
Each player is expected to be fully committed to training, developing an understanding of the game, and supporting teammates for the good of the team. With the understanding that over a 7 month period, conflicts will arise, Fury players are expected to be dedicated to their teams and make each practice and game a priority. Commitment is the most important component of earning the right to play. Time away during the June and July months is discouraged, as games will take place during this time. Also, time away during the Memorial Day weekend is discouraged due to the tournament we host.
B) Summer Season
Historically, Fury teams have participated in either the Hockomock or Twin Valley leagues. League play is approximately 10 weeknight games followed by league playoffs over a 6 week period (Mid June to end of July). Fury teams have practiced on average once per week, typically on Sunday. Individual coaches and Fury BOD members will make the final decisions on which league is the best fit for each team.
C) Tournaments
Fury teams typically play between 2-4 local travel, weekend tournaments during the Summer Season. This may vary by age group and team. Franklin typically hosts a tournament over Memorial Day weekend. The age group for that tournament varies from year to year, and depends on the number of teams Fury fields in a given year. Coaches will review tournament details and enter tournaments that are believed to provide good competition.
D) Fall Season
Fury's Fall season is an optional extension of the previous summer’s team. This is usually a 5 game/5 week program with games on Saturdays. Depending on the quantity of girls participating, summer teams may stay intact or may be newly formed.
E) Playing Time/Positions/Batting Line-Up
As a competitive team, Fury players are expected to earn the right to play through practice and development. Fury teams strive for a balance between equal playing time and designated positions. This will vary based on the following factors at the coach’s discretion:
• Player’s commitment to practicing and developing in a particular position
• Age group
• Level of competition
• Summer season – league games and playoff games
• Tournaments – pool play games and single elimination games
F) Winter Training
The winter training sessions are an integral component of the Fury program. These are essential to building the skills necessary to adequately compete in the league and tournaments. Each player is expected to attend winter training sessions as part of their commitment to the team. Fury teams practice indoors throughout January-March. The amount and content of the winter training may vary by each age group and team. Teams have generally practiced 4 times per month and have included batting instruction with professional instructors, open indoor field space, batting cages, etc.
4) ROSTER/SELECTION PROCESS
A) Tryouts/Evaluation Session
On an annual basis, historically in the late summer/early fall of the previous year, an evaluation session is held to assess each girl’s skills in hitting, fielding, throwing, running, etc.
B) Age Levels Description – Applicable Dates for the 2023 Season
10U – Girls born between 9/1/2012 and 8/31/2015;
12U – Girls born between 9/1/2010 and 8/31/2012;
14U – Girls born between 9/1/2008 and 12/31/2010;
16U – Girls born between 9/1/2006 and 8/31/2008;
18U – Girls born between 9/1/2004 and 8/31/2006.
C) Selection/Cutting
Teams shall be determined following the tryouts session. Teams are formed by selecting girls that best complement each other in skill and commitment. Team formation utilizes a combination of inputs which include the evaluation session and prior season’s input (if any). The quantity of registered girls for tryouts will be one factor in determining how many competitive teams the Fury program can accommodate and support. Every effort will be made to place girls on appropriate teams. However, roster spots are not guaranteed and will not be offered to girls participating in other softball programs. Every effort will be made to not cut players at 14U and below. At the older age groups, cuts maybe necessary and should be expected, depending on the number of participants.
The top team, or "A" team, in each division will be comprised of the top 11-12 players unless the coach feels they would like to carry additional players on the roster. The next group of players will make a second, or "B" team. A third team can be made if there are enough girls to roster a team and there is a coach available.
5) COACHES
Each year, coaches will be selected and approved by the FGSA Board of Directors. Factors in the decision process include ability to provide age appropriate training, past experience, past coaches’ evaluations, and commitment. Coaches’ evaluations are conducted annually.
6) CODE OF CONDUCT
Fury players, parents, and coaches are all under a strict zero tolerance policy regarding the Code of Conduct as adopted by Franklin Girls Softball Association. Any coach, player, or spectator ejected from a game will face disciplinary action and each incident is subject to review by the FGSA Board of Directors.
7) COST STRUCTURE
Cost per player will include winter training, summer league play, and tournaments. We must also cover the cost of rising umpire fees and training costs. The fee to play in 2023 will be TBD. If a coach decides the best direction for his/her team is to play more tournaments we will have to consider additional fees for that team or fundraising to cover costs. Fees will be split into payments or the total can be paid in full at one time. Payments are processed online.