Thanks for your interest in the nonprofit, player run Houston Women's Softball League! The all volunteer Board of this league strives to make its participants experience as positive and easy as possible. Included on this page you will find key information that applies directly to individual participants. If you cannot find an answer to your question or need more information, please send us a message!
When does HWSL play?
We play in Memorial Park (maps under the fields tab) on Sunday mornings. Times can vary for start but typically start at 9am and are done by 2pm. It is a great way to start your Sunday and not take up the whole day!
How do I register to play?
Create an account on our website and you can then register for an active league. If there is not an active league the season has concluded until the next season. We typically play spring starting around March and fall starting around September.
What is a free agent? Do I have to pay?
In order to play in HWSL everyone must pay the player registration fee. Registering as a free agent just tells us you do not have a team and are looking for one! Once you have registered we will have a coach or board member get in touch with you about playing. After you have been placed on a team we will invoice you the correct amount to pay.
How much does it cost to play?
Costs vary by season and also depend on what the league votes on at our annual meeting. Typically spring player registration fee is 55 and fall is 25. However, if you played in spring that fee covers your fee to play in the fall! Fall player fee is only for new players who did not play in the spring. There is also a team fee that teams must pay, generally teams split this among their players unless they have a sponsor. You can find more information about fees in our operating rules in the about us tab.
What does my player fee cover?
Umpires, balls, field rentals, end of season party, tournaments, etc...
I tried to register but there is nothing to register for, what do I do?
No worries! That just means we are not accepting players quite yet. Closer to the season starting we will open up registration, be sure to check back on the website and follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with information.
What do I register under?
We will set up the team captains, so only players and free agents need to register.
Player = a player who has an established team.
Free Agent = a player who does NOT have a team and is looking to join one. We will have a coach contact you.
I have not played in years, can I still play?
Of course! We have room for everyone in HWSL. Don't be shy!
Is this fast pitch or slow pitch?
HWSL is the only all women's slow pitch league in Houston.
Is HWSL USA or USSSA
HWSL plays under ASANA which uses USA rules and regulations (formerly ASA). Under our About Us tab you can find a link that will take you to the USA website for banned bats. HWSL has strict policies in place against using altered or illegal bats, if a player is found to be using one you will be banned from the league.
Does your league have divisions?
We are not large enough to have multiple divisions like some leagues, but we do divide into upper and lower division. HWSL ranks players which make up a team ranking.
Do you hold any practices or try outs?
Generally no we do not hold a practice, but if enough people are interested and committed it is a possibility. HWSL does NOT hold try outs, if you would like to play we can find you a spot.
Do I need a bat?
Plenty of players have bats and bring them out to games, there is no need to buy one if you do not want to. All you need to bring is a glove. However, if you do want to buy a bat please check out the banned bat link under the "about us" section. Feel free to send a message or talk to any board member to figure out if a bat is legal before you buy it.
How old do you have to be to play?
In order to play in HWSL you must be at least 18 years old.
Is this a "gay only" league?
Absolutely not! We welcome ALL WOMEN as we wish to foster good will and understanding between the straight and LGBT communities. We are happy to have many straight players on our diamonds. The main purpose of this League is to provide an organized, slowpitch softball league where ANY woman can participate in the sport in a safe, healthy, positive atmosphere that is free of the negative attitudes based on differences in sexual orientation that are often faced by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) communities. We are not an exclusive organization.
Are uniforms required?
No, but we encourage teams to have uniforms.
So what is the ASANA Softball World Series?
It's an annual women's softball tournament for lesbians and their friends, that is held in a different host city each year. Sure, it's mostly about softball, but there are many other fun, social events planned on as well. Great way to meet women from all over the USA and Canada! Some cities that have hosted the tournament: Madison, WI, Austin, TX, Las Vegas, NV, San Diego, CA, Portland, OR, Orlando, FL, and the 2018 tournament will be in NEW ORLEANS!
2019 = Long Beach, CA