Softball

Opening Day Celebration

? Ken-Rock Community Center
625 Adams Street, Rockford, IL 61107

? “OUR SEASON STARTS HERE”

Ken-Rock Softball Opening Day Celebration
? May 30, 2026

This special event will kick off the season with a community celebration where players can show off their uniforms, families can gather, and we officially launch another great Ken-Rock Softball season.

League Play

• Official games begin: Monday, June 1, 2026
• Games played: Mondays & Wednesdays
• Season runs through: Week of July 15, 2026, pending weather-related make-ups

End-of-Season Tournament

? Battle for the Bases Week
? Week of August 3, 2026

Eligible Ken-Rock Softball teams will compete in a two-day end-of-season tournament to determine:

? 1st Place Teams

Game Site & Game Days

? Mercyhealth SportScore One
1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford, IL

• All games and practices are held on Monday & Wednesday evenings
• Make-up games will be coordinated in partnership with the Rockford Park District staff

League Philosophy & Playing Rules

Ken-Rock Softball believes in maximum participation and positive youth development.

• All players will bat throughout the game
• Each player will play at least two consecutive defensive innings (six outs)
• Sportsmanship, skill development, teamwork, and fun are emphasized at every level

Registration Fees

• Softball (Ages 6–15): $100 per player
• T-Ball (Ages 4–5): $70 per player

Registration Includes

✔ Official team shirt
✔ Team cap
✔ End-of-season award

Uniform Information

Each registered player will receive an official Ken-Rock team shirt and cap, which are required to be worn at games.

Baseball pants are not included and are not required for participation.
Families may choose athletic pants or baseball pants that work best for their child. Ken-Rock is happy to provide recommendations on where to purchase baseball pants if needed.

League Divisions & Age Guidelines

? Age is determined as of May 1, 2026

T-Ball Division

Ages 4–5

League Description:
T-Ball is an instructional league designed to introduce young players to the fundamentals of softball in a fun and supportive environment. Emphasis is placed on basic skills, teamwork, listening, and confidence building. Games are held on Monday evenings.

Tournament Notice:
T-Ball teams will not participate in Battle for the Bases Week. This level focuses on development, confidence, and fun rather than competitive standings.

Coach Pitch Division

Ages 6–8

League Description:
Coach Pitch is an instructional league focused on teaching softball fundamentals to players ages 6–8. Coaches pitch to players, allowing them to develop batting, fielding, and base-running skills in a structured setting. Games are played on Mondays & Wednesdays.

Tournament Notice:
Coach Pitch teams will not participate in Battle for the Bases Week. This supports skill development, sportsmanship, and a smooth transition to player-pitched competition.

Junior Division

Ages 9–12

League Description:
Beginning at the Junior Division level, players participate in player-pitched softball following USSSA rules with Ken-Rock-specific modifications. This division introduces more advanced gameplay while maintaining a strong emphasis on development and sportsmanship. Games are played on Mondays & Wednesdays.

Tournament Notice:
Junior Division teams will participate in Battle for the Bases Week and are eligible for tournament placement.

Senior Division

Ages 13–15

League Description:
The Senior Division offers competitive, player-pitched softball focused on advanced skill development, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. This division prepares players for higher-level youth and school-based softball.

Tournament Notice:
Senior Division teams will compete in the Battle for the Bases Week end-of-season tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I register?
Register directly through this website by clicking “Register” at the top of the page. Once payment is submitted, your child is officially registered.

Are tryouts held?
No. Ken-Rock Softball is a recreational, pay-to-play league. If you register and pay, your child plays.

What does the uniform include?
All divisions receive a shirt, cap, and end-of-season award.

Can I request a coach or teammate?
Requests may be entered during registration. While many requests are honored, we cannot guarantee all placements. Family members and coaches’ children are automatically placed together.

Can I change teams?
Players may change teams; however, recruiting players away from other teams is strictly prohibited. Team changes will result in random reassignment to maintain league integrity.

What equipment is provided?
Each head coach receives a team bag with shared helmets, bats, balls, and some catcher’s gear. Players must provide:

• Baseball glove
• Rubber cleats
• Optional personal helmet or bat
  (Single-walled aluminum bats only. No composite bats permitted.)

Weather & Lightning Policy
Safety is our top priority. SportScore One staff will suspend play for lightning or thunder. A 30-minute delay is enforced for each strike or thunder occurrence, and all players must seek shelter immediately.

Questions or Additional Information

? [email protected]
? (815) 398-8864 ext. 102

Savannah Palmer
Executive Director, Ken-Rock Community Center