Frequently asked questions
How many games will my team play in?
Your team will play in at least 3 games during round robin play on Saturday (or Friday if you choose “early play”). Starting on Sunday, there will be single elimination playoffs, so you’ll get to keep playing if you keep winning.
However, this is subject to change due to inclement weather. A weather contingency plan will be posted closer to the event.
But the weekend isn’t just about softball! We will be hosting parties Friday and Saturday night, a BBQ on Saturday afternoon, and there will be drink specials and bar tabs all over town just for tournament participants.
How are the teams structured?
The UVA Law Invitational welcomes athletes of all gender identities. Our goal is to enable players to participate as their consistently asserted gender identity while providing a fair and safe environment for all players. In the Co-Rec League, once a roster has met the minimum requirement for the number of non-male identifying players on a team, the rest of the roster can be composed of players from any gender. Our rules honor the self-declared gender of all players and enable them to participate in a way that is consistent with their self-identity.
Co-Rec League teams that want to play with 10 players in the field must have a minimum of 4 non-male identifying players on the field. If playing with only 9 players, there must be a minimum of 3 non-male identifying players on the field.
Open League teams do not have any gender-based restrictions but must have a minimum of 9 players.
How much does it cost to register? How do I submit my payment?
Registration is $950 per team.
Payment is accepted via Zelle to ngslfinances@gmail.com, credit card (with an additional $35 processing fee), or check made out to North Grounds Softball League, 580 Massie Rd., Charlottesville, Virginia 22903.
Once you have completed the registration form, we will email you an invoice within a week.
Please note: If you are paying with a credit card, there is an additional $35 fee. If you must pay with a credit card, your registration fee will be $985.
If I select “early play” and promise to play a game on Friday, how early does my team need to be in Charlottesville?
First of all, bless you.
The first games will begin late afternoon on Friday, April 5, 2024 at the softball fields located at the UVA Law School: 580 Massie Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Please be here a little bit early for the First Pitch festivities!
What do I need to bring?
A good attitude and a healthy liver
Gloves
Pit Viper Sunglasses if you want people to respect you
Bats – but they must be regulation:
Any USA (ASA)-approved bat may be used, including ASA-approved multi-walled bats.
A list of USA (ASA)-approved bats is available at: http://www.teamusa.org/usa-softball/play-asa/certified-asa-equipment.
Each team captain is permitted to inspect the other team’s bats at the start of the game.
If a batter is found to be using an non-USA-approved bat, the first offense will result in the batter being called out. The second offense will result in the forfeit of the game.
What don’t I need to bring:
Drama (except for the fun kind)
Balls - NGSL will provide these
You do not need to bring safety gear for pitchers and/or catchers - if you’d like to bring this gear you can, but it is not required and will not be provided by NGSL
Cleats with metal spikes
