Softball FAQ
When is the next YPNG softball season?
YPNG plays in the San Luis Obispo City League which has Spring, Summer and Fall Leagues. For more information about signups, please check out our Calendar.
What rules does the YPNG league follow?
Our league follows the same rules that SLO City uses for all other leagues with minor exceptions*. Click here to find a PDF of these rules.
*Exceptions: Using players not on your roster in order to avoid a forfeit is allowed as long as the opposing captain is informed of this substitution and is okay with the substitution. Players on the waitlist will be contacted first but in the event a captain needs a last minute player, the first person to respond will be given preference. To be on the waitlist, please email sports@ypng.org.
What is the purpose of YPNG softball?
Following along with one of the visions of YPNG our goal is to promote personal connections with other local young professionals in our community. Softball gives members an opportunity to meet like-minded people while staying active. Besides the physical benefits, it is a way to socialize in a casual, fun environment with other local young professionals. Our softball league is not meant to be competitive but instead an outlet to have some fun. If you want to be in a competitive league, the City of SLO offers other more competitive leagues that may be a better fit for you. We understand anytime you play a game/sport people do try to win but we want to make sure people keep good attitude and display good sportsmanship while playing.
Why did YPNG change to a lottery system for determining who will play softball?
The old system was first come first serve and would usually sell out in 15 minutes for male spots. So if someone was busy at the time of registration or had computer errors, they would miss the chance to register. The new lottery system gives everyone 12 hours to register so there are less people disadvantaged.
What happens if I registered on time but I was not selected in the lottery?
You will be placed on a waitlist and will have priority over other waitlisters who signed up after registration. Because some people signed up with partners they may drop out if their partner didn’t make the cut, so some spots may open up before the first game. You can also contact the city of SLO and try and get on their waitlist to get on another city league team. Their number is 781-7300.
How many people were not selected, and can they form their own team?
For anyone who did not make the softball cut, no other coed team can be formed, but we would gladly put all of these people in contact with eachother if they want to form a team on another night.
What if I was selected to play softball but my partner wasn’t?
We hope you decide to still play but if you don’t, please let us know immediately so we can issue you a refund and fill your spot.
Why aren’t partners and couples allowed to register together for the Lottery?
We didn’t want partners/couples to have any advantage during the draft. We wanted everyone to have an equal opportunity to play. The question was brought up of why couldn’t a couple enter as one lottery entry, all or nothing? The thought being there would still be equal opportunity for a single lottery player to be picked because the couple would be on a “single” lottery ticket as well. The problem is if a couple was chosen, they take away two roster spots with one ticket, therefore limiting the amount of open spaces available. We’ve discussed this at length and do not want to give any advantage. We still cater to couples in the sense that if both you and your selected partner make the lottery we will make sure you are on the same team. Note: obviously we couldn’t allow a couple to both have a lottery entry and if one gets in, the other partner automatically gets in too, that is an unfair advantage during the lottery.
Why don’t you give any advantage during the lottery to active, veteran players versus new players?
We want everyone to have a fair chance to play softball regardless of their “status” with YPNG or their history with YPNG softball. We are hoping to foster new connections and not make softball one big “click” of the same players. With that said, we have awarded certain members for their time and efforts with YPNG by allowing them to get an automatic entry through the lottery (these members still pay). We wish we could give every volunteer and committee member a free pass but it just isn’t possible. All YPNG Directors have an option to play softball and automatically bypass the lottery system. This is one of the benefits of volunteering their time on the board. All softball captains get a pass through the lottery system as well, along with one co-captain of their choice. Again, this is to reward them for their time and efforts. All other members will have a fair chance at playing softball through the lottery system. If you want to get involved by volunteering your time on one of our committees(which is a great way to become a YPNG director), or manage a softball team, please send us an email and we can give you more information.
If I asked to play with a partner and we were both selected will we still be able to play together based on this new lottery system?
Yes, we will accommodate your requests to play together.
How is the lottery completed?
Every player was assigned a number and an electronic random number generator was used to select the players, with the presence of three board members. Then in order to determine the teams, the six team captains get together and draft players with the sports director managing the live draft.
If I decide not to play will I be issued a refund?
With the exception of not being chosen to play from the lottery (or if your partner was not selected and you don’t want to play without them), refunds will NOT be issued to players who registered and paid, and subsequently decided not to play for any reason. You may sell your spot directly to someone else to get your money back. If you are going to sell your spot, please email sports@ypng.org.
For more details about the league you can visit the SLO City website. If you have any other questions about YPNG softball, or any other sports-related questions, or would like to join the sports committee, please send us an email at sports@ypng.org.
