THCSSL HISTORY
In the fall of 2011, five senior softball players met to discuss establishing a slow-pitch softball league in the Hill Country. At that time, the only senior leagues were in San Antonio & Austin. The result of that meeting was an alliance with the Kerr County YMCA, which coordinated the first organized play in 2012. That season 35 players on three teams played a sixteen game season at Schreiner University’s Women’s softball field.
In 2013, a board of directors was formed, by-laws were written and non-profit status for the THCSSL was approved by the IRS according to Chapter 501(c)(3). The participation grew to 45 players ages 50 to 77 and included three women. Four teams played an eighteen game schedule at Singing Wind Park in Kerrville.
In 2019, 85 players, age 45 to 86, on seven teams, competed in a 24-game schedule. In 2025, 90+ players are expected to form 8 teams, competing in 21 games at the Kerrville Sports Complex. The THCSSL is dedicated to providing a friendly and fun, as well as competitive, slow-pitch softball experience.
The teams are formed each year via a drafting protocol to try to have evenly matched teams. Before the draft, new player assessments are done by the team managers during multiple practice sessions.
The THCSSL is dedicated to providing a friendly and fun, as well as competitive, slow-pitch softball experience. All players who sign up are guaranteed to be on a team, and rules are in effect to ensure game participation for everyone.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT BE TOLERATED IN THE THCSSL. This includes fighting, abusive profanity, and belligerence toward umpires, managers, and/or fellow players. Violators will be immediately suspended from the league and, pending a hearing, could serve additional suspension up to the rest of the season, for the first offense.
ORGANIZATION – The THCSSL is operated by a board of directors elected each year by players and members. Participation is open to all players meeting the age requirement, regardless of residence location. Designation of the THCSSL as a non-profit organization, according to IRS 501(c)(3) guidelines, has been granted.
PLAYER FEES – Players will be required to pay annual individual fees which will include the costs of uniforms, playing & practice field rentals, game balls, umpires, etc. The fee for the 2024 season is expected to be $140/player. Winter league fees are less, but a shorter season will be played, and uniforms are not furnished. PLAYER FEES WILL BE DUE/PAYABLE ON/BEFORE THE TEAM DRAFT DAY for both summer and winter leagues. (If any player is unable to afford all or part of the fee because of hardship, he/she may be able to get assistance. Contact the league president for confidential consideration.)
TEAM FORMATION – THCSSL teams are formed by team managers each season using a skill assessment and draft protocol. Returning players will not be required to complete a skill assessment, using instead their previous season, or most recent, rating for drafting purposes. This will ensure that all teams are equalized in both age and skill levels to provide an enjoyable, as well as competitive, experience for all players. The THCSSL reserves the right to reform teams/divisions at/before the mid-season point should there enough in-season player additions to add another team. This will ensure all players will have the opportunity to participate to the fullest extent possible.
PLAYING EQUIPMENT – The THCSSL will furnish player jerseys and caps for the summer season. Players are expected to provide their own gloves, bats and shoes which comply with SSUSA rules (see seniorsoftball.com). METAL SPIKES are not allowed on the field at the Kerrville Sports Complex.
PLAYER CONTRACTS & MEDICAL WAIVERS – All players will be required to provide acceptable proof of age, when required, and execute a contract commitment to play for the drafting team, unless released by consent of the team manager and the THCSSL Board of Directors. Players must also sign a commitment to abide by the THCSSL Covid-19 protocol. The medical waiver will hold the THCSSL and the City of Kerrville harmless in case of injury or illness while participating in, or observing, league games and/or practices.