07/23/2026
Roanoke Women’s Softball League FAQ
>>>What is RWSL?
RWSL stands for the Roanoke Women’s Softball League, a recreational slow-pitch softball league designed with women in the Roanoke Valley in mind.
The league is low-pressure, high-fun, and built for players of all experience levels.
Women in the Roanoke Valley needed a recreational softball space that was theirs. A league built around them from the start.
That is what RWSL is.
>>> Who operates the league?
RWSL is operated by the Play for All Foundation, also known as PFA.
The league is supported by a five-member Board of Advisors made up of women who are coaches and players in the local softball community. Advisors also serve as mentors to newer coaches and players.
>>> Who can play?
The league is open to women ages 18 and older.
Players do not need to live in Roanoke City. Women from throughout the Roanoke Valley and surrounding communities are welcome.
>>> Do I need softball experience?
No. All experience levels are welcome.
Whether you played in high school, have not picked up a glove in years, or have never played before, there is a place for you.
>>>How competitive is the league?
RWSL is a recreational league.
Because this is the inaugural season, the exact level of competition will depend on the players who register. Our goal is for games to be competitive enough to stay exciting, but not so competitive that beginners feel unwelcome or players leave feeling defeated.
The focus is on recreation, confidence, community, and having fun.
>>> When is the season?
The fall season begins Friday, August 21, 2026.
Each team will be scheduled for eight regular-season games, followed by a single-elimination postseason.
There will be no games on Friday, September 4, before Labor Day weekend.
Postseason games are scheduled for Friday, October 23, with Friday, October 30 reserved if an additional postseason date is needed.
>>> When and where are games played?
Games will be played on Friday nights at:
Rivers Edge Park South
302 Wiley Drive
Roanoke, Virginia
Games will begin at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
>>> How many teams will there be?
The league will begin with at least four teams.
Each team will have a 15-player roster, although free agents may be added when a team needs additional players.
>>> How much does it cost?
Registration is $25 per player.
The league was intentionally designed to remain affordable and accessible. PFA will provide Class W game balls for all league games, saving teams from having to purchase their own game balls.
A discounted registration option is also available for players who join the On-Call Player List.
>>> What is the refund policy?
All registration fees are nonrefundable.
This includes players who withdraw, are unable to attend scheduled games, or experience schedule changes or weather cancellations.
>>> Can I register without a team?
Yes. Players who register without selecting a team are considered free agents.
Free agents will be placed on a team that may be a good fit based on factors such as experience, preferred positions, personal goals, and team needs.
>>> How are free agents assigned?
PFA and the league’s advisors will review each free agent’s experience and goals.
We will try to place players with teams where they can learn, build confidence, contribute, or be appropriately challenged. Our advisors will also help mentor new players and coaches throughout the season.
>>> Can an existing team register together?
Yes, but every player must complete an individual registration because the registration process includes each player’s waiver and personal information.
Players should designate the team they are joining on their registration form.
>>> Can I request to play with a friend?
Yes. Include your friend’s name in the notes section of your registration form or contact PFA after registering.
We will make every reasonable effort to place friends together, although requests may depend on roster availability and team balance.
>>> What is an On-Call Player?
An On-Call Player joins a shared list that is available to all league coaches.
When a team expects to be short on players, its coach may contact someone from the On-Call Player List to fill in for that game. On-call players may play for different teams throughout the season.
Players always have the option to decline a game request and are guaranteed the opportunity to participate in at least one game during the season.
This option may be a good fit for someone who cannot commit to a full season or who wants more flexibility. On-call players receive a discounted registration rate.
>>> What happens if I need to miss a game?
Communicate with your coach as soon as possible.
Missing an occasional game is understandable. Teams may use players from the On-Call Player List when they do not have enough available rostered players.
Players who already know they cannot commit to a regular team schedule may prefer to register as an On-Call Player.
>>> Are practices required?
PFA does not require practices.
Individual coaches may choose to offer practices based on the interests and availability of their team. Coaches will communicate any optional practice opportunities directly to their players.
>>> What equipment do I need?
Each player should have her own softball glove.
Bats may be available through the league, a coach, or teammates, but players who already own an approved bat are encouraged to bring it.
Metal cleats are not allowed. Players may wear molded cleats or appropriate athletic shoes.
Protective face masks are highly recommended for infield players.
>>> What bats are permitted?
Senior bats are not allowed.
League bats must meet the same compression-testing standards used by Roanoke City adult softball. More information about bat testing and approved bats will be provided before the season.
Players should not purchase a new bat specifically for the league without first confirming that it meets league requirements.
>>> Can players with disabilities request accommodations?
Yes. PFA believes everyone deserves the opportunity to play.
The registration form asks whether a player may need an accommodation so that PFA can communicate with her privately and make every reasonable effort to support her participation.
Accommodations will be considered individually based on the player’s needs, the requirements of the game, available resources, and the safety of everyone involved. Players are encouraged to contact PFA before the season so there is time to plan appropriate support.
>>> What rules will the league follow?
RWSL will follow modified USSSA slow-pitch softball rules and league bylaws.
The complete rules and bylaws will be available on the PFA website and through each team’s coach.
>>> What happens when games are canceled because of weather?
Weather cancellations will be communicated through a one-way text-message system to registered players and coaches.
When possible, cancellation decisions will be sent by 4:00 PM on game days.
If no advance cancellation is announced, the game official will make the final on-field playability decision using established safety standards.
Lightning may result in a delay, suspension, or cancellation.
Rained-out games are not guaranteed to be rescheduled. Makeup games may be offered only when field availability and the remaining league schedule allow.
General league announcements will also be posted in the RWSL Facebook group and distributed through team coaches.
>>> What behavior is expected?
RWSL is an inclusive recreational league.
Players, coaches, volunteers, officials, and spectators are expected to treat others with respect. Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, aggressive behavior, personal attacks, and conduct rooted in bias will not be tolerated.
Participants should be able to compete, make mistakes, learn, and enjoy the game without being embarrassed, targeted, or made to feel unwelcome.
>>> How are concerns or complaints handled?
Concerns involving harassment, discrimination, aggressive behavior, league conduct, safety, or game protests should be emailed to: [email protected]
PFA will review the concern and determine the appropriate next steps under the league’s rules, bylaws, and conduct expectations.
>>> Are children and spectators welcome?
Yes. Family members, friends, and other spectators are welcome to attend.
Please remember that this is an adult recreational league. Children must remain appropriately supervised and may not enter the field of play without authorization from the game official and league management.
Any child who is specifically authorized to enter the field must wear a helmet when required.
>>> How will players receive league information?
Important information will be communicated through:
* One-way text messages for urgent game-day and weather updates
* The RWSL Facebook group for general league announcements
* Team coaches for team-specific information
* Email when appropriate
Players should keep their registration contact information current and stay in regular communication with their coach.
>>> Who can I contact with additional questions?
Questions about registration, teams, accommodations, rules, conduct, or the upcoming season may be sent to:
**[email protected]**
Register here: https://app.teamlinkt.com/register/find/playforallfoundation1
Join the Softball Group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1779788606383943/
