Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. Every team aims to score as many runs possible, against the opponents by striking the ball with a specific bat. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand. The game is played on a smaller diamond than in baseball and despite the game’s name, the standard softball is not soft; in fact, it is harder than a baseball.
The Softball Skills program is open to all athletes ages 8 years and older. The program focuses on teaching the fundamentals of softball through various drills, including catching, throwing, and batting. The goal is to prepare athletes for competition in full games in the adult competition. Athletes will have the opportunity to attend two qualifiers, one of which is required and one in-house. The program culminates at Summer Games, where athletes have the opportunity to compete for medals.
| Coaches | – Head Coach Tina Connolly – Sport Director *Unfortunately, there will be no Softball Skills program for the 2026 season due to a lack of coaches. If interested in coaching, please contact Tina Connolly.* |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Sundays, starting April 12, 2026 State Games: June 13 to 14, 2026 at Kiwanis Wallas Park in Ellicott City Signup Begins: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 6 PM |
| Athlete & Volunteer Registration Expiration Date | Sport’s State Games competition date June 14, 2026 All Forms must be up to date before the signup date (fourth Sunday in February). The expiration date on an Athlete’s Registration form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above State Games competition date to participate in the upcoming season. |
You can find the official Special Olympics Rules, Fact Sheet, Coaching Guide, and other resources at this link: Special Olympics Softball.
Athlete placement will take place at the first practice in April. New and returning athletes are invited to participate in this session. Athletes qualify for our Intermediate program based on demonstrated softball skills and general conditioning.
SOMO has a limited number of softball fields and coaches to support our softball program. Roster size is constrained to offer each athlete an opportunity for meaningful involvement. Eligible Athletes must (1) have current Athlete Certifications valid through the completion of State Games on file with SOMO and (2) have signed-up online for Softball – Skills before the first practice.
SOMO provides all team-centric equipment. Athletes must have their own softball glove. In addition, athletes may choose to bring their personal gear, e.g., ASA-approved softball bat, batting gloves and helmet. Softball athletes must also bring their own ball cap to practices. Athletes should bring water to each practice and competition. Soft drinks are not permitted.
During practices, athletes are responsible for their own athletic apparel (no blue jeans or winter coats, please) and softball spikes (optional). SOMO provides team uniforms for use during competitions. Athletes are responsible to bring their (Issued) team hat to all competitions.
Location: Welsh Park (344 Martins Lane, Rockville, MD 20850)
Timing: The Softball – Skills team practices on Sunday morning each week. Coaches release a detailed practice schedule to team members at season’s start, with weekly updates as required.
Activities: Athletes begin each practice with soft-toss followed by stretching and light running or other aerobic or skill-based exercise. Practices often include fundamental softball drills and game-condition exercises.
Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in a minimum of two Qualifiers (usually one local and one State-mandated). Dates and locations will be announced at the season’s start.
Softball State Games will be held at Kiwanis Wallas Park (10468 Norberts Way, Ellicott City, MD 21042). Competitions are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Game time and locations are announced just prior to the event.
Athletes are expected to attend all practices and all scheduled Qualifiers in order to be eligible for Softball State Games. The Head Coach may excuse a limited number of absences from practice.
Athletes participating in Summer Games will be housed for two nights with the team and coaches in Towson University dorms.
Athletes wishing to join the Softball-Intermediate teams must commit to Softball as their only Spring sport. Softball athletes may also sign-up for Friday Evening Conditioning. Participation in Bowling – Recreational Season is also permitted if the Head Coach approves.
Softball – Skills requires an athlete participation contract. Athletes commit to their coaches and teammates that they will attend scheduled practices, all qualifiers, and State Games. An inability to meet those commitments can disqualify an athlete from the team.
Under development
