Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do to volunteer?

Garner Sports League is operated completely by volunteers, so help is always needed and appreciated.  In order to volunteer, please let us know if you’re interested in volunteering when you register your child. Or contact us via our contact page and we’ll send you a volunteer form to fill out and return via email or regular mail (PO Box 1026, Garner, NC 27529) or by turning it into a board member.  Additional information on volunteering can be found by visiting the Volunteer link in the top menu.

When do teams practice and play games?

Practices for teams are generally an hour and a half long one night per week and once on the weekend before the start of games. Coaches will select when their team practices based on available open practice slots.  Our fields have to accommodate usage from a large number of teams across several age groups. We do not assign practice slots or develop game schedules until registration is complete.  With seasonal variance in registrations, the final number of teams needing to be scheduled in each division is not known until our final registration numbers are in.

Once games start, teams lose their weeknight practice slot as games are held on weeknights.  Games and practices can be held on any weeknight and game nights may vary from week to week.

Game schedules are developed based on the number of teams in each division, the ability to schedule umpires on those nights, and field space appropriate to the age group.

What equipment will my son/daughter need?

The most common equipment all players will need are their own cleats or sturdy athletic shoe and a baseball or softball glove. We strongly recommend that players bring their own helmets and bats. For specific age equipment expectations, please review the specific age division in either baseball or softball.

When will my coach reach out to me?

Teams will be drafted about a month before games start each season.  For the Spring season this is in March and for the Fall season it is in August.

When will practices start?

Open practices may be held for all age groups before team practices start depending on the weather. There is an evaluation day a few weeks before each season, and rosters are formed. Team specific practices will begin in March for Spring and typically in August for Fall.

When do games start?

  • Spring Season – Opening Day is the first Saturday in April, weather permitting.
  • Fall Season – Games start the week of or the week after Labor Day depending on the division.

Who can I reach out to with additional questions?

Feel free to contact the league with additional questions via Facebook @GarnerSportsLeague(Garner Sports League), email us via our contact form or phone (919-779-2499).

How does the league communicate with the parents?

Garner Sports League uses multiple channels to communicate including:

  • Facebook (Garner Sports League) – Please like and follow our page (@GarnerSportsLeague) for the latest updates including reminders, events, and inclement weather changes.
  • E-mail – E-mail regarding re-scheduled games, event reminders, general information, etc.
  • Text Messages – Text messages will be used sparingly for urgent communications.
  • TeamSnap We utilize TeamSnap for scheduling, rostering, registration and communication. Please download and install the app to your phone so you can utilize team chat, and receive in app alerts for inclement weather or schedule changes.
  • Website (www.GarnerSports.com) – Important links, forms, schedules, field statuses, etc.

How long will the season last?

The season typically lasts 8-10 weeks depending on the weather and make-up games.

Will there be an All-Star team?

Garner Sports League prides itself on providing competitive opportunities for our players.  Each Spring, players in various age groups/divisions may be selected to be part of teams who go on to compete in tournaments.  The exact divisions vary from year-to-year based on interest and availability of competition opportunities.

What do I need to know about bat standards?

For Recreational Baseball all metal and composite bats must have the USA Baseball stamp (for more information can be found at usabat.com) or be made of solid wood.


For Fastpitch Softball all bats must have the USSSA Softball stamp (more information can be found at https://www.usssa.com)


For Travel baseball, the bat standards differ based on age group. Check with your coach to verify that a bat is legal to use in your particular age group and competitive organization hosting tournaments.

What types of concessions are available at the parks?

Both parks are equipped with concession stands that offer a variety of items including La Roma personal pizzas, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, drinks, candy, etc.  Both concession stands accept cash or debit/credit cards.

What does my registration fee cover?

Your registration fees cover multiple expenses to help ensure that the league is successful including: Insurance, charter fees, equipment (including team or league specific equipment like catcher’s gear, team bats, helmets or pitching machines, L-screens, etc.), umpire fees, and other league costs.  Jerseys and caps are generally paid for by league sponsors. 

What type of insurance does the league carry?

Garner Sports League requires that we carry policies to cover accidents, general liability, and crime insurance.

Where can I find specific rules by age division?

You can visit the age division specific page on this website by visiting our Recreational Division and navigating to either Baseball or Softball and selecting the division in question. The most notable rules are listed here.

For more elaborate rules, the Tar Heel Leagues 2020 rulebook is available here for download.

Still have questions?