Welcome to the Nova website!

What is NOVA?

Nova is a competitive summer softball program for 8U-14U girls playing in the spring (recreational) MVLA Girls Softball program. Unlike the Recreational program, Nova players are selected by tryout — there is no guarantee of being placed on a team. Nova is for the player who is a more focused on softball and wants to improve her skills. It can be a bit more serious than the spring program, but we have seen hundreds of girls thrive on the extra time and effort required to be on a Nova team. And while it may be a bit more serious (and rigorous), it certainly is no less fun... find a Nova player and ask her if she has fun playing 5-6 hours of weekend softball and you'll know what we mean.

When is the NOVA season?

Nova tryouts for summer play are at the beginning of May, and typically finish by the end of July. The first tournament is typically over Memorial Day weekend, and most teams will play in six to seven tournaments during the course of the summer. There are also Nova teams formed for the fall season (“fall ball”). These teams form in late summer and may play one or two tournaments a month into early November. Fall ball is a great way for newer girls and younger girls to get introduced into tournament softball. And it's a great opportunity for girls who have conflicts that prevent them from playing Nova during the summer season.

What are the tournaments like?

Most tournaments are in the immediate Bay Area, although teams often go to one or two "away" tournaments in places such as San Luis Obispo or Lake Tahoe — and those away tournaments are historically the most memorable. Teams may also qualify for regional or national tournaments in locations throughout the western states. Teams usually play three games on Saturday and then Sunday is a single-elimination day — keep winning, and you could play three games (or more!) on Sunday into the afternoon. Some tournaments might require a game on Friday evening.

What are the rules?

MVLA Nova is chartered and governed under the ASA Junior Olympic rules for B- and C-level play. Tournaments use rules created by the organizing body chartering the specific tournament (USSSA/ASA/Etc.) For the most part, the 12U and 14U players are already using these rules during their Spring Recreation league games. But there are important exceptions — Tournament rules don't "continuous batting," there are no minimum playing-time rules, and there are no per-inning run limits. For the 10U division, there is no "coach pitching" — 4 balls is a walk. 8U tournament rules are usually age appropriate modified versions which allow for coach pitch.

What are the costs?

Typically costs are about $400 for the summer season. This includes the uniforms, the tournament fees, some professional instruction and insurance. Travel expenses, and personal equipment are extra (such as personalized Nova gear including sweatshirts, jackets, etc.).

How big of a commitment is Nova?

Most summer teams have two mid-week practices and a weekend practice or tournament. Because girls try out for the teams and not every player makes the team, it is expected that Nova is a player's highest-priority Summer activity. Girls who miss practices may get less playing time at the tournaments.

How are the Teams selected?

Players will be selected through tryouts at the beginning of May for summer play or in late August for Fall Ball. Tryout information will be posted on the League website well in advance. Any girl playing in MVLA Girls Softball is eligible to try out for a team.

Players making the cut will be placed on a team based upon the attributes she brings to that team, and certain positional skills (e.g. pitcher, catcher) may be taken into account. Players selected for a specific team are expected to play on that team for the entire season.

We are very busy during the Summer. Can my Daughter be a "part-time" player?

Nova does have a policy regarding this question:

Participation

All players trying out for a team are expected to be trying out as full members of the team for participation in practices and tournaments. As full members of the team each will pay an equal share of the total cost of the team for the season.   Failure to attend practices or tournaments will not result in a refund for time missed.

Substitute Players

A player/family anticipating that they will be unable to make a full commitment to the team may try out for and be selected as a Substitute Player and may be allowed to play in 1 to 2 tournaments  during the course of the season at the discretion of both the Team Staff and Travel Ball Committee.
Substitute Players must:

1. Meet all eligibility requirements- Both MVLAGS requirements and any Governing Body (ASA, NSA, USSSA, etc.) requirements
2. Not be on another MVLAGS sanctioned softball team unless the team staff of that team approves her playing.
3. Pay a pro-rated fee in accordance with her level of participation as determined by the Travel Ball Committee.