Softball Equipment Requirements

All players must provide their own glove and batting helmet. Other equipment is optional. Helmets are provided for Rec T-Ball (grades K-1).

REQUIRED:

• Gloves – Required at all levels. We recommend going to the store and trying some on to find the right fit.
• Batting Helmets – Required at all levels except T-Ball. For Rec grades 2-3 and “8U” fall Charles River, you can use a helmet without a face mask. Every other level requires a face mask. Summer teams wear a matte black helmet. If you think you’re sticking with softball for a few years, we recommend buying the helmet with face mask to start.

OPTIONAL:

• Cleats – We strongly recommended for all levels.
• Bats – Players are not required to have their own bats, but most players do for practice purposes. Your coach has access to extra bats for games and practices.
• Fielding mask – Infielders must wear these. Your coach will have masks for the team to share, but most families choose to eventually purchase their own. They come in child and adult sizes, so best to try on.   
• Batting gloves – Entirely optional. But they’re cheap and fun! (And can prevent blisters.)

DON’T WORRY:

Catcher’s Gear – Each team will have a set of gear.

Uniforms – Each player will receive a shirt, stirrup socks and pants for the spring Rec League and fall Charles River League. Summer players in our Panthers program will be given information how to purchase their uniform. For more information about our Panthers program, click here.

Newton Girls Softball also keeps a modest inventory of used gloves, batting helmets and bats if you need help affording equipment. We also appreciate when families turn in their gently used equipment that no longer fits so we can pass it along.