New Platform To Include Team Rankings for Younger Players

Why Rankings are Important

Rankings provide a valuable measure of performance and skill, offering players, coaches, recruiters, and fans a clear understanding of where individuals and teams stand within their region and on a national scale. By establishing rankings, Extra Inning Softball not only highlights the top talent but also creates a sense of competition and aspiration within the sport.

Emphasis on Team Rankings 

In addition to our Extra Elite 100 player rankings, we now offer 7th & 8th grade team rankings. Our revised ranking system prioritizes a balanced emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship, and overall enjoyment of the game, while minimizing the potential for undue pressure on these players. We believe that this adjustment will better align with our EIS 2.0 Initiative to Empower, Inspire, and Support all participants in softball.

By emphasizing team rankings over individual player rankings, we aim to alleviate the pressure that young athletes may feel while fostering a more collaborative and team-oriented approach to the sport.

Regional Team Rankings First then… Extra Elite 100 Team Rankings!

Team rankings will now be announced regionally and then nationally. By focusing on ranking teams regionally before nationally, we can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced assessment of the Fastpitch softball landscape. This approach allows us to take into account the overall performance and dynamics of each team. It acknowledges the importance of teamwork, coaching, and overall team dynamics in the sport.

By emphasizing regional team rankings, we can better spotlight the talent and potential within specific areas, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition among teams in the same region. This approach also allows us to recognize the diversity and depth of talent across different regions, providing a more accurate reflection of the Fastpitch softball landscape.

Beginning with week one, we will kick off our Regional Rankings by focusing on Region 1, providing an in-depth assessment of the teams within that area. Each subsequent week will see the spotlight shift to a new region, with Region 2 being ranked in week two, Region Three in week three, and so on, until all six regions have been thoroughly evaluated and ranked.

After all six regions have been carefully ranked and calibrated, we will culminate this exciting process with a special announcement during the seventh week. Throughout that week, we will proudly unveil the top 100 teams in the nation, (Extra Elite 100 Team Rankings) showcasing the best of the best from across the country. This grand finale will serve as a culmination of our regional rankings, offering a national perspective that reflects the rich diversity and talent present in the Fastpitch softball community. (Regional Map & Schedule Below)

RANKINGS COMMITTEE

In the past, the rankings process was primarily overseen by a single individual, leading to potential concerns about bias or undue influence. We firmly believe that this approach is not conducive to providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of the Fastpitch softball landscape. Instead, we have opted to rely on a diverse and knowledgeable rankings committee, whose members remain confidential in order to protect the integrity of the process.

Our rankings committee is composed of individuals with a deep understanding of the sport, including former legendary coaches, former iconic players, analysts, and other experts within the Fastpitch softball community. Each member brings a unique perspective and expertise to the table, ensuring that our rankings are the result of a thorough and balanced evaluation.

The decision to keep the identities of our rankings committee members confidential serves to eliminate any potential external pressures or conflicts of interest, allowing the committee to focus solely on the merits of each team’s performance. By maintaining the confidentiality of our rankings committee, we aim to upload the highest standards of fairness and objectivity in our rankings process.

Further, our rankings committee operates on a unanimous basis, meaning that all members must reach a consensus on the rankings for each region as well as the Extra Elite 100 Team Rankings. This approach ensures that the rankings are the result of thoughtful deliberation and collective expertise. We are confident that this approach will bolster the credibility and reliability of our rankings, providing the Fastpitch softball community with a trustworthy and comprehensive assessment of team performance.

REGIONAL MAP

REGION 1 – NORTHEAST – WEEK 1

REGION 2 – SOUTHEAST – WEEK 2

REGION 3 – MIDWEST – WEEK 3

REGION 4 – SOUTHWEST – WEEK 4

REGION 5 – MOUNTAIN – WEEK 5

REGION 6 – WEST – WEEK 6

PROMOTING A POSITIVE TEAM DYNAMIC

Recognizing the formative nature of the middle school years and the importance of promoting a positive team dynamic, we believe that this change will contribute to a more supportive and inclusive environment for players, coaches, and families. By celebrating the achievements and progress of teams as a whole, we hope to encourage a sense of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and shared accomplishment among young athletes.

This shift in our rankings approach reflects our dedication to creating an environment that prioritizes the holistic development and positive experiences of seventh and eighth grade players in girls’ fastpitch softball. We are confident that this change will align with our core values and contribute to a more enriching and enjoyable athletic journey for all participants. We appreciate your support as we continue to evolve and improve our practices for the betterment of the fastpitch softball community.

We are excited about the opportunities this change presents and are confident that it will enhance the overall experience for the Fastpitch softball community. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing this journey with all of you.

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