Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many teams does your Club have in the competition?

A: Last 2023/2024 season, we fielded more than 10 teams, including combo teams. They included: (1) Under 10s boys and girls (mixed) t-ball, (2) Under 12s boys and girls (mixed) modified junior softball, (3) Junior Boys softball, (4) Under 14s girls softball, (5) School Girls softball, (6) Youth Mixed softball, (7) Mixed Division 2 ("Mixed B") open age softball, (8) Mixed Division 3 ("Mixed C") open age softball, (9) Ladies B Grade softball, (10) Ladies B Reserve Grade softball, (11) Over 35s Women's softball. We are still finalising our teams but we are likely to field the following teams: (1) Under 8s (mixed) t-ball, (2) Under 10s (mixed) t-ball, (3) Under 12s (mixed) modified junior softball, (4) School Girls softball, (5) Youth Mixed softball, (6) Mixed Division 1 ("Mixed A") open age softball, (7) Mixed Division 2 ("Mixed B") open age softball, (8) Mixed Division 3 ("Mixed C") open age softball, (9) Ladies B Grade softball, (10) Ladies B Reserve Grade softball, (11) Over 35s Women's softball, (12) Men's softball. If you are unsure which team may be right for you, please get in contact with us to discuss.

Q: What is a combo team? How does it work?

A: Sometimes clubs have players interested in playing in certain teams and divisions but there aren't enough players in that club to field a full team. When that happens, it is possible that these players "combine" with players from other local clubs to make up a "combo team". Some of our players play in CNSA combo teams. You will only have to register and pay registration fees once with the Greystanes Giants and you can wear our Club uniform (i.e. you do not have to purchase multiple sets of uniforms). You will find that combo teams will have players playing in different uniform on game day. We will assist you with getting registered in a combo team if needed.

Q: Do I need experience to play with the Greystanes Giants?

A: Not at all! We cater to all skill levels, whether you are completely new to the sport or an experienced player. We will absolutely show you the ropes and what better way to learn the rules than by playing? We have numerous representative players and we have player pathways to develop talent in our teams as well as those interested in progressing as a t-ball or softball player. We have some senior players who are returning to the sport who have not played since primary school or high school. Whatever your skill or commitment level, we have a team suitable for you. If you'd like to read up on the rules, download the attachment at the bottom of this page for the CNSA Rule Book for 2024/2025 season.

Q: Can I try out softball before I make a decision to join?

A: While you cannot play in our mid-week and weekend competition games without being registered for insurance purposes, we welcome you to attend one (or more) of our training sessions for you to get a feel of the sport and teams before you sign up. Additionally, we host "Come and Try" days in the softball pre-season and sometimes early in the season - whenever this happens, we will post event details in our socials. Please get in contact with our Club Secretary if you or your child would like to attend a training session to see what t-ball/softball and our Club is about.

Q: Can I play in more than 1 team? For example, I want to play in both Ladies B Res and Mixed Division 3 softball

A: You definitely can! In fact, you can play in as many teams as you would like on the one rego fee provided your game times don't clash and it logistically makes sense to (some of our higher grades play at a different field to the lower grades on game day). With that being said, game times are set so that there should be no clashes if you are playing in different age groups/divisions. 

Q: I live outside of Greystanes. Can I play with the Giants?

A: Of course! We do not have a prescribed or target catchment area and you do not need to be a Greystanes local to play with the Greystanes Giants. Actually, we have players who travel from as far as Leppington, Waterloo, Liverpool, Canley Heights, Sydney CBD every week. Our membership base covers so many LGAs outside of the local Cumberland, Blacktown, Parramatta and Holroyd Council areas and we believe this is a testament to how great our Club is when our players are willing to travel so far to play with us.

Q: I normally play for another club/association or I play for another club/association during the winter season. How do I go about playing for the Giants in this comp?

A: Let us know and we will help you sort out the relevant transfer/permits/dispensation.

Q: When does your season start and finish?

A: The softball season opens in early October 2024 and finishes up in February/March 2025. Softball with CNSA officially starts Friday 11 October 2024 for senior men's competitions, Wednesday 16 October 2024 for over 35s Women's and for all other teams, games will commence Saturday 12 October 2024. We do have a competition break over the end of year summer holiday season for a little over a month from mid-December with games resuming at the end of January/beginning of February 2025. Grand Finals will be played in late March 2025.

Q: Is it too late to join for the 2024/2025 season?

A: No, it's not. However, we are currently finalising teams and don't want you to miss out on your preferred team as some teams may be getting full. When you register, we will find a team suitable for you with vacancy. In some divisions, we are fielding multiple teams so we do sometimes compete against other teams in the same club. Feel free to speak with us first before you register if you are unsure about which team you would like to join.

Q: I want to play with my friends or family members. Can we play on the same team?

A:  We will do our best to accommodate requests to play and train with your friends or family at the Giants. In fact, we encourage you bring your mates and play t-ball and softball with people you know. At our Club you will find that in many of our teams, we have family members playing together and it is a great opportunity for family bonding and quality family time e.g. siblings, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, grandparents and grandchildren, aunties and nephews, husbands and wives. While we play competitively in fast pitch softball, there is a strong social aspect to sports and we understand that it may be important to you to play in the same team as your friends or family. We have a field in our registration form that allows you to make a request to play with your friends or family members (please provide their names). However, there will be some restrictions based on team numbers if teams are already full, skill level and age requirements. If you'd like to play more socially and at a more relaxed pace, we have slow pitch softball on Friday nights that you can play with your whole family (ages 12+) - reach out to find out more. Did you know we have a pre-season referral bonus? For every new member who registers before the season starts, you will receive a $10 rebate on your registration fees. That's a good incentive to bring your mates along to play with the Greystanes Giants! Reach out to our Club Secretary or Club contacts to discuss further.

Q: I don't know anyone at the club. How do I go about joining a team?

A: That's okay, a lot of our players come solo. But what better way to instantly make at least 20 new friends who have the same interests as you? You can register first on our website and then we will work with you to find an appropriate team. Alternatively, get in contact with our Club Secretary to have a chat about what teams might be suitable for you. We will never put you on a team without first consulting you to see what you are comfortable with or what you are looking for. No matter your background, we have a team for you!

Q: I only want to play socially. Do you have a suitable team for me at the Greystanes Giants?

A: Yes, you will find that our lower grades typically have more of a social feel. Otherwise, we have slow pitch softball on Friday nights. You can be as serious and competitive as you want or you can play more socially or casually. We don't want you to feel out of your depth or element. We also understand that some players will not be available for all games or have other commitments during the season that will prevent them from playing more competitively - that is okay! Have a chat with our Club contacts about which teams may be right for you if you would like to play more socially, particularly if you are new to the sport.

Q: I am interested in playing a sport but I don't want to get benched if there are too many or more talented players. Do all players get game time or will some players have to miss out on game day?

A: Unlike other sports like soccer, AFL, or NRL that may see players regularly sit on the sidelines, we give all our players equal game time opportunities to bat and field and we don't over-fill our teams. What this means is that you/your child will be getting ample game time every game and there is no such thing as favouring more experienced players at a club-level. 

Q: I don't have a softball position - where will I be playing?

A: That is not uncommon, particularly for newer players. Our coaches and team managers will rotate you through different fielding positions to see where you're more comfortable or most impactful. We want you to learn and try different positions. If you have a preferred playing position, do let your coach(es) or team manager know and we will try our best to accomodate your preference. You will find that your team members will also guide you through your position and there is no pressure to be a superstar in that role. You can learn more about softball positions and roles at Rookie Road and Snap Softball. Below is a diagram that shows position names and numbers - this may help you understand your team lineup posted in the dugout on game day.

Q: I am an older player. Is softball a youth sport?

A: Did you know there is no age limit to softball? It is not unusual to have retirees taking the field and we have players representing us in Over 35s and Masters comps. The majority of our older players play in our Mixed comp or Friday night slow pitch comp, but we welcome you to play in our Ladies', Men's or Over 35s comps. Ladies play on Saturdays (International Peace Park, Seven Hills) while the Men's comp plays on Friday nights and the o35 Women's side plays on Wedneday nights (Stanhope Gardens Reserve, Stanhope Gardens). We have players who have played and stayed with us from their junior years through to senior competitions. 

Q: My child is under 5. Are they too young for softball?

A: Not at all! We have Blastball which is an introductory league and sport aimed at girls and boys between the ages of 3 and 5. The Blastball season starts mid-October 2024. This 3-5 year old program is about having fun, learning new skills, making new friends and also allowing parents/family members and their kids an opportunity to spend time outdoors with each other whilst learning about our great game. Parents are expected to participate on the field with their child so the game of blastball offers a great opportunity to connect with your child. It's never too late to join so if you or anyone you know is interested, just have them come along with games at Diamond 7 at 9:30am at International Peace Park, Seven Hills once the Blast Ball season startss. You will also need to register your child as a new member here. Registration fees are approximately $40 and Club uniform is optional. It is quite common for younger siblings of our t-balll and softball players to take up Blastball - this way the entire family can participate in softball on Saturdays.

Q: What is Blastball?

A: Blastball introduces the basic fundamentals of t-ball/softball/baseball (hitting, throwing, catching, running and fielding) and is aimed at young children. It provides an ideal entry level of play for the youngster who may wish to go on to other advanced levels of the game as they get older and develop their skills. Additionally, it is a great fitness and recreational activity. There are no complex rules, and no umpires – just fun! Blastball is designed to generate fast-paced action, enthusiasm and enjoyment. Through its simplicity, Blastball keeps young players involved in the game. Players use entirely safe basic playing equipment such as foam bats, a hitting tee, and a “honking” base. There is only 1 base. The game is focused on basic skills and is designed to be safer and less complex than t-ball. The basic rules of Blastball can be found here. You can watch some YouTube videos demonstrating variations of blastball here, here, here, here, and here.

Q: What is the difference between baseball and softball? Isn't softball just the girl's version of baseball?

A: That is a misconception that softball is a girl's sport. Softball is for everyone! While baseball and softball share similaries like basketball and netball, they are two different sports. Baseball and softball are both played on diamonds and both use bats, balls, helmets and gloves. The differences are in (1) pitching style (underarm for softball and overarm throw for baseball), (2) size of the playing field ("diamond) - 90 feet for baseball and 60 feet for softball, (3) the distance to the outfield fence - typically about 400 feet for baseball and around 220 feet from the homeplate for softball, (4) the size and weight of the ball - the regulation baseball is smaller and lighter than a softball, (5) the maximum size of bats tend to be larger in baseball in terms of length and barrel diameter - the most commonly used bat length in both disciplines ranges between 32 and 34 inches, and the barrel of a baseball bat can have a diameter up to 2.61 inches, while all softball bats have 2.25 inch barrels; (6) the distance from the pitcher to catcher is further away in baseball than softball; (7) another difference is that baseball players pitch from an elevated, compact mound, whereas softball players pitch from a designated pitching circle; (8) maximum game time also differs between sports - regulation baseball games are nine innings, but can go into extra innings if a game is tied. Softball games are played to seven innings, though they can end early if one team has a really large lead on the other, such as a 15-run lead after three innings or a seven-run lead after five innings.

Q: What is the difference between fastpitch and slowpitch softball?

A: A GGSC, we play fastpitch softball. Don’t be afraid of the name “fastpitch”. Players do not need to have experience playing softball and we encourage anyone to give fastpitch a try. You will learn the game and develop your skills as the season progresses. Fastpitch is basically a faster paced version of slowpitch softball, with the main difference being pitchers use the “windmill” motion to pitch the ball and there is no required arc to the pitch like in slowpitch. The pitching speed is slower in slowpitch softball. Another big difference between slowpitch and fastpitch is that in fastpitch, players are allowed to bunt, lead off bases and steal, which makes for a much faster paced game. Where the fastpitch game depends on a powerful pitcher who can deliver the ball with either great velocity or with deceptive ball movement, slowpitch encourages the batter to hit the ball, put the ball in play, and force the defensive team to make strong fielding plays to generate outs, as opposed to strikeouts by the pitcher. Slowpitch softball and fastpitch softball are played on fields with similar dimensions. In addition to the differing methods of pitching the ball, there are other rules that have a significant impact on how the two games are played. Fastpitch is played with nine players in the field, including the pitcher and the catcher; slow-pitch is played with 10 players, with the additional player almost always positioned in the outfield, either in a relatively fixed location or as a rover. The additional player in slowpitch is intended to counter to some degree the additional hitting and offense that is invariably a part of the slowpitch game.

Q: I am a parent/partner/supporter and I would like to get involved with the Club. How do I go about this?

A: That's great! We could do with some help during training, on game day and around the Club. Reach out to our Club secretary and we can discuss how you might like to help out. You may be interested in volunteering as a committee member, team manager, umpire (plate or base umpires), scorer, fundraiser, or even photographer. We have duties to fill including canteen duties, as well as  vacancies on our Committee. Of course, we will train you and support you in everything you might need to do. This may involve sending you to courses if you are interested in scoring or becoming a plate umpire. You will find that parents typically help on training nights and game day where needed, particularly with our younger teams. We also have supporter merch available for purchase - check out our uniform store - we have hoodies and various styles of hats available as supporter gear.

Q: How do I purchase Greystanes Giants uniform or equipment?

A: Our on-field uniform consists of (1) black pants/shorts, (2) sublimated playing shirt, (3) socks, (4) ideally a red or black coloured helmet. Our caps/visors are optional but recommended in the summer sun. You will need to self-supply plain black pants/shorts suitable for t-ball/softball/baseball (we can make bulk orders for softball pants - reach out to our Club Secretary or Treasurer if you'd like to make an order via our Club). You can purchase uniform, supporter wear or merchandise from our website and you can either pick up your uniform order at training or on game day. Gloves will be supplied to players aged 11 and under. All other equipment will be supplied by the club/can be sourced from the below:

• Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree (your equipment doesn't need to be brand new and you will find some great deals, with equipment sometimes in unused or near new condition)
• Red Stitches (6/5 Sefton Road, Thornleigh, 2120) Tip: Red Stitches will price match any equivalent item you have seen advertised elsewhere
• RBI Australia (Unit 5/147 Smeaton Grange Road, Smeaton Grange, 2567 or G11/324 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill, 2155)
• Diamond One Baseball (156 The Boulevarde, Miranda, 2228)

Q: I am not able to cover full registration costs for the season up front. Is there a payment plan available?

A: Yes. We understand that with rising costs of living this may be difficult. Please get in touch with us for a discrete chat about entering a payment plan that works for you. We will discuss the conditions of a payment plan and provide you with the relevant paperwork and steps so that you or your child can start playing as soon as possible.

Q: Do you accept NSW ActiveKids vouchers?

A: Yes, we do. You will be able to enter your voucher code when registering your child as a player for a $50 discount on registration fees.

Q: I am a business owner and I would like to help the Club out. How do I get involved?

A:  That's great news! We are looking for sponsors for the 2024/2025 season. Whether you can contribute financially or by way of products/services/venue hire/resources, we'd love to hear from you!  Grassroots sports clubs can only be as successful as the support provided by their community. See our sponshorship page to learn more about how your business might benefit from sponsoring the Greystanes Giants.

Q: How do I contact your Club Secretary for more information?

A: You can contact Kim Dean at greystanes_softball@hotmail.com or 0421 808 865.