About FML / Who We Are!
GOAL: The goal of Friday Morning Softball is to promote softball for seniors, improve physical, mental and spiritual wellness, develop new friendships and renew old acquaintances among active senior men and women, ages 50 years and over, in Omaha and other communities throughout Nebraska and Iowa. While there is always a competitive spirit striving for the title of League Champion for the year, we encourage our motto of “Fun, Fitness, and Fellowship” in relations with other players, fans, and our volunteer umpires.
LEAGUE PLAY: We play one season that begins mid-April and ends mid-October. Regular season games will be played on Friday mornings (usually 9 am and 10:30am start times) at the LaVista Sports Complex, 7346 S 66th St in LaVista, Nebraska (approximately 2 blocks south of 66th and Harrison street, on the west side).
AGE QUALIFICATIONS: Rather than DOB, we ask for a player’s ageas of December 31st of the season to verify they will become at least 50 years of age during the current calendar year to be eligible to play that year in the FML.
PLAYING QUALIFICATIONS: While this is a “Fun, Fitness, and Fellowship” league, for the sake of safety for all, we must consider an applicant’s physical capabilities and softball skills prior to accepting his/her registration. Usually, there are practices to be able to evaluate new player candidates (hitting, running, throwing and fielding abilities). If you’ve never played softball (or baseball), this is not the format for beginners. You are welcome to join us at practices and hopefully work your way up to playing status in the future.
TEAM STRUCTURE: FML attempts to maintain parity across all teams within the league by conducting a “serpentine” style draft the week before the first scheduled game. Thus, each team should consist of a mixture of players of various skill levels and ages.
PLAYER DRAFT SYSTEM: Each registered player (application and payment received by the stated deadline) for the season will be selected by team managers in a fair and equitable draft procedure the week before the first game. All players will be notified of their team assignment by phone or e-mail.
POOL PLAYERS: Any player whose registration is received after the registration deadline will be placed in a player pool. Pool Players are eligible to be called to substitute on teams provided their assessed ranking is equal or less than the absent player.
SENIOR SOFTBALL RULES: Special senior softball rules will be in effect, including use of a run scoring line (in addition to the normal home plate) and a double first base (to prevent collisions and injuries), a turf batting mat, strike zone mat, courtesy base runners, all players in the batting line-up, and a run scoring maximum per inning, to promote a safe, enjoyable and competitive game for all participants. A current copy of the major rules of senior softball is posted on the league website under the “PLAY BALL!” menu pulldown. All players/participants are responsible for being familiar with the rules.
PLAYER REGISTRATION FEES AND DEADLINES: Participation fees paid to the Friday Morning League are used to cover costs associated with field rental, equipment (softballs), uniforms (hats and jerseys), liability insurance, safety equipment, and other administrative fees such as website support.
FML prefers online registrations which are fast, easy and immediate! If needed, the league will also accept paper registrations. While we initially rely on mailed in checks (made out to Friday Morning Softball) for the registration fee, cash payment to a board member, or VENMO payment coordinated through Marty Boozikee are also accepted.
FML will accept registrations without immediate payment, but balance is due before the stated deadline.