Guest Author - Kari Livingston

More girls than ever are playing sports, and many girls begin playing softball at a very young age. Girls as young as three are signing up for pee-wee leagues. There can be a lot of pressure on moms to sign their daughters up, but how young is too young? How do you know your daughter is ready to play softball?

The first season is all about learning the rules of the game. At its most basic level, softball is a simple game of throwing, hitting and catching the ball. If your child can understand and follow two and three step instructions (go to the bathroom and wash your hands, for example), then she can understand the fundamental rules of softball. If she can't follow directions, she will not enjoy her first experience and can put herself or other players in danger.

Softball players also need to know how to share and take turns. Not every player will get to bat every inning and some players will get more playing time than others. If your child can't wait for her turn in a line or if she fights over toys, she will have trouble waiting for her turn in the batting order or she may fight over the ball in the field.

As in all sports, practice comes before games. Practices can be dull and routine compared to the excitement of the game. It's not unusual to see little ones playing in the dirt or grass when things get boring. That's normal, but
most girls can have their attention redirected. If you think your daughter will have a hard time staying focused, she may be too young. Inattentiveness on the field can result in serious injury.

If your daughter has not attended school or daycare, she might have a hard time accepting direction from a non-parental authority figure. Your daughter needs to be able to understand the role of the coaches and not turn to you if she doesn't like a decision.

Softball can teach discipline and teamwork. It can foster friendships, build self-esteem and give girls the opportunity to play at the local playground or in national tournaments. As wonderful and worthwhile as the sport is, make sure your daughter's first experience is a great one by resisting the temptation to start her too early. If you have any questions about your daughter's readiness for softball or any organized team sport, contact your local league commissioner or youth softball coach.

"A Parent's Guide to Baseball and Softball" by the National Alliance for Youth Sports is a must read for parents of little ones starting out. It will give you tips and pointers on getting your child ready and making sure that their first sports experience is a great one.