So here's the warning. DO YOU. DO YOUR FAMILY. When your girls are young, play for the fun and the challenge and the growth that your child needs. HOLD TO YOUR MORALS. HOLD TO YOUR OWN VALUES. Try not to feel threatened everytime you run into your former teammate who is shitting glitter about the new, big, best, travel team they are on. Stay calm.

So why all this oversharing you ask? You don't know what these girls are going through. You don't ever really know what happened today at school, or in the dugout out of earshot. If you are wondering what is going on with one of your players because they seem distant, or off - try hard not to make a spectacle or example of her, especially if this is not her norm. Learn how to read the room when it comes to these girls. They have bad days, that as adults we would say they are just being silly. We can tell them all the right things, but I promise you - they still get hurt and question their worth on the daily. Extra in today's world of fake.

Let's try this one more time for the people in the BACK... Commenting or judging female athletes because of their SIZE, is rude - and has ZERO place on the ballfield. Read on...

We are really excited to introduce you to Randi, who will be helping us a get a better look "Inside the Fence" of the softball field. Randi is A LOT of things that make her perfect as a contributor here at Softball is For Girls.... She is a former cut-hroat travel ball competitor, the DAUGHTER of a legendary softball coach, a 'retired' COLLEGE softball player, the wife of a former high level travel ball coach, a HIGH SCHOOL coach (softball & lacrosse), a High School teacher, and a mama to two beautiful girls. So, shes been "Inside that fence" for a long time and sees and hears and KNOWS things that clearly....we just can't or don't or shouldn't know...She is that person that the players go to and say "Please, Randi - I know my mom wants me to pitch but can you please put me in the outfield?" She is also insightful, empathetic yet EXTREMELY CUT-THROAT COMPETITIVE (like, will do anything to win) - and has a great understanding of what it takes to do just that. So Welcome, Randi!

The RULES...You'd think they would be common sense, but then every Spring you get to the ballpark and just wonder WTH some adults are thinking. Softball Rules for Parents! We would love to HEAR YOURS!

If you are a softball coach who truly values the input of his or her players, and promises not to get butthurt or defensive, this softball team questionnaire is a wonderful way to build team communication and allow your players to take ownership and reflect on performance. Download your free printable copy.