Softball process keeps moving forward

1-27-22
@BrentNathaniel
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WATERTOWN, S.D. (GoWatertown.net) — The South Dakota High School Activities Association at their January meeting approved the sanctioned sport of softball to be played in the spring beginning in 2023.

So the question becomes, now what? Watertown Athletic Director Craig Boyens says the process now turns back to the schools:

Watertown Radio · Boyens 1 – 27 – 22 A

Once a school has declared they will play softball the process goes back to the SDHSAA:

Watertown Radio · Boyens 1 – 27 – 22 B

The first softball practices will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023. Playoffs to start May 25th with a state tournament June 1st through the 3rd.

So what about the club sport that is currently played in the fall? USA Softball of South Dakota President Gary Young, who also sat on the SDHSAA softball steering committee says the term “club” will no longer apply:

Watertown Radio · Young 1 – 27 – 22 A

However, there will still be softball being played in the fall. Now club teams will be referred to as a travel softball team. Young tells us how the fall travel team will work:

Watertown Radio · Young 1 – 27 – 22 B

The SDHSAA is allowing schools a five-year window to field teams or form a transitional partnership with current high school club teams to ease into the sanctioned ranks.

How about USA Softball tournaments played in the spring and summer? Young says there will be changes beginning in 2023 but nothing is set in stone: