MVLA Nova

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Q: What Is MVLA Nova Girls Softball?

MVLA Nova is a competitive, summer softball program.  We are a sister organization to the Mountain View-Los Altos Girls Softball league and offer interested girls an opportunity to play in a more competitive, tournament-based program following the conclusion of the recreation league season.

Q: What Is the Connection Between MVLA Nova and MVLA Recreational League Play?

At the 8U to 14U levels, MVLA Nova draws its players from the MVLA Girls Softball league.  These girls must have played in the recreation league to be considered for a position on a Nova summer team.   At the 16U level, teams may consist of players from local high schools as well as from the MVLA Girls Softball Recreation League.  Our Nova teams play at the "B" level of ASA tournaments and sometimes at the "C" level if there are enough girls to form a second team at a given age level.  Nova and MVLAGS are separate organizations, however, with each having its own board.

Q: How can I join the MVLA Nova Program?

Unlike the recreational league, tryouts are required to join a Nova team.  ASA rules forbid forming teams at the "B" level until May 1st each year, so Nova holds clinics in the April timeframe with teams being selected and announced in early May.  These events will be announced on this web site.  You should also contact the Nova board or a Nova coach to express your interest.

Q: How many girls make the teams?

Each team will generally have 12 - 14 players.  When we have sufficient number of skilled players and coaching staff, we will form a second or third team in an age group, these teams having the option to play at the "C" level of tournaments.

Q: What is the Policy Regarding Distributing Playing Time Among the Players?

It is important to recognize that it is not a goal of Nova to evenly distribute playing opportunities among the players. Each player is on her team only because she is a skilled softball player. However, some Nova players are more skilled than others. Maximizing the playing time of the better players increases the odds of winning games. The different coaching staffs set different policies regarding the balance between maximizing the chances of winning and providing playing opportunities for all players. Some players will have very significantly more playing time than others. Moreover, it is common for a player to be unable to play at her "favorite" position within an entire tournament. Nevertheless, there are some guarantees regarding playing time for players of Nova teams that are eligible for ASA "B" or "C" level tournaments. 

The minimum playing time guarantees for players (who have met all team requirements as to attending practices and warm-ups) are as follows: Each player who does not start the first game of pool play (typically, but not always, the games prior to Sunday "elimination play") will start the second game of pool play. For purposes of play time guarantees, a "start" is defined as being in the starting lineup and remaining in the lineup for at least one "at bat." Every player will be in the lineup for a portion of every pool play game that is at least 5 full innings in length. In "elimination play," there are no guarantees in the first game, but at least 10 players will receive an "at bat" if there are two games played by the team, and all players will receive an "at bat" if there are three games played by the team.

As parents of players, we can do two things for players who would like additional opportunities. First, we can remind them that they are playing with some of the best players in the MVLA Girls Softball program. Not starting a game should not be taken as an indication that a player is not skilled. Second, we can explain that managers and coaches notice which players work hard at practices. While good practice habits do not guarantee that a player will be in games at critical times or will even play at least half of the total innings, good practice habits improve a player's chances of increasing her playing time.

Q: How is the Coaching Staff Selected?

View the Nova staff selection criteria.

Q: What Is the Policy Regarding Parent Concerns?

A "24-hour rule" shall be applied to issues to be raised by parents or guardians of players. It is recognized that, at times, parents and guardians will not agree with the strategy of a coaching staff. Where the issue relates to a matter other than conduct toward a player, the adult is invited to bring the matter to the attention of the Nova Board only after a twenty four (24) hour time period from the end of tournament play. Nova Board members have been instructed to strictly enforce this rule.

Q: What Does it Cost?

For the Fall Season,  the fees will be $200.  We expect to play 4-5 tournaments.  There will be no refunds on the basis of tournaments played.   Note- this figure does not include travel expenses for out-of-town tournaments.

Q: What are tournaments like?

Tournaments are usually 2 days, with a round-robin or pool play format on Saturday and a single or double elimination format on Sunday. Your daughter should be in shape to play 3 games on Saturday and another 2-4 on Sunday.  There is also an entrance fee for non-players (yes, parents pay to get in), around $3 per person. 

Q: Where do Nova teams play?

Most of the tournaments will be "local", i.e. generally within 1-2 hours from home. 

Once or twice during the summer, our teams will often choose to enter a tournament that requires an overnight stay. These tournaments are often the highlight of the season for the girls!  In years past, we have visited locations such as: Santa Maria, Hollister, and Reno. This means a motel for Saturday night and possibly for Friday if you draw the (dreaded) 8:00am Saturday game.  Families will usually stay at the same hotel , both for logistics and team bonding.

Successful teams can also win the right to compete at the national level.  These tournaments occur in late July or early August and last up to a week.  MVLA Nova has had teams go to National in the past.

Q: Where do Nova teams practice?

Nova teams practice on  the softball fields at Stevenson Park in Mountain View when they are not being used by the MVLAGS recreation league.  In 2007, we also had access to Los Altos High School fields.

Q: What time commitment is required?

Summer ball involves a far greater time commitment than recreation play.  Your daughter should plan on 2-3 practices a week.  Tournament weekends are often all-day affairs with games spread out over a Saturday and play continuing on Sunday in the elimination rounds.

Q: Does Nova offer a Fall ball program?

Yes. Nova will offer a Fall Ball program if the level of interest at a particular age group justifies this.  Fall Ball Teams typically form in early September.

Q: Who do I speak to if I'm interested in joining a coaching staff for one of the Nova teams?

Please contact Pepe Hinojosa (president@novasoftball.org)

If you have further questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Nova board members.