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Draftees, or those interested in being drafted, may also want to reference
NCAA RULE: 12.2 INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS, for more information.
The Players (Draftees)/The Game/The Season/Spectators & Media/Team Staff
The Players
How do the teams acquire their players?
Many of the players have already played in the league and are re-signed to contracts. Each year the NPF holds a player draft of the college seniors. Many of these college players will be signed to contracts after their college eligibility is exhausted. Individual teams MAY also host regional tryouts during the late winter and early spring months of each season to fill available roster spots. Players who are not currently under contract, have not been drafted and those who have exhausted their collegiate eligiblity are considered FREE AGENTS and may contact individual teams directly about securing available roster spots. Go to TEAMS for appropriate contact info. FREE AGENTS are encouraged to provide a full list of accomplishments and stats for consideration.
Are there age limits for the players?
Women must be at least 21 years old, by May 1, 2010, however NPF does not intend on signing players to contracts until they have concluded their college eligibility. Most of the players in the NPF league are in their mid-twenties, with more than ten years of playing experience - many at the international level.
But what if an athlete wants to "come out early" like so many do in other sports?
NPF certainly cannot insist that everyone goes to college, but the league recognizes the value of play at the college level and, most importantly, the importance of education. NPF encourages everyone to stay in school.
Can a player request to be placed on the draft list?
Just by being a college senior, a player is eligible to be drafted. However, only the top percent of elite senior players will be drafted. NCAA athletes should be aware that according to NCAA Bylaw 12.2.4.2 "Draft List", after initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual loses amateur status in a particular sport when the individual asks to be placed on the draft list or supplemental draft list of a professional league in that sport, even though: (Revised: 4/25/02 effective 8/1/02)
(a) The individual asks that his or her name be withdrawn from the draft list prior to the actual draft;
(b) The individual’s name remains on the list but he or she is not drafted; or
(c) The individual is drafted but does not sign an agreement with any professional athletics team.
Draftees, or those interested in being drafted, may also want to reference
NCAA RULE: 12.2 INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS, for more information.
If a player is drafted, does it automatically mean she loses her NCAA or NAIA eligibility?
No. An athlete's eligibility is not lost if she is drafted by NPF. Being drafted is not a guarantee that an athlete will be signed to a contract.
If a player is drafted, does it mean she is automatically signed to a contract?
No. A drafted player may be signed to a contract, asked to tryout for the team prior to signing a contract or may elect not to play professionally.
Does playing fastpitch professionally affect a college student's scholarship?
YES, NCAA students are affected! This is one of the reasons that NPF will not draft college underclassmen. Should an NCAA student-athlete sign a professional contract, she immediately loses her college playing eligibility and financial aid. If a drafted senior signs an NPF player contract after her college season is over, her eligibility is not affected.
Can a player who will be a fifth year senior receiving institutional financial aid still be eligible for aid if she has signed a professional contract?
NPF will work with each college institution in structuring the player's contract so that the dates of the professional contract are only during the actual playing season, when the player is not in school. The NCAA permits institutions to award institutional financial aid to student-athletes who have no contractual relationship during the academic year with a professional team.
After playing for NPF, can a player return to ASA play?
There is no problem with pro players playing amateur ball.
Will NPF draft high school or college players who are underclassmen?
NPF strongly encourages college underclassmen and high school players to continue their education and complete their degree. NPF will draft college seniors and wait to sign them to a contract until after they play their last college game; they would join their pro team after their final college game or last day of classes. Players who have not continued with their education at the college level and have talent at a professional level will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as they express interest in the League.
If a player is not drafted, how can she become involved as a player for NPF?
Non-drafted players who desire a professional career may attend regional tryouts each year hosted by NPF teams. As per NCAA Bylaw 12.2.1.2 "Tryout After Enrollment", after initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual who has eligibility remaining may try out with a professional athletics team (or participate in a combine including that team) at any time, provided the individual does not miss class. The individual may receive actual and necessary expenses in conjunction with one 48-hour tryout per professional team (or a combine including that team).
The 48-hour tryout period shall begin at the time the individual arrives at the tryout location. At the completion of the 48-hour period, the individual must depart the location of the tryout immediately in order to receive return transportation expenses. A tryout may extend beyond 48 hours if the individual self-finances additional expenses, including return transportation. A self-financed tryout may be for any length of time, provided the individual does not miss class. (Revised: 1/10/92, 4/24/03, 5/26/06, 4/26/07 effective 8/1/07).
Draftees, or those interested in being drafted, may also want to reference
NCAA RULE: 12.2 INVOLVEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS. NCAA rules on amateurism, professionalism and applicable NCAA Legislation can also be found on the NCAA's website or you can contact NCAA Member Services at 317-917-6222.
Will there be trading of players between teams in NPF?
Yes. There will be trading during both the off-season and the regular season.
How much will a contracted player be paid?
Under the new league structure, the average NPF player salary is approximately $2,500-$5,000 for the playing season of June, July and August. It is hoped that NPF will be able to play players year-round salaries once the league becomes established.
How do teams travel and where do they stay when away from home?
Players will have team transportation and lodging provided while traveling with their teams. Teams travel by charter bus and commercial airlines. Mid-priced hotels near the stadium will accommodate teams. Players stay two per room and each receives a $25.00 per diem for meals while traveling.
Will the League pay for the player's housing?
Players are required to reside in their team area during the 3 1/2 month playing season. Team management staff will assist players in securing affordable rental housing during the season, oftentimes at reduced or very low rates, however, the league will not pay for or subsidize rent or living expenses.
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The Game
How long is the NPF game?
The official NPF game is 7 innings long and lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours.
Are single games or doubleheaders played?
NPF plays single, night games. Occasionally, the teams will play double-headers. A typical start time is 7:05 pm.
What days of the week are NPF games played?
Most home series are played Wednesday - Saturday or Thursday-Sunday.
Are the rules in an NPF game different than in the college or amateur game?
No. The pitching distance is 43 feet and the bases are 60 feet apart. The outfield fence distance is a little longer than NCAA requirements (210’ down the lines and out to 230’ in center field).
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The Season
How long is the NPF season?
The NPF Spring Training Camp for all teams begins in mid-to-late May. League play begins in early June and ends in late August, followed by the NPF Championship Series.
How many teams are in NPF?
Four teams will compete in 2010, including the Arkon Racers, Chicago Bandits, USSSA Pride, and the Tennessee Diamondse. The schedule will include a 48-game regular season schedule for each of the six NPF teams, including games against international teams as part their pre-Olympic warm-up schedule and additional exhibition games scheduled in various markets as well.
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Spectators & Media
How many spectators does NPF plan to attract to its games?
Each NPF team expects to average 1,500-2,500 fans per game. NPF provides family-fun, affordable entertainment with the average ticket price starting at $5, depending on the market.
Will I be able to see any NPF games on television?
NPF action was available on television on July 11, 2010 on ESPN. West Dual on the Diamond included the Chicago Bandits and the USSSA Pride. Additionally, all NPF games are available to viewers everywhere through the MLB.com website. CLICK HERE to watch now. The NPF Championship Series will be available to viewers across the natoin via live on television.
National media exposure will provide consistent, measurable return on investment for sponsors and will bring national attention to our league and our world-class athletes.
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Team Staff
How many people work full-time for each NPF team?
Each team has a full-time management staff that works year-round and includes a general manager and such positions as sales and marketing manager, media relations manager and community relations manager. The team staff markets and promotes the team, while selling season and group tickets as well as advertising and sponsorship for their local market. During the season, each team also employs seasonal staff for game-day operations.
I am an undergraduate college athlete and would like to intern with NPF or one of its teams. Would this work jeopardize my college athletic eligibility?
No. Working for a professional sports organization does not jeopardize a player's college eligibility. College athletic eligibility is only affected by playing for a professional sports organization. If you are interested in an internship, check the job opportunity section for current openings.
What other seasonal positions are available with NPF teams?
During the season, game-day staff includes ticket sellers, ticket takers, ushers, program sellers, mascots, concessions staff, athletic trainers, scorers, announcers, souvenir sales, parking lot attendants, equipment managers and security staff. If you are interested in seasonal employment, check the job opportunity section for current openings.
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