Women's Slow Pitch Softball League

RWSL stands for the Roanoke Women's Softball League, a recreational slow-pitch softball league designed with women in the Roanoke Valley in mind. The league is low pressure, high fun, and built for players of all experience levels.

Women in the Roanoke Valley needed a recreational softball space that was theirs — not a co-ed league they were added to, not a competitive program that required prior experience. A league built around them from the start. That is what RWSL is.

RWSL is operated by Play for All Foundation (PFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the Roanoke Valley. The league is supported by a five-member Board of Advisors made up of women who are coaches and players in the local softball community. Advisors also serve as mentors to newer coaches and players throughout the season.

The league is open to women ages 18 and older. Players do not need to live in Roanoke City — women from throughout the Roanoke Valley and surrounding communities are welcome.

No. All experience levels are welcome. Whether you played in high school, have not picked up a glove in years, or have never played before, there is a place for you.

RWSL is a recreational league. Because this is the inaugural season, the exact level of competition will depend on the players who register. The goal is for games to be competitive enough to stay exciting, but not so competitive that beginners feel unwelcome.

The focus is on recreation, confidence, community, and having fun.

The fall season begins Friday, August 21, 2026. Each team will be scheduled for eight regular-season games, followed by a single-elimination postseason. There will be no games on Friday, September 4, before Labor Day weekend.

Postseason games are scheduled for Friday, October 23, with Friday, October 30 reserved if an additional postseason date is needed.

Games are played on Friday nights at Rivers Edge Park South, 302 Wiley Drive, Roanoke, Virginia. Games begin at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

The league will begin with at least four teams. Each team will have a 15-player roster, although free agents may be added when a team needs additional players.

Weather cancellations will be communicated through a one-way text-message system to registered players and coaches. When possible, cancellation decisions will be sent by 4:00 PM on game days. If no advance cancellation is announced, the game official will make the final on-field playability decision.

Rained-out games are not guaranteed to be rescheduled. General league announcements will also be posted in the RWSL Facebook group and distributed through team coaches.

Yes. Family members, friends, and other spectators are welcome to attend. Children must remain appropriately supervised and may not enter the field of play without authorization from the game official and league management.

Registration is $25 per player. PFA will provide Class W game balls for all league games, saving teams from having to purchase their own. A discounted registration option is also available for players who join the On-Call Player List.

All registration fees are nonrefundable. This includes players who withdraw, are unable to attend scheduled games, or experience schedule changes or weather cancellations.

Yes. Players who register without selecting a team are considered free agents. Free agents will be placed on a team based on factors such as experience, preferred positions, personal goals, and team needs.

Yes, but every player must complete an individual registration because the process includes each player's waiver and personal information. Players should designate the team they are joining on their registration form.

Yes. Include your friend's name in the notes section of your registration form or contact PFA after registering. We will make every reasonable effort to place friends together, although requests may depend on roster availability and team balance.

PFA and the league's advisors will review each free agent's experience and goals. We will try to place players with teams where they can learn, build confidence, contribute, or be appropriately challenged. Advisors will also help mentor new players and coaches throughout the season.

An On-Call Player joins a shared list available to all league coaches. When a team expects to be short on players, its coach may contact someone from the On-Call list to fill in for that game. On-call players may play for different teams throughout the season and are guaranteed the opportunity to participate in at least one game. On-call players receive a discounted registration rate.

Communicate with your coach as soon as possible. Missing an occasional game is understandable. Teams may use players from the On-Call Player List when they do not have enough available rostered players.

Each player should have her own softball glove. Bats may be available through the league, a coach, or teammates, but players who already own an approved bat are encouraged to bring it. Metal cleats are not allowed. Players may wear molded cleats or appropriate athletic shoes. Protective face masks are highly recommended for infield players.

Senior bats are not allowed. League bats must meet the same compression-testing standards used by Roanoke City adult softball. More information about bat testing and approved bats will be provided before the season. Players should not purchase a new bat without first confirming it meets league requirements.

PFA does not require practices. Individual coaches may choose to offer practices based on the interests and availability of their team. Coaches will communicate any optional practice opportunities directly to their players.

RWSL is an inclusive recreational league. Players, coaches, volunteers, officials, and spectators are expected to treat others with respect. Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, aggressive behavior, and conduct rooted in bias will not be tolerated. Participants should be able to compete, make mistakes, learn, and enjoy the game without being embarrassed, targeted, or made to feel unwelcome.

Concerns involving harassment, discrimination, aggressive behavior, league conduct, safety, or game protests should be emailed to softball@playforallfoundation.com. PFA will review the concern and determine the appropriate next steps under the league's rules, bylaws, and conduct expectations.

Yes. PFA believes everyone deserves the opportunity to play. The registration form asks whether a player may need an accommodation so that PFA can communicate privately and make every reasonable effort to support her participation. Players are encouraged to contact PFA before the season so there is time to plan appropriate support.

Important information will be communicated through one-way text messages for urgent game-day and weather updates, the RWSL Facebook group for general league announcements, team coaches for team-specific information, and email when appropriate. Players should keep their registration contact information current and stay in regular communication with their coach.