AFA THE GOAT-National Qualifier AM Spring Team

Good Morning Coaches/Administrators-

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in this past weekend's 4th annual AFA THE GOAT @ Cactus Yards in Gilbert, AZ!!!

We want to send a big congratulations to the following teams who secured the 2026 title of AFA THE GOAT & Qualified for AFA Nationals in St George Utah!!!!
Also, congratulations to the tournament MVP recipients!!!

12u Platinum:
1st-Tucson Fury
2nd-Crush Quirarte/Beaver (CA)
3rd-AMDG
4th-Arizona Storm-Peck/Huggins

12u Premier:
1st-East Valley Heat (Rising)
2nd-TN Mojo-Abuelhawa
3rd-AZ Nation-Gil 2032
4th-NM Killer Bees

14u Platinum:
1st-Arizona Storm-Allred/Richardson
2nd-OC Batbusters-Jacobs/Garcia

14u Premier:
1st-AZ Roadrunners-Valenzuela/Clark
2nd-Arizona Storm-EV

Click here to register your qualified team for 2026 Nationals @ St George Utah!!!
https://softball.exposureevents.com/247617/afa-2026-national-tournament-6-game-guarantee

***Did your girls love playing @ Cactus Yards!?!?
Please join us for our AFA Cinco de Mayo Smash May 2nd & 3rd 2026!!!
https://softball.exposureevents.com/257691/afa-cinco-de-mayo-smash-az-national-qualifier

AFA The GOAT-National Qualifier
April 11th & 12th 2026
Cactus Yards - Gilbert, AZ
***top 4 teams in each bracket for 12u will qualify for 2026 AFA Nationals in Utah & the top 2 teams in each bracket for 14u
***Fields will open @ 6am Saturday & 6:30am Sunday***
Cactus Yards Know Before you Go:
https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/cactus-yards/frequently-asked-questions

Schedule and brackets are now LIVE!!!
Check out the exposure site to view your team's schedule or download our app "WESTCOASTAFA” to view schedule/brackets/keep an eye on scores as they are recorded as your games wrap up this weekend!
https://softball.exposureevents.com/253752/afa-the-goat-national-qualifier/schedule

Please make sure that your team has paid the $55.00 membership fee to play AFA events. The AFA season runs September 1st-August 31st and is $55.00 per season. YOU MUST HAVE THIS BEFORE YOU HIT THE DIRT.
***You will need this prior to check in one hour before your first pool play game on Saturday. This fee goes directly to headquarters. If you have not already paid your sanctioning fee and been assigned your 4–6-digit number, please do so by clicking the link: https://fastpitch.afasoftball.com/get-involved/team-membership/

(questions on AFA membership-please contact our national director, Glen Messick at 818-389-3467)

One Hour before first game:
-Team must turn in their PRINTED & SIGNED roster/liability waiver (attached)
-Team must show proof of up-to-date team insurance with their team’s name listed as insured
-Please carry copies of birth certificates with you at all times in case of protest
-AFA Membership must be valid and for this season running September 1st-August 31st ($55.00 per team, per season)

***Please make sure that all possible players are listed on the lineup that is turned in on Saturday (even if they are only able to attend on Sunday).

***No players are allowed to hop from one team to another within the same event regardless of what age division they are playing in

***Please make sure that your team brings their own First Aide Kit & Ice for team injuries & emergencies***

National Qualifier Tournament Rules
(High School Federation w/ Arizona AFA Modifications):
1. AFA pool play games will be 1:30 no new inning Saturday (can end in tie) & 1:30 no new inning for bracket play Saturday (must have a winner)
2. Team listed first on the pool play schedule will be in the first base dugout
(unless game before already has next opponent in dugout-please take the open dugout)
3. Coin flip for home/away on Saturday (pool play)
4. Bracket play, the higher seed will automatically be the home team and take the 3B dugout (if same seed-coin flip).
5. Lineup cards must be turned in at the plate meeting
6. POOL PLAY: you may bat your entire line up
7. BRACKET PLAY: You may bat 11, and play 12 (extra players will be listed on lineup card as “EP” and you may use DP/FLEX
8. Courtesy runner for pitcher/catcher must be the last recorded out (Saturday) and Sunday the courtesy runner must be a sub on your lineup card
9. Coaches are allowed one mound visit per inning
10. x
11. Rule rules will be as follows:
12 runs after 3 innings ; 10 runs after 4 innings ; 8 runs after 5 innings
12. In the case of a tie breaker during bracket play, LAST RECORDED OUT is placed at 2B with no outs (International TB)
13. Illegal bat: Easton Ghost-Gold
-If your player steps onto the field with the 2018 Gold Ghost bat, both head coach and player ejection for one full game. Must exit the complex completely until the next game
-If this happens a second time, player and coach are both ejected for the ENTIRE TOURNAMENT
14. Head coaches-it is up to you to make sure that your spectators, fans, assistant coaches, and players are being good sports at all times. Any unruly behavior will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal. Umpires reserve the right to eject head coaches for player/fan behavior if not corrected.
15. A team may start a contest with 8 players, however, the empty spot on the lineup card will take an out each time they come up to the plate for the entire contest until they arrive
16. If there are no substitutes, and a player gets injured during game play and must be removed, they will take an out each time they come up to the plate for the rest of the contest
17. Please be ready to start up to 20 minutes early. We will get games started if blues are ready and fields are prepped and ready to go (be ready to start up to 20 minutes early if blues/fields are ready)
18. To keep the games moving along and maximizing game times, please no huddles on the field and please do not throw the ball around
19. Protests for AFA:
Head coach must bring $60.00 cash to home plate with both umpires where the game clock will be stopped, and umpires and director of the site will meet to discuss the protest. Money will be handed to the director of the site.
Umpires, UIC, and director will make the call on the protest. If the protesting coach is correct, the money goes back to the coach and the umpire will carry out the call. If the protesting coach is incorrect, the director keeps the money and the game will resume
20. Coaches: it’s recommended that you carry a first aid kit and ice packs. ● Sportsmanship is a must. Ejected players and coaches may need to sit the following game. Final decision will be made by the UIC. There will be zero tolerance of harassment of umpires by fans.

● Adverse Weather: The American Fastpitch Tournament could be played in adverse weather conditions. The format may be changed and may include lesser time limits or fewer innings to complete the tournament. Coaches and players accept these conditions when entering the tournament.

*Restrooms will be available on site
*Concessions will be available on site - Cactus Yards Bar/Restaurant
*Tournament t-shirts will be available in adult sizes - $25.00 per shirt
*Photo Group will be on site to take individual and team photos
*FREE Trading Cards for players/coaches submitted before 10pm on 4/6/26 will be handed out at check in on Saturday 4/11
*Car Detailing Company will be setup in the parking lot for anyone wanting their cars done while attending the event
*Cool towels will be for sale for $5.00 each
*Viper Sunglasses will be for sale for $25.00 each
Payments will be accepted in the form of cash, Venmo, Zelle.
*Used tournament balls will be available for purchase for $40.00 per dozen-if enough inventory.
See main table to put your name on the list. First come, first serve.
*Homerun balls will be available for purchase at the table for $5.00 each.

Thank you in advance for participating in our event!
Best of luck to you and your girls!
Stacey Stepek
AFA State Director (AZ)
630-335-6830

***Site lead @ McQueen Park will be Anna McCray 480-824-8486***
***UIC will be Xavier Bush & Marcus Jones***

Attachment

AFA The GOAT-National Qualifier
April 11th & 12th 2026
Cactus Yards - Gilbert, AZ
***top 4 teams in each bracket for 12u will qualify for 2026 AFA Nationals in Utah & the top 2 teams in each bracket for 14u
***Fields will open @ 6am Saturday & 6:30am Sunday***
Cactus Yards Know Before you Go:
https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/cactus-yards/frequently-asked-questions

Schedule and brackets are now LIVE!!!
Check out the exposure site to view your team's schedule or download our app "WESTCOASTAFA” to view schedule/brackets/keep an eye on scores as they are recorded as your games wrap up this weekend!
https://softball.exposureevents.com/253752/afa-the-goat-national-qualifier/schedule

Please make sure that your team has paid the $55.00 membership fee to play AFA events. The AFA season runs September 1st-August 31st and is $55.00 per season. YOU MUST HAVE THIS BEFORE YOU HIT THE DIRT.
***You will need this prior to check in one hour before your first pool play game on Saturday. This fee goes directly to headquarters. If you have not already paid your sanctioning fee and been assigned your 4–6-digit number, please do so by clicking the link: https://fastpitch.afasoftball.com/get-involved/team-membership/

(questions on AFA membership-please contact our national director, Glen Messick at 818-389-3467)

One Hour before first game:
-Team must turn in their PRINTED & SIGNED roster/liability waiver (attached)
-Team must show proof of up-to-date team insurance with their team’s name listed as insured
-Please carry copies of birth certificates with you at all times in case of protest
-AFA Membership must be valid and for this season running September 1st-August 31st ($55.00 per team, per season)

***Please make sure that all possible players are listed on the lineup that is turned in on Saturday (even if they are only able to attend on Sunday).

***No players are allowed to hop from one team to another within the same event regardless of what age division they are playing in

***Please make sure that your team brings their own First Aide Kit & Ice for team injuries & emergencies***

National Qualifier Tournament Rules
(High School Federation w/ Arizona AFA Modifications):
1. AFA pool play games will be 1:30 no new inning Saturday (can end in tie) & 1:30 no new inning for bracket play Saturday (must have a winner)
2. Team listed first on the pool play schedule will be in the first base dugout
(unless game before already has next opponent in dugout-please take the open dugout)
3. Coin flip for home/away on Saturday (pool play)
4. Bracket play, the higher seed will automatically be the home team and take the 3B dugout (if same seed-coin flip).
5. Lineup cards must be turned in at the plate meeting
6. POOL PLAY: you may bat your entire line up
7. BRACKET PLAY: You may bat 11, and play 12 (extra players will be listed on lineup card as “EP” and you may use DP/FLEX
8. Courtesy runner for pitcher/catcher must be the last recorded out (Saturday) and Sunday the courtesy runner must be a sub on your lineup card
9. Coaches are allowed one mound visit per inning
10. x
11. Rule rules will be as follows:
12 runs after 3 innings ; 10 runs after 4 innings ; 8 runs after 5 innings
12. In the case of a tie breaker during bracket play, LAST RECORDED OUT is placed at 2B with no outs (International TB)
13. Illegal bat: Easton Ghost-Gold
-If your player steps onto the field with the 2018 Gold Ghost bat, both head coach and player ejection for one full game. Must exit the complex completely until the next game
-If this happens a second time, player and coach are both ejected for the ENTIRE TOURNAMENT
14. Head coaches-it is up to you to make sure that your spectators, fans, assistant coaches, and players are being good sports at all times. Any unruly behavior will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal. Umpires reserve the right to eject head coaches for player/fan behavior if not corrected.
15. A team may start a contest with 8 players, however, the empty spot on the lineup card will take an out each time they come up to the plate for the entire contest until they arrive
16. If there are no substitutes, and a player gets injured during game play and must be removed, they will take an out each time they come up to the plate for the rest of the contest
17. Please be ready to start up to 20 minutes early. We will get games started if blues are ready and fields are prepped and ready to go (be ready to start up to 20 minutes early if blues/fields are ready)
18. To keep the games moving along and maximizing game times, please no huddles on the field and please do not throw the ball around
19. Protests for AFA:
Head coach must bring $60.00 cash to home plate with both umpires where the game clock will be stopped, and umpires and director of the site will meet to discuss the protest. Money will be handed to the director of the site.
Umpires, UIC, and director will make the call on the protest. If the protesting coach is correct, the money goes back to the coach and the umpire will carry out the call. If the protesting coach is incorrect, the director keeps the money and the game will resume
20. Coaches: it’s recommended that you carry a first aid kit and ice packs. ● Sportsmanship is a must. Ejected players and coaches may need to sit the following game. Final decision will be made by the UIC. There will be zero tolerance of harassment of umpires by fans.

● Adverse Weather: The American Fastpitch Tournament could be played in adverse weather conditions. The format may be changed and may include lesser time limits or fewer innings to complete the tournament. Coaches and players accept these conditions when entering the tournament.

*Restrooms will be available on site
*Concessions will be available on site - Cactus Yards Bar/Restaurant
*Tournament t-shirts will be available in adult sizes - $25.00 per shirt
*Photo Group will be on site to take individual and team photos
*FREE Trading Cards for players/coaches submitted before 10pm on 4/6/26 will be handed out at check in on Saturday 4/11
*Car Detailing Company will be setup in the parking lot for anyone wanting their cars done while attending the event
*Cool towels will be for sale for $5.00 each
*Viper Sunglasses will be for sale for $25.00 each
Payments will be accepted in the form of cash, Venmo, Zelle.
*Used tournament balls will be available for purchase for $40.00 per dozen-if enough inventory.
See main table to put your name on the list. First come, first serve.
*Homerun balls will be available for purchase at the table for $5.00 each.

Thank you in advance for participating in our event!
Best of luck to you and your girls!
Stacey Stepek
AFA State Director (AZ)
630-335-6830

***Site lead @ McQueen Park will be Anna McCray 480-824-8486***
***UIC will be Xavier Bush & Marcus Jones***

Attachment

Good Evening Coach-

Your player's FREE 18 Trading Cards for AFA The GOAT @ Cactus Yards are due by tonight 4/6/26 @ 10pm!!!

Here is the link for parents to get the trading cards submitted for their girls:
https://forms.tradingcardsdirect.com/afagoat26

Trading cards will be available for pick up @ our Director's Table at check in.
A sample copy of the trading cards is attached.

***Schedule will be posted no later than 12pm tomorrow, Tuesday April 7th

Stacey Stepek
AFA State Director of Arizona
630-335-6830

Attachment

Coaches & Administrators-

Please do not miss this year's 3rd annual AFA THE GOAT-NATIONAL QUALIFIER!!!

AFA THE GOAT - NATIONAL QUALIFIER
April 11th & 12th 2026
Cactus Yards-Gilbert, Arizona
10u-12u-14u
$895.00 per team
(if you have already paid your entry fee for this event-please disregard this email reminder)


Venmo @Stacey-Stepek
or
Zelle to sstepek.azafa@gmail.com (S&G United, LLC)
***be sure to include team name, age, and event title in subject line***

***Registration does not guarantee your spot. This event is sold out each year-the first to pay, will play***Everyone else will be added to a waiting list***


This year, we will be doing trading cards for all teams who are participating!!!
YSPN is giving each player 18 free trading cards to trade with teammates or opposing team members at this amazing annual event!!! Once your team is registered and paid, you will receive the link to share with your team so that each player's family can submit their trading card. See attached.

AFA is also offering team discounted tickets to anyone who would like to attend the ASU softball home series that weekend at ASU's Farrington Stadium in Tempe, AZ.

ASU will be taking on the University of Central Florida
Friday 4/10 @ 6pm
Saturday 4/11 @ 4pm
Sunday 4/12 @ 1pm

Team tickets link: https://www.gofevo.com/group/Afasoftball

Dirt Infields & Grass Outfields
***Parking is FREE***

Cactus Yards - Know Before you Go Info:
https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/cactus-yards/frequently-asked-questions

Thank you in advance,
Stacey Stepek
AFA State Director of Arizona
630-335-6830

Good Evening Coach-

We are going to Trade Cards at AFA The GOAT @ Cactus Yards and we are giving everyone a set of 18 cards free to start you off and so no one is left out

Here is the link for parents to get the trading cards submitted for their girls:
https://forms.tradingcardsdirect.com/afagoat26

The deadline for submitting the cards is: Sunday, April 5th 2026
You must be paid in full for the event in order to secure your spot in our annual SOLD OUT event & to be able to submit your FREE trading cards for your girls.

Trading cards will be available for pick up @ our Director's Table at check in.
A sample copy of the trading cards is attached.

Let me know if you have any questions!
Stacey Stepek
AFA State Director of Arizona
630-335-6830

Attachment

Coaches & Administrators!!!!

Please do not miss this year's 3rd annual AFA THE GOAT-NATIONAL QUALIFIER!!!

AFA THE GOAT - NATIONAL QUALIFIER
April 11th & 12th 2026
Cactus Yards-Gilbert, Arizona
10u-12u-14u
$895.00 per team
(if you have already paid your entry fee for this event-please disregard this email reminder)


Venmo @Stacey-Stepek
or
Zelle to sstepek.azafa@gmail.com (S&G United, LLC)


This year, we will be doing trading cards for all teams who are participating!!!
YSPN is giving each player 18 free trading cards to trade with teammates or opposing team members at this amazing annual event!!! Once your team is registered and paid, you will receive the link to share with your team so that each player's family can submit their trading card. See attached.

AFA is also offering team discounted tickets to anyone who would like to attend the ASU softball home series that weekend at ASU's Farrington Stadium in Tempe, AZ.

ASU will be taking on the University of Central Florida
Friday 4/10 @ 6pm
Saturday 4/11 @ 4pm
Sunday 4/12 @ 1pm

Team tickets link: https://www.gofevo.com/group/Afasoftball

Please don't miss out on this amazing event!!! Spots are limited!!!
https://softball.exposureevents.com/253752/afa-the-goat-national-qualifier/registration

Dirt Infields & Grass Outfields
***Parking is FREE***

Cactus Yards - Know Before you Go Info:
https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/cactus-yards/frequently-asked-questions


Thank you in advance,
Stacey Stepek
AFA State Director of Arizona
630-335-6830

Attachment