PONY Softball is not designed for a few highly skilled athletes, but for as many players in the community as possible who are sincerely interested in the game. In the leagues for younger age players, it is generally desirable to make every attempt to include every player who registers. Doing so will give them an opportunity to determine their fondness for the game, and also give them the chance to learn the basic skills the game requires. At the same time, particularly as the players advance in age, the privilege of participation should be earned through attainment of performance levels by conscientious attendance at games and practice sessions as well as by general conduct and development on the playing field.

It is not logical to assume that every young person loves to play softball or that all will continue with an interest in the game as they grow and develop into young adults. Some will develop interests in other areas, to the exclusion of softball, and others will never develop more than a casual interest in the game.

Any game can be an effective tool to teach, but only when the player has a desire to play the game.

Those who do not develop as players, but maintain an interest in the game, may be directed into such activities as scorekeeping, field maintenance, equipment and uniform handling, announcing, statistics and umpiring. There is something for everyone.