City provides update for Tullahoma Girls Softball League

S

City officials have released an update regarding the future of the Tullahoma Girls Softball League.

In a statement released on Friday, June 27, city officials said the league was operated by a parent-run board until the board made the decision to not continue in 2022.

“When that board chose not to continue, Tullahoma Parks and Recreation, with support from the remaining members and the Tullahoma Sports Council, stepped in to keep the league going as a city-sponsored program,” city officials said in the statement. “The first season under city management was in 2023, and the program has since completed three successful seasons (2023–2025).”

During this period, Tullahoma Little League transitioned to the Cal Ripken Baseball platform, which expanded opportunities for youth of all ages and abilities—including older and non-traditional players.

“In 2025, the girls’ softball program saw lower sign-up numbers due to unexpected staffing changes, travel ball, and other competing sports,” city officials said. “In response to that challenge, the city partnered with Manchester to ensure continued play and expanded access to fields.”

Following the 2025 season, officials said discussions began between the Tullahoma Parks and Recreation Department and the Cal Ripken Baseball board about transitioning girls softball under the Cal Ripken structure. A vote from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen is expected in early fall 2025 to finalize this transition.

When BOMA passed its budget this past week, the board approved to cut $28,000 from parks and rec department’s budget by removing events and activities like the city’s annual soap box derby, the Rock Creek Concert Series and the girls’ softball league. Officials would clarify in the statement that while the city budget reflected this change, it was not cutting the program.

“This move simply shifts administrative duties—registration, scheduling, rules, and umpires—to the Cal Ripken board, while the Recreation Department will continue field maintenance and concessions,” officials said.

If the vote does not pass, city officials said a contingency plan is in place to resume city operation in 2026.

“However, all signs point to a successful partnership moving forward to benefit the future of girls softball in Tullahoma.”

posteditor
posteditor
Articles: 21727