Welcome to the 2026 NEDSO Season!
Join New England’s premier Deaf-first slow-pitch softball league, built for fair competition, regional pride, and lasting community connections across all six New England states.
NEDSO is a regional league centered on consistent play, sportsmanship, and bringing the Deaf softball community together.
The information below provides a general overview of how the season operates.
Season Structure Overview
Regular Season
Players are assigned to regional teams to support manageable travel and a strong local identity. Teams compete in scheduled games across New England, primarily on Saturdays. Schedules may include both regional matchups and select cross-regional games.
Standings & Seeding
Team standings are determined by game results and league points earned during the regular season. Standings are used to establish playoff seeding and competitive positioning within the Gauntlet Playoffs.
Commissioner’s Challenge
Select matchups may be designated as Commissioner’s Challenge games. These games carry added competitive significance and are intended to enhance engagement, intensity, and league momentum. Challenge designations are made at the Commissioner’s discretion.
Playoffs — The Gauntlet
All teams advance to the Gauntlet Playoffs, a high-energy elimination format that rewards season-long consistency, resilience, and performance under pressure.
Regular-season performance impacts seeding, matchups, and competitive advantages within the Gauntlet.
Roster Assignments
Registration secures your place in the player pool. Final roster assignments are made by the NEDSO Commissioner based on availability, commitment, conduct, skill balance, and geographic considerations to ensure fair, competitive, and enjoyable teams for everyone.
Registration does not guarantee final roster placement.
Fees & Cost Structure
NEDSO operates using a combination of individual player registration fees and a team entry fee.
This structure allows league costs—such as field rentals, insurance, umpires, and operations—to be shared fairly while supporting a consistent regional season.
Specific fee details are provided during registration and team confirmation.
Communication
Game schedules, updates, and official league announcements are shared primarily through:
Official NEDSO WhatsApp group
The NEDSO website (nedso.org)
Official NEDSO social media channels (Facebook & Instagram: @nedso_official)
Players are responsible for staying informed through these official channels.
No voice calls are required.
Key Details
Season Timeline: June – October 2026 (primarily Saturdays; exact dates announced Spring 2026)
Locations: Games hosted across towns and cities throughout all six New England states
League Focus: Competitive balance, accessibility, and long-term sustainability
Important Participation Notice
NEDSO reserves the right to deny or revoke participation at its discretion to protect the safety, integrity, and positive experience of the league and its participants.
League schedules, formats, and structures may be adjusted at the Commissioner’s discretion in the best interest of the league and its community.
