The AFCS Open: What RMFL Teams Need to Know 

By: Arielle Gordon

 

A couple weeks ago, we told you about the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series and how Rocky Mountain Fastpitch League teams can qualify. We mentioned the AFCS Open, but now we’re going to answer all of your burning questions about the Open Division. 

 

What is the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series Open Division? 

The Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series Open Division will allow all Alliance teams to participate in a culminating league event. There will be Open Division tournaments for each age group.

Any Alliance team that does not earn a Tier I or Tier II berth will be eligible to participate in the AFCS Open. There will not be any berths or qualifications for the Open. You can register now.  

 

What is the difference between the AFCS and the AFCS Open? 

Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS) is the culminating event for the top teams in each Member League. Teams must earn a bid from their league to participate. 

The Open does not require berths, and any Alliance team can register to participate in the Open. 

 

What is the format?

The AFCS Open will use the same format as the AFCS. It mimics the NCAA Softball postseason. 

• Teams will start in a Regional double elimination bracket
• Non-winners will move to a double elimination Qualifying Bracket 
• Regional winners will move on to a best-of-three Super Regionals series
• Super Regionals winners will move on to the Elite 8, a split double elimination bracket 
• Elite 8 winners will move on to a best-2-of-3 National Championship series 

 

What if I register for the Open but then my team earns a Tier I or Tier II berth? 

If you register for the Open now but your team earns an AFCS berth later this season and you choose to accept it, you will contact your league administrator to let them know. 

 

When and where is the AFCS Open? 

10U Open West: Southern California; July 26-31

• 4 games guaranteed

10U Open East: Bentonville, AR; July 26–31

• 5 games guaranteed

12U West Open: Southern California; July 26–31

• 4 games guaranteed

12U East Open: Bentonville, AR; July 26–31

• 5 games guaranteed

**Notes:

• 10U and 12U teams may choose which tournament they would like to participate in.
•  If the Southern California site is unavailable due to local COVID-19 restrictions, those events will move to Utah. 

 

14U Open: Clearwater, FL; July 27–August 1

• 4 games guaranteed

16U Open: Broken Arrow, OK; July 26–31

18U Open: Broken Arrow, OK; July 26–31

 

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