COEUR d'ALENE - A men's ball which doesn't fly quite as far, a little farther between bases for some leagues, and a few more adult tournaments are some of the changes as the local adult rec softball season nears.

Today is the registration deadline for teams wishing to play in the coed preseason tournament, which begins April 17. Those teams wishing to play in the men's and women's preseason tournament beginning April 24 have until April 11 to sign up.

Coed teams not playing in the preseason tournament have until April 17 to sign up for the regular season. Teams in all the other leagues have until April 24 to register.

A meet and greet for new players looking to hook up with teams is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at Ramsey Park, where pickup games will be held. A social at 4 p.m. at the Caddy Shack on Prairie Ave. in Hayden will follow.

Leagues are being offered for coed rec (Monday, Tuesday or Sunday), coed competitive (Wednesday), men's upper doubleheader (Tuesday), men's upper and lower league (Thursday), women's rec (Monday), women's competitive (Thursday), men's church (Friday), coed church (Wednesday or Friday), seniors 50 and older (Wednesday), seniors 60 and older (Tuesday) and coed short season (Wednesday).

This year, the 52/300 ball is required for men's league, and for the men in coed league. The ball still whistles through the infield at the same speed as those with less-restricted flight, but doesn't carry as well, Coeur d'Alene recreation director Steve Anthony said.

"If you hit the other ball 310 (feet), you'll hit this one about 295," he said.

Fences at Ramsey Park are 300 feet from home plate.

This year, bases in all leagues are 70 feet apart. Last year, some leagues increased to 70 feet, but in some leagues they remained at 65.

All told, between 160-175 teams are expected to play this season - a total similar to last year. Fields used will be the same - Ramsey, Memorial and Sunset, with a few games at Person Field.

Interest is increasing in adult weekend tournaments here, and Anthony said three men's tournaments and two or three coed tournaments are planned. The local umpires association is planning to put on a tournament as well, as a fundraiser.

Also, Coeur d'Alene is also hosting the girls 16-and-under Idaho state ASA tournament, as well as a 14-and-under regional tourney.

Information: 769-2249, or like or join "CDA Softball" on Facebook.