Classifications

Team classifications are based on power ratings, tournament results and by overall team performance on the field.

Any team that is reforming from the previous season must start the current season in the same classification (or higher) that they finished the previous season unless otherwise determined by the guidelines.

For purpose of classifications, if six (6) or more players from the previous season's team are on a current team, they are considered the same team regardless of the TEAM NAME, MANAGER, COACHING STAFF or SPONSOR.

The Regional Committee will make final classification adjustments around the end of May each season.  This should give teams ample time to prepare for State and National Championship events.  Please note that teams may be reclassified at any time by the USSSA State Office, the Regional Committee or by the National Fastpitch Committee.

If your team is a bubble team and you feel there is a possibility, at some point during the season, you could be moved up to a higher classification, you need to register your team for a National event that offers multiple classifications for your age division.

Team Classifications

USA Elite Select Classification
This is the most elite level of play within USSSA Fastpitch. This class allows you to enter in USAES Qualifications, Tournaments, WFC, Team Points, and more.

A Classification
This division is for highly competitive travel ball teams looking for the best competition. At the older age, this division features athletes aspiring to play collegiately.


B Classification - This division is for teams who are looking for good competition but not at the highest level within USSSA. Reserved for teams who have progressed beyond our C level of play. Teams in B generally play a limited to moderate travel schedule

C Classification - This division is reserved for teams looking to play competitively and some limited travel ball and often an introduction to tournament play. Teams cannot self-register C. They must register B and contact their respective State Director and request to be moved to this classification.

Undoubtedly, not everyone will agree with classifications.  Any team wishing to appeal a reclassification may do so after playing a minimum of eight USSSA tournament games against teams in their new classification.  Once the results for these games have been posted to the USSSA system, a review will be completed to determine if the team is competitive at the new level. 

Classification Appeal Process:

If a team believes there are extenuating circumstances that would prevent them from performing at their assigned classification, the team will need to provide their team’s name, age, current class, city, and state to their State Director. The State Director will then forward to the Regional Committee for action. The decision of the Regional Committee will stand until the next review period.

The term "competitive" is and always will be subjective.  A team that plays a little below or above .500 in any classification is competitive. A team that loses every game by one run is also competitive. 

IMPORTANT !!
Do your part to help the accountability of the USSSA system.  View the rosters of the teams in your age division before you play them to make sure that they are compliant with roster rules.  Tournament Directors are also being told this is a requirement of them hosting USSSA events.  The class system of play works if you are part of the accountability mechanism.  USSSA is the only organization in the country that can make class play work as it should and monitor it.