Classifications
2025 SEASON TEAM CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES
USSSA Team Classifications
USA Elite Select Classification – Most elite level of play within USSSA Fast Pitch. 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 the State Office and request to be moved to this classification.
New Season Team Classification
Team classifications are based on power ratings, tournament results and by overall team performance on the field. Any team reforming from the previous season and staying the same age bracket, your team may be required to start the new season at the next level higher classification.
If you return 6 or more players from the previous season, you may be required to begin the new season at the higher classification.
- If you were a C team the previous year, you may be required to begin in B or higher.
- If you were a B team the previous year, you may be required to begin in A.
If you are moving up an age bracket or are returning 5 or less players, you may start the season at the same classification as the previous season.
- If you were C team the previous year, you may begin in C.
- If you were a B team the previous year, you may begin in B.
- If you were an A team the previous year, you may begin in A.
In Season Team Reclassifications
The following criteria will be used when considering reclassification. Team classifications are based on power ratings, tournament results and by overall team performance on the field. Team classifications will be reviewed throughout the season to ensure we have teams in the appropriate class of play. Please note that teams may be reclassified at any time.
If ANY of the below benchmarks are met by a team, there is a strong chance the team will be moved up or down to the next higher/lower classification. Teams may always ask for a review and present special circumstances to not be reclassified.
Criteria to Move Up: A minimum of 8 scored games (usually means 2 tournaments minimum)
- If your team accumulates a power ranking of 1100 or higher – team will, at a minimum, be on a watch list
- If your team accumulates a power ranking of 1275 or higher – team will be promoted to the next level
- If your team’s in class record is .700 or higher
- If your team has finished 1st or 2nd in 2 out of 3 in recent events (Consideration will be given for the level of the teams playing in the events)
- If your team has an in class run differential of 5 or more
- If your team is playing in 2-3 consecutive tournaments at a higher class, team likely views itself at a higher level
Criteria to Move Down: A minimum of 8 scored games – NOTE: A team may request to be moved down at the beginning of the season. These requests will be considered after a careful review of the team’s roster.
- If your team has a power ranking of 400 or less
- If your team’s in class record is .300 or less
- If your team has a run differential of -4 or more
