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Classifications & Divisions
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The USSSA Baseball program was founded on and has grown by the merit of its multiple classification system. Many organizations have tried multiple levels of play but USSSA is the only association that makes it work.
USSSA offers four competitive baseball classifications (i.e.; Major, AAA, AA, A). The higher the classification, the higher the level of play. In addition, USSSA offers one recreation classification (i.e.; All-Star). Not all classifications are offered in all age divisions.
Many teams try to let a postseason tournament location influence which USSSA classification they try to play in. Regrettably, USSSA Baseball does not operate this way. Teams are required to play in the appropriate classification which best matches their ABILITY.
The below is only a "Rule of Thumb" and could vary as much as +/- 10% per age division and / or classification.
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MAJOR
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The Major classification consists of the top 15% - 20% of teams in the state; these are the teams that should be pursuing the USSSA Elite 32 World Series at ESPN's Wide World of Sports at Disney World.
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TRIPLE A
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The AAA classification consists of the next 25% - 30% of teams in the state and is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the Major level. If USSSA finds AAA teams consistently winning within the AAA class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 2.00) to elevate such teams to Major.
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DOUBLE A
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The AA classification consists of the next 25% - 30% of teams in the state and is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the AAA level. If USSSA finds AA teams consistently winning within the AA class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 2.00) to elevate such teams to AAA.
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SINGLE A
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NO NEW TEAM MAY START IN THE SINGLE A CLASSIFICATION. TEAMS MUST FIRST PROVE ON THE FIELD THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO BE COMPETITIVE AT THE DOUBLE A LEVEL PRIOR TO BEING MOVED TO SINGLE A.
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The A classification consists of the next 25% - 30% of teams in the state and is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the AA level. If USSSA finds A teams consistently winning within the A class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 2.00) to elevate such teams to AA.
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All-Star
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The All-Star classification is for USSSA Sanctioned Rec League All-Star teams only.
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Trophy Hunters & Sandbaggers
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Since every team's ability is subjective, the State Office reserves the right pursuant to USSSA Rule 2.06 to reclassify a team up or down at ay time which demonstrates a skill level and ability, which in the sole opinion and discretion of the State Office, is over or under qualified for a specific classification of play.
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Trophy Hunting and Sandbagging shall not be tolerated in USSSA Baseball. Prevention of both acts in all classifications is a TOP PRIORITY! It is the responsibility of EVERY Team Manager to monitor all the teams in their classification and report any possible violators to the State Office. Emails may be sent anonymously to LENNYHAYES@COMCAST.NET. The State Office NEVER shares anonymous email information with anyone outside office staff.
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Single Age Divisions
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7U & 8U
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USSSA provides three (3) distinct classifications of play for 7 & 8 year olds in single age divisions. This format allows players of ALL skill levels to enjoy competing against teams (players) of like ability. In addition, USSSA provides two (2) styles of competition based on how the ball is delivered to the batter.
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9U
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USSSA provides four (4) distinct classifications of play for 9 year olds in a single age division. This format allows players of ALL skill levels to enjoy competing against teams (players) of like ability.
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9U: The 9U classification is a "catch all" for the 9 year old age division. Because teams play 8U in so many varieties, the 9U classification is for all competitive type teams and acts like a combination of the Major & AAA classifications. For 9 year olds, this is our most talented division.
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9U AA: The AA classification is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the 9U level. If USSSA finds AA teams consistently winning within the AA class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 3.00) to elevate such teams to 9U.
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9U A: The A classification is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the AA level. If USSSA finds A teams consistently winning within the A class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 3.00) to elevate such teams to AA.
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9U All-Star (Recreation League Based): The All-Star classification is designed for those "recreation level" teams which are bound by geographic league boundaries and restricted rosters that choose All-Star teams at the end of their regular season.
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10U - 14U
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USSSA provides five (5) distinct classifications of play for 10 - 14 year olds in single age divisions. This format allows players of ALL skill levels to enjoy competing against teams (players) of like ability.
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10U - 14U Major: The Major classification is designed for the most competitive teams. Players on these teams may be recruited from any state. This is our most talented and highly skilled division, and provides outstanding teams, who take great pride in competing day in and day out against the best competition available.
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10U - 14U AAA: The AAA classification is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the Major level. If USSSA finds AAA teams consistently winning within the AAA class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 3.00) to elevate such teams to Major.
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10U - 14U AA: The AA classification is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the AAA level. If USSSA finds AA teams consistently winning within the AA class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 3.00) to elevate such teams to AAA.
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10U A: The A classification is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the AA level. If USSSA finds A teams consistently winning within the A class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 3.00) to elevate such teams to AA.
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10U - 14U All-Star (Recreation League Based): The All-Star classification is designed for those "recreation level" teams which are bound by geographic league boundaries and restricted rosters that choose All-Star teams at the end of their regular season.
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15U - 18U
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USSSA provides five (5) distinct classifications of play for 15 - 18 year olds. This format allows players of ALL skill levels to enjoy competing against teams (players) of like ability.
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15U - 18U Major / Elite: The Major / Elite classification is designed for the most competitive teams. Players on these teams may be recruited from any state. This is our most talented and highly skilled division, and provides outstanding teams, who take great pride in competing day in and day out against the best competition available.
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15U - 18U AAA: The AAA classification is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the Major / Elite level. If USSSA finds AAA teams consistently winning within the AAA class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 3.00) to elevate such teams to Major.
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15U - 18U AA: The AA classification is designed for those teams which cannot attain qualification at the AAA level. If USSSA finds AA teams consistently winning within the AA class, we reserve the right (Rules Section 3.00) to elevate such teams to AAA.
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Scholastic JV: The Scholastic JV classification is designed for summer high school programs. Teams can be comprised of players from no more than two (2) schools and all players must be rising Freshman and Sophomores.
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Scholastic Varsity: The Scholastic Varsity classification is designed for summer high school programs. Teams can be comprised of players from no more than two (2) schools and all players must be rising Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.
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