2024 Team Classifications and Forms – Ohio Fastpitch

Ohio USSSA Fast-Pitch Team Classification Guidelines

Below is important information on how USSSA in the Great Lakes and especially the state of Ohio handles classifications for their teams. If you are looking to reclassify your team, scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the steps to start the process.

Team Classification Overview:

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

Any team that is reforming from the 2023 season must start the 2024 season in the same classification (or higher) that they finished the 2023 season unless otherwise noted in 2024 team year start classifications.

For purpose of classifications, if six (6) or more players from a 2023 team are on a 2024 team, they are considered the same team regardless of the TEAM NAME, MANAGER, COACHING STAFF, or SPONSOR.

The State Office will make final classification adjustments around the first of June each season. This should give teams ample time to prepare for State and National Championship plans. Please note that teams may be reclassified at any time by the Ohio USSSA State Office or by the National Fastpitch Committee due to advanced play.

Team Classification Guidelines:

General guidelines for Team Classifications:

USA Elite Select (USAES)/Open Class - This is considered the elite level of play within USSSA Fastpitch. This class allows you to enter in USAES Qualifications, Open and A level events, World Fastpitch Championships, Eligible for USAES 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 also 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.

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

C Rec/All-Star Classification - This division is reserved for teams that are primarily made of 1st time travel players typically from a rec league or league all-star teams. Ohio USSSA will have a couple of Rec Only events during the middle to later part of June thru early August. Teams cannot self-register Rec/All-Star. They must register B and contact the Ohio State office and request to be moved to this classification. Contact the Ohio USSSA State Office for more information on the criteria to play in Rec events in 2024.

Teams will not be considered for reclassification until they have listed their entire roster online to be researched. Note: All teams must post their roster online within 15 days of registering with USSSA or be automatically classified at the A level.

Team Classification Disclaimer:

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 after January 1, 2024 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.

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 now. 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.

Important steps to reclassify teams for play in Ohio USSSA tournaments.

Teams wishing to change their classification should start as soon as possible. Many events fill quickly for the season especially in class C. Feel free to read and use the form below to start the process.

Team Reclassification Request

Reclassification request form for USSSA

Reclassification Information page for USSSA teams.

This is the form to use to request reclassification for the USSSA Fast-Pitch season. Please note that to be considered for reclassification a couple of things must first occur:<ol><li>Coach must pay to register the team on usssa.com.</li><li>Coach must complete the background check.</li><li>Coach must choose either USAES, Open, A, or B. Teams wishing to classify at the C level must choose class B to start the process. Upon approval, the team classification will be changed to C by an USSSA State or Regional Director.</li><li>Fill out the entire roster that you wish to reclassify with and meet the reclassification standards on the classifications.</li></ol>Requests for reclassification will not be considered until all 4 steps of criteria above has been completed. Also teams that register with USSSA must put their playing roster online within 14 days of registration or be classified at the A level. This could affect status in tournaments that do not offer a class A or open division. Please do not overlook this important step. This is also required of teams who purchase USSSA Team Insurance. Coverage is not in effect until teams put all of their players on the USSSA roster system.Note: Team/Umpire Registration fees and background check fees are non-refundable.

Name of Team:

Age Group:

Coach Name:

Team Class Requested

Registered Coaches Email:

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