Classifications and Re-classifications

Classification Guidelines

Team Classification Overview

Team classifications are based on power ratings, tournament results 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 middle 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 USSSA Oregon State Office or by the National Fastpitch Committee.

Team Classification Guidelines

Team Classifications

USA Elite Select Classification
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 State Director and request to be moved to this classification.

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.

In Season Re-class

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 by the Oregon USSSA State Office.

Classification Guidelines: If ANY of the below benchmarks are met by your team, there is a strong chance your team will be moved up or down to the next higher/lower classification.

Criteria to Move Up: (A minimum of 8 scored games)

If your team accumulates an 1,100 power ranking or higher – team will, at a minimum be on a watch list
If your team accumulates a power ranking of 1,275+ – team will be promoted to the next level or provide valid justification to not be promoted to 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 most recent events (Number of teams and level of teams playing in the the event is considered)
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)

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

Criteria to Move Up: A minimum of 8 scored games (usually means 2 tournaments minimum)

Questions on reclassification may be sent to Alexa Peterson at [email protected].