Team Classification

The main objective for team classification is allowing teams to play within their skill level and bring parity to the Illinois USSSA program. In all fairness to its members, Illinois USSSA will follow the below guidelines to insure that teams are placed into the class where they can compete.

“A” Level Team

An “A” Level Team is classified based on the experience and skill level of the team’s individual members. Teams that are considered highly competitive within Illinois will be considered an “A” team. Any Illinois team that competes at an “A” level in any other ruling association must play “A” level in USSSA as well.

In the event that your team does not remain intact and has turnover:

• If you return 6 players from the previous season, you are subject to begin where your classification dictates.
• If you return 5 or less, then you will be subject to begin in a classification based upon the players’ previous team.

All “A” teams MUST compete at the “A” level tournaments, even if playing up an age level. For example, if a 12U “A” team moves up to 13U, it is considered a 13U Open “A” team. If that team chooses to participate in tournaments at the 14U level, those tournaments must have a 14U “A” level bracket or be a 14U Open tournament.

“B” Level Team

All “B” teams are watched closely throughout the season by the State Director and may be classified as an “A” level team at any time during the season per USSSA National By-Laws.

In the event that your team does not remain intact and has turnover:

• If you return 6 players from the previous season, you are subject to begin where your classification dictates.
• If you return 5 or less, then you will be subject to begin in a classification based upon the players’ previous team.

If a 12U “B” team moves up to a 14U tournament, it will be considered a 14U “B” team. If that same 12U “B” team moves up to 13U, it will be considered a 13U Open and can play in 14U “B”, 14U “A”, or 14U Open tournaments.

“C” Level Team

This program is limited to any team that might have limited tournament experience and has no more than 2 former Class “B” players and no Class “A” players on the roster. Also, these teams would not be very competitive in the Class “B” program. The program is open to In House League player/team or All Star League team/players. This is a restricted program and any team that does not meet the requirements will not be allowed to participate. Teams may qualify for the Class “C” World Series. There is a Class “C” State Tournament, but teams do not have to play to attend the World Series, although we hope you do for valuable USSSA tournament experience.

Appeal

A team’s classification may be appealed at any time throughout the season through the State Director’s Office. You must provide a written document with full details as to the reason you feel that this team should not be classified at the higher classification. Appeals can be made via email to the State Director. Please give a brief explanation on why the appeal, while also including the team name, team’s USSSA registration number, age level and additional information you feel is valuable. This appeal can only by made by the Head Coach/Manager. At no time may a team knowingly play at a lower classification than their official classification. This action may lead to a team’s suspension from USSSA. Note: the odd year (i.e. 11U) divisions are a subset of the even year (i.e. 12U) divisions.