USSSA/GSL CLASSIFICATION

Classification Review and Roster Submission:

• Teams Requiring Committee Review:

  • Teams in Classification E and above.
  • Teams formed by mergers with players in multiple classifications.
  • Newly formed teams with players in multiple classifications.
  • Teams requesting to add a player who wishes to drop down more than one classification.
  • Teams requesting to add multiple players from a team reclassified by National By-laws.
  • All teams in the above categories must submit a roster to the Classification Committee before their first tournament.

• Consequences of Non-Compliance:

  • Teams that fail to submit a roster prior to their first tournament may be required to play at a higher classification until the committee can review their application.

Maintaining Classification Integrity:

We rely on the cooperation of our members to ensure accurate team classifications. If you believe a team is playing at a level that does not align with our guidelines, please contact us with the relevant team information.

Important Reminders Regarding Team Classifications

• Reclassification Process:

  • Team classifications are based on the previous season’s records and the roster on file at year’s end.
  • We understand that errors may occur.
  • Appeals: Submit written appeals to the USSSA National Classification Committee by April 1st. Include your full roster and specific reasons for the appeal.

• Eligibility for Lower Classification Appeals:

  • Teams must participate in a minimum of 3 events at their current class before being eligible to appeal for a lower classification.

• Roster Submission:

  • Teams required to submit a roster to the Committee must do so before entering their first tournament.
  • Failure to submit a roster may result in the team playing one level higher than the currently listed classification.
  • Please allow 3 days for team roster review and 14 days for any NCC appeals to be processed.

• New Team Classifications:

  • If a new team’s roster includes more players than allowed for the chosen classification, the Committee reserves the right to immediately reclassify the team.

Classification Guidelines for USSSA/GSL Georgia

Out-of-State Tournaments:

• All teams participating in tournaments outside of Georgia must obtain a classification from the State of Georgia USSSA/GSL.
• Failure to comply may result in immediate suspension from all USSSA/GSL events.

Classification Guidelines:

• “B” Teams: May add up to three players from teams previously classified “A” or reclassified to “A” by National By-Laws. No restrictions on adding players from “B” teams or lower (excluding those reclassified by National By-Laws).
• “C” Teams: May add up to three players from teams previously classified “B.”
• “D” Teams: May add up to three players from teams previously classified “C.”
• “E” Teams: May add up to three players from teams previously classified “D.”

Committee Discretion:

• The Classification Committee reserves the right to reclassify any team to a higher level based on:
  • The team’s new roster composition.
  • The team’s on-field performance.

Roster Additions and Player Pickup Rules for 2025

Roster Changes:

• Limit on Changes: There is a limit of four (4) State Director-administered roster changes per weekend (maximum of 3 additions, maximum of 3 pickups, or any combination of 4).
• Exceeding the Limit: Teams exceeding the limit of four changes must:
  • Re-register for the tournament as a pickup team.
  • Coordinate with the pickup player’s coach to have them removed from their roster or call your State Director to have them removed from the team.
• Online Rosters: All teams must have their rosters uploaded to the National website before their first tournament of the year.
  • Failure to upload the roster will result in the team not being drawn into the tournament.
  • Players not listed as “Approved” or “Eligible to Play” on the roster will be deleted on Friday night at 9:00 PM.
• Roster Accuracy:
  • The number of players rostered must match the number of players on the field.
  • Playing with unapproved players may result in a formal protest from an opposing team.

Pick-Up Player Rule (Georgia Only):

• NITs, State, Regionals, and World Tournaments: Only roster additions are allowed.
• Roster Addition Deadline: All approved roster additions for a single weekend must be added by Thursday night at 9:00 PM. No exceptions.
• Player Removal: Players added as single-weekend additions must be removed from the roster by Sunday night after the event or before the cutoff for the next scheduled event.
• Eligibility for Pick-Up Players:
  • Pick-up players are allowed to fill gaps in the roster to a maximum of 11 players.
  • Teams with 11 or more players are not eligible for pick-up players.
• Proactive Communication: If you anticipate roster issues, contact your State Office in advance for assistance.

Fair Competition Rules

• Mid-Season Bump: Teams winning three (3) tournaments with 12 or more teams must play their next tournament one classification higher.
  • The State Director will advise the coach of this mid-season bump.
  • This action does not automatically change the team’s National and State Class unless agreed upon by the coach and State Director.

Classification Guidelines for Teams with Out-of-State Players

• Teams with Multiple State Players: Teams with three or more players from a state other than their registration state must:
  • Submit a roster to both State Directors for classification approval.
  • In case of disagreement between State Directors, the Divisional VP and the registering State Director will make the final determination.
• “B” Level and Above: Teams classified “B” or higher will be classified by the State Director where the majority of players reside.
• Player-by-Player Evaluation: Players from states other than Georgia will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Classification Reviews and Reclassifications

• Classification Reviews: The State Classification Committee may periodically review team classifications.
• Reclassification Authority: The Committee has the authority to reclassify any team and require them to play at the next highest level at any time during the season.
• Appeals: Teams may appeal misclassification by emailing the Georgia State Director (following the established appeal process).
• Playing Up: Teams may voluntarily play in a higher-classified tournament but cannot play in a lower-classified tournament.