Classifications

​7U Coach Pitch and 8U Kid Pitch classifications

​7U Coach Pitch and 8U Kid Pitch classifications will be determined during the 2024 season.

We cannot guess on classifications to start the 2024 season because we have no data from the previous season to base classifications on.

USSSA uses a very complicated and very accurate formula on ranking of teams. This is called USSSA Power Rating. Power Rating is basically based on how your team does against teams in the same classification of play.

Iowa USSSA Baseball will classify every 8 Kid Pitch team to start the season as 8KP AAA and every 7U Coach Pitch team as 7CP AAA. Weekend tournaments up through the State Tournament for 7CP and 8KP are “open” classifications and do not separate classifications of play. If a tournament director has enough 7CP or 8KP teams, most likely, the tournament format will consist of all team play pool play and then break into different single elimination championships.

​The State Tournament will be divided into separate stand alone tournaments for the 7CP and 8KP age groups. Teams will be placed in these tournaments by using the power rankings and each tournament will have the same ability and talent of teams. Each separate tournament will award a USSSA State Champion.

Classification Disclaimer

Undoubtedly, not everyone will agree with classifications.  Any team wishing to appeal a reclassification may do so after playing a minimum of six to 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.