2022 TEAM CLASSIFICATIONS
Team Classification Guidelines
Illinois team classifications are based on Illinois USSSA and Midwest USSSA Baseball.
Illinois team classifications are based on power ratings, tournament results and by overall team performance on the field.
Any team that is reforming from the 2021 season must start the 2022 season in the same classification (or higher) that they finished the 2021 season unless otherwise noted in 2022 team year start classifications.
For purpose of classifications, if six (6) or more players from a 2021 team are on a 2022 team, they are considered the same team regardless of the TEAM NAME, MANAGER, COACHING STAFF or SPONSOR.
The Regional Office will make final classification adjustments around the middle of June each season. This should give teams ample time to prepare for State and World Series plans. Please note that teams may be reclassified at any time by the USSSA Baseball Regional Office or by the National Baseball Committee.
Team Classifications
Major Classification
Top 10% - 15% of the teams in the state.
Best teams in the state
Can Compete with Major teams in region.
AA Classification
Lower middle 30% - 45% of the teams in the state.
Limited travel schedule
Players from same local area.
Drafted League Classification
Teams formed from drafted leagues.
Little League teams
AAA Classification
Upper middle 20% - 35% of the teams in the state.
Traveling teams
Tryout teams
A Classification
Remaining 10% - 20% of the teams in the state.
School teams
Limited playing schedule
Local tournaments
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, 2022 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.