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USSSA Slow Pitch · Official
Slowpitch Rulebook
2025 Edition — Official Slow Pitch Rule Book & National By-Laws
RULE 4 The Game
Count
The batter starts with a 0-0 count. A walk is awarded on 3 balls. The batter is out on 2 strikes. A foul tip on a second strike is a dead ball and the batter is out.
Bunting
Bunting is not permitted in slow pitch. A chopped ball (deliberate downward swing) is also illegal — batter is called out.
Roster
Teams may bat 10 players (standard), or use an Extra Player (EP) rule to bat up to 11. The designated player must be declared before the game starts.
Courtesy Runner
Each team is entitled to one courtesy runner per inning (one for each gender in Mixed). The same player may not use a courtesy runner twice in the same inning. (2025 rule change)
Re-entry
Starting players may re-enter the game once, provided they return to their original position in the batting order. Substitutes who are replaced may not re-enter.
Commitment Line
A commitment line is used at home plate. Once a runner crosses this line, they are committed to scoring and cannot return to tag up. The runner scores on the scoring plate, not home plate — avoiding collisions.
RULE 8 Baserunning
Safety Base
At first base, the batter-runner must touch the orange/red portion of the safety base on initial plays. The defensive player must always use the white portion. After the initial play, the runner uses the white portion.
Base Path
A runner's base path is established when a tag attempt occurs — it is a straight line from the runner to the base they are attempting to reach. Runners must stay within 3 feet of this path.
Fake Tag
Making the motions of a tag without the ball is obstruction. The offender may be ejected.
8.13
Each team is entitled to one courtesy runner once per inning. The player being replaced as a runner may still bat. (2025 clarification)
RULE 7 Batting
Batter's Box
The batter must keep their back foot no further forward than the front edge of home plate. A batter is out if the back foot is completely in front of that line when contact is made.
Illegal Bat
Using an illegal or altered bat results in the batter being called out and may lead to ejection and suspension. Both the owner and user of an altered bat are subject to penalties.
7.3B
2025 rule change: The scope of penalties for non-approved bats has been expanded to include any bat that does not meet USSSA specifications, not just bats previously approved and then withdrawn.
Rule 2 Official Bat
Specs
Max 34 inches long, max 2¼ inches diameter, max 31 ounces (including grip/tape). Must have a grip of at least 10 inches that does not touch the barrel taper.
Certification
Only bats manufactured by an approved USSSA bat manufacturer with the 2020 USSSA Certification Mark are legal. The 2014 mark has been ineligible since January 1, 2023.
Condition
Bats must be free of: cracks, dents, loose/damaged end caps, worn-off graphics, exposed bat material, or foreign substances on the barrel. Any of these conditions makes the bat illegal for sanctioned play.
Altered Bat
An altered bat includes any bat that has been rolled, compressed, viced, repainted, had the plug/knob changed, or had anything added inside. First offense: 2-year suspension. Second offense: lifetime suspension.
Refusing to allow a bat inspection by a USSSA Director results in an automatic 2-year suspension with no right to appeal. Ignorance of bat alteration is not a defense.
Rule 2 Official Ball
12" Men's
Classic M, Classic Plus, Pro M balls are approved for Men's Major, Men's, and Mixed programs (men hitting). The Stadium M ball is exclusively for Men's Major.
11" Women's
Classic W and Pro W (Multi-layer) balls are approved for Women's and Mixed programs (women hitting).
Senior
The 12" Senior ball is used only in Men's Senior 40-and-over programs. Must be marked "SENIOR ONLY."
Color
All USSSA balls must have an optic yellow cover with indelible lettering and the USSSA logo.
Rule 2 Other Equipment
Cleats
Metal cleats are prohibited in all USSSA slowpitch. Only rubber (soft or hard) or molded cleats are permitted.
Gloves
Catchers, pitchers, and 1st basemen may wear a glove or mitt of any size. All other fielders are restricted to finger-type gloves with thumb-to-forefinger space not exceeding 4½ inches.
Uniforms
Teams should wear matching uniforms with caps or visors worn visor forward. Exposed jewelry judged hazardous by the umpire may not be worn. Batting helmets may be worn at any time.
Electronics
No camera, audio, or video device may be worn or used by umpires, players, or coaches on the field of play. Official USSSA livestreams are exempt.
Rule 6 Pitching Rules
Distance
The pitcher's plate is 50 feet from the rear corner of home plate for both men's and women's programs.
Delivery
The pitch must be delivered with a smooth, underhand motion. The pitcher must have at least one foot in contact with the pitcher's plate when releasing the ball.
Arc
The pitched ball must have a minimum arc of 6 feet and a maximum arc of 12 feet from the ground (measured from the highest point of the pitch). Pitches outside this arc are called illegal.
Speed
There is no mandated speed requirement, but the umpire may call a pitch illegal if it is deemed to be thrown with excessive speed inconsistent with the spirit of slow pitch.
Strike Zone
The strike zone is defined by a mat behind home plate. A pitch is a strike if it lands on the mat or home plate. A pitch that bounces before reaching the mat is a ball.
Illegal Pitch
An illegal pitch is a ball. If the batter swings and misses or hits an illegal pitch, the result of the play stands. If the batter does not swing, it is called a ball.
All pitching restrictions on height, speed, and release remain in effect regardless of any other local or tournament rules. Tournament Directors may not waive pitching arc requirements.
Sportsmanship & Ejections
Ejection
Any ejected player, coach, or manager must leave the playing area immediately. An ejected manager must also sit out the next scheduled game. Failure to leave may result in forfeit.
Profanity
Use of profanity on or off the field is subject to immediate ejection from the facility. Any "F Bomb" from the dugout where the guilty party cannot be identified requires removal of the team coach.
Spectators
Managers are responsible for their fans and spectators. Disruptive spectators result in a manager warning, then ejection on repetition. Failure to leave within 5 minutes may result in team forfeit.
Gestures
Inappropriate gestures or taunting may result in immediate removal from the game at the umpire's discretion.
Rule 10 Umpires
Authority
Umpires have full authority over the game. The Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) is the final decision-maker on all game-related calls including weather delays, field conditions, and game length.
Judgment
No protest of any umpire judgment call is permitted. Only rule interpretation protests may be lodged, before the next legal pitch is thrown.
Weather
Tournament Directors and UICs jointly determine weather delays. The 30-minute lightning rule applies from the last observed strike within 15 miles.
Rule 1 Official Field Dimensions
Measurement
Men's
Women's A/B
Women's C/D
Base Paths
65 or 70 ft (70 preferred)
65 or 70 ft
65 or 70 ft
Pitching Distance
50 ft
50 ft
50 ft
Min Fence (radius)
300 ft (12")
275 ft
250 ft
Max Fence (radius)
—
325 ft
325 ft
2nd Base Distance
98 ft 11" (70 ft bases)
98 ft 11"
98 ft 11"
Pitcher's Plate
24" wide × 6" deep
24" × 6"
24" × 6"
Calculating 2nd base distance: Multiply base path × base path × 2, then take the square root. For 70 ft: √(70×70×2) = √9800 = 98 ft 11 in.
Key Field Markings
Home Plate
17" across the front edge. Two perpendicular sides 8½" long. Two diagonal sides 12" long forming the rear point. The black border outline is not considered part of home plate.
Commitment Line
Drawn across the baseline between home plate and the backstop. Once crossed, the runner cannot return. Runner scores at the scoring plate (offset from home plate), not home plate itself.
Safety Base
Optional 15" × 30" base at first base. White portion in fair territory (defensive), orange/red portion in foul territory (batter-runner). Batter-runner must use the orange portion on initial plays.
3-Foot Line
Drawn outside the first base foul line from first base extending halfway to home. Batter-runner must use this lane on throws to first base to avoid interference.
Source: USSSA Official Slow Pitch Rule Book & National By-Laws 2025View Full PDF →
USSSA Slow Pitch · Ranking
Point System
How teams earn USSSA points and seeding is determined
Tournament Finish Points
Qualifying Tournament
🥇 1st Place10 pts
🥈 2nd Place7 pts
🥉 3rd Place5 pts
4th Place3 pts
Participation1 pt
State Championship
🥇 1st Place20 pts
🥈 2nd Place14 pts
🥉 3rd Place10 pts
4th Place6 pts
Participation2 pts
World Tournament
🥇 1st Place30 pts
🥈 2nd Place21 pts
🥉 3rd Place15 pts
4th Place9 pts
Participation3 pts
Conference (CUSSSA)
🥇 1st Place25 pts
🥈 2nd Place17 pts
🥉 3rd Place12 pts
4th Place7 pts
Participation2 pts
Teams may only accumulate points from one event per weekend. Points are tracked per classification — a team's points in AA do not carry over if they move to AAA.
USSSA Power Rating (PRV)
What it is
The Power Rating (also called PRV — Player/Team Rating Value) ranks teams based on performance against same-class opponents. It accounts for strength of schedule, not just record.
Purpose
Designed to fairly compare teams that have played different numbers of games. A team with a 6-4 record against top opponents may rank higher than a 10-0 team in weaker competition.
Seeding
Used as the primary seeding tool for Major classification. For AAA through E, USSSA Points are used first, with Power Rating breaking ties.
Individual PRV
In slowpitch, individual players also carry a PRV (Player Rating Value). This determines classification eligibility — a player's PRV follows them from team to team and association to association.
Reclassification
State Directors use Power Rating and PRV data to reclassify teams and players that are over or underperforming at their current level. This can happen at any time.
Power Ratings update automatically after each sanctioned event result is posted. Teams must play sanctioned events to build an accurate rating — unplayed teams default to mid-range estimates.
Pool Play Tiebreaker Order
Once a tiebreaker advances to the next criterion, you cannot return to a previous one.
1
Winning Percentage — Descending
2
Number of Wins — Descending
3
Number of Losses — Ascending
4
Head-to-Head Record (tied teams only) — skip if more than 2 teams tied
5
Average Runs Allowed per Game — Ascending (fewer is better)
6
Average Run Differential (max ±8 per game cap) — Descending
7
USSSA Points — Descending
8
Date Team Entered USSSA Database — Earlier is higher seed
9
Coin Flip
Run Differential Cap
The maximum run differential counted per game is ±8 runs, regardless of actual final score. This prevents teams from running up the score purely for seeding purposes. A 15-0 blowout counts the same as an 8-0 win for tiebreaker purposes.
Source: USSSA Slowpitch By-Laws & USSSA.com/slowpitch/RankingPointsView on USSSA.com →
USSSA Slow Pitch · Structure
Classifications
Men's, Women's, Mixed, and Senior programs — ability-based placement
Men's Slowpitch Classifications
MAJORElite — top national teams
The highest level of men's slowpitch in the country. These are nationally-ranked professional and semi-professional programs. The Major World Series is held annually at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, FL. Uses Stadium M ball only. Seeded by Power Rating.
Conference USSSAStadium M ballPower Rating seedingWorld Series
AAAUpper competitive — strong travel teams
High-level competitive teams with experienced rosters. AAA teams typically include former college players and serious athletes. Can include Conference USSSA play. Seeded by Points + Power Rating.
Solid recreational-competitive teams. Typically local and regional travel programs with a mix of skill levels. A popular starting classification for new competitive teams. Max 5 Major-listed players on roster (2025 Conference rule).
Regional travelMixed skill levelsWorld Series eligible
ARecreational competitive
Competitive recreational teams. Mostly local play with occasional travel. Teams here are typically corporate leagues, bar-sponsored teams, or casual competitive groups looking for structured competition.
Local playCorporate leaguesA-level World Series
BRecreational
Purely recreational teams. B-level play is common in local leagues and casual tournaments. Players in this class are typically newer to organized slowpitch or playing for fun rather than competition.
RecreationalLocal leaguesBeginner-friendly
C / D / EEntry-level recreational
Lowest recreational classifications. C, D, and E divisions are for strictly social/recreational play where competition level is minimal. Not all states offer all three sub-levels. E is the entry level for players new to the sport.
Social playEntry levelNot all states
Women's Slowpitch Classifications
MAJORElite women's programs
Top-tier women's slowpitch teams. Women's Major World Series held alongside the Men's Major at Space Coast Stadium. Uses 11" Classic W or Pro W ball. Conference USSSA hosts the Women's Major program.
Conference USSSA11" ballWorld Series
ATop competitive women's
Women's Class A is the highest non-Major level. Fence distance minimum 275 ft, maximum 325 ft for National/World play. Competitive programs with experienced athletes.
275–325 ft fenceNational play
BMid-level women's
Women's Class B. Fence distance minimum 275 ft, maximum 325 ft for National/World play. Strong recreational-competitive programs.
275–325 ft fenceRegional travel
C / DRecreational women's
Women's Class C and D. Fence minimum 250 ft, maximum 325 ft for Regional/National/World play. Recreational-level programs with local focus.
250–325 ft fenceRecreational
Women's programs use an 11" ball (Classic W or Pro W). Men hitting in Mixed programs use the standard 12" ball.
Mixed (Co-Ed) Program
Ball
Mixed programs use two different balls: men hit with the 12" ball, women hit with the 11" ball. Balls are switched each time the gender changes in the batting order.
Batting Order
Teams typically alternate male/female batters in the lineup, though specific requirements vary by event. Tournament Directors set the batting order alternation rules.
Courtesy Runner
In Mixed, each team is entitled to one courtesy runner per inning for each gender (2025 rule). One male and one female courtesy runner per inning per team.
GSL Differences
The GSL (Game Slow pitch League) program has specific rule differences from standard USSSA play. See Rule 11 of the rulebook for the complete GSL vs USSSA difference chart.
Classifications
Mixed follows the same classification structure as Men's (Major through E) but fields are typically 65-70 ft basepaths. State Directors set specific Mixed classification guidelines.
Senior Slowpitch Classifications
Age Groups
Senior programs offer age divisions: 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+. Players must be age-appropriate for their division for the entire season, not just the event date.
Classifications
Senior classification levels: Major Plus, Major, AAA, AA per age division. No AA division for all Women's Senior age groups. Men's Senior 40+ uses the 12" Senior ball.
Drop Downs
Players may "drop down" to a lower classification based on age, but restrictions apply. A player's highest classification roster from the past 3 years determines their minimum Senior classification. A 50 Major player is not automatically a 40 AAA player.
PRV Crossover
If a player has no USSSA Senior history, their classification is established from other senior national organizations (NSA, ASA, etc.) or from prior USSSA roster history. State Directors may adjust on a case-by-case basis.
Challenge Cup
The USSSA Challenge Cup is an annual State vs State format event. Players must have participated in USSSA or GSL Senior, Slow Pitch, or any Specialty program in the current season to be eligible.
Classification Movement Rules
Play Up Only
Teams may always play up in classification. Teams may never play down without State Director approval. Classification is based on ability, not convenience.
Player PRV
Individual players carry their PRV (Player Rating Value) across teams. Adding high-PRV players to a lower-class team may trigger automatic reclassification of the team by the State Director.
Sandbagging
USSSA and State Directors actively monitor and reclassify teams or players that are deliberately underclassing to gain competitive advantage. This is called "sandbagging" and is taken very seriously.
Conference (2025)
New for 2025: If a roster has 5 or more higher-class players at season start, the team is automatically classified as TBD and reviewed. Max 5 Major-listed players on AA roster regardless of points.
Appeal
Teams disputing their classification must play 6–8 USSSA tournament games in the assigned class first. After results are posted, a formal reclassification review is conducted by the State Director.
World Series
A team competes in the World Series at the highest classification for which it earned a berth. Playing up in classification at the World Series is permitted; playing down is not.
State Directors have sole authority to classify and reclassify teams at any time. Classification decisions by the State Director are not subject to umpire or Tournament Director override.
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USSSA Europe · Compliance
GDPR Compliance Center
EU General Data Protection Regulation — Live audit dashboard
Compliance Status Overview
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Key GDPR Articles — Slowpitch Context
Art. 5
Principles of Processing — Data must be lawful, fair, transparent, limited to purpose, minimized, accurate, stored only as long as needed, and secure.
Art. 6
Lawful Basis — USSSA Europe uses: (a) Consent for marketing/photo; (b) Contract for membership processing; (c) Legitimate Interest for fraud prevention.
Art. 7
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Art. 8
Children's Consent — Parental consent required for under-16s. Hard gate enforced at U16 registration in USSSA Europe.
Art. 15
Right of Access — Players may request a full copy of their data. Must be fulfilled within 30 days.
Art. 17
Right to Erasure — Players may request deletion. May be deferred for active contract or legal obligations (e.g. 7-year payment records). Deadline: 30 days.
Art. 25
Privacy by Design — Systems built with data protection as default. USSSA Europe's platform was designed this way from inception.
Art. 33
Breach Notification — Any personal data breach must be reported to supervisory authority within 72 hours. Affected individuals notified if high risk.
Data Processor Agreements
✅ DPA
Supabase (EU) — Database + Auth. Frankfurt (eu-central-1). GDPR DPA in place. No data leaves EEA.
✅ DPA
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✅ DPA
Cloudflare — CDN/edge hosting. EU data processing addendum executed.
⚠️ REVIEW
Twilio (SMS) — EU endpoint in use, US parent. SCCs executed. Annual review due August 2026.
International Transfer to USSSA LLC (US)
Mechanism: Standard Contractual Clauses — Module 1 (Controller to Controller). USSSA LLC (Melbourne, FL) receives roster and ranking data for World Series qualification. Transfer disclosed in Privacy Notice. Data transferred: name, DOB, team, classification, event results only.
Live consent rates from player database — GDPR Art. 6 & 7
Live Consent Rates
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Consent Categories
REQUIRED
Registration Processing — Lawful basis: Contract (Art. 6.1.b). Covers name, DOB, team assignment, event entry, USSSA roster. Cannot be withdrawn while membership is active.
REQUIRED
Safety Communications — Lawful basis: Legitimate Interest (Art. 6.1.f). Emergency contacts, injury notifications, weather cancellations. Cannot be opted out during active season.
CONSENT
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CONSENT
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CONSENT
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CONSENT
Data Transfer to USSSA LLC (US) — Lawful basis: Contract + SCCs. World Series eligibility, national ranking. Cannot be withdrawn while USSSA membership is active.
Minor Player Consent (GDPR Art. 8)
All players under 16 require verifiable parental/guardian consent before any personal data is processed. Hard requirement under GDPR Art. 8 — cannot be waived.
Gate
Players born after (current year − 16) are automatically routed to the Minor Consent Gate. Registration cannot complete without a guardian completing and verifying the consent form.
Guardian ID
Guardian name, relationship, and email captured and stored. A verification email is sent — registration is not confirmed until the guardian clicks the verification link.
Re-consent
When a player turns 16 during an active season, a re-consent email is sent automatically asking the player to confirm consent in their own right.
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Photo and video consent for minors requires explicit, separate guardian consent. Default for minors with no photo consent: names and images never published publicly.
Consent Withdrawal Process
GDPR Art. 7.3
Withdrawal must be as easy as giving consent. Players may withdraw via member portal, replying STOP to any SMS, or emailing the USSSA Europe DPO.
Effect
Withdrawal takes effect immediately for future processing. Does not affect lawfulness of processing already carried out.
Marketing SMS
Reply STOP to any SMS. Processed within 24 hours. Player remains fully registered — only marketing messages stop.
Photo/Video
Request via member portal or DPO email. Future content not published. Already-published content reviewed case by case.
Full Erasure
Separate Art. 17 right — not a consent withdrawal. See Data Requests panel. May be declined during active membership.
Subject Access, Erasure, Rectification & Portability — GDPR Chapter III
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GDPR Chapter III — Rights of Data Subjects · Regulation (EU) 2016/679Chapter III Full Text →