What is the difference between a team pre-paid gate fee and a cash or ticket purchase? At the majority of tournaments we have switched to a team pre-paid gate fee as opposed to a cash at the gate or ticket purchase online. At the Boombah Sports Complex there is a $10 per day per spectator cash only fee. At the USSSA Space Coast Complex an online ticket purchase is required. The events that have a team pre-paid gate fee are paid online by the team manager before the event.
How are teams classified AA, AAA, Majors throughout the season? The goal of USSSA is to classify teams where they will compete with other teams with similar skill levels and find the most competitive balance. If a team is having a high level of success in a class, it is likely they will be reclassed to a higher division. The same goes for a team that is struggling in a classification, we may move that team down a class.
What are USSSA points, and how are they used? USSSA points are earned in every event played as well as earned for every victory in an event. Award points differ based on the stature of the event. Here is a link to see the points awarded for each event stature, https://www.usssa.com/baseball/RankingPoints These points are accumulated throughout the entire year, and are used in some events for seeding, and even as a last tie-breaker for seeding into brackets. There is also a statewide, regional, and national points chase where the teams earn USSSA Points Chase Championship Rings.
What is the best way to get weather delay updates and other important information from the tournament directors? The best way to get information is through the USSSA App. You can download the app on your app store. Notifications are sent out before, during and after the event with all of the information needed for an event. We will also still use emails and text messages.
Are speakers and noise makers allowed at events? Artificial noise makers (i.e. horns, cowbells, drums) are prohibited from all USSSA Florida events. Speakers are allowed (except at the Boombah Sports Complex) as long as they are played a respectable level. That respectable volume level is determined by the USSSA site director or the complex staff. If asked to lower the volume, please do so. Failure to follow the request to lower the volume can result in the banning of the speakers and/or ejection from the ballpark.
How are protests handled during a game? ALL protests are to be made by the manager of the team on the field. Protests are not to be made by assistant coaches nor spectators. The manager on the field is to call time, approach the home plate umpire and present the umpire with $100 cash and inform the umpire of the protest. The umpire will then get the site director to handle the protest. NOTE: Protests are only for rule interpretations and are not for judgement calls made on the field.
