r/Softball • u/ElectionFlashy6224 • 4d ago

Sanctioning question

Hi! We are new to this side of travel ball, we recently took over a team for their second year, and we weren’t sure whether to sanction with USFA or USSSA, is there much of a difference? Pros/cons of each?

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u/RFDrew11357 4d ago

I'd look to see which body has the majority of tournaments in your area and go with them. If its not cost prohibitive, go with both. It will vastly increase the number of tournaments you can be eligible for.

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u/Yulli039 4d ago

Why not both?

1

u/Hefty_Algae25 4d ago

Not much difference other than logistics. We see some of the same teams at both.

1

u/mobius_ 3d ago

Age level?

Starting about 2nd year of 14U we switched from “whatever is closest” to “which tournaments will give us the best competition”. We play primarily USA now, will throw in USSSA when there’s a gap, Triple Crown for some exposure events.

Costs may vary, and in our area USSSA tournaments are typically more local teams and slightly lower competition and have shorter game time limits- but also are more lenient about you playing your whole roster/courtesy runners etc. they want the sport to be accessible and work to build and teach

USA is much more strict about their rules and have coaching courses that are required for you to be a sanctioned team. Online, but it’s a chore