USSSA Fastpitch Age Eligibility Changes
Changes are set to take effect with the start of the 2026 season
Viera, FL – Beginning with the 2026 playing season, which begins August 12, 2025, USSSA will shift its age eligibility determination date for youth fastpitch softball to September 1st. This aligns the USSSA program with other national programs that have also moved recently to that format.
“We view the age cutoff as critically important to any program,” said Ryan Highfill, USSSA National Director of Fastpitch. “As a leader in the field of fastpitch softball, we felt it necessary to spend time to thoroughly evaluate this decision, including the impact on teams, participants, directors and everyone that would be impacted. Only after this careful and extensive evaluation, was the decision made to make the change.”
“We believe that this further strengthens USSSA’s position and longstanding history of creating a nurturing environment for players of all ages and ability levels to learn, grow and play the game to the best of their abilities,” commented Andy Wisk, National Fastpitch Committee Chairperson. “Allowing players to further develop before moving up in age will improve play and aligning our age divisions such that participants are more likely to be playing with other girls in their grade will aid in social development and improve the experience for many players, while also better aligning with current college recruiting practices.”
USSSA already offers single year age divisions and an actively managed, multi-tier team classification system to offer players from recreational to elite play the most competitively balanced playing field in the industry. “We believe that this change will further strengthen USSSA’s position as the sport’s leader in balanced competition,” added Ryan Highfill.