USSSA SOFTBALLS 2005

Impact on the Game: The single most important factor in level of play of the slow pitch softball game today is not bats and is not balls. The single most important factor in level of play today is the weather/climate. When the weather moves from 60 degrees to 100 degrees, the compression of most balls may decrease by more than 200 pounds. For this reason, the USSSA has decided to expand on its multiple ball approach. Beginning with the 2005 season, there will be three balls available for USSSA Slow Pitch play: The Distance (500#, 47COR). The Elite (400#, 44 COR) and the Majors (300#, 40 COR).

Temperature/Climate: USSSA is emphasizing to its Directors that the temperature/climate needs to be taken into account in deciding which ball should be used in which class of play. In general, we recommend that the 300# (Majors) ball may be too soft for a competitive level of play in the C, D and E classes in temperatures that exceed 85 to 90 degrees. On the other hand, we recommend that the 500# (Distance) ball may be too hard for a competitive level of play in any class when the temperature is below 60 to 65 degrees. In making the determination of which ball is appropriate for a tournament or league, we are asking that USSSA Directors to take into account the class of play (A,B,C,D,E, etc.), the temperature, the wind, the altitude (higher altitudes tend to create a higher level of play), radiant heat (for example, 60 degrees and cloudy will create higher compression balls than 60 degrees and sunny and therefore a higher level of play), the humidity and rain for example, synthetic cover balls may pick up less moisture than leather covered balls and therefore change the level of play less than leather balls in such conditions, (additionally, balls that take on moisture may increase the level of play up to a point and after that simply play as the proverbial waterlogged ball that has a decreased level of play and that is more likely to damage bats), etc.

Directors Discretion/Judgment: The USSSA is not looking for the perfect ball for every game or the exact same level of play for each game. Instead, we have asked our Directors to use their experience and the information that is available to them in trying to choose a ball that has in their view the best chance of creating a competitively, satisfying game for their USSSA sanctioned league and tournament play.

The Goal: Even in the most extreme of conditions, the 525# and the 375# balls of recent years have not created a safety issue when such balls have been utilized in USSSA play. The injury record of softball in years using such balls according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association statistics is among the best of any amateur sports in the United States. The question we are addressing is the appropriate level of play for creating a competitively satisfying game as often as possible. Conditions change from game to game and we are not suggesting that such changes could or should be met with a change in the ball being used for each game. Rather, USSSA is simply encouraging its directors to use their experience and judgment in choosing the ball for a league or tournament. By acknowledging the impact of factors such as temperature, USSSA believes that its Directors can improve the overall competitive nature of USSSA tournament and league play. As such, it is the sincere hope that more players will find satisfaction in their USSSA softball experience.

Transition Rule: Beginning in October of 2004 and until May 15, 2005, last years 375# and 525# USSSA stamped balls as well as the Distance, Elite and Majors USSSA stamped balls are legal in USSSA play*. After May 15, only the Distance, Elite and Majors ball will be legal in USSSA play. The choice of which of these three balls to be used in a league or tournament is that of the League or Tournament USSSA Director.

*Except that the 525# ball is not legal in Mixed play for the Men’s ball.

David H. Evaul Gary E. Wallick, PE

General Counsel Director of Equipment Standards