Rules & Details

Official rules for all three USSSA Skills Competitions

AGE DIVISION POLICY

All age divisions are based on the player's real age on the first day of the event. Divisions run from 7U through 14U in individual year increments. A player who is 9 years old on the event date competes in the 10U division.

There are no grade-based exemptions. Age is strictly determined by date of birth.

Division Age on Event Date
7U6 years old and under
8U7 years old
9U8 years old
10U9 years old
11U10 years old
12U11 years old
13U12 years old
14U13 years old

HOME RUN DERBY

10 swings · 5 takes · 15 pitches max

Player must provide their own pitcher and the pitcher must be an adult.

Each player receives up to 15 pitches. A pitch is either a swing (home run or out) or a take (no swing). The round ends when the player reaches 10 swings or 15 total pitches, whichever comes first. A maximum of 5 takes is allowed — a 6th take automatically counts as an out.

The player with the most home runs in their division wins.

7U – 8U150 ft
9U – 10U175 ft
11U – 12U200 ft
13U – 14U250 ft
In order of priority
  1. The least number of pitches to reach the home run total
  2. The least number of pitches before recording the first home run
  3. Most pitches before recording the first out, or pitch-by-pitch scoring total
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GOLDEN ARM

Accuracy · 5 throws at a BowNet target

Each player gets 5 throws at a BowNet target. Every throw is scored based on accuracy. The player with the highest total points across all 5 throws in their division wins.

Hit the net (ground ball)1 point
Hit the net in the air2 points
Stays in the sock net from the air5 points
7U – 8U75 ft
9U – 10U100 ft
11U – 12U125 ft
13U – 14U150 ft
In order of priority
  1. Most 5-point throws
  2. The fewest number of throws before scoring a 5-point throw
  3. The least number of throws to reach the total throw-by-throw scoring total

ROAD RUNNER

Speed · Laser-timed 40-yard dash

All players run one laser-timed 40-yard dash. If the laser timer is not working, athletes will be timed by event staff on a handheld timer.

Time is recorded to three decimal places. The fastest time in the division wins.

In order of priority
  1. Second attempt time

GENERAL RULES

If all tiebreakers for any event have been exhausted and there are still ties remaining, a time and location will be scheduled for the tied athletes to compete again.

All players must have a valid USSSA membership. Membership can be obtained online or verified at check-in on event day.

Players compete only within their age division. No cross-division play is permitted.

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