The History Of USTSA USA In July 2007, two long time coaches and tournament organizers of travel baseball, frustrated at the current situation of quality tournament events exclusively for competitive baseball teams, embarked on the conception of a new baseball organization which became the foundation of the United States Travel Sports Association… USTSA USA. After many discussions on play format, tournament direction, needs of teams and several other topics, USTSA USA was formed in the fall 2007 as a program offering teams an organization alternative and some new and exciting ideas. Offering a World Series atmosphere, competitive play format and results based ranking system, USTBA began offering a refreshing change in competitive youth baseball tournament play in Georgia. The Growth Of USTSA USA Numerous inquiries into the sanctioning of tournaments in other states were quickly received. Due to the immense inquiries, it was decided to form a National Organization of qualified State Directors to offer teams across the country the opportunity to play in quality USTSA USA tournaments with a “teams come first” attitude. With numerous established youth baseball organizations, the concept of rapid growth was neither forecasted nor expected in the first few years. However, by the beginning of the 2008 season, 12 State Directors had been appointed in 14 states with Regional Directors strategically appointed in the East, Midwest and West parts of the country. This growth was an unexpected surprise and the vision of existing tournament directors realizing the positive change the USTBA concept would make. Throughout 2008, over 1,800 teams became registered members of USTSA USA and competed in over 80 sanctioned tournaments. The 2008 season also included Regional National Championships in the East, Midwest and West sections of the country with over 250 teams participating from 18 states. In part, the USTSA USA tournament format structure was conceived from poll results conducted with competitive youth baseball coaches and tournament organizers from across the nation. We considered these groups authorities on youth baseball tournaments and they were asked to list ten important aspects in tournament play. These results were compiled and became the basics of the USTBA tournament format. Tournament Format In part, the USTSA USA tournament format structure was conceived from poll results conducted with competitive youth baseball coaches and tournament organizers from across the nation. We considered these groups authorities on youth baseball tournaments and they were asked to list ten important aspects in tournament play. These results were compiled and became the basics of the USTSA USA tournament format. The USTSA USA tournament format is designed to be competitive and allow more teams to compete in a Tournament Championship Title Game thru a unique split division format within a single tournament. Teams participate in two separate divisions, American (AAA-ELITE) and National (AA-SELECT) Divisions for Championship play based on pool play record, thus creating the opportunity of four teams playing in Championships. This format concept eliminated the need for pre-ranking or pre-classification of a team’s play level since this is accomplished through tournament play. Plans are in place for a third divisional play level designed exclusively for the Top Ranked teams in the country. The highly anticipated Ultimate Division will be implemented in the 2009 season. Points Ranking The Points Ranking System is based entirely on a team’s tournament record and not place of finish. From conception, USTSA USA believed team rankings should be earned and awarded on wins, not placement or participation. Teams accumulate State and National ranking points based on number of wins in tournament play as a gauge of a team’s competitive level against teams in their State, Region and Nationally, while used to seed teams in their State and the National Championships. Team rankings are awarded in each division with a combined division ranking. Playing Rules An important aspect of consideration in the tournament format was the rules of play. USTSA USA uses Major League Baseball rules with limited amendments for the protection of players and to coincide with the age level of play. A non-frozen roster was implemented to make it easier for teams in adding or releasing players and pitching rules were designed to protect players from overuse while allowing coaches more control over their pitching staff. Communications In today’s technological society, USTSA USA utilizes the latest and most efficient forms of communications available. First, each state has its own website to communicate with teams of upcoming tournaments, results, online team registration and other pertinent information as well as the National website. Second, with the advent of wireless communications for both voice and internet, USTBA tournament organizers can effectively communicate with teams both through telephone and on the World Wide Web at tournament location. Facilities & Umpires Minimum parameters are in place to assure teams will participate on quality playing fields in quality facilities. USTSA USA utilizes a facility checklist on possible tournament locations to provide players with the best possible playing conditions. The game of baseball is hard enough in itself, and the purpose of the checklist is to insure player’s performance is not affected by sub-par conditions of the baseball diamond. Officiating games in a competitive tournament with quality teams requires seasoned-experienced umpires. USTSA USA tournament organizers are required to stringently screen umpires for a minimum tenure and preferred NFHS or higher certification.
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