Softball remains one of America’s most popular sports since being invented by George Hancock in 1887. It is one of the few sports with both men’s and women’s leagues and is played by people of all ages. The sport has three variations: fast-pitch, slow-pitch, and modified pitch. Over the years regulating bodies emerged to maintain softball rules to guarantee fairness of competitive play. Two of the most influential governing bodies are USSSA and USA Softball, each with rule differences in how they regulate competitive play.
What is USA Softball?
The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) was founded in 1933 in Oklahoma, to help standardize softball regulations. It was rebranded as USA Softball in 2016.
USA Softball has two primary divisions: adult and youth programs. There are 87 local organizations with over 245,000 teams and more than 3.5 million softball players across these two programs. USA Softball is presently the National Regulating Body (NGB) of Softball and the sport’s most prominent governing body.
Who is the USSSA?
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) was established in the spring of 1968 as the United States Slow-pitch Softball Association. Over the decades, the USSSA has expanded from a few thousand slow-pitch softball players to over 3.7 million participants in 13 major sports. In total, USSSA sanctions teams and individuals in 38 different sports. Slow-pitch softball, baseball, fast-pitch softball, and basketball players account for around 90% of USSSA membership.
Understanding USA or USSSA softball rules may look overwhelming, but they are broadly similar with only a few significant differences. Some of the critical differences lie in the bat and ball specifications required by each governing body.
USSSA VS USA Bat Regulations
USSSA bat specifications
The USSSA softball rules around bat specifications typically require bats to adhere to:
- A length of 34 inches
- The knob located at the edge of the bat’s handle must not be more than 2 1/4 inches in diameter at its longest part
- Batted-ball speed of 100mph+
- Bat performance factor (BPF) of 1.20
- A weight of no more than 31 ounces, including the tape or grip addition to the bat
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USA Softball bat specifications
The USA Softball rules around bat specifications typically require bats to adhere to:
- Barrel diameter of 2 1/4 inches
- A length of no more than 34 inches
- A weight of no more than 38 ounces
- No wrappings, attachments, or accessories affixed
- Batted-ball speed of 98mph
- Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.15, 1.20, or 1.21
For an in-depth guide to selecting the best slow-pitch softball bats, read our USSSA and USA Bat Guide.
Differences between USSSA and ASA/USA Bats
The major difference between USA Softball and USSSA bats is the performance factor. Compared to USA Softball bats, USSSA bats are geared toward making players more effective in the game.
Furthermore, USA Softball bats are typically weigh less and provide junior players with an easy swing and striking experience, thereby reducing striking power. USSSA bats, on the other hand, are intended to maximize performance and boost striking power.
Slowpitch – USSSA VS USA Softball Ball Differences
Another difference in USSA and USA Softball rules lies in the specification variations for slow pitch balls used by both bodies.
USA Softball Specifications:
- 12-inch red-stitched
- Have a yellow optic cover
- Weigh 6.250 ounces or over
- Have a Coefficient of Restitution (COR) of 0.520 or under
- A compression of 300.0 lbs. or under, and dynamic stiffness of 5500.0 pounds
Main Takeaway: A USA/ASA ball comes off the bat slower and doesn’t travel as far.
USSSA Softball Specifications:
- 12-inch Classic M balls
- Optic yellow cover
- COR of 40 or less
- Lettering and logo in blue color
- Compression of not more than 325 pounds
Main Takeaway: A USSSA ball comes off a bat faster and travels further.
Everything you need to know about USSSA and USA Softball Rules and Gear
Knowing the rules and regulations for gameplay and equipment in both USSSA and USA/ASA leagues is vital information for every softball player. Failure to comply with these regulations in leagues or tournaments may lead to eviction or disqualification. Subscribe below for more tips on softball rules and gear.
