The USBA uses a grade-based criteria (USBA Nationals is both GRADE based and Age based) to determine player eligibility. In most cases, a player’s current grade will determine their division, however some circumstances may affect eligibility. Please see limitations below for each grade division. Teams will be thoroughly checked for age/grade verification prior to every USBA event.
The USBA Team Membership maintains a strict enforcement of Player Eligibility; there is a zero-tolerance policy regarding the participation of an ineligible athlete; violating teams will be removed from event and disqualified from further participation.
All players must meet the grade-level or age-exception criteria (see chart below). A legible copy of birth certificate and report card is required for verification at all USBA events.
The USBA Team Membership now includes player age/grade verification and a team management platform. If you get your team verified using Natonal Sports ID you will have a verified roster for all USBA events. This will allow your team to always be in the proper division and can check into events in minutes.
Grade Based Requirements
2nd Grade
A player must be in the 2nd grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 10 prior to September 1, 2020.
3rd Grade
A player must be in the 3rd grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 11 prior to September 1, 2020.
4th Grade
A player must be in the 4th grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 12 prior to September 1, 2020.
5th Grade
A player must be in the 5th grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 13 prior to September 1, 2020.
6th Grade
A player must be in the 6th grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 14 prior to September 1, 2020.
7th Grade
A player must be in the 7th grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 15 prior to September 1, 2020.
8th Grade
A player must be in the 8th grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 16 prior to September 1, 2020.
9th Grade
A player must be in the 9th grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 17 prior to September 1, 2020.
10th Grade
A player must be in the 10th grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 18 prior to September 1, 2020.
11th/12th Grade
A player must be in the 11th or 12th grade as of October 1, 2019 and cannot turn 20 prior to September 1, 2020.
Grade Exception Requirements
Athletes can play down a grade if he/she meet the following criteria:
| Grade as of October 1 2018 | Requested Grade | Birthdate Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Grade | 2nd Grade | Born on/after 9/1/11 |
| 4th Grade | 3rd Grade | Born on/after 9/1/10 |
| 5th Grade | 4th Grade | Born on/after 9/1/09 |
| 6th Grade | 5th Grade | Born on/after 9/1/08 |
| 7th Grade | 6th Grade | Born on/after 9/1/07 |
| 8th Grade | 7th Grade | Born on/after 9/1/06 |
| 9th Grade | 8th Grade | Born on/after 9/1/05 |
| 10th Grade | 9th Grade | Born on/after 9/1/04 |
| 11th Grade | 10th Grade | Born on/after 9/1/03 |
*11th/12th Grade Divisions are combined.