• What is USA Baseball?
• Why do USA Baseball jerseys have the American flag sewn on backward on the right sleeve?
• What are the USA Baseball Team Store hours of operation?
• How may I obtain USA Baseball merchandise?
• How can I find out more about the Golden Spikes Award?
• What is an international sanction and who must have one?
• How can I apply for a job or an internship?
• How can I become a coach with USA Baseball?
• What are the facility specifications for various levels of baseball? (.pdf)
National Team Selection:
• How are players selected for one of USA Baseball's Professional Teams?
• How are players selected for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team?
• How are players selected for the USA Baseball 18U National Team?
• How are players selected for the USA Baseball 16U National Team?
• How are players selected for the USA Baseball 14U National Team?
• How are players selected for the USA Baseball Women's National Team?
• How do I recommend a player or coach for one of USA Baseball's National Team programs?
Age Determination:
• What exactly does "age determination date" mean?
• What is the difference between the domestic age determination date and the international age determination date?
• What is the current international age determination date?
• What is the current domestic age determination date?
• Which age determination date does USA Baseball adhere to?
• What are the international age determination dates for each USA Baseball program?
• What was the reason for the change of the domestic determination date in baseball?
• How much research and thought went into changing the domestic age determination date?
• Is USA Baseball the only organization making this change?
• Does this change in domestic age determination mean that one age group will have to "skip" a year and move up sooner?
General:
Since 1978, USA Baseball has been the national governing body for the sport of baseball. It represents the sport in the United States as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and internationally as a member federation of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF).
Nearly every major national amateur baseball organization in America is united as a USA Baseball National Member Organization. As a result, USA Baseball governs more than 12 million amateur players in ballparks and playgrounds across the country. As the commissioner's office for amateur baseball, USA Baseball is a resource center for its various membership group, fans, and players. USA Baseball is also responsible for promoting and developing the game of baseball on the grassroots level, both nationally and internationally.
Q: Why do USA Baseball jerseys have the American flag sewn on backward on the right sleeve?
Although the flag can be worn on either sleeve, USA Baseball traditionally wears the flag on the right sleeve, and, per military uniform regulation, the star field always faces forward. This gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the athlete moves forward.
For more information, please click here.
Q: What are the USA Baseball Team Store (Cary, N.C.) hours of operation?
The USA Baseball Team Store is open during all major events that take place at the National Training Complex in Cary, N.C.
For more information please contact Team Store Manager, Ashley Bratcher.
Q: How may I obtain USA Baseball merchandise?
You can get the latest USA Baseball merchandise three ways: 1) by stopping by the USA Baseball Team Store in Cary, N.C., at the National Training Complex during an event, 2) by sending an email to Ashley Bratcher requesting more information or 3) visiting the USA Baseball Shop
Q: How can I find out more about the Golden Spikes Award?
There are two ways you can find out more about the Golden Spikes Award. First, you can log on to the Web site: GoldenSpikesAward.com, or you can email any questions you have to the Golden Spikes Award E-mail inbox. The Web site is also accessible via the USA Baseball homepage.
Q: What is an international sanction and who must have one?
A sanction from USA Baseball is required whenever an amateur athlete or team chooses to play baseball outside the country or when an international team is being hosted in the United States. This sanction -- or permission -- is required as stated in the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 and is designed for the protection of the rights and status of amateur athletes who seek international experience.
USA Baseball sanctions only amateur players and teams. To protect the amateur eligibility of a team, school or player, check with USA Baseball prior to taking a group to another country, hosting an international team or allowing an amateur player to participate with or against players from other nations.
For all of the information on obtaining a sanction (including instructions and prices), please visit USA Baseball's "Request for a Sanction" section.
Q: How can I apply for a job or an internship?
All employment opportunities, including internships, will be posted on the USA Baseball Employment page. Please visit this page to receive information on the latest openings at USA Baseball and instructions on how to apply.
Q: How can I become a coach with USA Baseball?
USA Baseball is always looking for qualified coaches and educators to incorporate into its programming. The first assignment for many aspiring National Team coaches lies within the amateur events that are used to either develop, such as USA Baseball Camps, or to identify players for our teams, such as the 16U Championships. Whether it is as a scout/scorekeeper at the 16U Championships, a coach in the NTIS or a Task Force member at the Tournament of Stars, most National Team staff members get their first taste of international competition after several assignments in the aforementioned player developmental or identification events.
National Team coaching candidates should have an extensive baseball background that includes valuable playing and coaching experience. Coaching candidates for Team USA must represent the very best in America both on and off the baseball field. As a staff member with USA Baseball, you will be working with elite-level athletes, the development of which is paramount to our mission in the game.
If you are interested in becoming a coach with USA Baseball, please complete our online coach profile form.
National Team Selection
Q: How are players selected for one of USA Baseball's Professional Teams (World Baseball Classic Team, World Cup Team, etc.)?
Professional Team (World Baseball Classic, World Cup, etc.): MLB 25-, non-25- or non-40-man roster players, depending on international rules and regulations for the specific event
Selection Vehicle: Non-trials events
Dates: N/A
Contact E-mail: Jake Fehling
USA Baseball will field one Professional Team in 2010 -- the Pan American Games Qualifying Team -- which will compete in the 2010 COPABE Pan American Games/World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The event will serve as the qualifier for both the 2011 Pan American Games and the 2011 IBAF World Cup.
The team will be selected by administrators from USA Baseball and MLB. Team USA won the silver medal in the 2007 Pan American Games (the team was represented by the 2007 Collegiate National Team) and in 2009 the U.S. won its second consecutive IBAF Baseball World Cup.
To find out more about the selection process for USA Baseball's Professional Teams, please click here.
Q: How are players selected for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team?
Collegiate National Team: Non Draft-Eligible Collegiate Baseball Players (under very certain and limited circumstances, collegiate players eligible for the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft may also be eligible for selection)
Selection Vehicle: 2010 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Trials (Cary, N.C.)
Dates: July 5-11, 2010
Contact E-Mail (to nominate a player): Eric Campbell
Non draft-eligible collegiate players will make up the pool of candidates for the 2010 USA Baseball National Team Trials. Under very certain and limited circumstances, collegiate players eligible for the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft may also be eligible for selection.
Performance during the 2010 college baseball season will determine the bulk of the pool of players invited to the trials. Up to 38 players will be invited to the trials, which will be held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. New for the 2010 Collegiate National Team campaign, the selection committee will begin to review 2009 performance in December, which will include the 2009 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Trials, 2009 Collegiate National Team season and performances from the summer collegiate leagues.
The 2010 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Selection Committee will work closely with the college coaching community to determine potential candidates for the trials. The selection process is scheduled to be completed by May 15, 2010, but the selection committee will continue to meet and will continue to measure the college season and potentially offer invitations to the trials should openings arise.
Players attending the trials will compete for one of the 22 roster spots on the 2010 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. Once selected, the Collegiate National Team will compete domestically and internationally. The 2010 schedule will begin on July 12 and will end on or around Aug. 9.
Highlighting the 2010 Collegiate National Team schedule will be a five-game domestic series vs. Korea and the V FISU Championship in Tokyo. The Collegiate National Team is the winner of the last three gold medals at FISU. Also, new in 2010, USA Baseball will officially refer to the team as the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, which was formerly called the USA Baseball National Team.
To find out more about the selection process for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, please click here.
Q: How are players selected for the USA Baseball 18U National Team?
18U National Team: 1992 & 1993 Birthdates
Selection Vehicle (location): NTIS (Cary, N.C.) & Tournament of Stars (Cary, N.C.)
Dates: June 21-28, 2010
Contact E-mail (to nominate a player): Rick Riccobono
In order to try out for the 18U National Team, players must be nominated, selected and then compete in USA Baseball's annual Tournament of Stars (TOS) presented by Major League Baseball. The TOS is comprised of 120 players representing various USA Baseball National Member Organizations. Each participating organization and 18U National Team Director Rick Riccobono hand-pick the players who will represent their respective organization in the TOS. Players are selected primarily on the recommendations of pro scouts, high school coaches and college recruiters.
Over the course of the week-long TOS, USA Baseball's Task Force (scouts) evaluate each one of the 120 players and at week's end select the best 36 players to attend the 18U National Team Trials. At the 18U Trials, those 36 players will participate in practices and intrasquad Red vs. Blue games to compete for one of the 18 roster spots on the final 18U National Team. In 2010, the 18U National Team will compete in the IBAF World "AAA"/18U Junior Championships, July 23 - August 1, 2010 in Thunder Bay, Canada.
To find out more about the selection process for the USA Baseball 18U National Team, please click here.
Q: How are players selected for the USA Baseball 16U National Team?
16U National Team: 1994 & 1995 Birthdates
Selection Vehicle (location): NTIS (Cary, N.C.) & 16U Championships (East or West)
Dates: TBD
Contact E-mail (to nominate a player): Jeff Singer
The primary way for a player to be considered for the 16U National Team is via participation in the USA Baseball 16U Championships tournaments held each June. A minimum of 30 players will be selected to the 16U National Team Trials from these tournaments. Please click here for more information on these tournaments.
Players may also qualify for the following calendar year's 16U National Team Trials by competing in the National Team Identification Series (NTIS). The NTIS is held each September and provides USA Baseball with an advanced look at the upcoming class of top players. A minimum of eight (8) players will be selected to the 16U Trials from the NTIS.
Additional secondary events may be held throughout the year by USA Baseball which may also be used to identify players for current or future 16U National Trials. These events may include - but are not limited to - the Labor Day Cup, Triangle Classic, Breakthrough Series, USA Baseball Development Camps, and additional events held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C.
If you're interested in trying out for the 16U National Team but your team is unable to participate in the 16U Championships, USA Baseball can try to help you contact coaches of other teams once the tournament registration begins. If this situation applies to you, please email Jeff Singer.
To find out more about the selection process for the USA Baseball 16U National Team, please click here.
Q: How are players selected to play for the USA Baseball 14U National Team?
14U National Team: 1996 & 1997 Birthdates
Selection Vehicle (location): NTIS (Cary, N.C.) & 14U Championships (East or West)
Dates: NTIS: September 10-12, 2010; 14U Championships: June 18-23, 2010
Contact E-mail (to nominate a player): Nate Logan
Beginning in 2010, USA Baseball will implement a rolling invitation and public announcement process for the 14U National Trials participants. Players will be identified for the trials through the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series (NTIS), the USA Baseball 14U Championships and by recommendations from professional scouts; college, high school and youth coaches; and the amateur baseball community.
The primary identification vehicle for the USA Baseball 14U National Team Trials will be the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series (NTIS). The NTIS is held each September and provides USA Baseball with an advanced look at the upcoming class of top players at the 14U, 16U, and 18U competition levels. Players may participate in the NTIS through a regional qualification process or via the USA Stars at-large program. The NTIS includes three different age divisions of players representing various youth baseball organizations from across the United States.
During the tournament, USA Baseball Task Force members will evaluate each of the players and select a minimum of 24 players to attend the following calendar year's USA Baseball 14U National Team Trials. At the trials, players will participate in practices and intrasquad Red vs. Blue games to compete for one of the final 18 roster spots on the 2010 USA Baseball 14U National Team.
Also new for 2010, players can qualify for the 14U National Team Trials by competing in the 14U Championships. The 14U Championships are held each June in Arizona and Florida. At the 14U Championships, USA Baseball Task Force members will identify a minimum of 16 players for the 14U National Team Trials.
To find out more about the selection process for the USA Baseball 14U National Team, please click here.
Q: How are players selected for the USA Baseball Women's National Team?
Women's National Team: Women (16-and-older)
Selection Vehicle: Regional Tryouts
Dates: Various dates, June-July
Contact E-mail (to nominate a player): Ashley Bratcher
A minimum of 30 players will be chosen for the Women's National Team Trials via six or seven regional tryouts, locations and dates TBD. The trials will take place in Cary, N.C. from Aug. 2-6. At the completion of trials the final roster of 18 will be named for the 2010 IBAF Women's Baseball World Cup to be held in Venezuela Aug. 12-22.
To find out more about the selection process for the USA Baseball Women's National Team, please click here.
Q: How do I recommend a player or coach for one of USA Baseball's National Team programs?
Please click here to recommend a player via the Player Profile Form or here to recommend a coach via the Coach Profile Form.
Age Determination
Q: What exactly does "age determination date" mean?
The age determination date is a league or federation specified date that players must be of a certain age in order to be eligible to participate in a particular age group. There is a domestic age determination date and an international age determination date.
Q: What is the difference between the domestic age determination date and the international age determination date?
The domestic age determination date is a fixed date that regulates the eligibility of players in most organized leagues in the United States.
The international age determination date is a fixed date that regulates the eligibility of players in IBAF or COPABE sanctioned tournaments.
The domestic age determination date and the international determination date are not the same.
Q: What is the current international age determination date?
The current international age determination date states your birthday must fall on January 1 or later of a specified year to be eligible for particular age groups. The age a player reaches during the calendar year of the international competition will serve as his competition age.
(For example, if your son/daughter wants to play on the 18U National team in 2010, he/she must be 18 years old or younger during the entire calendar year. If your son/daughter would turn 19 on December 1 of 2010, he/she would not be eligible to participate with the 18U National Team because his/her competition age would be 19, regardless of his/her age during the time of the tournament.)
Q: What is the current domestic age determination date?
The current domestic age determination date is April 30 of the current year. The age of a baseball player as of April 30 is that player's "league age" for the season.
(For example, if your son/daughter would like to play in the 12U division of a USA Baseball National Member Organization, he/she must be 12 or younger before April 30 of the current year. If your son/daughter would turn 13 on April 29, he/she would not be eligible to participate with the 12 year old group.)
Q: Which age determination date does USA Baseball adhere to?
The USA Baseball National Teams must adhere to the rules of international governance as it pertains to age restrictions in international competition. These rules are different than the domestic age determination date for USA Baseball. The IBAF and COPABE use the calendar year - January 1 - to differentiate the various age groups for international play.
Q: What are the international age determination dates for each USA Baseball program?
For 2010, the international age determination date dictates:
2010 18U National Team - to be eligible, your birthday is January 1, 1992, or later
2010 16U National Team - to be eligible, your birthday is January 1, 1994, or later
2010 14U National Team - to be eligible, your birthday is January 1, 1996, or later
Q: What was the reason for the change of the domestic determination age in baseball?
The primary reason to change the domestic determination age is so most players on a team will spend the majority of the regular season at the same chronological age as their league age. Currently, more than 95 percent of all local Little League programs start their seasons before May 1.
Under the old regulation, a baseball player who turned 13 in May, June or July of the current year would have been considered league-age 13 for that entire season. That would be the case, despite the fact that such a player likely would have played most or all of the regular season (which generally ends in June) without having actually reached his or her 13th birthday. Under the current regulation, such a player will have a league age of 12 throughout the regular season.
Q: How much research and thought went into changing the domestic age determination date?
More than four years of study went into the decision to change the domestic determination age, along with years of discussions with volunteers at the local level. Input from individuals after the initial announcement of the change also was taken into consideration.
Q: Is USA Baseball the only organization making this change?
No. Most youth baseball organization members under the jurisdiction of USA Baseball have adopted the April 30 age determination date.
Q: Does this change in domestic age determination mean that one age group will have to "skip" a year and move up sooner?
No, the change in domestic determination age does not mean one age group will have to skip a year. Every player in all divisions will still have the opportunity to have one full season each year at each age group. No player will be forced to "move up" any sooner than he/she would have under the old league age determination date.
