Travel Ball Categories

Question
Hi Mike,

I have another question for you. My daughter is going to play 10U travel ball this year for the first time. I am confused about the different types of tourneys, NSA, ASA, USSSA. Are these all about the same, or what are the differences? I've heard that some tourneys for this age group will play with an infield fly and dropped 3rd strike rule but others will not. Also, I've heard that you can steal home in some of them but not in others. Is one better than another or is it just a matter a preference? Also, can you explain the difference between A and B ball? Thanks.

Answer
Hello L.C.

You will see more variations of the rules in the 10 and under age group than any other.  The reason is that catching and pitching isn't as developed.  Some don't allow running on the third strike because it often punishes the pitcher for an under-developed catcher, thus forcing them to throw extra pitches and hurting their confidence.  I think most travel teams are allowed to run on a dropped third strike and some leagues may tend to not apply this rule.  I believe all sanctioning bodies do enforce the infield fly rule in this age group.  The not stealing home rule is one that I personally hated.  You had some coaches who took advantage of the rule and misused it.  An example would be a first and third situation where you normally wouldn't throw down to second on a steal with a runner on third and less than two outs.  Since the runner is not allowed to steal from third, there is no penalty for trying to get the runner stealing second and in my opinion is teaching them incorrect habits for this scenario.  I didn't have a problem with preventing a steal because of a wild pitch, but I think the rule shouldn't apply if an attempt is made on another runner.  Again, this may be league dependant and some leagues may have it defined that way.

"A" ball is typically a higher classification is more reflective of what type of pitching and catching the team has more than anything.  Some teams may have one pitcher that would qualify as an "A" talent pitcher, but it is hard to win a weekend tournament with only one pitcher.  For that reason, they will play "B" ball and allow some of their less talented pitchers pitch during pool play and early rounds and save their ace for the later rounds of the tournament.  Please let me know if you have any other questions.