SSUSA Loosens Roster Restrictions to Help Teams Restart Season

May 1, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) is loosening some roster restrictions for the 2020 season to help managers field teams during the pandemic.

Under the temporary move, managers would be able to pick up players in the same age and skill level for a single tournament without the player having to obtain a release from his original team. In addition, managers in most divisions could pick up two players from outside their region and the wait period for player re-classification is reduced from 90 days to 45 days.

“The situation we are hearing about from managers is that they have a majority of players who would like to play as soon as fields are open, but that is not enough to field a team,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive officer. “Players who are reluctant to play are generally reluctant because of concerns from their spouses or children.”

In addition, SSUSA officials are reminding managers that they have the option of playing as an exhibition team if they need to pick up players who do not meet these restrictions.

“We view these changes as necessary temporary changes to re-launch the sport, along with the safety measures we discussed a few weeks ago,” said Hennessy.

Here are the changes:

1. Teams would be allowed to pick up players from teams in the same age group, skill level and appropriate region for a single tournament without a player release.  Players would still need a release if they decided to permanently leave their original team.
2. Major, AAA and AA Teams that are down to a minimum number of players would be allowed to add up to 2 players from the same age group and skill level outside their region (but from the same side of the Mississippi River).  Teams using 10 defensive players can add up to 2 out-of-region players to get to 14 total players or fewer, and teams using 11 defensive players can add up to 2 out-of-region players to get to 15 total players or fewer.
3. The wait period for players requesting performance or medical waivers to play one skill level lower would be reduced to 45 days (from 90 days) during the pandemic.  These waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis.

TOURNAMENT UPDATES

SSUSA continues to work with our regional directors, cities, and complexes as we strive to bring the sport back as soon and as safe as it is to do so.

SSUSA will be determining the status of upcoming tournaments two weeks prior to the scheduled start date of each respective tournament.

Many states are currently entering into their respective phases of re-opening.

STATE-BY-BY STATE BREAKDOWN

Here is where SSUSA tournaments, scheduled through the end of July, currently stand in 19 states:

Maryland - No End Date on Stay-at-Home Order, Indefinite
May 29 - 31: CRABTOWN CLASSIC Glen Burnie, MD
June 13 - 14: The Old Line State Showdown Westminster, MD
July 17 - 20: Bert Bennett Memorial Westminster, MD

CLICK HERE for Maryland’s Roadmap to Recovery.

SSUSA will confirm play for the Crabtown Classic on Friday, May 15. For more informmation, please email info@seniorsoftball.com.

"Tired of being cooped up, teams are scouring their home and neighboring regions to find open parks and tournaments that are likely to go off," said Tim McElroy, SSUSA National/Mid-Atlantic Director. "And, judging by the number of calls, texts and emails I’ve received, tournaments will be full."

"To meet the anticipated demand, Potomac Sports is making changes to its upcoming senior qualifier schedules (Old Line State Showdown and Bert Bennett Memorial)," continued McElroy. "Changes will include staggered starts for the different age divisions, while still limiting the amount of time and money any particular group spends on hotels and other travel expenses.  The changes will also help Potomac Sports enforce social distancing guidelines and keep everyone as safe as possible."

Details, deadlines, and other information have been posted to the SSUSA tournament page.

For more information on The Old Line State Showdown and the Bert Bennett Memorial, please contact Tim McElroy via email: PotomacSports1@gmail.com or phone: 301-514-2676.

Nevada - Stay-at-Home Order in Place Through 5/15
June 2 - 7: ROCK 'N RENO CHALLENGE CUP - Reno, NV

Phase 1 of Nevada's Roadmap to Recovery began on May 9.

SSUSA will confirm play on Monday, May 18, for the Men's 60 and over divisions, and Friday, May 22, for the Men's 50 - 55.

For more information, please email info@seniorsoftball.com

Texas - Stay-at-Home Order Expired 4/30
June 4 - 7: DFW Classic Grapevine, TX
July 9 - 12: Aggieland Classic College Station, TX

CLICK HERE to see a check list of what has opened in Texas, and what will be opening soon.

The complex in Grapevine is scheduled to re-open June 1.

For more information on the above tournaments in Texas, please contact tournament director Keith Parker, via email: txhcc@yahoo.com or phone: 903-315-6374

Missouri - Stay-at-Home Order Expired 5/3
June 4 - 14: Missouri Open Columbia, MO

Missouri is in phase 1 of reopening.

A youth baseball tournament was recently held in the state over the weekend.

The park director in Columbia has informed tournament director Will Rogers that the tournament is still a go, as of now.

For more information on the Missouri Open, please contact Will Rogers, via email: willsharkdaddy@aol.com or phone: 816-916-7891.

Arizona - Stay-at-Home Order in Place Through 5/15
June 13 - 14: Mountain Madness I Flagstaff, AZ
June 20 - 21: 40s Cool Country Classic I Prescott, AZ
July 17 - 19: Ernie Jones Memorial/Western States Championships Prescott, AZ
July 25 - 26: 40s Mountain Madness II Flagstaff, AZ

Arizona restaurants have begun dine-in service.

Governor Doug Ducey announced the opening of gyms, spas, and community pools. Professional sports leagues will be allowed to begin practicing in Arizona after the stay-at-home order expires on Friday

For more information on these Arizona tournaments, please contact National and Arizona State Director, Rick Seifman, via email: tournsport@aol.com or phone: 623-776-2143.

California - No End Date on Stay-at-Home Order, Indefinite
June 12 - 17: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Sacramento, CA
June 16 - 21: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Hemet, CA
July 28 - August 2: WESTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Sacramento/Placer Counties, CA

California is currently in stage 2 of reopening.

Placer County (which hosts part of the Northern California State Championships and Western National Championships), is one of seven counties in California allowed to reopen dine-in restaurants, malls, and office buildings.

SSUSA will confirm that these tournaments will be played two-weeks before they are scheduled to commence. For more information, please email info@seniorsoftball.com.

Washington - Stay-at-Home Order Extended to 5/31 with modifications
June 13 - 14: Northwest Cup Lacey, WA
June 25 - 28: Inland Empire Classic Spokane, WA
July 25 - 26: Smash It Sports Invite Enumclaw, WA

Washington is currently in its Safe Start reopening process.

For more information on the Lacey and Spokane tournaments in Washington, please contact Washington State Director Butch Jones, via email: katstang7@gmail.com or phone: 360-791-3862.

For more information on the tournament in Enumclaw, please contact director, Tom Israelson (206-841-9955 or israelsontj@comcast.net)

Oklahoma - Stay-at-Home Order Expired 4/30
June 18 - 21: Oil City Classic Tulsa, OK (NEW DATES)

Phase two of Oklahoma's reopening is set to begin May 15.

Under phase two, organized sports activities can reopen and operate under proper social distancing and sanitation protocols. However, for those over 65 or part of a vulnerable population, continue following safer-at-home guidelines.

For more information on the Oil City Classic, please contact tournament director Will Rogers, via email: willsharkdaddy@aol.com or phone: 816-916-7891.

Florida - Stay-at-Home Order Expired 5/4
June 19 - June 21: Sunshine State Showdown Ft. Myers, FL
*Please note adjustments to start dates for certain divisions.

There has been no update on when Florida will enter phase 2 of reopening.

For more information on the Sunshine State Showdown, please contact tournament director Tim McElroy via email: PotomacSports1@gmail.com or phone: 301-514-2676.

Michigan - Stay-at-Home Order in Place Extended Through 5/28
June 27 -  28: Holiday Classic Sturgis, MI
July 11 - 12: Bobby Chapp Memorial Lansing, MI (NEW DATES)

The Michigan Safe Start Plan includes six phases.

For more information on the above tournaments in Michigan, please contact tournament director Mike Dembicki, via email: mdembicki@capitaltire.net or phone: 586-202-8376.

New Mexico - Stay-at-Home Order in Place Through 5/15
June 27 - 28: Women's Western Classic Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico has three phases to gradually reopen.

SSUSA will confirm that these tournaments will be played two-weeks before they are scheduled to commence. For more information, please email info@seniorsoftball.com.

New York - Stay-at-Home Order in Place Through 5/15
July 7 - 12: NORTHEAST CHAMPIONSHIPS Syracuse, NY

Certain low-risk business and recreational activities (including Landscaping, Gardening, Tennis & Drive-In-Movie Theaters) will reopen statewide on May 15th

CLICK HERE for the NY Forward Reopening Plan.

SSUSA will confirm that these tournaments will be played two-weeks before they are scheduled to commence. For more information, please email info@seniorsoftball.com.

Arkansas (Arkansas is one of seven states that never enacted a stay-at-home order)
July 7 - 12: MIDWEST CHAMPIONSHIPS Rogers, AR

CLICK HERE for a timeline of when facilities will reopen.

SSUSA will confirm that these tournaments will be played two-weeks before they are scheduled to commence. For more information, please email info@seniorsoftball.com.

Oregon - No End Date on Stay-at-Home Order, Indefinite
July 14 - 19: JIM SHERMAN MEMORIAL/NORTHWEST CHAMPIONSHIPS Salem, OR

Oregon is scheduled to reopen with phase 1 on May 15.

SSUSA will confirm that these tournaments will be played two-weeks before they are scheduled to commence. For more information, please email info@seniorsoftball.com.

Illinois - Stay-at-Home Order in Place Through 5/30
July 14 - 19: Quad Cities Classic Rock Island, IL

Restore Illinois - 5-phase plan splits state into four regions.

For more information, please contact tournament director, Kenny Chard, klchard@yahoo.com or 309-721-9633.

Alabama - Stay-at-Home Order Expired 4/30
July 18 - 19: Cullman Qualifier Cullman, AL

Safer-at-home order in effect until 5/22

Governor Kay Ivey is beginning to loosen restrictions.

SSUSA will confirm that these tournaments will be played two-weeks before they are scheduled to commence. For more information, please email info@seniorsoftball.com.

Kansas -  Stay-at-Home Order Expired 5/3
July 23 - 26: Wes Weddle Classic Shawnee, KS

Johnson County, which includes Shawnee, will reopen in four phases.

For more information, please contact tournament director Randy Rowe 816-718-3221 rrr5850@aol.com

Virginia -  Stay-at-Home Order in Place Through 6/10
July 28 - August 2: EASTERN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSIHPS Loudoun County, VA

Northern Virginia's reopening is delayed until May 29

SSUSA will confirm that these tournaments will be played two-weeks before they are scheduled to commence. For more information, please email info@seniorsoftball.com.

Indiana -  Stay-at-Home Order Expired 5/1
July 31 - August 2: ISA SENIOR WORLD SERIES Columbus/Shelbyville, IN

Indiana is beginning to move into stage two of reopening.

For more information, please contact tournament director, Jerry Jackson at 309-267-8772 or jjackson@itv-3.com