RANKINGS


 Player Ratings

ADULTS

If you show up on more than one list we will use the highest rating.

If you feel your rating is incorrect you can petition for reclass HERE

REC / E / D / C / B / A

SENIORS

If you show up on more than one list we will use the highest rating.

If you feel your rating is incorrect you can petition for reclass here.

AAA

MAJOR

MAJOR PLUS

In most cases senior players may be rated one level down per age group – example 50 Major = 40 AAA / 60 Major plus = 55 Major etc.

Players when turning age wise the next age up are not automatically lowered  a level they must petition.


NCS Adult Player Rankings & Classification Guide

This guide explains how National Championship Sports (NCS) evaluates individual adult softball players and determines team classification levels. All players and managers should review this information before entering any NCS event.

1. Player Self-Ranking Guidelines

Please rank yourselves honestly based on the following descriptions:

Rec – Newer players with limited experience (mostly league-only)

E – Some skill and basic tournament experience.

D – Competitive players (typically some high school or lower-level college baseball experience).
C / B – Advanced competitors.
A – Highest-level elite athletes.

If you are a new team and unsure of your correct level, start in D. Contact us anytime for help.

2. Team Classification: “Chip Rule” (Maximum of 3 Per Team)

Each team may have up to three (3) players from one level higher. No players may be more than one class above the team level.

  • Rec → may have 3 E players; no D or higher

  • E → may have 3 D players; no C or higher

  • D → may have 3 C players; no B or higher

  • C → may have 3 B players, and so on

Professional or D1 baseball/fastpitch players are automatically considered Major / C-Open / MP and cannot play Rec, E, or AAA.

3. How NCS Determines Your Classification

If a player does not have an NCS profile or NCS roster history, we will use their highest national association roster from the past three (3) years to determine classification.

If a player has no roster for the past 3 years, we will use the previous 3 years.

Important:
Playing a certain level in the past does not guarantee eligibility to stay at that level now or in the future. Example: If you are ranked D with NCS for 2024 but play C in 2025, your D ranking may be void and you may now be classified as C.

NCS reserves the right to bump or remove any player or team at any time for misclassification or sandbagging.

New teams must verify player rankings before entering events.

Example: If your players are USSSA D or C, do not enter NCS E.

Players may be reviewed or reclassified up or down at any time.

Contact for Assistance:

• Seniors: jay.zetz@playncs.com
• Adult: ncs.davidgraham@gmail.com

4. Team Manager Responsibilities

When creating a new team or adding players in the NCS system:

  • Confirm each player’s correct ranking.

  • New to NCS does not automatically mean “E.”

  • If you believe a player's ranking is incorrect, follow the Reclass Petition process.

New players automatically default to the level of the team they are added to. This does not mean the displayed level is their official ranking.

5. Warning About Multiple Associations

Playing in other associations does not allow you to sandbag with NCS.

Examples:

If you play USA/NSA/WSL/ONE Nation/USSSA D, then you must enter D with NCS.

If you are unsure, rank yourself one class HIGHER than you think.

Note: Military, Black American, Native American, and Protectors rosters do not affect standard NCS adult slowpitch classification.

6. Player Profiles – One Profile Only

Each player is allowed ONE profile in the NCS system.

Multiple profiles may be treated as an attempt to cheat.

If your email changed or you need help updating a profile, contact:

Do not create a new profile.

7. Integrity Statement

NCS reserves the right to reclassify any player or team at any time to maintain competitive balance and protect the integrity of our tournaments.

Division Ranking Rules

If Playing in MEN’S Division

If not ranked in NCS, we will use your highest National Association roster from the past 3 years (men’s or coed).

If Playing in WOMEN’S Division

We use your highest women’s or coed roster from the last 3 years.

If Playing in COED Division

We use your highest roster (gender-specific or coed) from the last 3 years.

RECLASS PETITION DIRECTIONS

Players and coaches:

Before requesting reclass, make sure:

  1. Your roster is online at PlayNCS.com

  2. Each player has a profile in the system

  3. You complete the Player Reclass Request Form

Players may petition for reclass anytime before October 15.

NCS may not process reclasses after this date.

If a player is reclassed and later appears on a higher-level roster, the reclass may be void.

SENIOR / MASTERS PLAYER RANKINGS

How Senior Levels Are Determined

  • Any player who played on a B or higher team in the past 3 senior seasons cannot play below Major Plus without counting as an MP chip.

  • Former Pro/Major/AAA/AA/A/B adult players are treated as Major Plus and cannot play AAA.

  • Adult players ranked C or higher may be considered Major Plus.

  • Players new to NCS senior softball will be ranked according to their current adult classification, unless approved otherwise.

Your ranking is not permanent.

Example: If you were Senior Major in 2023 and appear on a Major Plus or adult C roster in 2024, your Senior Major ranking may become Major Plus.

If a new senior player is unknown to NCS but listed as Major or Major Plus in another association, we may assign the same rating.


Senior Ranking Equivalencies

  • A, B → Major Plus chip

  • C → Major / Major Elite / MP (cannot play AAA)

  • D → Major

  • E → AAA

  • Rec → AAA

Players competing in both adult and senior programs will be classified at their highest NCS rating.

State Directors may adjust classifications on a case-by-case basis.


Senior Age Exceptions & Notes

  • 55+ Major Plus may play 40+ Major, but not AAA.

  • 50+ Major Plus remains Major Plus when playing 40+ unless they are 55+.

  • 55+ MP teams may not be eligible for 50 Major at Nationals/Worlds without prior approval.

  • 40+ Women’s may roster two (2) players aged 38 or 39; all others must be 40+.

Events may mix levels if necessary, with appropriate run-spot adjustments.


Senior Chip Rule – Maximum 3 Per Team

  • AAA → may have 3 Major players; no Major Plus / Major Elite

  • Major → may have 3 Major Plus unless one is AA/AAA or Major USSSA Conference; then team may only have 2 chips

NCS Senior Softball: Older Players in Younger Divisions

To preserve fairness and competitive balance:

1. Skill Level Overrides Age

Being older does not automatically lower your classification in a younger division.

Example:

A 50 Major player is not automatically a 40 AAA player.

2. Higher-Level Teams Cannot Drop Automatically

A 50 Major team cannot simply enter a younger division as 40 AAA without written NCS approval.

Approval is rare and based on:

  • Team skill level

  • Player history

  • Recent results

3. Team Composition Rules

A roster of higher-classified older players cannot “reform” as a lower-level team in a younger division without approval.

This ensures competitive integrity across all age groups.

RECLASS PETITION (Senior Divisions)

  • Coaches must have team rosters online.

  • Players must have active profiles.

  • Reclass petitions accepted through October 15 only.

  • Use the official Player Reclass Request Form.


If a reclassed player appears on a higher roster later, their reclass becomes void.

Sportsmanship Reminder

NCS expects the highest level of sportsmanship from all players, coaches, and teams. Violations may result in player removal, game forfeits, or suspension.