USSSA College and Beyond League-UCBL

USSSA College and Beyond League

Official UCBL Brochure (PDF)

NFCA Endorses UCBL Letter (PDF)

USSSA is forming an Elite College and Beyond League (UCBL) to serve as a “Minor League” support system for the NPF.

“The NPF enthusiastically supports the development of the UCBL! We look forward to cooperating with USSSA to work out arrangements for launching this league.” – NPF Commissioner, Cheri Kempf

Teams will follow the Bylaws of the USSSA Fastpitch program as modified by the USSSA Fastpitch Elite National Committee.

The “UCBL” will follow and adopt the NCAA Fastpitch Playing Rules.

The UCBL will abide by any restrictions regarding College athletes as outlined in the current NCAA Constitution Operating Bylaws and Administrative Bylaws and any other Collegiate governing body.

Any player who has exhausted her high school eligibility is eligible to participate in the UCBL.

Players will not be allowed to be called up to the NPF unless they have exhausted their NCAA eligibility or are 21 and over and not playing for any college.

Teams shall consist of a maximum number of 18 players. Players shall be college players with a mandatory six [6] at large players who have either exhausted their NCAA eligibility or have obtained the age of 21 during the current season and are not playing in college.

The UCBL league will play concurrently with the NPF season and will culminate their championship at the NPF Championship Series in August. The UCBL league championship will receive championship rings presented by USSSA.

Why are we holding a draft of teams?

To develop stronger relations between the two leagues. This allows the NPF teams to work more closely with the UCBL teams to develop a closer working network within each region of the country. The drafting of teams provides a strengthened structure for both to operate.

Where do these teams (UCBL) come from and how many are there?

Currently we have a committee that is personally inviting teams to participate. We have asked people from each region to make a list of teams that meet certain criteria, (competitive, strong support, good facilities to hold games, etc…). If we have 6 regions then we would like to have 4 teams in each region for a total of 24 teams. Ideally we would like to have between 8 to 16 teams participating nationwide, which will ensure the quality in this first year.

How will this league be monitored?

USSSA will be in charge of assigning a Vice President to oversee the league. A representative will be assigned for tournament and rules oversight who will work closely with the NCAA and the NPF to ensure all rules are followed.

Region 1
Maine, Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia

Region 2
Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida

Region 3
Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico

Region 4
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma

Region 5
Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California

Region 6
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota

For More Information Please Contact The UCBL at UCBL@usssa.com