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GENERAL OVERVIEW
Classification
within Super Series Baseball, and several other
organizations is made based on a subjective appraisal of a
team's ability. Because this is a subjective decision,
there is no definitive criteria of what is the 'dividing
line' between divisions.
However, it is in
the interest of all teams to compete at the proper level.
Team improvement occurs when a team is challenged
competitively. The game of baseball is more enjoyable
for all when there is a true contest - not run-rule
victories.
Each year, there
are some teams which intentionally try to play at the
lowest level possible to enhance their chances for success
and championships. Super Series does not condone such
actions.
There are other
teams which unintentionally participate in an
improper division, simply because they do not know which
division is correct for their ability and skill level.
No organization is
perfect in its subjective assessment of all teams'
classification. Super Series has found that some teams
(in some other organizations) are occasionally
improperly elevated to a level where the team cannot
compete. In these instances, we will allow these
mis-classified teams to play in a lower level within Super
Series.
However, conversely,
Super Series will make every effort to elevate teams, which
are playing at a lower level than they should be.
Super Series is equally
interested in assuring that no team is classified at a level
that is too high. We desire that all teams are
classified at a level where they have a chance to be
successful.
WHAT IS
CLASSIFICATION REVIEW?
Classification review is
the procedure used by Super Series to ensure that teams are
playing in the correct division compatible with their skill
level and ability.
It is also a process to
curtail "sandbagging" by over-qualified teams who are simply
"trophy hunting" at the expense of lesser talented teams.
When a team is placed on
Classification Review, the team is required to participate
in at least two
Super Series qualifying events
at the next higher
division within the next month. At
the end of the review period, Super Series will review the
team's performance and determine which division is
acceptable and appropriate for the team.
WHAT DETERMINES IF
A TEAM
IS SELECTED FOR REVIEW?
If a team
is playing at a
higher division
of another organization (such as USSSA, AAU, or Triple
Crown) and is competing successfully with a winning
record in that organization and at that level, the team is
expected to also play in the comparable Super Series
division. Failure to do so, will result in the team
being placed on classification review.
If a team
has won multiple events in the Super Series American or
Minors Divisions, we will request that the team "test the
water" at the next level to ensure they are not
over-qualified for their present division.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS:
What if
our team's schedule is set and we have no open dates within the
assigned review period?
Super
Series may elect to extend the review period for this team.
Or, the team may be automatically elevated to the next
divisional level within Super Series.
What if a
team refuses to participate at a higher level?
The team
may be immediately elevated to a higher division at the
discretion of Super Series, or suspended from further
participation within the Super Series organization.
When do we
learn the results of the review?
At the end
of the review period, Super Series will e-mail all teams
under review, and inform them of their divisional status.
What if a
team "sandbags" or intentionally plays poorly while on
review, just to get lowered back to their original division?
This will
be carefully monitored by Super Series event directors.
Any team found to be intentionally losing games, or playing
poorly by intent, will be permanently disqualified from
further participation in Super Series.
Does Super Series
have a quota requiring a certain number of teams in each
division?
Absolutely
not. We do not elevate teams just to satisfy
quantitative goals or objectives. Our foremost concern
is that teams play at the proper divisional level most
compatible with the team's ability.
Can the Super Series
decision be appealed if we are elevated to a higher level?
The
decision of the Super Series national office is final and
cannot be appealed.
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