Becoming an official with USSSA is a straightforward process that ensures you are ready to officiate in a safe, compliant, and insured environment. This guide walks you through the registration process, background check requirements, and what steps you need to follow as both an adult and youth official.
Adult Registration
Step 1: Choose Your Registration Type
With Insurance: You can register as an official with USSSA-provided insurance. This is recommended as it covers any potential losses while officiating USSSA events.
Cost: $80 (All Sport Official), $105 (All Association Official).
Without Insurance: If you choose to opt out of USSSA’s insurance, you must confirm that you have sufficient personal insurance coverage.
Cost: $50 (All Sport Official).
Step 2: Complete the Registration Form
Navigate to the USSSA Officials Registration Page.
Fill out the required fields, including:
First and Last Name
Date of Birth
Home Address (City, State, ZIP)
Social Security Number (for background check purposes)
Email Address
Select your Primary Sport (e.g., Baseball, Fastpitch) and Secondary Sport if applicable.
Step 3: Submit the Criminal Background Check All adults who work with minors must complete a criminal background check through USSSA's partner, JDP. This is required by law under the SafeSport Act and by USSSA’s insurance provider.
The background check includes:
SSN ID Search
National Criminal Database Search
National Sex Offender Records Search
County Criminal Records Search (for the current county of residence)
Cost: $13.50
Timeline: Typically 2-5 business days, though it may take up to 2 weeks in some areas.
Step 4: Print Your USSSA Officials Membership Card Once approved, you will receive an official USSSA membership card. This card can be printed from the dashboard after your registration is processed. Follow the link to confirm your approval and print your card: USSSA Officials Dashboard.
Youth Registration
Step 1: Choose Your Registration Type Youth officials (under 18 years old) can also register with or without insurance.
With Insurance: $42 (All Sport Official), $54 (All Association Official).
Without Insurance: Not available for youth officials.
Step 2: Complete the Registration Form
Youth officials must provide their personal details, including:
First and Last Name
Date of Birth
Home Address (City, State, ZIP)
Email Address
Select your Primary Sport (e.g., Baseball, Fastpitch).
Step 3: Contact Your Local USSSA Chief Official Youth officials must work with their local USSSA chief official to confirm game assignments. Registering does not guarantee events to officiate, so be sure to stay in touch with your local coordinator to schedule games.
Criminal Background Check: FAQs
Why do I need a background check? The SafeSport Act requires all adults participating in youth sports to undergo a background check. This helps ensure the safety of young athletes by screening for criminal history and sex offender status.
What if I’ve already had a background check done by another organization? USSSA cannot accept background checks from other organizations due to privacy laws and the differences in screening criteria. You will need to complete a new background check through JDP.
How long does the background check take? The background check typically takes 2-5 business days, though it may take longer in areas without fully digitized criminal records.
When does my background check expire? Your background check is valid through the current season. USSSA seasons typically end on August 1 of each year, at which point a new background check will be required for the following season.
Additional Information:
For assistance: If you encounter any issues during registration or have questions about the background check process, contact [email protected].
Print Your Membership Card: You can print your official USSSA membership card after your registration is approved by visiting the USSSA Officials Dashboard.