Official Cancellation and Refund Policy for all USA Baseball NTIS Events
Once a registration fee is paid for an event (showcase or development camp), no cash, check, or credit card refunds will be issued for any reason whatsoever. If a player cannot attend due to injury, sickness, schedule conflict, etc., or an event is canceled due to weather or any other reason beyond the control of USA Baseball NTIS, a credit for the original paid amount will be added to the player's online account. This credit will only be valid and applicable towards another USA Baseball NTIS Southwest regional event listed on www.southwestntis.com through 2025.
What states comprise the Southwest NTIS Region?
Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Southern California, and Utah comprise the Southwest Region.
Do you have to attend a showcase in the state you live in?
Players in the Southwest Region may attend any showcase in SoCal, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Hawaii if their travel schedule or availability takes them to another state. NTIS showcases are conducted following the same format, regardless of state.
Do you have to live in the Southwest Region to try out?
Although we encourage players to try out in the region they live in; players are allowed to try out in another region. Due to the nature of travel ball, where players and families are traveling to other states for tournaments, etc., attending an NTIS tryout in another region/state may be their only option. So long as the player is age eligible, they would potentially qualify for further selection within that region.
What ages are eligible to participate in the NTIS?
USA Baseball uses the international age rule, which strictly uses a player's birth year (not day or month) to determine a player's correct age group. For example, any player born in 2013 would be eligible for the 12U age group because every player born in 2013 will turn 12 at some point in 2025. The NTIS program will only cover the following six age groups for the 2025 season:
2025 11U NTIS eligibility: Players born in 2014 or 2015 (please note: 2015-born players would be competing against 2014-born players)
2025 12U NTIS eligibility: Players born in 2013
2025 13U NTIS eligibility: Players born in 2012
2025 14U NTIS eligibility: Players born in 2011
2025 15U NTIS eligibility: Players born in 2010
2025 16U NTIS eligibility: Players born in 2009 or players born in 2008 that are 2027 graduates
*Players born in 2007 are not eligible for the NTIS program; however, they can email our staff at play@usabaseball.com for age-appropriate USA Baseball events.
What happens at the showcase and how are players evaluated?
Players are taken through a showcase style tryout format consisting of dynamic stretch, timed 30-yard (11U-14U) or 60-yard run (15U-16U), catch play, defensive skills (OF's throw to 3B and home, C's timed throws to 2B and blocks, IF's ground balls and throws). Primary pitchers will throw a 15-20 pitch bullpen with recorded velocities. All players will also participate in batting practice either off a machine or a coach.
NTIS staff will write down notes on a player's overall athleticism, current defensive and offensive skill set in their primary position based on their age group, the future projection of said skill set based on former regional and national level players, as well as the recording of run times, catcher pop times, pitcher velocities, etc.
*Important Note = Player evaluations, rankings, and recorded tryout stats are not shared with players or parents. These evaluation notes are strictly for NTIS staff evaluation and selection purposes.
What are the rules for bat specifications at NTIS events?
Players may use their regular bats at the regional showcases and development camps, however, if a player were selected to participate at the NTIS Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina, then a USA Baseball-certified bat would be required. For a complete listing of bat specifications for the NTIS Champions Cup, please click here.
How many identification rounds are there?
For 2025, the Southwest Region NTIS identification process will now comprise a 3 event system:
Regional Showcase ROUND 1: Age-specific showcase to identify and select the best players from the states of SoCal, AZ, NV, CO, UT, NM, and HI.
Regional Showcase ROUND 2: INVITATION ONLY
NTIS Champions Cup: The best players from the regional showcase will be selected and advanced to the NTIS Champions Cup tournament in Cary, North Carolina (home of USA Baseball) as part of the 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, or 16U Southwest Regional teams.
How many players will be selected to the Southwest Region teams?
Regional Showcase Selections:
*11U age group = minimum of 30 players (to create two teams of 15 players each)
*12U age group = minimum of 30 players (to create two teams of 15 players each)
*13U age group = minimum of 36 players (to create two teams of 18 players each)
*14U age group = minimum of 36 players (to create two teams of 18 players each)
*15U age group = minimum of 36 players (to create two teams of 18 players each)
*16U age group = minimum of 36 players (to create two teams of 18 players each)
Following the NTIS Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina, USA Baseball will select a minimum of 72 players for National Team and National Team Development Program (NTDP) events in the following year:
11U NTIS will name 12 players to the 2026 12U National Team Trials
12U NTIS will name 12 players to the 2026 13U Athlete Development Program
13U NTIS will name 12 players to the 2026 14U Athlete Development Program
14U NTIS will name 12 players to the 2026 15U National Team Trials
15U NTIS will name 12 players to the 2026 16U National Team Development Program
16U NTIS will name 12 players to the 2026 17U National Team Development Program
How and when are players notified of selection to the NTIS Champions Cup?
All players who attend a regional showcase will receive an email with the list of players who have been selected for the NTIS Champions Cup. These final selections will be emailed between July 10, 2025, and July 17, 2025 (depending on the age group). An announcement on the Southwest NTIS website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages will also be made (@SouthwestNTIS for all social media).
What are the costs associated with the NTIS?
Regional Showcase ROUND 1: 195.00 per player.
Regional Showcase ROUND2: 150.00 per player
NTIS Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina: 475.00 per player (if the player advances as a regional selection). In addition, players/parents are responsible for their own travel expenses to and from Cary, North Carolina.
What is the time commitment for the NTIS?
Players selected to the final Southwest Regional teams only play with Team Southwest for the 5 days of the NTIS in Cary, North Carolina. The program is designed to make a minimal impact on the players' other commitments.
15U & 16U NTIS Champions Cup: August 6-10, 2025
12U & 14U NTIS Champions Cup: August 13-17, 2025
11U & 13U NTIS Champions Cup: August 20-24, 2025
Who should I contact for general information, specific to my region?
Southwest Regional Director
Juan Fontela
juan@usabaseballntis.com
813-446-8286 (text preferred - please allow 1 to 2 days for a response)