The common conditions for registering baseball/softball players for young people and a Chinese-English comparison of the characteristics of the two sports:

Basic conditions | Basic Requirements

Age range

Usually 6-18 years old (grouped by U8/U10/U12/U15/U18)

Typically 6-18 years old (grouped as U8/U10/U12/U15/U18)

Health certificate

A physical examination report is required, focusing on cardiopulmonary function and the risk of sports injuries

Medical certificate required, focusing on cardiovascular health and injury risks

Guardian consent

Minors must have a parent/guardian sign a waiver agreement and permission to participate

Parent/guardian must sign liability waivers and participation consent

Required Skill | Skill Requirements

Baseball

Master basic pitching, batting, catching, and running skills

Basic pitching, hitting, catching, and base-running skills

Understand defensive positioning and tactical signals (e.g. sacrificial strikes)

Understand defensive positioning and tactical signs (e.g., sacrifice bunt)

Softball

Adapt to slow-pitch/fast-pitch softball rules (pitch arc height requirements)

Adapt to slow-pitch/fast-pitch rules (required pitch arc height)

Proficient in the use of softball gloves (wider than baseball gloves)

Proficient with softball-specific gloves (wider than baseball gloves)

Registration Materials | Registration Documents

Proof of identity (copy of household register/passport)

ID proof (household register/passport copy)

Sports Accident Insurance Policy (Covers Training & Competition)

Sports accident insurance (covering training and matches)

Physical fitness test report (e.g. 30m sprint, vertical jump)

Fitness test report (e.g., 30m sprint, vertical jump)

Training Commitment | Training Commitment

Time requirements

At least 3 team trainings + 1 simulation match per week

Minimum 3 team practices + 1 scrimmage per week

Equipment specifications

Baseball: Metal/wooden bat of size (BBCOR certified)

Baseball: Metal/wood bats meeting BBCOR standards

Softball: Shock-resistant helmet and mask (especially in the catcher position)

Softball: Shock-absorbing helmets & masks (mandatory for catchers)

Tournament Classification | Competition Levels

Entry-level

Community Leagues (emphasis on fun and basic rules teaching)

Community leagues (focus on fun & basic rules)

Competitive level

National Junior Championship (Skills Assessment)

National youth championships (require skill assessment)

Policy support | Policy Support

School collaboration

Many cities include baseball and softball as an elective physical education subject in primary and secondary schools

Many schools offer baseball/softball as elective courses

MLB Assisted

MLB has youth development programs in China (such as Play Ball!). Activities)

MLB operates youth programs in China (e.g., Play Ball! initiative)