Moratorium on Composite Bats
Many are confused on the moratorium on composite bats and which bats can be used now. For many, it hurts to know that the nice DeMarini bat that cost $400 can now be used jusr for BP. So many parents are hesitant to spend more until they're clear as to what's a "legal" bat. Here's the following information concerning the moratorium, how it affects certain leagues, and links with lists for approvable bats.
High School
The following is verbatim from the Federation of State High School Associations:
The NFHS has banned hollow composite bats unless they remain BESR‐compliant after undergoing the Accelerated Break‐In (ABI) protocol. The ABI is intended to confirm that as such bats break‐in, their performance does not improve beyond the BESR ball exit speed limit. For the 2010‐2011 academic school year, and through December 31, 2011, the following types of bats are legal:
1. Any aluminum BESR bat (listed as Barrel Classification A on the WSUSSL site),
2. Any aluminum barrel BESR bat (listed as Barrel Classification A on the WSUSSL site),
3. Any non‐hollow (filled core) composite BESR bat (listed as Barrel Classification D on the WSUSSL site),
4. Certain approved hollow composite BESR baseball bats (found on the NFHS website at
http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=4155),
5. Any solid (one piece) wood or wood laminate bat (listed as Barrel Classification B on the WSUSSL site),
6. Any aluminum or composite BBCOR bat (anticipated delivery to retail and online stores late winter/early spring).
The WSUSSL list is located at http://www.mme.wsu.edu/~ssl/certified/besr/certified.html. For bats that meet NFHS high school playing rules until December 31, 2011 and after January 1, 2012, go to the top row to search for your specific bat product that meets the NFHS high school bat rule. To show only the selected column limiting data, use the scroll boxes above to select and then use the Button to display only the selected data. Or select one of the column labels below to display all data sorted using that column. The WSUSSL is responsible for updating and maintaining the list. Other leagues or rules
organizations may not require the ABI process or adopt the NFHS position on banning hollow composite bats.
Babe Ruth Baseball
Babe Ruth Baseball lifted its moratorium to the Cal Ripken Division (12 and under) on Friday, Feburary 4. For the 13 and above age groups, Babe Ruth will follow the NFHS. Therefore, use the same list as that for high school listed above.
Little League Baseball
Little League Baseball has imposed a moratorium to all its divisions:
12 and under age groups - List of Approved Composite Bats (12U and under)
13 and older age groups - List of Approved Composite Bats (13U and above)
Metro Baseball
Metro Baseball follows the NFHS moratorium for the 14U and above divisions.
MABA, Pony Baseball, CBA
No moratorium for 2011. MABA will mirror NFHS policy for 2012.
Dizzy Dean
All composite bats are currently banned.
