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Article Date: Sep 15

Making sense of upcoming bat regulations in high school and college baseball

July 22, 2010

 

With a number of rules changes set to take effect, it can be a chaotic time to buy a baseball bat.

The NFHS, the governing body of high school sports, recently passed a ban on composite-barreled baseball bats for the 2010/11 season. That follows the NCAA’s ban on composites the previous year.

Not to mention, there is the addition of ABI testing and the impending switch from BESR to BBCOR-rated bats.

So what’s legal, and what isn’t?

Hopefully this short guide can help make sense of the equipment regulations in high school and college baseball. Disclaimer: At the time of this blog, this information is current, but it is subject to change. We will update you if anything changes.

NCAA Baseball Players

Beginning January 1, 2011, all bats used in NCAA competition must be BBCOR certified.

 What’s BBCOR?  It is a test used to determine the on-field performance of a bat, namely that it acts similar to a wooden bat. It is more accurate than the BESR test, which is what is currently used to rate bats.

What about composites? To be allowed in the NCAA, composite-barreled bats must pass Accelerated Break-In testing and be BBCOR certified.

Composites were previously banned by the NCAA because they perform better the more you play with them. Through heavy use or tampering, these bats fell out of compliance with the NCAA’s safety guidelines.

ABI testing simulates heavy use on a bat, and it’s designed to ensure the bats remain consistent throughout their lifetimes.

What bats can I use? Manufacturers plan to release their first BBCOR-certified bats this fall.

High School Baseball Players

There are two major changes upcoming for NFHS schools, starting with a ban on composite-barreled bats for the 2010/11 season.
 

What does that mean for 2010/11? If your bat has a composite barrel, it’s probably a no-go. Bat manufacturers are currently submitting their bats for testing.  Some composites have been approved by NFHS for the 2010/2011 season.

Check www.nfhs.org for updates. 
 
If it has a composite taper or handle, it will still be allowed. If your bat is aluminum and BESR-certified, it will be allowed.
 
What about 2011/2012? Beginning on January 1, 2012, all bats used in NFHS-sanctioned baseball games must be BBCOR certified. Like the NCAA, composite-barreled bats will be allowed if they can pass both the ABI and BBCOR tests.
 
What bats are legal? For next season, anything that has an aluminum barrel and passes the BESR test will be allowed. In 2012, your bats must be BBCOR-certified.