Baseball Bat Rules Changes 2011
 

(Be sure you use only LEGAL bats this season)

 

All bats must comply with the NFHS Baseball Rules found in the NFHS Rules book (pages 9-1, Rules 1-3-2 through 1-3-5).

 

It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure that all of his players are using only legal equipment.  Coaches must verify this to the Umpire-in-Chief  prior to the start of the game.

 

Here is a simplified summary of what constitutes a legal bat for the 2011 season:

 

1. Any wood bat meeting the NFHS standards.
2. Aluminum bats with BESR marking. NOTE: These bats will NOT be legal in 2012.
3. Any aluminum or composite bat with BBCOR marking. NOTE: These bats will continue to be legal in   2012.
4. Any bat with a composite barrel AND BESR markings AND has been granted a waiver from the NFHS. NOTE: Waivers are granted to the manufacturer and not to an individual bat owner. The listing of bats granted a waiver can be found at:  www.NFHS.org/content.aspx?id=4155

 

It is important that coaches understand that only legal bats are to be used in practices and games.  It is also important for umpires to understand that equipment needs to be checked before each game. 

 

Therefore, the SCHSL wants a copy of the bat list from the NFHS web site to be posted in the HOME dugout for each game. This will allow umpires to verify the legality of bats that are questioned.  If no list is available, the bat in question will not be allowed to be used.