Play by the Rules with Rawlings Baseball and Softball Bats

Knowing which Rawlings bats are certified for the baseball or softball league you play in can make all the difference–It can help you maximize your performance while still falling within the guidelines of your league.

The best way to ensure your Rawlings bat is legal for your league is to review the rule book of the governing body for your league.

The following certifications are for the largest governing bodies in baseball and softball.

BESR Certification for NCAA and NFHS
The Baseball Research Center serves as the official certification center for all baseball bats used by the NCAA and NFHS. Each bat must pass testing in the Baseball Research Center at the University of Massachusetts–Lowell. This certification is known as the Baseball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) certification. Refer to the NFHS Baseball Rule Book for Rule 1-3-2 and Rule 1-3-4, which pertain to the use of bats for high school play.

USSSA Certification
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) has different rules regarding approved bats based on age. Refer to the official USSSA Rule Book (Rule 8.02.E) for the appropriate standard for your age group.

ASA Certification
The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) certification for bats must follow Rule 3, Section 1 to be certified by the ASA for play and signify this by bearing a stamp on the bat.

ISA Certification
The Independent Softball Association (ISA) has different rules for bats for slow pitch and fast pitch softball. Refer to the official ISA Rule Book for standards and certifications.

NSA Certification
The National Softball Association (NSA) publishes a list of approved bats and ball manufacturers on its website. Refer to the NSA’s list of approved equipment.

ISF Certification
The International Softball Federation (ISF) uses the ASTM high-speed batted ball test to determine which bats are allowed to be used in ISF World Championships, World Cups, the Olympic Games and qualifying tournaments. Refer to the ISF’s Rules and Standards for a list of certified bats.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your baseball or softball bat.