Amateur baseball's largest governing bodies are changing their standards for bats, and Rawlings is introducing a new bat that will be certified for play.
The NCAA, NFHS, USSSA and Pony Leagues will require all bats to meet the new BBCOR performance standard. BBCOR (bat-ball coefficient of restitution) is an improved method for predicting a bat's on-field performance. Read more about BBCOR certification.
This fall, Rawlings will introduce a 5150 alloy bat that is BBCOR certified. Rawlings is also developing several new bats for the 2011 season.
The NCAA rule change takes effect Jan. 1, 2011, and there is no grandfathering period. Composite barrel bats, in addition to meeting the new BBCOR standard, must also pass ABI (accelerated break in) certification, but composite handle bats with metal barrels are not subject to this ABI testing.
The NFHS will require all bats to meet the BBCOR performance standard beginning Jan. 1, 2012. Starting with the 2010-11 school year, however, composite barrel bats that were certified through the BESR test will no longer be allowed in play.
BESR-certified composite barrel bats that pass the current ABI test used by the NCAA will be allowed for play. Composite handle bats with metal barrels are not subject to the new rules.
Effective immediately in the USSSA and Pony League, all bats marked with or marketed specifically for coach pitch leagues are not allowed to be used with hard balls.
The USSSA has stated, however, that coach pitch bats with the 1.15 BPF mark can still be used with hard balls. Rawlings is testing all of its coach pitch bats for 1.15 BPF.
Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at (866) 678-GEAR(4327) for more information on bats with the BBCOR certification.
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