All non-approved bats, as well as all bats with a BPF greater than 1.20, are strictly prohibited and considered illegal in USSSA play. The US Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) establishes a standard for the use of baseball bats in tournaments and league play. Rolling a bat is a common practice among many players, but it is illegal and has the potential to result in suspensions. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. There are 2 Bat Stamps & Standards for USSSA Slowpitch Softball. The USSSA will not allow the 2018 Ghost X USA to compete. If the same materials are used, I dont see how an expensive balanced bat can generate better hitting results for a 10-year-old batter than a less expensive, more end weighted bat. So, what is bat rolling, and does it actually improve performance? The use of bat rolling has been a contentious issue in youth baseball for several years. This Easton Ghost bat is NOT legal in USSSA but is legal in High School. Yes, it is. Aluminum bats have no resin and need no loosing of the fibers in the barrel to perform. The USSSA prohibits rolling bats, so it is critical to note this. This is the final thing to know about these bats: they are NOT permitted for use in any USA Baseball league gameplay. The Bat Standard was updated on January 1, 2018, in accordance with the new regulations. The NFHS has taken a stance on bat altering and is against it. While both say 1.20 BPF they have different compression standards: 220 lb Compression: 2014 "Thumbprint" (Above Right) 240 lb Compression: NTS Tested Slowpitch O The rolling of a bat is not against the law. It is allowed in Little League as long as the bat meets the standards set forth by the league. How do you tell if a bat is ASA approved? On some bats there are "roller marks" left on the bat. The Marucci CAT9 BBCOR (-3) is legal for play in all High School, JR/SR Little League, and other NFHS Sanctioned Events. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It is critical to understand this information so that the bats used in games are in accordance with the rules and standards for each age group. Bat shaving is an illegal process in which a bat has the inside of its barrel cored out in order to have better performance. The other main advantage is the increase in the trampoline effect. The USA Bat Standard and the USSSA Bat Standard differ in terms of bat design, with the USA Bat Standard attempting to make bats that hit like wood bats but sustain their durability, whereas the USSSA Bat Standard attempts to make bats that hit like wood bats but sustain their durability. If you are caught, your child will be subject to ejection from the game and will always be known as a cheater. You are allowed to use a USA Baseball Bat in USSSA certified play, but we do not recommend that you do. Compression testing can also tell you if a bat has been shaved or rolled. Game-ready right away. Heat rolling is a technique used to make bat-rolling easier. That is the 2 3/4 drop 10. Baseball Mode is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. BALL MANUFACTURERS. The Easton Ghost Fastpitch bat is now available in a BPF (1.20) approved model. The change in the composite bat is even more dramatic. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. If the original bat had the ASA certification stamp (indicating batted-ball speed below 98-mph), the modified bat now well exceeds the ASA performance limit and is now illegal. bat manufacturers even claim it is NOT illegal, Daniel Russell has the definitive argument of, RIP-ITs blog where they claim it is NOT illegal is, Eastons claim that it voids the warranty is. Shaving, rolling, or artificially warming the bat barrel, for example, is prohibited and renders the bat illegal, in addition to materials within the bat or treatments/devices used to modify its specifications or performance (e.g., shaving, rolling, or artificially warming the bat barrel). } Rolling bats have been popular in baseball for a long time, raising concerns about whether or not they can be detected. A shaved bat is likelier to break if it hits something hard, like a pitched ball or another bat. It is difficult to recognize a rolled bat. If you discover the bat after the bat has been used, you should only remove it from the game (1-3-4). The method of rolling a slow pitch softball bat improves the distance and pop of the ball. And, all things being equal, more flex in the barrel means more trampoline effect. Multi-wall bats with composite in their barrel are against the law for slow pitch softball. Just Bat Reviews, LLC DBA Bat Digest Company. If a bat is suspected of having been altered, the player must turn it over to the USSSA for testing. For instance, ASA approved bats must adhere to the 98 mph batted-ball speed standard, while bats approved for USSSA and other associations are allowed to have a much hotter 100+ mph batted ball speed and a bat performance factor (BPF) of 1.20 or sometimes more. In other words, rolling a composite bat is a legal practice and is encouraged because it protects the game and keeps players safe. USA and USSSA certifications are different. The National High School Federation (NHSF) is the only organization that allows schools to use qualified BBCOR bats. More specifically, mechanical rollers built within a type of vice, compress the barrel along its length. USSSA empowers world-class events for athletes, parents, and fans. Some players believe it gives them a competitive edge by making the bat easier to swing. As a matter of fact, all composite bats must be rolled in testing before they are deemed legal for play. What is rolling your bat for? But, be aware of the potential risks involved. If all of the hits were on one side of the bat, the other side might have more dead spots. The most common way is by compression testingtoo low a compression and the bat has likely been manipulated. But, after comparing the results and seeing the bats hit live, we think it fair to say rolling does increase performance for fresh out of the wrapper composite bats. The bats currently on the market, which are marked with a 1.15BPF stamp, will no longer be legal for play in these leagues. The Marucci Cat 9 is the hottest youth baseball bat in the USSSA and it has the most pop. Just Bat Reviews, LLC DBA Bat Digest Company. The last way to shave a bat is to use a hand saw. Occasionally, a bat will be released with a USSSA stamp but after further review becomes ineligible. What is the hottest bat in baseball youth? Indeed, the bat does not exceedperformance limits, just reaching them sooner. Those who are in the business of rolling bats often advertise their services this way, guaranteeing that no umpire will be able to tell that your bat has been altered. The USSSA standard does not include age restrictions, but all players competing in USSSA tournaments must use certified bats. There are also standards regarding the bats weight and swing weight. Two big barrel bats will be allowed for all age levels. Bat rolling should be done by a professional to ensure the bat is within the regulations and standards set by Little League. The primary goal of Little League Baseball and Softball is to provide a level playing field and a safe environment for all players, which is why all bats must meet Little League standards. USSSA has recently implemented the new USABat standard, which means that all bats used in USSSA games must now be certified with the USABat stamp. In another study, researchers found that bat rolling did not affect bats durability. A bat must not be more than 36 inches long or more than 25 inches in diameter, and it must not be wood less than sixteen inches (15/16) inches in diameter at its smallest point. Starting in 2021, Perfect game bans all the USSSA banned bats, see below, and the 2017 DeMarini CF drop 5, the 2016 USSSA CF8 line of bats (5, 8, 10), the 2015 CF7 in a drop 5 and the 2015 Eaton XL1 in a drop 5. Some rollers maximize the pressure on the first sequence, and this causes issues with durability or paints cracking. In those instances, we think rolling is not a completely terrible idea. If you think it will give you an advantage, go for it. Additionally, some players choose to have their bat rolled for cosmetic purposes, allowing them to customize the color and weight of their bat. Whats the difference in USA and USSSA bats? If the bat exceeds a barrel diameter of 2.75 inches, it would not be certified according to USSSA Bat rules. ); Our guess is that USA Bats have a similar results as BBCOR. Well look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of rolling a bat, as well as the current rules and regulations surrounding bat rolling. The United States of America bats are required in the Tee Ball, Minor, and Major divisions of Little League Baseball. To ensure the safety of all players, USSSA also requires that all bats be tested for performance standards before being approved for use. The use of composite bats is also prohibited as part of this effort because it was put in place to keep players safe. Many leagues and tournaments organized by the USSSA have restrictions on the use of BBCOR bats. It is critical to avoid scratches, burrs, cracks, and sharp edges. So, if bat rolling doesnt provide any significant advantage, why do people do it? It follows, that if you are to roll an Axe bat your focus only need be on one side of the barrelthe hitting side. If your odds of getting caught are a factor in your decision tohaveyour bat shaved, beware. The Easton Ghost Double Barrel (-10 AE) is a good choice for those looking to get a double barrel. For each of the subsequent three cycles, they increase that number by another 25%. Differences between USA Bats and USSSA Bats I knew the local leagues had outlawed USSSA bats because they had way too much pop, and they adopted the USA bat standard, which attempted to make bats that hit like wood bats but maintained their durability. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The bat could have become broken after hitting the ball. Is Softball bat Rolling Illegal Exactly what does ASA, USSSA, and NSA Say 17 Apr It is clear that all associations believe that altering a bat not allowed as spelled out by their guidelines but lets clear the air there is not any legislation that states a folded softball bat is against the law. This is to make sure that as the bat gets hotter after more use, and it will not exceed the bat performance standards put in place. Bat shaving is actually in addition to rolling since the bat needs to be rolled before it can be shaved. Can I Use a USA Bat in USSSA Play? Bat modification consequences and rules for Little League are here. The technicians test these bats by performing bat rolling. Bat rolling machines can be expensive, but some companies offer bat rolling services for a low price. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The graphic peeling off the bat in odd places, usually where the end of the rollers meets the bat, can be used to determine whether or not the bat has been rolled. Moreover, one-piece wood bats do not need a stamp of approval and are considered as the USA and USSSA Bats. It is allowed in Little League as long as the bat meets the standards set forth by the league. Our short answer is probably for rolling and flat out YESfor shaving. This includes anything from sanding down the bat for a better grip to adding weights to the bat for increased power. Although no study exists (maybe one day well get to it) working a composite bat in by rolling it should decrease its longevity. The CF Zen for 2017 (the blue one pictured below) is illegal in USSSA play. Learn How To Have The Best Grip With Baseball Bat. The USSSA bat is the ideal choice for those looking for the best performance from their bat. Is it okay to do that? As a matter of fact, all composite bats must be rolled in testing before they are deemed legal for play. Bat rolling is an accelerated break-in process for composite bats that brings a bat to peak performance. Ultimately, whether or not bat shaving is legal depends on the individual league and its rules. This is done so that the bat can be swung faster and the hitter can generate more power. It is prohibited to use BBCOR bats for high school and college sports due to various restrictions, but bats are required for these activities. All composite bats must be rolled through testing in order to be deemed legal for play. Finally, a study by the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois found that bat rolling did not make bats easier to swing. It is not a crime to roll a bat. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". More specifically, mechanical rollers built within a type of vice, compress the barrel along its length. Treatments such as shaving, rolling, or artificially warming the bat barrel can change the weight, balance, and power of the bat, in addition to changing its weight, balance, and power. The question of whether or not bat rolling is detectable is an important one for baseball players to consider. It also makes the bat more flexible, which increases the sweet spot.