2011-2012 League Baseball Bat Rules

UPDATE: Check out updated rules by hovering over the “Baseball Rules” menu item at the top of this page!

With all the rule changes that have gone into effect this season, and will go into effect next season, we wanted to have a central location for as many of the rules as possible. If we’re missing anything, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment and fill us all in.

To find what bats are legal in your league, visit Baseball Express.

NCAA

Beginning January 1, 2011, for a bat to be legal in NCAA play, it must meet the new BBCOR bat standard. The bat must have the certified BBCOR logo printed on it. The baseball bat must have a BBCOR less than or equal to 0.50. No other bats are allowed during NCAA play. This includes BESR certified bats. Here is a list of BBCOR bats on the site.

NAIA

The NAIA has also adopted the BBCOR certification as a rule for the use of non-wood bats in their leagues.

JUCO

I haven’t found anything concrete, but it appears that the NJCAA has also adopted the BBCOR regulation. If anyone has more information, please let me know and I’ll get this updated.

NFHS

In the 2011 season, bats must meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) and Accelerated Break In (ABI) procedure. However, starting January 1, 2012, all bats used in high school will need to meet the BBCOR certification, just as in the NCAA. The exception to this rule is California, who has already gone to the BBCOR ruling for the 2011 season.

Little League Baseball

Little League originally banned composite bats for the 2011 season. However, they now have a listing of approved composite bats. There is a separate post about the Little League situation, with a list of approved bats. With this ever changing, the safest bet is to check Baseball Express or the Bat Buying Guide at Baseball Rampage.

Pony Baseball/Softball

Pony will allow unregulated and composite bats. These bats will be listed as Youth bats when you are shopping.

USSSA

The USSSA will allow unregulated and composite bats. Just like Pony, these bats will be listed as Youth bats when you are shopping.

Babe Ruth (13-15, 16-18)

Babe Ruth is following the NFHS standards. From their website:

If a composite bat is legal/approved under the NHFS rule for the 2011 season, it is legal for use in the Babe Ruth Baseball 13-15 and 16-18 Divisions for local league play and tournament competition.

Composite bats that are certified by an approved independent testing laboratory as meeting the current Ball Exit Speed Ration (BESR) and the Accelerated Break-In (ABI) procedure will be eligible.

Again, check Baseball Express if you are unsure.

Cal Ripken

Direct from the baberuthleague.org website:

Babe Ruth League, Inc. is lifting the moratorium on composite bats for the Cal Ripken Division effective immediately. This applies only to the 2 ¼” barrel bats.

All bats must be stamped “Approved For Play in Babe Ruth Baseball” and meet the requirement of Rule 1.10 in the Babe Ruth League, Inc. 2011 Baseball Rules and Regulations for 2 ¼” baseball bats.

We’ll add more as they become available. Or, please, if we’ve missed something or you want to add, please feel free to leave a comment!