Beginning in 2012, bats used in high school baseball will be required to meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) guidelines limiting the capacity of a bat to transfer force (velocity) to the batted ball (exit speed ratio)(BSR). For a list of BBCOR- and BSR-compliant bats approved by NFHS (as of March 10, 2011), click here [1].
For Little League Baseball, the maximum bat length is 33 inches and maximum barrel diameter may not exceed 2 1/4 inches. Since 2009, all Little League bats must be labeled with a bat performance factor (BPF)(a measure of a non-wood bat's performance relative to wood bats) of 1.15 or lower.
Beginning in 2011, Little League imposed a moratorium [2] on the use of composite bats for all baseball divisions, citing research finding that, "while they meet the standard when new, can exceed the standard after a break-in process."
Tamper-Evident Bats: Because the technology to create bats that show evidence of tampering is not yet available, this aspect of the rules that was anticipated and published two years ago, and again last year, will not apply in 2012.
Penalty for Use of an Illegal Bat: Previously, the penalty for the use of an illegal bat was simply to remove the bat from the game. In 2012, the penalty has been increased as noted in the rules below.
Definition of an Illegal Bat: To narrow the definition of an illegal bat, a new entry was added to Rule 2.00, specifically describing an illegal bat for the purposes of imposing the penalty.
As a result, the definition includes altered bats, but excludes a bat that:
Softball: All rules regarding bats in all softball divisions remain the same as in 2011. The moratorium on composite-barreled bats does not apply to softball.
Licensed Bats: As it has for decades, Little League is publishing a list of licensed bats, all of which have a barrel diameter of 2 1/4 inches. This is not a list of all bats that can be used. As long as the bat meets all the specifications and standards for the specific division of play in question, it need not carry the Little League trademark. (Note that Little League does not license any bats with a diameter of 2 5/8 inches.) The list of licensed 2 1/4 bats can be downloaded as a PDF here [4]:
The rules regarding baseball bats for 2012 are:
Rule 1.10 - Baseball - The bat must be a baseball bat which meets Little League specifications and standards as noted in this rule. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick and made of wood or of material and color tested and proved acceptable to Little League standards.
A list of approved and licensed composite bats can be found on the Little League website [5].
In all divisions, wood bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for a distance not exceeding sixteen (16) inches (18 inches for Junior/Senior/Big League baseball) from the small end. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited.
NOTE 1: Junior/Senior/Big League: The 2 3/4 inch in diameter bat is not allowed in any division.
NOTE 2: The traditional batting donut is not permissible
NOTE 3: The bat may carry the mark "Little League Tee Ball."
NOTE 4: Non-wood bats may develop dents from time to time. Bats that cannot pass through the approved Little League bat ring for the appropriate division must be removed from play. The 2¼ inch bat ring must be used for bats in the Tee Ball, Minor League and Little League Baseball divisions. The 2 5/8 inch bat ring must be used for bats in the Junior, Senior and Big League divisions of baseball.
NOTE 5: An illegal bat must be removed. Any bat that has been altered shall be removed from play. Penalty - See Rule - 6.06 (d).
Rule 2.00 Definition of Illegal Bat
Illegal Bat - An Illegal bat is a bat that has been altered or a bat that is not approved for play because it does not meet specifications with regard to length, weight, barrel diameter, labeling or performance standard for the division in which it is used.
Rule 6.06 - Baseball - The batter is out for illegal action when -
(d) The batter enters the batter's box with an illegal bat (see bat specifications Rule 1.10) or is discovered having used an illegal bat.
Note: If the infraction is discovered before the next pitch following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat -
The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play.
Sources: Little League Baseball; American Academy of Pediatrics, Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness, Policy Statement: Baseball and Softball. Pediatrics. 2012;129(3):842-856. (doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-3593)(accessed February 26, 2012)
Links:
[1] http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=4155
[2] https://www.momsteam.com/node/3147
[3] http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/approvedcompbatssmall.htm
[4] http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/2012 Approved Non Wood Bat List.pdf
[5] http://www.littleleague.org
[6] https://www.momsteam.com/sports/little-league-international-updates-extends-moratorium-composite-bats