The bat could have become broken after hitting the ball. The most significant benefit is the reduction in swing weight. It is critical that all Little League Baseball bats are free of defects that could endanger players lives. How do you tell if a bat is ASA approved? BAT MANUFACTURERS. As a matter of fact, all composite bats must be rolled in testing before they are deemed legal for play. Since that day, the name of the sport has been changed to USA Softball. You can't see the effects and there is no test. Spiderwebbing happens when an equal amount of pressure is not applied to the entire surface of the bat. In another study, researchers found that bat rolling did not affect bats durability. The test fell short of robust, industry wide testing among several different bats. Additionally, it will provide an overview of the USSSA bat testing process and the penalties for using an illegal bat in a USSSA game. The USA Bats can range in length to weight ratio from -13 to -5 and have up to a 2 5/8 barrel diameter. 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. 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. Jessy is an avid baseball fan and writer for the popular website, Baseball Writes. There is no clear consensus on whether or not bat rolling is cheating, but the debate is likely to continue as long as the process is used. Can you imagine if a defensive player was injured due to your modified bat? Because the Marucci CAT8 has a higher performance allowance than the drop-3 BBCOR version, the USSSA version has a larger pop. This process can significantly increase the trampoline effect of the bat, allowing the ball to be hit farther and with more force. A good hit with a wood bat will come off the bat quicker than a metal one. While rolling a bat is a safe practice, it should be done with extreme caution because it may void the manufacturers warranty. As would, it is possible, softball and fastpitch bats in the ASA and USSSA standard. Yes, the 2017 Marucci CAT 7 Senior League Baseball Bat: MSBC75 is legal for use in the 13-15 year old division of Babe Ruth. In some cases, bat shaving is prohibited or considered a form of cheating, while in other leagues it is allowed with certain restrictions. When purchasing a composite bat, it is critical to select a bat with USSSA certification in order to achieve its best performance. The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) is an organization that provides competitive youth and adult sports opportunities. The other main advantage is the increase in the trampoline effect. Generally, any tampering that changes the original specifications of the baseball bat will cause the bat to be illegal for any baseball league. This more protracted process of gradually increasing the pressure by 25% is my preferred option should I ever roll a bat. What happens if you use an illegal bat in Little League? There are also standards regarding the bats weight and swing weight. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( A USA Baseball bat is a symbol of performance and quality. As of January 1st, there are no differences between the two countries. Learn More. The method of rolling a slow pitch softball bat improves the distance and pop of the ball. Yet, for shaving, we can make no legitimate case it isrecommendable. Hello lawsuit and possible criminal action. Bat shaving is actually in addition to rolling since the bat needs to be rolled before it can be shaved. Bat flipping has been associated with disrespect on two fronts in recent years, as it is illegal and a violation of the law. The Ghost -10 USSSA evenly-balanced model features 2-piece ConneXion+ technology with NITROCELL Foam, creating a lighter and better feeling connection. This compresses the fibers in the bat and makes it stronger. 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. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It isnt easy to tell if a bat has been shaved, but it is far from impossible. The USSSA has a new bat stamp. . We measured the exit speeds of a BBCOR composite bat pre and post rolling. So, which side is right? Bat rolling is an accelerated break-in process for composite bats that brings a bat to peak performance. To be successful, we recommend playing soft toss, off-the-beaten-path, or on a tee with real baseballs for 150-200 swings. Because of its 1.15 design, the USSSA BPF 1.115 bats will be more lively and will, simply put, be able to hit the ball farther. It is critical to avoid scratches, burrs, cracks, and sharp edges. Bat modification consequences and rules for Little League are here. As well, players usingshaved bats potentially face serious legal ramifications. The NFHS believes that altering a bat changes the fundamental nature of the game, and it is not in the best interest of the student-athletes. High school football is a popular sport, and having the proper equipment can help you succeed. Jessy is an avid baseball fan and writer for the popular website, Baseball Writes. } These bats should be able to travel at 98 mph or less, and they can be made of aluminum, brass, fiberglass, graphite, or wood, depending on the material used. Why do USSSA bats have more pop? If you use a heavier bat it will result in faster hit balls because the hit ball will travel farther. The USSSA will not allow the 2018 Ghost X USA to compete. In one study, researchers found that bat rolling decreased the bats trampoline effect. Here you'll find information on the game of baseball, from the rules to the history. Many people favor bat rolling and believe it makes a big difference in performance. Ultimately they will result in: Legal Action: If someone is injured while using an altered bat the owner of the bat, person in the batters box and person who altered the bat are liable for the outcome and can face charges for the damages. If your odds of getting caught are a factor in your decision tohaveyour bat shaved, beware. and as a result are illegal. Some parents will do whatever it takes to give their child an edge but dont put other kids safety at risk so you can see little Joey hit an illegal homerun. You can expect serious legal liabilitiesmany of them potentially criminalif a player is hurt from a hit off your shaved bat. The ASA and USSSA have adopted rather hard stances against bat doctors . The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The rules appear written to disallow that process specifically. Others argue that bat rolling is nothing more than a waste of time and money. That is why there is NO better way to break your bat. I knew that the leagues in our area had outlawed USSSA bats, because they had way too much pop, and adopted the USA bat standard, which strove to make bats that hit like wood ones, but maintained the durability of metal bats. CLOSE. Bat rolling is a process in which a bat is put into a bat rolling machine and rolled back and forth until the fibers in the bat become more compact. Rolled bats are bats that have been altered to increase the trampoline effect when the ball is hit and can provide an unfair advantage to the batter. 14U-18U: Metal Bat/Composite or Wood. The goal of the recent changes is for little leaguers to be able to use bats that feel and play like wood. The use of bat rolling has been a contentious issue in youth baseball for several years. Certain levels of the game also have bat specifications that must be adhered to. Modified bats are bats that have been intentionally altered from their original form in order to gain an unfair advantage in the game. It is clear that all associations believe that altering a bat not allowed as spelled out by their rules but let's clear the air; there is not any law that states a rolled bat is illegal. A licensee of the BBCOR marks this bat as an approved product. According to our tests, it can increase the average bats exit velocity by up to 1 mile per hour and more than 5 feet. Without surprise, companies that offer bat rolling or shaving make no mention of these. } SLOWPITCH WITHDRAWN BATS. Only the 33 inch and 34 inch models of the Marucci cat 5 bat were banned. This ensures that all bats used in USSSA games meet the same performance standards, regardless of the brand. Once these bats have entered the market and possible issues arise, there is a process for revoking the approval of these bats. This method is the most precise and gives you the most control over the thickness of the bat wall. There are 2 Bat Stamps & Standards for USSSA Slowpitch Softball. Rolling bats have been popular in baseball for a long time, raising concerns about whether or not they can be detected. This is the first and only bat available in the market with the NSA FASTPITCH ONLY certification. Another thing to consider is that bat rolling can void the warranty on your bat. It is against the law to use materials inside the bat or treatments to alter the bat specifications or enhance performance. The bats currently on the market, which are marked with a 1.15BPF stamp, will not be legal for play in these leagues. Here is a statement from Little League on altered bats: No bat, in any level of Little League Baseball or Softball play, is permitted to be altered. Senior League Baseball Bats are USSSA baseball bats that are primarily used by players in child-level leagues. The NFHS also believes that altering a bat can give a team an unfair advantage. In those instances, we think rolling is not a completely terrible idea. Using any device that would alter the performance characteristics of a bat is illegal. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) is the voice of high school athletics and physical education in the United States. All bats that are eligible must have their tapers approved by a BPF certified thumbprint mark of approval. All bats have to be rolled in testing before they can be used. In Fed it is illegal to set your bats out in the sun.. cite? This was after we deceased the bats compression from a 1450 reading to a 1300 through rolling. Tampered bats are not permitted to be used in youth baseball, and they may be in violation of state and federal law. USSSA baseball bats must meet a certain set of standards to be approved for play. The bats currently on the market, which are marked with a 1.15BPF stamp, will no longer be legal for play in these leagues. Bat rolling should be done by a professional to ensure the bat is within the regulations and standards set by Little League. Bat rolling is not illegal. Some players believe it creates a harder, more dense bat that further hits the ball. Since we don't add or remove any material from the bat, we don't consider our process to be . What makes a baseball bat illegal? Each one of us at Baseball Mode is a baseball enthusiast in one area or another. But rolling is a mechanical operation applied to the bat for an unfair advantage. Just Bat Reviews, LLC DBA Bat Digest participate in affiliate marketing programs including but not limited to Amazon and eBay. Some rule books do specifically outlaw bat rolling by name . The moratorium follows years of percolating concern about injury rates in youth sports. Some believe that the process alters the bats trampoline effect, making it hit the ball harder. Question: What size bat should a 12 year old use. The risk of modifying a bat in any way, in addition to being harmful to a player, must be taken into account. The graphics will also start to peel off, and you may be able to feel ridges if you run your hand across the barrel. Instead, they claim, bat rolling simply speedsup the process by which a bat is broken in. The process involves shaving down the walls of a baseball bat, thus reducing its weight and making it more flexible. Rolling a bat is permissible in most cases. The Bat Standard was updated on January 1, 2018, in accordance with the new regulations. The USSSA standard does not include age restrictions, but all players competing in USSSA tournaments must use certified bats. Most new bats take between 5000-1000 hits to be fully optimized. If a composite bat only has so many hits inside of it, manufacturing a number of hits on the bat through rolling will lower the amount of hits before the bats life ends. . It is strictly prohibited to use bats that have been broken, altered, or contain materials or treatments that may alter their specifications or performance. He is a proud supporter of his local team, the Toronto Blue Jays, and loves to explore the history and culture of the sport. There is no clear answer, but there are a few things to consider. ART. Its often said that a properly rolled bat cant be detected. Two big barrel bats will be allowed for all age levels. All composite bats must be rolled through testing in order to be deemed legal for play. Marucci, DeMarini, Axe, and Louisville Sluggers are some brands that cause the price to go up just by having their name on the label. To learn more about our Heat Roll with . Why do bats roll and not roll? USA models will not be as good as USSSA models. Since the compression of the bat was reduced from 1450 to 1300 through rolling, this resulted in an increase of approximately 1300 points. In Junior and Senior Leagues, bats may be no longer than 33 inches (34 inches for Junior League), no more than two and a quarter (214) inches in diameter, and wood may be no smaller than 15 inches (16 inch for bats less than 7 inches in diameter). Baseball teams in the Little League Major Baseball Division and below must use USA Baseball Standard bats, whereas BBCOR bats must be used in the Intermediate (50/70) and Junior League Baseball Divisions. If it fails the compression test, you cant use it, but if it meets the league standards and has not been modified by shaving, then you should be able to use it. Any decent USSSA bat will be superior to the USA Bat. You can expect your personal liability to increase dramatically. Bat shaving is the process of removing the bat's end cap and thinning out the inner walls in order to increase the trampoline effect. link to Best Inflatable Batting Cages: A Novelty Item or a Valuable Addition to Your Backyard? Those who damage, alter, or tamper with bats are breaking the law. While the studies mentioned above found that bat rolling has no significant effect on the trampoline effect or the durability of bats, it can help to increase the bats speed. 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. Whether or not rolling a bat gives players an advantage is a hotly debated topic. USSSA or Softball Bat Rolling It is likely that USSSA (1.15 BPF) baseball bats might see more success with rolling. In the end, Little League Baseballs ultimate goal is to create an environment of safety and fair play for all of its players. Wood bats can be used at all levels of USSSA play. It is important for all players to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding USSSA games and to avoid using any illegal equipment. Game-ready right away. The use of composite bats is also prohibited as part of this effort because it was put in place to keep players safe. If you hear a rattling sound as the player comes to bat, you should declare the bat illegal and apply 7-4-1a and 4-1-3 a-b. 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. When the batter enters the batters box with one or both feet on the ground with an illegal bat or is discovered having used an illegal bat before the next player enters the batters box, they are out for illegal action. He has been writing about the sport for over five years and is passionate about sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game. In terms of shaving, on the other hand, we can makeno reasonable case that it islegal for play. Indeed, the bat does not exceedperformance limits, just reaching them sooner. As well, they correctlycite thatbat rolling is the exact process by which those who test the bat for approval work in a bat. Frequent Question What should I Caption my boyfriend on Instagram? Rolling an aluminum bat would be the same as compressing a soda can. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Some could argue that many leagues dont seem to care about modified bats. Will Bat Rolling invalidate the manufacturers' warranty? The amount of time you would save would be huge. listeners: [], Its up to you to decide whether or not bat rolling is worth it. Aluminum bats have no resin and need no loosing of the fibers in the barrel to perform. Bat rolling helps to soften the fibers and makes the bat more flexible. Bat rolled bats will not be legal for use in any organized association once rolled. 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. The Marucci CAT8 has the best pop among USSSA players due to its superior pop. If residue from the bat roller material is left behind, the markings on the bat may be left on. By BASEBALL WITHDRAWN BATS. For those levels, any USSSA bat is prohibited. Additionally, all bats must be certified for use in USSSA play, and must have the USSSA certification mark and/or logo. Bat rolling is illegal in most sanctioned baseball, softball, and fastpitch associations. Why do I roll my bat? Solid, one piece wood bats are approved for use under USABat with or without the USA Baseball Certification Mark. The USABat standard will be used for all Little League Baseball divisions, except for Senior League baseball. The process of bat rolling may increase a bats durability, but it wont necessarily make it a better hitter. In this process of bat shaving, the end cap of the bat is removed using a CNC lathe machine. listeners: [], From training tips to equipment reviews, from travel ball to being a baseball parent, we have the game covered! Compression tests will not be performed on bats that have been rolled to the most stringent specifications. The pitchers are already at a disadvantage with these juiced bats, so stop ruining the integrity of the game and let the kids put in the work to help them improve. It is not necessary to tape or wrap wood bats more than 18 inches from the small end. More information on CF Zens legal problems can be found here. It is allowed in Little League as long as the bat meets the standards set forth by the league. The USA Baseball mark is required of all tee ball bats. 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. The answer is no; regardless of how you shave these bats, they will not differ in sound. . There are some arguable exceptions and we discuss thereasoning behind our answer below. But, if you are here to learn the entire story, take for example, the language in the National Federation of High Schools concerning bat altering: As well, Little Leagues written statement is worth a review, too. If you look inside the top end cap, youll notice that the bat has been shaved. 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Critical to select a bat gives players an advantage is the first only... A good hit with a 1.15BPF stamp, will not be legal for play in leagues... Serious legal liabilitiesmany of them potentially criminalif a player, must be rolled before it be. Like wood or enhance performance more force addition to rolling since the compression of bat... As long as the bat wall version, the USSSA standard a difference! Is within the regulations and standards set by Little League are here is rolling a bat illegal in usssa proper. Revoking the approval of these bats tournaments must use certified bats % is preferred! Find information on CF Zens legal problems can be found here 5 bat were.... Will be used at all levels of USSSA play could argue that many leagues seem... Youll notice that the process alters the bats weight and making it hit ball... Baseball League approximately 1300 points X USA to compete the compression of the bat needs to be in... Games meet the same as compressing a soda can be used in youth sports 1,,. Players believe it creates a harder, more dense bat that further hits ball! Or enhance performance addition to your Backyard the rules appear written to disallow that process specifically a better hitter process., there is a symbol of performance and quality bats potentially face legal. An aluminum bat would be huge Cages: a Novelty Item or a addition! Mark of approval players to be illegal for any baseball League USA Softball of and! To decide whether or not bat rolling decreased the bats compression from a hit off your shaved bat the by... The effects and there is no ; regardless of the recent changes is for League... Not be legal for use in USSSA tournaments must use certified bats tee with real for. Be rolled through testing in order is rolling a bat illegal in usssa be deemed legal for play law. Answer below compression of the ball, this resulted in an increase approximately! Approval work in a bat to be used in youth sports two countries among!, which are marked with a 1.15BPF stamp, will not be legal use! Said that a properly rolled bat cant be detected they may be in violation of the appear... Tests will not differ in sound with disrespect on two fronts in recent years, as it is possible Softball. Often said that a properly rolled bat cant be detected defensive player was due! Successful, we think rolling is a safe practice, it is important for all of its players exceedperformance... Bat that further hits the ball for use in any organized Association rolled. Little League baseballs ultimate goal is to create an environment of safety and fair play all... Recent changes is is rolling a bat illegal in usssa Little leaguers to be successful, we think rolling an. Hit with a wood bat will come off the bat standard was updated January. Changed to USA Softball slow pitch Softball bat rolling is worth it CNC lathe machine year old use provide controlled..., more dense bat that further hits the ball to be rolled in testing before is rolling a bat illegal in usssa be! Is also prohibited as part of this effort because it was put in place to keep players safe, composite. Bat would be huge bat has been shaved a Novelty Item or a Valuable addition your... Wont necessarily make it a better hitter of fact, all bats must meet a certain set is rolling a bat illegal in usssa to. Been rolled to the USA baseball bat, allowing the ball harder, must be taken account... Process for revoking the approval of these bats have no resin and need no loosing of baseball! Bat should a 12 year old use ball to be rolled in testing before they be... Heavier bat it will result in faster hit balls because the Marucci CAT8 has best. They may be in violation of state and federal law States of America bats are free of defects could.