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Updated March 19, 2003.

2002-03 IHSAA SOFTBALL

BANNED SOFTBALL BATS

The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) recently banned several bat models for failing to meet performance standards when randomly tested.  The bats in question were at one time certified, as the specific model met the standard when originally tested. 

NFHS Softball Rule 1-3-5 states that,"All bats shall meet the ASA bat performance standard and such bats shall be labeled with the permanent ASA approved certification mark."

Therefore, since the ASA has determined that these particular models no longer meet the ASA standard, they would no longer be in conformance with NFHS rules.Please know random testing is ongoing and could result in more bats being banned.

ASAhas established a "re-certification" process for manufacturers of banned bats.  It involvesthose who have purchased or in possession of one of the batssendingit back to the manufacturer (at their cost) to retrofit or rebalance the bat to correct the problem.  The manufacturer will then label the bat with the"re-certification" mark.

There are 16 models of bats previously manufactured with the 2000 ASA Conforms to Standard seal which have been banned.  These models have been shown to exceed the performance standards in random compliance testing.

Manufacturers have had the option of recalling these bats, making the necessary adjustments so the bat will not exceed the performance limits and then labeling the bat with an ASA Re-certification seal. 

In order for a bat on the banned bat list to be legal for high school play, the bat MUST have the ASA Re-certification seal.   These seals are usually located on the end cap, taper portion or on the barrel of the bat. 

Coaches with banned bats without the seal should visit the manufacturers website for information on the recall process.   Once the manufacturer concludes its recall, remedies will not be available and the bat will remain unsuitable for all NFHS play.

There is still some confusion over the EXACT models that currently appear on the banned bat list.Coaches and umpires must read the model information stenciled on the bat and not rely on the larger marketing graphics on the bat, usually located in large letters on the top end of the barrel.  Below are the models that seem to cause the most confusion. 

The first column indicates the manufacturer, the second column has the exact name of the banned bats and the third column has the name/model of bats most commonly mistaken to be banned. The bats in the third column are certified and legal for all NFHS play provided they have the ASA 2000 Conforms to Standard seal on them and they meet all other aspects of a legal bat.

** indicates those bat models authorized to bear the ASA re-certification mark. 

The following are also BANNED BATS, but have not been confusing to date:

** indicates those bat models authorized to bear the ASA re-certification mark. 

You are reminded that the above list is current as of this date.  You should visit the following Web site for updates: 

ASA Bat Certification Program FAQs

Q:Why did ASA start banning bats in the middle of the season?

A:ASA has the right under its standard contract with participating bat manufacturers to conduct periodic and random audits of certified bats throughout the year for the purpose of verifying compliance with the ASA Bat Performance Standard.Once ASA determines that a particular bat model does not comply with that standard, ASA has the right under that contract with the participating manufacturer to immediately withdraw that bat model from ASA Championship Play until further notice.

Q:The bat I own has the ASA certification mark on it.Why was it banned?

A:When a participating manufacturer designs a new bat model, one or more samples are submitted for testing to determine if the model satisfies the ASA Bat Performance Standard.Periodic random testing is then conducted to verify compliance.These provisions are part of the standard contract with participating bat manufacturers, which also provide that noncomplying bats will be immediately withdrawn from ASA Championship Play until further notice.In mid-2002, ASA learned that one cause for some (but not all) bat models falling out of compliance is that the manufacturer made a design change to the bat after it was initially approved but failed to verify that the new design complied with the ASA standard.

Q:Will more bats be banned by the ASA?

A:ASA has made announcements on July 31, 2002and August 29, 2002, withdrawing bats from ASA Championship Play until further notice.If manufacturers are found to have made and sold more bat models that do not comply with the ASA Bat Performance Standard, ASA will likely have no other alterative than to issue further announcements.

Q:Where can I find a list of approved bats?

A:The Certified Equipment section of the ASA Website, , contains a list of all approved bats as well as a list of all noncomplying bats.