Testing
and evaluating of youth baseball bats has evolved into a
science. So much so that the standard has also evolved to where USA
Baseball,
the national governing body for the sport of baseball in the United
States, is adopting a new method for measuring bat performance in the
testing of youth bats that will go into effect on January 1, 2018. The
new USA Baseball bat standard (USABat), was developed by a USA Baseball
committee of scientific experts.
Effective on January 1, 2018, Little League Baseball® will adhere to the
new USABat standard. No bats previously approved for use in Little
League Play (TBall through Little League) will be permitted to be
used in any Little League game or practice, or other Little League
function, event, or activity.
What this means for local Little Leagues, and Little League baseball
players in the Tee Ball through Little League Divisions, is that all current Little
League-approved bats can no longer be used
starting in 2018.
Be aware that this new
bat standard effects Little League Baseball only. There are no changes
to the bat standard or regulations for Softball at this time.