Bat Rattle

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Mar 1, 2016
195
18
NFHS:
Rule 1-5 Article 1...The bat shall:
c. Be free of rattles...

Illegal

Show me a HS umpire who legitimately checks bats for rattles before every game. Every HS umpire I’ve ever seen just shows up, calls the game, and leaves. The only equipment check comes DURING the games when there’s some question about legality or safety.


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Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Show me a HS umpire who legitimately checks bats for rattles before every game. Every HS umpire I’ve ever seen just shows up, calls the game, and leaves. The only equipment check comes DURING the games when there’s some question about legality or safety.


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Prior to 2 years ago umpires were suppose to do pre game equipment inspections and at least here they were done prior to every game. 2 years ago NFHS did away with the inspections and now it is entirely on the coach to verify at the plate meeting that is team is legally a properly equipped.
 
Oct 2, 2015
615
18
How about a bat that has a slight, to exaggerated wobble where the barrel meets the handle?
Illegal?...

Thanks
 
Mar 1, 2016
195
18
Prior to 2 years ago umpires were suppose to do pre game equipment inspections and at least here they were done prior to every game. 2 years ago NFHS did away with the inspections and now it is entirely on the coach to verify at the plate meeting that is team is legally a properly equipped.

That’s kinda what I’m getting at, Comp. I always appreciate your experience and expertise in this area, and what you just stated verifies what I’ve been seeing in HS ball for a couple of years. The rule that was quoted before still exists, but it’s more of a thing to fall back on when a bat has to be removed during the game instead of before.

Case in point: one of DD’s teammates used a USSSA Ghost twice in a game before the opposing coach said something about it. It was only then that the umpires removed the bat from the game. I would imagine the same would hold true for a bat with a rattle.

As always, one always knows one can count on Comp not only for the correct rule interpretation, but also when or why a rule was modified. Thanks, bud!


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Jan 27, 2019
141
28
If you notice an illegal bat as the umpire you should call it. A visible dent, obvious cracking or anything that makes the bat modified or illegal. Most of the bat rules are considered safety related and should be everyone's job to police, even the offensive coach. The USSSA Ghost should have been addressed when it first made an appearance. When I see them before the game I will offer a friendly warning to the coach, that bat should not be on the field during this game, preventive officiating. The umpire has to know the bat is on the non-approved bat list and most umpires probably do not have the list memorized. I keep a copy with me in my ball bag when I'm on the plate and in a back pocket when I'm on bases in case my plate guy does not have a copy. Clears away any doubt when you remove the bat and assess penalties.

We are required to ask coaches in WV and OH if all players are legally and properly equipped and will remain that way for the duration of the game. Anything other than a positive assertion to this question will delay the start of the game until the assertion can be made.
 

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