Dear Softball Tournament Coach, Umpire, and District Officials:
With tournament season upon us, it is important to remember that, per the Little League Softball Rule 1.10, all non-wood bats shall be printed with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.20. Many manufacturers sell different versions of the same bat that adhere to different standards, therefore it is important to verify that all non-wood bats used in all divisions of play within the Little League Softball program are clearly marked with a BPF of 1.20.
Please note that this includes ASA Certified Easton Ghost Two-Piece Composite Fastpitch Softball Bat (model number FP18GH9, FP18GH10, FP18GH11), which does not have a BPF of 1.20 marking. However, other variations of the Ghost Two-Piece Composite Fastpitch Softball Bat (model numbers FP19GHU10, FP19GHU11) do include the printed BPF of 1.20 and are approved for use in Little League.
Ghost FP Bats
To avoid any issues with the use of an illegal bat, we urge you to inspect your bats carefully and verify that all bats being used in all divisions of play within the Little League Softball program are clearly marked with a BPF of 1.20. Any non-wood bats not having a BPF of 1.20 marking is an illegal bat and must be removed. The penalty for the use of an illegal bat is as follows, according to Tournament Rule 3b:
In all Tournament levels and divisions, the penalty for use of an illegal bat [see Rule 6.06(d)], if discovered before the next player enters the batter's box following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat, is:
i. The batter is out. The ball is dead and runners must return if they advanced on the play (NOTE: The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline this portion of the penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play), and;
ii. The manager of the team will be ejected from the game, the batter who violated the rule will be ejected from the game, and the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.
We thank you for your continued volunteer service and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Little League International
Is LL now under USSSA rules for bats?
With tournament season upon us, it is important to remember that, per the Little League Softball Rule 1.10, all non-wood bats shall be printed with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.20. Many manufacturers sell different versions of the same bat that adhere to different standards, therefore it is important to verify that all non-wood bats used in all divisions of play within the Little League Softball program are clearly marked with a BPF of 1.20.
Please note that this includes ASA Certified Easton Ghost Two-Piece Composite Fastpitch Softball Bat (model number FP18GH9, FP18GH10, FP18GH11), which does not have a BPF of 1.20 marking. However, other variations of the Ghost Two-Piece Composite Fastpitch Softball Bat (model numbers FP19GHU10, FP19GHU11) do include the printed BPF of 1.20 and are approved for use in Little League.
Ghost FP Bats
To avoid any issues with the use of an illegal bat, we urge you to inspect your bats carefully and verify that all bats being used in all divisions of play within the Little League Softball program are clearly marked with a BPF of 1.20. Any non-wood bats not having a BPF of 1.20 marking is an illegal bat and must be removed. The penalty for the use of an illegal bat is as follows, according to Tournament Rule 3b:
In all Tournament levels and divisions, the penalty for use of an illegal bat [see Rule 6.06(d)], if discovered before the next player enters the batter's box following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat, is:
i. The batter is out. The ball is dead and runners must return if they advanced on the play (NOTE: The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline this portion of the penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play), and;
ii. The manager of the team will be ejected from the game, the batter who violated the rule will be ejected from the game, and the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.
We thank you for your continued volunteer service and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Little League International
Is LL now under USSSA rules for bats?
