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"That's the problem, Glen. NFHS does not use ASA's rules, just acknowledges the approval stamp and banned bat list. In Federation, if there is no certification stamp, the bat may no be used."
Not any more, Mike. Starting in three weeks (1/1/2004) High School bats must be on the ASA list, regardless of stamp.
NFHS is urging State Associations to establish enforcement rule; it appears they want to place the onus on the schools. One suggestion is to provide a bat inventory list (current ASA list with their bats highlighted) to the umpire prior to the game. Then bats can be physically checked against the list, and all other bats cleared from the dugout area.
To add to that idea, I would like to see the school apply (paint, sticker) a number to the bat and put that number on the inventory list. (P/U bat #7, look for 7 on the list, quickly check make and model number, and you are done.) Plus, if you see 7 on the list, but don't find the bat, then you know to ask for a private bat that is probably still in the bag.
Of course, the umpire should have his own list, just to insure that the school list is current - or if the school does not provide a list.
WMB
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