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Great questions. As others said, the markings are critical and cracks are usually obvious. Though composite bats don't ring like a wood bat when cracked they do sound different when bounced handle end against the plate. You can feel for flat spots easily enough too. I tossed a bat this season that had been the designated 'bunt bat' by a college team. It was heavier than normal and flattened enough to deaden a pitch. The catcher caught it when he picked up the bat to toss away and asked me to check it. The HC pleaded ignorance of course.
Look for tar or other contaminants above the legal length. I don't understand why they put pine tar on composite bats but some do and it is ugly when the ball hits it.
Check only what is necessary. I may have asked the coach what he wanted me to examine. If you can't satisfy him, ask the TD to help him understand. Good luck.
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