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Originally Posted by prab
Here is my non lawyer take:
Confiscate - NO! Legal or not it is someone else's property.
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If the umpire determines the bat to be altered or illegal, absolutely confiscate the bat for the duration of that game/tournament. I'm not talking about taking someone's word for it, but actually being able to point to something for the purpose of such a decision. The bat will be returned when that game/tournament is complete. Or the player can take the bat and leave. When you agree to play in competition, you agree to the rules of that competition. And it is totally up to the player whether they want to play or not.
Like it or not, people who are willing to cheat are not trustworthy and are very likely to attempt to use the bat later in that or subsequent games.
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Request end cap removal/inspection YES, demand NO! Hopefully you inspected the bat during your pre-game activities. Coach has certified that all equipment is legal. Re-inspect bat, note make, model, etc and report to your state governing body. If alteration is sophisticated enough to need expert analysis, you should not be held liable for missing it.
Classy parents, classy coach!
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Removing the cap IS altering the bat. The umpire is not liable for the use of an altered bat unless it can be determined that the umpire knowingly permitted its use after finding it to be altered.