Reebock Vector O bat..Legal in Fed?

[kheisner]

There is a team that has a Reebock Vector O bat (this bat has holes in the shaft) in our league (Fed Rules). Some umpires let him use it, others don't. Is it a legal bat?

[waltjp]

No.

[mbyron]

Sorry, Walt, but the answer is "yes."

The NFHS originally banned this bat 2 years ago, along with the De Marini. The big boys sued, and NFHS reversed itself.

Per any NFHS bigwig you'd like to name (I heard most recently from Jerry Snodgrass and Kyle McNeely), the Vector O is LEGAL until the new bat specs kick in in 2012.

[mkuk]

Per the NFHS press release:
A change to Rule 1-3-2 regarding bat specifications was made in the hope it will clarify bat compliance. The rule, which will be effective January 1, 2012, specifies that the bat should be a “smooth cylinder implement from the top of the cap to the top of the knob.”

“The committee was looking to clarify the rule and make the purchase of bats an easier process,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of educational services and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee. “We want to make sure that kids and parents know what is permissible.”

The change will also require that all non-wood bats meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, which is the standard used by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Formerly, non-wood bats had to meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) standard.

The new rule also states that non-wood bats must be labeled with a rectangular certification mark “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.” The new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities.

“After working with the NCAA and having access to its research, we’ve concluded it’s in our best interest to make this change,” Hopkins said. “BBCOR includes the BESR standard, so we’re actually expanding upon our current standard, which will be more appropriate for our age and skill level.”

[JJ]

Despite that rule book quote that the bat must be a "smooth cylinder", the Vector O bat IS LEGAL in FED this year, as is every bat that meets the BESR standards and it so marked. If you read your rule book it says the new BBCOR standards take effect in 2012.

Odds are it may NOT be legal in 2012, when the BBCOR standards take effect.

The Vector O is legal.

JJ

[Tim C]

The "Mattingly Bat" (which THRIVES on not being "cylindrical") is also legal.

The 2012 BBCOR rulings will eliminate the issue but for now the NFHS has said the bats are legal (a spring ruling last year). Note: Any STATE can declare the bats illegal.

T

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by JJ

Odds are it may NOT be legal NEXT year, when the BBCOR standards take effect.

JJ

I thought it was 2012.

[JJ]

My bad - it's 2012. I'm getting ahead of myself....

I change my OP.

JJ