I'm in the habit of checking bats with the ASA unapproved list in my hand, looking at the model, scanning the list, and 99% of the time never seeing the bat listed. Question: do I even need to look at the list or is the ASA stamp good enough in almost all cases? I know there are other factors making a bat unusable (cracks, dents, etc.)and of course its my judgement if it was manufactured before 2000 and would still pass. But is the presence of the stamp (along with the other factors) enough? Do I need to scan the list every time?

By the way, FED (if it matters).

I keep the list, printed in a small format, in my lineup wallet.
I personally know most of the banned bats on site but sometimes I need to check to make sure.

Last week, I had 3 banned bats from one team alone.
Just to double check myself, I looked at the list.

No flack from the coach at all.
Just a thank you.

Totally agree. I also have the list in small form cuz I can barely remember the count, much less a bat list.
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_7_18.gif
Older/damaged bats and balls big problem here..mainly cause everyones soo cheap/redneck.
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_4_150.gif

In Pennsylvania, the high school policy - stated by our PIAA - is that each team will have a bat list dated after 3/1 available for umpire use. If neither team has one, we walk to our vehicle to get our list and file paperwork with the PIAA stating that teams did not have their list. I carry a 4-page list of pictures of the banned bats. I have not found any banned bats this year, but I have in previous years. The problem bats I have found this year have been cracked.

By this time, I would think that you'd have the list pretty much memorized - there are not that many. I do not hold the list in my hand as my partner & I look at the bats.

More direct questions. If the bat has a stamp and is not damaged is it good to go? Are there bats that have a stamp and are still unacceptable? Do any bats on the banned list have a stamp?

From what I understand, this is not longer the case.

At the recommendation of the state high school atheletic office, we ask two questions to each coach at pregame: "Are all your players legally and properly equipped?" and "Is all your equipment legal?"

After that, if either team has a question about the other team's equipment, we note it and report it to league office. They deal with it.

Me personally... I also don't bring a ruler to measure glove diminsions, have them draw coach's boxes if they are not marked, nor inspect belly buttons for illegal jewelry.

There are no bats on the banned list that will have the 2004 stamp so if the 2004 stamp is there then you know it is good.

But there are bats on the banned list that may have the 2000 stamp. These were the original group of manufacturer cheats that ASA discovered.

Go to http://www.cactusumpires.com.

On the home page, there are links to the correct infromation on bats and the requirements for NFHS, ASA, and NCAA. It's clear and concise.