An epiphany (bats)

[Dakota]

I have come to the conclusion that those states that require the bat to have the 2004 stamp and not be on the non-approved list are the only ones actually following the NFHS rule on bats. I think PA falls into the category. Good for them.

I never really paid much attention to the mongo approved list from ASA, taking them at their word that to be included on the list, a bat had to be tested and found to conform to the 2004 BPS. A careful reading of the list, however, shows that is not true. The majority of the bats on that list carry "approval" dates prior to 2004. Either the bat testing lab is contained in a souped up De Lorean or many of the bats on the "approved" list are approved based on the 2000 BPS.

I'll still follow my state's guidelines for bat inspections (throw out 2000 bats until the coach shows you the model on the approved list), but it is all hooey.

Whoever said 2000 stamp or 2004 stamp unless banned actually is saying the same thing without the step of requiring the coach to carry around a highlighted list.

I guess the high-sounding NFHS rule is actually a way to say "approved for ASA Championship Play" without having to reference the ASA rule book.