ASA Wooden Bats

[NDblue]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I'll also note that this document was last updated in 2003.

I saw that also.

[Big Slick]

While working a slow pitch tournament a few weeks ago (being played under E class rules for HR purposes), two teams brought the same model wooden bat, model name is Chicago 16" and does have "official softball." Just one slight problem . . . the barrel is 2 5/8.

After a quick web search, it is made by Louisville Slugger, seems they make a 35" and 36" model.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

While working a slow pitch tournament a few weeks ago (being played under E class rules for HR purposes), two teams brought the same model wooden bat, model name is Chicago 16" and does have "official softball." Just one slight problem . . . the barrel is 2 5/8.

After a quick web search, it is made by Louisville Slugger, seems they make a 35" and 36" model.

Well, despite the fact that ASA now prohibits the use of bats with dents, that doesn't mean we should stop ringing the bats during the pre-game inspections.

You'd be amazed at what you can still find when you ring the bats these days. Might discover the next Picasso.

[Dutch Alex]

Hi folks,

I just got back from Prague, where I've worked an ESF (European Softball Fed.) male cup tournament. On monday we had the "bat-control", before competition started. One team showed up with two complete identical bats, however one did not have the requiered stamps from ASA and/or ISF. The other one did actually have them. This was probally due to the fact that the bats were just allowed by ASA and sold longer before they got the certificate. Since in our book the stamps on the bat are requiered, one bat was not allowed, the other was...

If a bat has the stamps, is not on the banned-list, not alltered and is in good shape then there is nothing why it should be banned. Otherwise; confiscate the bat and return it to the team after the competition...

[Tru_in_Blu]

Wood Bats:
The question was asked if a wood bat needs to have the ASA certification stamp on it. Rule 3 Section 1A… The official bat…. Must bear either the ASA 2000 Certification Mark or the ASA 2004 Certification Mark…. Rule 3 Section 1A makes no mention of materials so in Championship play a wood bat must have the ASA Certification mark on the bat.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Wood Bats:
The question was asked if a wood bat needs to have the ASA certification stamp on it. Rule 3 Section 1A… The official bat…. Must bear either the ASA 2000 Certification Mark or the ASA 2004 Certification Mark…. Rule 3 Section 1A makes no mention of materials so in Championship play a wood bat must have the ASA Certification mark on the bat.

I think it should be noted that they accidentally omitted one important section of the rule. If, in the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, the wood bat was manufactured prior to 2000 and if tested, would comply with the ASA Bat Performance Standard, it may be allowed.

Again, I'll reiterate my personal opinion that the performance of wood bats is certainly no more dangerous than any other ASA-approved bat. I wonder if ASA will make an exception in November.