Updated October 23, 2002.

 

2002-03 IHSAA SOFTBALL

 

BANNED SOFTBALL BATS

The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) recently banned several bat models for failing to meet performance standards when randomly tested.  The bats in question were at one time certified, as the specific model met the standard when originally tested. 

 

NFHS Softball Rule 1-3-5 states that, "All bats shall meet the ASA bat performance standard and such bats shall be labeled with the permanent ASA approved certification mark."

 

Therefore, since the ASA has determined that these particular models no longer meet the ASA standard, they would no longer be in conformance with NFHS rules.  Please know random testing is ongoing and could result in more bats being banned.

 

ASA has established a "re-certification" process for manufacturers of banned bats.  It involves those who have purchased or in possession of one of the bats sending it back to the manufacturer (at their cost) to retrofit or rebalance the bat to correct the problem.  The manufacturer will then label the bat with the "re-certification" mark.

 

The following link will give you the most recent information regarding ASA banned bats:

http://www.asasoftball.com/about/asabannedbats.pdf

 

Until further notice otherwise, bats of the following models that do not contain an ASA re-certification mark are no longer allowed in ASA and IHSAA contests:

 

Manufacturer                     Model
DeMarini                               B-52

DeMarini                               Doublewall Classic

DeMarini                               Doublewall Distance

DeMarini                               Fatboy

Easton                                   STS4

Louisville Slugger                SB103 (a.k.a. Genesis)

Miken                                     Velocit-E Ultra (Balanced)

Miken                                     Velocit-E Ultra (Maxload)

Steele’s                                 Triple XXX

Worth                                     3DX (Slow pitch only)

Worth                                     EST5

Worth                                     EST23

Worth                                     ESTL

Worth                                     PST (a.k.a. PST 137)

Worth                                     SSEST

 

 

 

ASA Bat Certification Program FAQ’s

 

Q:           Why did ASA start banning bats in the middle of the season?

A:             ASA has the right under its standard contract with participating bat manufacturers to conduct periodic and random audits of certified bats throughout the year for the purpose of verifying compliance with the ASA Bat Performance Standard.  Once ASA determines that a particular bat model does not comply with that standard, ASA has the right under that contract with the participating manufacturer to immediately withdraw that bat model from ASA Championship Play until further notice.

 

Q:           The bat I own has the ASA certification mark on it.  Why was it banned?

A:             When a participating manufacturer designs a new bat model, one or more samples are submitted for testing to determine if the model satisfies the ASA Bat Performance Standard.  Periodic random testing is then conducted to verify compliance.  These provisions are part of the standard contract with participating bat manufacturers, which also provide that noncomplying bats will be immediately withdrawn from ASA Championship Play until further notice.  In mid-2002, ASA learned that one cause for some (but not all) bat models falling out of compliance is that the manufacturer made a design change to the bat after it was initially approved but failed to verify that the new design complied with the ASA standard.

 

Q:           Will more bats be banned by the ASA?

A:             ASA has made announcements on July 31, 2002 and August 29, 2002, withdrawing bats from ASA Championship Play until further notice.  If manufacturers are found to have made and sold more bat models that do not comply with the ASA Bat Performance Standard, ASA will likely have no other alterative than to issue further announcements.

 

Q:           Where can I find a list of approved bats?

A:             The “Certified Equipment” section of the ASA Website, www.asasoftball.com, contains a list of all approved bats as well as a list of all noncomplying bats.