Composite Bat Policy
In the baseball arena, there has been much discussion about the usage and safety about composite-barrel and composite-handle bats in baseball. OYO has formed a committee to fully understand the various factors involving these specific types of bats. Efforts have ranged from talking with officials from Babe Ruth League association to assessing policies set by neighboring leagues; from researching the impact of the bats to understanding future usage policies at high school and college levels; and from reviewing how many players already own composite-related bats to safety concerns.
Download the attached summary for full details. If changes are made to the following policies, they will be posted here and communicated league-wide to all our families.
2011 Policy
OYO will not institute any bat restrictions related to composite-barrel or composite-handle bats for any baseball team or baseball player participating in a game at OYO during 2011. Therefore, all such bats are legal so long as they are in accordance with other bat-specific rules for each league (e.g. barrel diameter or drop limits). This rule is in effect, unless otherwise noted, for both the 2011 Spring and 2011 Fall seasons.
The only exception to this rule is any Babe Ruth player representing OYO on one of its travel teams must adhere to Babe Ruth’s policy on composite bats and use only eligible bats as listed on Babe Ruth’s website.
This does not apply to our softball leagues. However, as always, an approved softball bat must have an ASA or NSA 2004 approval sticker to be used.
2012 Policy
OYO will strictly follow all Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken policies on composite bat usage for all our baseball leagues. The league will adhere to the organization’s published policies for both its 2012 Spring and 2012 Fall seasons.
Again, at this time, this does not apply to our softball leagues. However, as always, an approved softball bat must have an ASA or NSA 2004 approval sticker to be used.
Key Considerations When Selecting A Baseball Bat for Your Ballplayer
As the usage of composite bats continues to be reviewed and refined, OYO offers the following considerations for players and families purchasing new baseball bats:
- Spend your money wisely as it is possible the composite bat could be banned by Babe Ruth and/or Cal Ripken prior to the 2012 season.
- All Central Indiana baseball leagues are continuing to evaluate and set policies related to composite bats.
- Colleges are banning composite bats effective 2011 season (this year).
- Indiana high schools are banning composite bats beginning the 2011-12 academic year.
- Some travel tournaments may not allow composite bats. Coaches should check rules prior to registering for tournaments and players should check with coaches on which bats are acceptable.
