Helmets
Every player who comes to bat in our in-town recreational program, whether at practice or during a game, must wear a batting helmet. For all age groups up to the major league level, the helmets must be fitted with a facemask. Pony league members are not required to wear facemasks.
Be sure that the helmet fits comfortably and that it is snug enough that it stays in place when the player moves his or head around. A helmet that is so loose that it slides around the head will impede the player’s vision and interfere with batting and running. Some helmets are adjustable, so that they can be adjusted to be made tighter.
Bats
For Baseball, the VBSL follows bat rules that are consistent with Little League and the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Leagues.
For minors and majors on 46/60 diamonds the following bat rules will apply.
- The bat may not exceed 33" in length, and the bat barrel may not exceed 2 1/4" in diameter. Only 2 1/4" barrel non-wood bats marked BPF 1.15 will be allowed. Wood 2 1/4" barrel bats are allowed.
For all ages playing on 50/70 diamonds the following bat rules will apply.
- It shall not be more than 34 inches in length; nor more than 2 5/8 inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30”) at its smallest part.
- All aluminum/alloy barrel bats and all composite handle (only) aluminum/alloy barrels are allowed.
- Only composite barrel bats certified and marked BBCOR .50 will be allowed. All composite barrel bats shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall be so labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark.
For all ages playing on 60/90 diamonds the following bat rules will apply.
- The bat may not exceed 34" in length and the bat barrel many not exceed 2 5/8" in diameter or be greater than a -9 length to weight ratio. Only metal/composite bats certified and marked BBCOR .50 are allowed. If wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30") at its smallest part.
- All bats not made of a single piece of wood shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard.
- Aluminum and composite bats shall be marked as to their material makeup being aluminum or composite. This marking shall be silkscreen or other permanent certification mark.
In all divisions, wood bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for a distance not exceeding sixteen (16) inches from the small end. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited.
The 2¾ inch in diameter bat is not allowed in any division.
An illegal bat must be removed. Any bat that has been altered shall be removed from play.
For Softball, please note there are no weight-to-length ratios. All bats must conform to ASA standards, designated by either the ASA 2000 certification mark or the ASA 2004 certification mark, or must be included on a list of approved bat models published by the ASA, and must be marked, “Official Softball” by the manufacturer.
Remember that bats come in all sizes, and that any bat you buy should be appropriate for your player’s size and strength.
