2012 USSSA rule change regarding bat BPF
USSSA has implemented new rules for baseball bats beginning with the 2012 season. Every coach, parent and player should be aware of these new regulations so they can be in compliance for the 2012 Spring season.
Beginning in 2012, only bats with the new USSSA 1.15 BPF mark will be allowed in USSSA play. All other bats will no longer be allowed in USSSA play as of January 1, 2012.
MAA In-House, Power, and Metro Select teams all follow USSSA equipment standards. As such, beginning with the 2012 baseball season MAA will require compliance with the 2012 USSSA rule changes regarding eligible bats.
If you are considering purchasing a bat, please be aware that many bats, including ones players may have used for years, will not be eligible for use in 2012 if they exceed the 1.15 BPF standard, or are not clearly marked with a BPF rating. It is anticipated that many “Big Barrel”, Senior League, and composite bats will exceed the 1.15 BPF standard.
Beginning with the 2012 season all non-wood baseball bats (aluminum, composites and others) used in USSSA play shall be printed with a BPF ("bat performance factor") of 1.15 or less. Bats with a BPF higher that 1.15, or without a BPF printed (or not legible) on the bat, are not permitted for use.
Bat Performance Factor ("BPF") is the standard for bat safety. BPF is a measure of a non-wood bat's performance relative to wood bats. A BPF of 1.15 means that bat will perform at a rate of 115% to a similar-sized wood bat.
Most non-wood bats manufactured over the past few years have been permanently imprinted with the BPF. To comply with the new regulation, bats used USSSA play must display a BPF of 1.15 or less.
See the link to the USSSA rules below for more information on bat eligibility and BPF.
Steve Mathison
Baseball Ethics and Education Director
