NFHS RULES-COMPLIANT BATS LISTED ON THE INTERNET

A searchable bat model link is made available by the University of Massachusetts – Lowell Baseball Research Center (UMLBRC). The UMLBRC summarizes bats that have been submitted for and passed the Ball-Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) and Batted-Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) certification tests for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The certifications are intended to limit bat performance at or near the maximum performance limits of a wood bat, thereby minimizing additional risks and promoting the sound traditions of the sport.
The UMLBRC does not test bats specifically for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Their results, however, provide an opportunity for interested parties to check if a particular bat is compliant with NFHS high school playing rules.

The NFHS has banned hollow composite bats unless they remain BESR-compliant after undergoing the Accelerated Break-In (ABI) protocol. The ABI is intended to confirm that as such bats break-in, their performance does not improve beyond the BESR ball exit speed limit. For the 2010-2011 academic school year, and through December 31, 2011, the following types of bats are legal:

1. Any aluminum BESR bat (listed as category A on the UMLBRC site),
2. Any aluminum barrel BESR bat (listed as category A on the UMLBRC site),
3. Any non-hollow (filled core) composite BESR bat (listed as category D on the UMLBRC site),
4. Certain approved hollow composite BESR baseball bats (found on the NFHS website at http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=4155),
5. Any solid (one piece) wood or wood laminate bat (listed as category B on the UMLBRC site),
6. Any aluminum or composite BBCOR bat (anticipated delivery date to retail stores and online outlets late fall/early winter).

The UMLBRC list is located at http://www.mme.wsu.edu/~ssl/certified/besr/certified.html.

For bats that meet NFHS high school playing rules until December 31, 2011, go to the “League Approval” drop-down list (located at the bottom of the page) and select “NCAA 2010 Season”.

For bats that meet NFHS high school playing rules on and after January 1, 2012, go to the “League Approval” drop-down list and select “NCAA 2011+ Seasons”. The UMLBRC is responsible for updating and maintaining the list. Other leagues or rules organizations may not require the ABI process or adopt the NFHS position on banning hollow composite bats.

If you have any questions, please contact the NFHS at baseballbatlist@nfhs.org

To download this memo in PDF form, click here.