2012 Little League Rules

Little League Major Baseball Division and below

The moratorium on composite-barreled baseball bats remains in effect. However, some composite-barreled baseball bats that have been proven in laboratory testing to meet the BPF (Bat Performance Factor) standard throughout the life of the bat, through the Accelerated Break-In (ABI) process, have received waivers. That list is here: Licensed/Approved Composite 2 1/4 Bats.

Note that in the Little League Majors Baseball Division and below, there is no limit on the “drop” weight of any bat.

Junior League Baseball

The rule was updated to reflect the changes that were anticipated and published two years ago regarding bats with 2 5/8 inch barrels. As a result, composite-barreled baseball bats in this division, regardless of barrel size, must meet BBCOR (Batted Ball Co-Efficient of Restitution) standards, and must be so labeled. Note that all composite-barreled baseball bats that meet the BBCOR standard have a “drop” of no more than “minus-3.” However, in the Junior League Baseball division, bats that do not have composite materials in the barrel (i.e., all metal, all alloy, all wood), and meet all other applicable standards, can have ANY drop weight. Bats with a barrel of less than 2 5/8 inches also can be used in the Junior League Baseball Division, but must still comply with all other specifications noted.

Senior League Baseball and Big League Baseball

The rule was updated to reflect the changes that were anticipated and published two years ago regarding bats with 2 5/8 inch barrels. As a result, all bats with non-wood barrels must meet BBCOR (Batted Ball Co-Efficient of Restitution) standards, and must be so labeled. Because all BBCOR bats have a “drop” of no more than “minus-3,” this means all non-wood bats in these divisions must have a drop of no more than minus-3.


2012 Triple Crown Rules

Baseball 13u and Younger

All bats must be stamped BPF 1.15. Must be a baseball bat – no restriction on weight or length as long as bat has “BPF 1.15” stamp.

Baseball 14u

-5 or -3 weight/length ratio. All -5 bats must be stamped BPF 1.15. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR.

Baseball 15u and Older

-3 weight/length ratio only. All bats must be stamped BBCOR.



2012 USSSA Rules

Baseball 13u and Younger - Small Barrel (2 1/4" or less)

All bats must have new USSSA mark on its taper or have the old USSSA mark or be wood.

Baseball 14u and Younger - Big Barrel (2 5/8" or 2 3/4")

All bats must be stamped BPF 1.15 on the taper. All -3 must be stamped BBCOR.

Baseball 15u and Older

All bats must be stamped BBCOR and be NFHS Approved.



2012 High School Bat Rules

High School Bats must now be stamped BBCOR or be wood. What is BBCOR?