2008 Approved Bats

To be eligible for SPO play, all bats must be approved by SPO. From our discussions with the various softball associations and bat manufacturers, we have determined that the most comprehensive testing policy is the new ASA testing criteria (ASA 2004).

For the 2008 season, SPO will follow the ASA 2004 Bat Certification Program.

Any bat that is not on the ASA certified bat list or is on the ASA Non Approved Bat list, or does not display the ASA 2004 certification mark will be illegal for SPO play in 2008.

*****Several previously legal bats are now banned in 2008. Details

Special Announcement from the ASA regarding the Mizuno Orange Crush bat 
There are models bearing the same model number of MZC-4. One has the ASA 2000 Certification stamp on it and is approved by ASA. The newer version, just recently introduced to the market, is on the Non-Approved list, does not have any ASA certification mark and is NOT APPROVED. The non-approved version has a clear graphic distinction with the word “Original” on the bat.

How to check your bat

 

What to check

Yes

No

Step 1

Is it on the non-approved list?

Bat is illegal

Go to step 2

Step 2

Does it have an ASA 2004 Logo?

Bat is legal

Go to step 3

Step 3

Does it have an ASA 2000 logo?

Go to step 4

Go to step 5

Step 4

Is it on the approved list?

Bat is legal

Bat is illegal

Step 5

Is it a pre-2000 bat (wood, early alloys CU31 &C405, etc.)?

Umpire may allow it

Bat is illegal

Complete details of the ASA policy including an up-to-date list of approved bats can be found on the ASA website.

Click here for the current ASA "Non Approved Bat" list.

Click here to view coloured pictures of the banned bats.

Reminder: If you buy a new model bat, make sure it has the ASA2004 certificate mark on it.

NOTE: SPO, with the purchase of several bat testing machines, has developed a strict policy to restrict the use of altered/illegal bats. Bat Testing Procedures
(Sanctioned tournament play) Any batter, after entering the batter's box, discovered using an altered or non-approved bat is immediately ejected and suspended for the rest of the tournament. In addition, there will be a review by the SPO Disciplinary Committee.

Make sure you know where your new "legal looking" bat has come from. Some illegal/banned bats are being repainted and sold as "legal" bats. These bats can be dangerous and if someone was injured by one of these altered bats you, the batter, and the person repainting/selling it, are liable and any liability insurance you have would be null and void. Ignorance of where the bat came from or that it had been altered is not an excuse. This also means you should be careful when borrowing a teammate's bat unless you know for sure it is a legal bat. SPO will deal very harshly with anyone discovered using such a bat,

BACK