Banned Bat Status

To be eligible for SPO play, all bats must be approved by SPO. As a result of our discussions with the various softball associations, bat manufacturers and ,of course, the players it is felt that the most acceptable policy for our players is to use the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) bat policy. In addition, to maintain a competitive balance, these bats will be used with an appropriate ball as prescribed by SPO.

Only composite bats on the USSSA Licensed / Approved bat list are legal for use in 2012. To be legal they must be marked with the new or old "USSSA BPF 1.20" mark or for bats manufactured prior to 2004, marked "BPF 1.20". Wood bats or aluminum bats with the USSSA BPF 1.20 logo are still legal

Note: While the USSSA will only allow bats with the new USSSA mark in 2013, SPO will grandfatrer this rule one more year and will only allow bats with the new USSSA mark in 2014.

Note: Individual leagues, as always, have the ability to decide on their own bat policy for their league.

Reminder: If you buy a new model bat, make sure it has the "USSSA BPF 1.20" certificate mark on it.

NOTE: SPO, with the purchase of 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. Bat testers may be used at sanctioned events.

Make sure you know where your new "legal looking" bat has come from. Some illegal 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. Note: Bats with multiple standards listed must meet all the requirements of each of these standards.