2011 and 2012 Bat Restrictions

The following describes the official position of the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association (MBCA) regarding baseball bats for the 2011 and 2012 seasons:

http://www.massbca.com/#/2011-bat-rules/4547774802

The MIAA Board of Directors voted to follow the baseball bat standards established by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee. "Effective beginning the 2010-11 school year, composite bats shall be illegal until meeting the standards of 1-3-2(e)." A list of composite bats that are approved by the NFHS for the 2011 season (as of December 1, 2010), can be found here:

http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=4155

NFHS Rule 1-3-2(d) Through December 31, 2011, each aluminum bat shall meet the Ball Exit-Speed Ratio (BESR) performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark. NoBESR label, sticker or decal will be accepted on any non-wood bat.

NFHS Rule 1-3-2(e) Beginning January 1, 2012, all bats not made of a single piece of wood shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark. The certification mark shall be rectangular, a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color. Aluminum and composite bats shall be labeled as approved tamper evident, and be marked as to being aluminum or composite. This marking shall be silkscreen or other permanent certification mark, a minimum of one-half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.

For additional information, please reference the NFHS Baseball page:

http://www.nfhs.org/baseball.aspx