USABat Certification

As of January 1, 2018, many youth leagues have adopted the USABat certification to replicate wood-like performance in non-wood and wood-hybrid bats.

On January 1, 2018, the USABat certification label is required to be stamped on all bats used in many different organizations. The purpose of this new standard is to create wood like performance in non-wood and wood-hybrid bats and increase safety for all participants. This is very similar to the BBCOR standard which applies to leagues with older players like senior leagues, High School leagues, and even college leagues. The primary difference between BBCOR and USABat is that USABat does not have a -3 drop requirement (you can learn more about drop here) allowing for lighter bats which are great for smaller hitters.

Common Organizations

The USABat Certification is provided by USA Baseball and is supported by many organizations including Little League and Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken leagues.

  • AABC
    • Nolan Ryan
    • Pee Wee Reese
    • Gil Hodges
    • Willie Mays
    • Jackie Robinson
    • Roberto Clemente
  • Babe Ruth Baseball/Cal Ripken Baseball
    • Tee Ball
    • Cal Ripken Baseball
    • Babe Ruth Baseball (13-15) - BBCOR marked bats are also approved
  • Dixie Boys Baseball
  • Dixie Youth Baseball
  • Dizzy Dean Baseball
    • 6-12 year old divisions - BBCOR marked bats are also approved at all levels
  • Little League Baseball
    • Tee-Ball Division
    • Minor League Baseball Division
    • Little League Baseball (Major Division)
    • Intermediate (50/70) Division - BBCOR marked bats are also approved
    • Junior League Baseball Division - BBCOR marked bats are also approved
  • NABF
    • Rookie Division 10U
    • Freshman Division 12U
    • Sophomore Division 14U - BBCOR marked bats are also approved
  • Pony Baseball - BBCOR marked bats are also approved at all age levels
    • Shetland 6U
    • Pinto 8U
    • Mustang 10U
    • Bronco 12U
    • Pony 14U

Where can I get USABat certified baseball bats?

USABat certified bats are available at most any major sporting goods retailer, such as Epic Sports. Our full line of USABat certified baseball bats are available here: USABat Certified Baseball Bats.

Certification Marks

Here is what the USABat certification logo that is required to be on all approved bats looks like:

USABat Certification Image

Tee-Ball

While Tee-Ball bats are not required to be tested, they are still required to have a USABat certification label. If an older bat that was manufactured prior to the USABat standard is being used, it is required to have the below sticker on it which can be purchased directly from USA Baseball. Bats manufactured after the rule change that already have the logo are not required to have the sticker.

USABat Tee Ball Certification Image

Wood Bats

Solid, one-piece wood bats can be used with or without the certification logo.

More Baseball Resources

  • Baseball Glossary

    An alphabetical list of terms used in baseball

  • Baseball History

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  • Baseball Rules

    The following information provides a general overview of professional baseball rules and regulations.

  • Baseball Bat History

    A guide to parents and coaches about different kinds of baseball bats, what is appropriate for the particular age categories, and some tips on choosing the right kind of baseball bat for your team or youngster

  • BBCOR Certified Baseball Bats

    As of January 1, 2012, high school baseball in the US must use BBCOR certified baseball bats, and the prior BESR rating is no longer considered an accurate means of measuring bat performance.

  • USSSA Certifications

    The USSSA bat standard, also known as BPF 1.15, measures the trampoline effect of the bat.