| What you should know before buying equipment |
New Bat rule for 2009
Junior Divsion only
Use of 2 ¾-inch Diameter Bats no Longer Permitted
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Beginning with the 2009 Little League Baseball season, baseball bats with a diameter of 2 ¾ inches are no longer permitted for use in the Junior League Division of Baseball.
Baseball bats with a 2 ⅝-inch diameter are now the standard for all teenage baseball divisions (Junior, Senior and Big League).
The "minus-3" requirement - overall weight (in ounces) of a bat can be no more than three ounces below the overall length (in inches) of the bat - remains in effect in Senior and Big League Baseball divisions, but is NOT a requirement in Junior Baseball.
Also, in effect for the 2009 season is the requirement that all non-wood bats used in Little League Baseball Divisions and below shall be printed with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.15 or less.
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If you are considering the purchase of a new composite metal bat for use in Little League Baseball (Major Division and below), be sure that the bat you are purchasing has this marking of "BPF 1.15" on the barrel or handle of the bat. If not, it will not be allowed for play in Little League games.
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Little League officials are aware that there are bats for sale in stores, online or that may have already been purchased that are Little League approved, but do not have the required bat performance standard (BPF) markings. In fact, some of the bats on the Little League approved bat list may not carry the required BPF 1.15 marking on the bat, depending on when they were manufactured and licensed. Currently manufacturers are conducting an inventory and re-testing of all approved bats. The results of this study / retesting is to be finished by March 31, 2009. We are building a list of certain bats that are approved, but do not have the BPF marking due to special circumstances. For these bats, we are extending eligibility for play until December 31, 2009. As we are made aware of bats that meet our criteria for this extension, we will add them to the list. Please check this list regularly for updates. HOWEVER, ONLY BATS WITH THE BPF 1.15 MARKING AND THE BATS ON THIS LIST WILL BE ALLOWED FOR PLAY IN 2009.
Bats with the special exception include the following:
Adidas Vanquish Blue design (There is a newer model of this bat, also named the Vanquish and it has copper and black markings. It contains the proper labeling and therefore is not subject to the one-year rule).
DeMarini - Black Coyote, Rogue, Distance, Rumble, Tengu, Mach 10, Patriot
Easton - LZ-810, LZ-800, Stealth Optiflex LST 1,
Louisville Slugger - YB31
NIKE - Areo
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Please note that if your child has his/her own helmet, it is not permissable to write his/her name directly on it. However writing the name on the padding is allowed. It is also not permissable to paint or add stickers to the helmet.
Altering the helmet in any way voids the safety warranty of the helmet and it will not be allowed to be used during game play.
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- It is mandatory that all male players, regardless of age, wear a cup. The banana style with compression shorts/sliding shorts is recommended.
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- Cleats and a properly fitted glove are important
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