Any non-wood bat that has a barrel diameter greater than 2 5/8 inches is illegal. All non-wood bats must meet the following NFHS standards: a maximum barrel diameter of 2 5/8 inches; maximum length of 36 inches, a Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) silkscreen label on the bat; and in weight, the bat shall not weigh, numerically, more than three ounces less than the length of the bat (e.g., a 31-inch-long bat cannot be less than 28 ounces).
Non-wood bats 30 inches and under in length which have a greater than three ounce weight vs. length differential may be used provided the barrel diameter does not exceed 2 1/4 inches (e.g., a 29-inch-long bat may weigh 20 ounces and is legal provided the barrel diameter does not exceed 2 1/4 inches). The BESR label is not required on this type of bat.
Wood bats that are manufactured in accordance with National Federation rules may be used.Note: Effective January 1, 2006 no BESR label, sticker or decal will be permitted on any non-wood bat. All non-wood bats that require the BESR performance standard shall be labeled with a completely visible silkscreen or permanent certification mark. [1-3-2; 1-3-4]
The following are examples of legal and illegal non-wood bats:
| Length | Weight | Barrel Diameter | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 28 | 2 5/8" | Legal assuming BESR labeled |
| 30 | 20 | 2 3/4" | Illegal--Max. barrel diameter for a 30" non-wood bat that has a greater than minus 3 differential is 2 1/4" |
| 30 | 20 | 2 1/4" | Legal---BESR label not required |
| 32 | 29 | 2 5/8" | Legal assuming BESR labeled |
| 29 | 22 | 2 3/4" | Illegal--Max. barrel diameter for a 30" non-wood bat that has a greater than minus 3 differential is 2 1/4" |
| 31 | 25 | 2 5/8" | Illegal--All 31" and over bats must meet NFHS standards |
| 28 | 19 | 2 1/4" | Legal---BESR label not required |
| 31 | 28 | 2 3/4" | Illegal--Maximum barrel diameter for a non-wood bat is 2 5/8" |
| 30 | 19 | 2 1/4" | Legal---BESR label not required |
| 29 | 26 | 2 5/8" | Legal assuming BESR labeled |
| 32 | 22 | 2 1/4" | Illegal--All 31" and over bats must meet NFHS standards |
| 30 | 27 | 2 5/8" | Legal assuming BESR labeled |