Advances in composite softball bat technology led to explosive performance and created safety concerns for players. In 2000, the Amateur Softball Association of America set a test standard that slow-pitch bats must meet to be used in championship play. Bats are tested at ASA-approved facilities. The ASA revised standards and testing procedures four years later and as of publication legal bats should now bear the 2004 ASA certification mark.
ASA Testing
Bat manufacturers seeking ASA certification send bat samples to approved labs for testing. Bats are the tested for the batted ball speed they generate. Bats may not generate batted ball speeds in excess of 98 miles per hour within the revised 2004 test procedure.
ASA Rules Regarding Bats
All bats having the 2004 certification mark will be allowed in championship play -- unless they have subsequently been placed on the ASA's banned list. Bats bearing the 2000 certification mark will not be allowed in championship play unless they are listed as approved on the Association website. Bats not bearing an ASA certification mark remain banned unless they were made before 2000 and the umpire believes they could pass an ASA certification test. Local ASA leagues and tournaments may alter the bat rules as they see fit.
Companies Producing Legal Bats
As of publication, several bat manufacturers produce slow-pitch softball bats that have earned ASA certification. They include Adidas, Akadema, Albin Athletics, Anderson Bat Company, Baden, Bass Gloves, Brett Brothers, Clapbat, Combat, Custom Bat Works, Decker, DeMarini, Easton, Gates Sports Company. Louisville Slugger, MacGregor, Mattingly, Miken, Mizuno, Nike, Nokona, Rawlings, Reebok, Rip-It Elite,Tino Sports, Toledo Sports Equipment, Viper, West Virginia Bat Co, Worth and X Bats. A full list of legal bats is available on the ASA website, www.asasoftball.com.
Grandfathered Bats
Some older bats had ASA "grandfather" protection that kept them legal despite failing the 2004 certification test. Effective Jan. 1, 2008, these slow-pitch bats were no longer legal for championship play: Easton Synergy 2, Miken Freak, Louisville Slugger models SB 304 and 404 and three Worth models -- XPST4, WWSCA and SBWKA.
ASA Field Testing
Bats that fail ASA field testing can end up on the Association's banned list, even if they earlier earned 2004 certification. In 2011, the ASA listed five examples: Combat VIRSP3 Lady Virus, Louisville Slugger FPC305 Catalyst (-8) and SB73V TPS Voltage, Nokona Tomahawk and Schutt Red or Silver.
Bat Doctoring
The performance of slow-pitch softball can be enhanced by a variety of doctoring procedures, including wall shaving or barrel shaving, painting, end or cap loading and accelerated break-in. The ASA has legislated against bat doctoring and educated umpires about how to spot doctored bats.
References
- Amateur Softballl Association of America: ASA Testing & Certification Program
- The Sport Journal: A Composite Softball Bat Revolution
- Amateur Softballl Association of America: Bat Doctoring 101
- Amateur Softballl Association of America: Grandfathered Bats
- Amateur Softballl Association of America: Non-Approved Bat List
- Amateur Softballl Association of America: Bat and Ball Certification Program
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