Fast-pitch softball is governed on a national basis by the Amateur Softball Association of America, which sets rules for the sport including standards for bats. In 1999, the ASA instituted a Bat Certification Program, which specifies standards for all bats used in ASA games. Bats that fail to conform to these standards, or have otherwise been doctored or altered in some way, are banned from use by the ASA.
Basic Bat Rules
A bat used in ASA play cannot be more than 34 inches in length or 38 ounces in weight. The diameter of the largest part of the bat cannot be greater than 2.25 inches and it must be round within 0.05 inches in diameter. Bats can be made of wood, aluminum or composite materials. The ASA does not regulate bats based on material type. All bats must bear the ASA certification mark, except for wood bats.
ASA Bat Testing and Certification Program
All bats sanctioned for use in ASA games must meet ASA performance standards. The contract between the ASA and bat manufactures specify bat performance standards that prohibit a bat from being capable of producing a batted-ball speed that exceeds 125 feet per second. This standard is to foster competitive fairness, as well as player safety. Through the year, the ASA randomly selects bats from manufacturers to test for compliance. Bats found out of compliance are placed on the ASA list of non-approved bats, which can be found on the ASA's website.
Altered and Doctored Bats
The ASA rules also prohibit the use of bats that are intentionally altered or doctored to improve performance. For example, aluminum bats can be altered by thinning the barrel wall, which changes the flexing characteristics of the barrel to make the ball travel farther. Composite material bats can be doctored by using ABI or advanced breaking in techniques, such as applying heat or pressure to the bat barrel to give it improved performance. A player who enters the batter's box with an altered or doctored bat is disqualified from the game and may be disqualified from any remaining tournament games.
Warm-up Bats
Bats used solely for warming up a player on deck are permitted under ASA rules. These bats must be stamped with "WB" of both ends of the bat with the words "WARM-UP BAT" on the barrel. Safety grips and knobs must be included on the bat. The ASA rules provide a short list of approved warm-up bats.
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