BBCOR & USSSA Certified Bats

Most leagues require a bat that carries a specific certification stamp, and the wrong one can get a bat (or a player) removed from a game. These are the three main U.S. standards and where each is used.

BBCOR (-3)

BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) limits how “springy” a bat is so it performs close to wood. It is required in NCAA college baseball and in high school baseball under NFHS rules. BBCOR bats must have a length-to-weight ratio of -3 (for example, 33 inches and 30 ounces) and a barrel no larger than 2 5/8 inches. Look for the “BBCOR .50” certification mark on the taper.

USA Baseball

The USA Baseball bat standard (USABat), in place since 2018, is required in Little League, Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken, AABC, Dixie Youth and PONY. These bats are built to perform similar to wood and carry a “USA Baseball” stamp. They come in various drops (often -5 to -13) and barrels up to 2 5/8 inches.

USSSA

USSSA bats carry the “1.15 BPF” thumbprint stamp. They are used mainly in USSSA-sanctioned travel ball and many tournaments. They generally have more pop than USA Baseball bats and are not allowed in Little League or other USA Baseball leagues.

Quick reference

Before you buy

• Ask the league or tournament which stamp it requires. Some travel teams play in both USSSA and USA Baseball events.
• Check the approved and decertified bat lists published by the governing bodies; a few models get removed each year.
• Choose length and weight the player can swing with control. A bat that is too heavy slows the swing.

Sources: USA Baseball bat standard, NFHS baseball rules, USSSA.

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