Recently, notifications have been received from the NFHS regarding the rule compliance of specific baseball bats. These notifications are listed below to help clarify any questions during the upcoming season.
Marucci CAT5 33‐inch model
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has advised that the BBCOR decertification process has been implemented for the Marucci CAT5 33‐inch model. Effective immediately and until further notice, this bat (Marucci CAT5 33″ length) should be considered a non‐compliant bat and subject to NFHS Baseball Rules 4‐1‐3b and 7‐4‐1a.
Rip‐It Bat
Due to the positioning of the BBCOR .50 certification mark on the taper instead of on the barrel, the Rip‐It bat has been identified by umpires as being non‐compliant in some instances. This is the correct interpretation. However, the NFHS has had discussions with the Rip‐It management group about this issue and an agreement was worked out to extend an administrative remedy to permit Rip‐It bats to be allowed in high school competition. Therefore, the Rip‐It product with the BBCOR .50 certification mark on the taper of the bat instead of the barrel is compliant with the NFHS baseball rules due to an administrative remedy.
Another point regarding Rip‐It products, at some point last year, the NCAA de‐certified the Rip‐IT bat due to performance issues. The company recalled all the bats, repaired them and had them re‐certified. The bats that were repaired have a “re‐certified” sticker on the barrel. These bats are compliant because they now meet the BBCOR standard.
32‐inch Reebok Vector TLS non‐wood bat:
Please be advised that the BBCOR decertification process has been implemented for the Reebok Vector TLS 32‐inch model. Effective immediately and until further notice, this bat Reebok Vector TLS 32″ length should be considered a non‐compliant bat and subject to NFHS Baseball Rules 4‐1‐3b and 7‐4‐1a.
33‐Inch Reebok Vector TLS bat:
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has advised that the BBCOR decertification process has been implemented for the Reebok Vector TLS 33‐inch model. Effective immediately and until further notice, this bat (Reebok Vector TLS 33″ length) should be considered a non‐compliant bat and subject to NFHS Baseball Rules 4‐1‐3b and 7‐4‐1a.