• What does this mean? Bat manufacturers agreed several years ago that the BPF (bat performance factor) of bats they are now manufacturing will not exceed a 1.15. The BPF is a formula that measures how fast a baseball comes off the bat. Starting on Jan. 1, 2009, however, all bats used in the Little League (Majors) Division and below must be designated (printed) with a BPF of 1.15 or less.

NOTE 4: Non-wood bats may develop dents from time to time. Bats that cannot pass through the approved Little League bat ring must be removed from play. The 2 ¼ inch bat ring must be used for bats in all softball divisions, and in the Tee Ball, Minor League and Little League Baseball divisions of baseball. The 2 ¾ inch bat ring must be used for bats in the Junior League, Senior League and Big League divisions of baseball.

• What does this mean? For a non-wood bat to become dented over time is normal. But some umpires have been disallowing bats that are slightly dented. As a result, Little League will providing a number of Little League Approved bat rings at no charge to every league for use in all divisions of play. Umpires who are active in the Little League Umpire Registry (details on joining the registry are here http://www.littleleague.org/umpires/index.asp) also will receive one bat ring at no charge. Additional bat rings may be purchased from Little League International or the Regional Center. The ring has holes for both sizes and is made of sturdy plastic. If the bat passes through the proper ring, it is “legal.” (Obviously, however, if a bat has visible cracks in it, it should not be permitted in a game.) You can see an example of the ring here: www.littleleague.org/media/images/LL_Bat_Rings.jpg

Rule 1.10 (softball only)
NOTE 3: Non-wood bats may develop dents from time to time. Bats that cannot pass through the approved Little League bat ring must be removed from play. The 2 ¼ inch bat ring must be used for bats in all softball divisions, and in the Tee Ball, Minor League and Little League Baseball divisions of baseball. The 2 ¾ inch bat ring must be used for bats in the Junior League, Senior League and Big League divisions of baseball.

• What does this mean? For a non-wood bat to become dented over time is normal. But some umpires have been disallowing bats that are slightly dented. As a result, Little League is providing five Little League Approved bat rings at no charge to every league for use in all divisions of play. Additional bat rings may be purchased. The ring has holes for both sizes. If the bat passes through the proper ring, it’s legal. (Obviously, if a bat has visible cracks in it, it should not be permitted in a game.) You can see an example of the ring here: www.littleleague.org/media/images/LL_Bat_Rings.jpg

Rule 1.16 and 1.17 (All levels of baseball and softball)
Warning! Manufacturers have advised that altering helmets in any way can be dangerous. Altering the helmet in any form, including painting or adding decals (by anyone other than the manufacturer or authorized dealer) may void the helmet warranty. Helmets may not be re-painted and may not contain tape or re-applied decals unless approved in writing by the helmet manufacturer or authorized dealer.

• What does this mean? It means if an umpire or other league official notices paint or a decal on a helmet, and if the a umpire/league official has reason to believe that the manufacturer or authorized dealer did not grant approval (in writing) for the paint or decal to be applied, that helmet should not be used in a game or practice.