Bat Rules & Equipment Guidelines | EBSA
Bat Rules & Equipment Guidelines
EBSA follows the USA Baseball (USABat) standard for all youth baseball bats used in our league.
These standards were created by USA Baseball and are used by many national youth organizations to ensure that
non-wood bats perform at a safe, wood-like level.
Before purchasing a new bat, please review the information below and always check the official approved bat list at
USABat.com.
USA Baseball (USABat) Standard – Quick Overview
- USABat is the official bat certification standard for most youth baseball organizations.
- Bats that meet the standard display the USA Baseball certification mark on the bat.
- Non-wood and multi-piece wood bats must have the USABat logo to be legal for play.
- Solid, one-piece wood bats are allowed even without the USABat mark.
- USABat allows barrel diameters up to 2 5/8" as long as the bat is certified.
- USABat does not set a drop-weight limit, so lighter bats are allowed as long as they are certified.
For official FAQs, approved bat lists, and decertified bats, visit
USABat.com.
EBSA Baseball Bat Rules (4U–14U)
EBSA Baseball (4U–14U) follows the USABat standard for all non-wood bats.
Legal Baseball Bats for EBSA
- USABat-certified bats only (look for the USA Baseball logo on the bat).
- Barrel diameter up to 2 5/8" is allowed as long as the bat is USABat certified.
- Solid one-piece wood bats are allowed (with or without the USABat mark).
- Bats must be designed as youth baseball bats (no slow-pitch or softball-only bats in baseball divisions).
Not Allowed for EBSA Baseball
- Any bat with only a BPF 1.15 stamp and no USABat mark.
- USSSA-only stamped bats.
- BBCOR-only bats for younger divisions (generally high school/college bats).
- Any bat appearing on the USABat decertified list.
If a bat does not have the USA Baseball certification mark and is not a solid one-piece wood bat,
it should be considered illegal for EBSA baseball play, even if it was legal in prior seasons.
EBSA Softball Bat Rules (8U–14U)
EBSA Softball follows PONY Girls Softball bat guidelines. Softball bats are different from
USABat-certified baseball bats, and each must be used in the correct sport.
Legal Softball Bats for EBSA
- Bats must be designed specifically as fastpitch softball bats for youth play.
- Bats must be in good condition: no cracks, severe dents, rattles, or altered barrels.
- Length and weight should be appropriate for the player’s age and size (coaches can help with sizing).
Not Allowed for EBSA Softball
- Baseball-only bats used in softball play.
- Illegal or altered bats, including shaved or rolled bats.
- Bats with visibly damaged barrels, loose end caps, or unsafe grips.
If you are unsure whether a bat is appropriate for EBSA softball, please check with your coach or a board member
before bringing it into a game.
How to Check if a Baseball Bat is Legal
- Look for the USA Baseball (USABat) logo on the bat.
- Confirm the barrel is no larger than 2 5/8" in diameter.
- Check that the bat is not listed on the decertified bats list on USABat.com.
- When in doubt, search the bat model on USABat.com to confirm it is approved.
Helpful Links
If you have questions about whether a bat is allowed in EBSA, please email the board at
[email protected] or ask your coach before using it in a game.