Testing and evaluating of youth baseball bats has evolved into a science. So much so that the standard has also evolved to where USA Baseball, the national governing body for the sport of baseball in the United States, is adopting a new method for measuring bat performance in the testing of youth bats that will go into effect on January 1, 2018. The new USA Baseball bat standard (USABat), was developed by a USA Baseball committee of scientific experts.

Effective on January 1, 2018, Little League Baseball® will adhere to the new USABat standard. No bats previously approved for use in Little League Play (TBall through Little League) will be permitted to be used in any Little League game or practice, or other Little League function, event, or activity.

What this means for local Little Leagues, and Little League baseball players in the Tee Ball through Little League Divisions, is that all current Little League-approved bats can no longer be used starting in 2018.

Be aware that this new bat standard effects Little League Baseball only. There are no changes to the bat standard or regulations for Softball at this time.