As of January 1st, 2011, bats in high school and college level baseball bats must meet BBCOR standards. Here’s what BBCOR means:
Courtesy of Baseballbatreviewblog.com
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the governing body of High School Baseball, is changing their bat rules to match NCAA rules. This means bats illegal in NCAA play will be illegal in High School starting in the 2011 season. The NCAA began banning 100% composite bats last year. This constitutes a tsunami of changes that will turn the baseball bat industry on its head! Here’s what’s going on.
The rule changed is NFHS 1.3.2, which requires (starting 1/1/12) all non-wood bats to meet the Batted Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) standard. This is a much stricter standard than the old BESR standard.
So why is this happening? According to the NFHS, “the new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities”. They say “After working with the NCAA and having access to its research, we’ve concluded it’s in our best interest to make this change”. “BBCOR includes the BESR standard, so we’re actually expanding upon our current standard, which will be more appropriate for our age and skill level. The new BBCOR standard becomes the rule for NCAA in 2011 and in High School for 2012.
Don’t fret, TAI Sports will be carrying BBCOR bats to keep you hitting legit.
More info to be posted soon. Stay tuned!
The Elite Sports Blog 