What You Need To Know About The New USABat Standard For FBC League Play

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2019 ALL FBC REC LEAGUE PLAYERS MUST FOLLOW THE USA BAT STANDARD

Below, we’ve compiled answers to some of your most common questions, so that you can successfully navigate the transition and identify the right bat for your child and when to buy it.

Q: What is changing?
A: For FBC league play we will now allow for 2 1/4" and 2 5/8" bats if they have the new USA Baseball stamp.  USA Baseball, the sport’s national governing body, is adopting a new performance standard for youth baseball bats. You’ll hear this referred to as the USABat standard, or simply, USABat.   2 3/4" bats are still not allowed.

Q: Is FBC adopting the USABat standard for league play?
A: Yes, in that we will now allow for 2 5/8" barrels as long as they have the new USA Baseball stamp.  We will no longer allow 2 1/4" bats in our league play if the bat does not have the USA stamp.  

Q: How do I know if I have a USABat?
A: A picture of the stamp is below which needs to be visible on your player's bat.

Q: My son or daughter plays on a FBC sponsored travel team.  What bat can we use?
A: Please check with your coach to confirm the bat rules for a tournament's sanctioning body.  

Q: Why is the standard changing?
A: USA Baseball said when announcing the standard that its national member organizations “believe that a wood-like performance standard will best provide for the long-term integrity of the game.”

Q: When is the earliest I can buy a bat certified to the new USABat standard?
A: Youth baseball bats with the new USABat mark are available in all local sporting good stores. 

Q: Is there a list of approved bats?
A: Yes, USA Baseball has posted a list of approved bats at https://usabat.com.  A 2 3/4" bat with the USA Bat stamp is not allowed in FBC League play.

Still have questions? Email your age group commissioner and let us know, or leave a comment and we’ll do our best to answer.