Slow Pitch Softball Bat Regulations

If you are an avid softball player, you know that slow pitch softball bats have many differences. Softball associations have determined that some bats provide an unfair advantage during game play and have developed rules and regulations to control their use. Popular manufacturers still produce illegal softball bats, and most sporting goods chains don't issue refunds on particular pieces of playing equipment, so before you make a purchase, familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations.

  1. Bat Composition

    • Slow pitch softball bats can be composed of aluminum alloy, titanium, fiberglass, graphite, or other materials. Inexpensive bats tend to be made of cheaper materials and may dent more easily after repeated use. Regulations require a closed barrel on all slow pitch bats regardless of the material it is made of. Players may also use wooden bats, which can be one solid piece of wood or sections that are secured together with an adhesive.

    Size and Weight

    • According to the United States Sports Specialty Association 2010 Official Slow Pitch Rule Book and National By-Laws, the bat must be no longer than 34 inches. The barrel of the bat cannot exceed 2 1/4 inches in diameter. The weight of the slow pitch softball bat must be equal to or less than 31 1/2 oz. If there are any additions to the bat, including hand grips or other items, they must be included in the official measurement of the weight. Should the umpire suspect that a bat is in violation, he may order the weight to be measured.

    Approval Stamps

    • Bats used during slow pitch games by teams that belong to the Amateur Softball Association league or the National Collegiate Athletic Association must have an ASA approval stamp on the bat. At the beginning of each game, the umpire will check each bat to ensure that it is approved for use. If a stamp is not present, the umpire will not allow any player to use the bat during the game.

    Hand Grips

    • Hand grips help the hitter retain her hold on the bat during her swing. Regulation hand grips include tape applied to a bat in a spiral fashion and leather or rubber stripping that contains an adhesive backing. No decals are allowed on the grips unless they are a permanent fixture on the grip's material. The grip must be at least 10 inches in length and cannot exceed 15 inches.