Bats will be tested when
1) The protecting the pitcher rule is called.
2) When an umpire is hit by a batted ball.
3) Any time a ball is hit over the outfield fence for an out.
4) Upon request by a Director or Umpire.
The following procedure will be followed if one of the above occurs:
1.) The player/owner of the bat in question will be asked to give up his bat to be tested. If the player/owner of the bat in question refuses, a two-year suspension from all USSSA activity (without ANY APPEAL) will immediately be given. If the player/owner agrees to have the bat in question tested, go to Step 2. If the bat in question does not belong to the batter using the bat, the batter, too, shall face the same penalties as does the owner of the bat.
2.) The bat in question will be tested by the bat compression machine.
3.) If the bat in question passes, the bat will be given back to the player/owner of the bat. If the bat fails by a slight margin, go to Step 4. If the bat fails “significantly”, go to Step 5. “Significantly” is described as the bat testing at a pressure of 175 pounds or less.
4.) If the bat fails by a slight margin, the bat will be returned to the player/owner at the end of the event. However, the player/owner will be told NEVER to use the bat in any USSSA-sanctioned event again. If the player/owner is caught using the bat in the future at a USSSA-sanctioned event, then the player/owner will face a suspension, according to the USSSA rules and guidelines.
5.) If the bat fails “significantly”, the player/owner will be given two choices;
a.) the player/owner will allow the Director to keep the bat so it will be destroyed with no penalty; OR
b.) the bat will be sent to the manufacturer for further testing. If the manufacturer’s test shows the bat to be altered, a two-year suspension from all USSSA-sanctioned activity will be given to BOTH the player using the bat and the owner of the bat. If the bat comes back from the manufacture unaltered, the bat will be noted and not allowed back in USSSA play. If a player/owner of the bat refuses either choice, a two-year suspension from all USSSA-sanctioned activity will immediately be given.
(NOTE: A permission form will be completed by the player/owner anytime his/her bat fails a testing procedure. The player/owner in question will provide a copy of his/her driver’s license to the tournament official at that time.)
Any player/owner can elect to have their bats tested at anytime for $5.00 to insure their bats are in compliance but if the bat fails significantly, the same procedure will be followed and the same penalties will be enforced.