Here is the complete rule:
Bat Testing Protocols
The NCAA Baseball Rules require all nonwood bats used during competition
be reviewed by baseball bat testing conducted prior to each regular season series
or single date of competition. A bat must satisfy all sections of the bat testing
process to be compliant for competition. Bats failing any section of the testing
protocol The purpose of this testing is to ensure that legal equipment is used in
competition. Rule 4.4.c requires that coaches confirm that their team is playing
with legal equipment.
All bats used during competition must appear on the NCAA Approved Bat List,
pass the barrel ring test and barrel compression testing. Bat testing is required
for all NCAA competition during the 2021 with one exception. Bat barrel
compression testing will be required for NCAA Division II and III members
beginning with the 2022 NCAA championship segment.
Bat Testing Procedure
SECTION 1. Bat testing consists of three parts:
a. Visual Inspection of the Bat The bat shall be visually inspected to ensure the
following:
1) Ensure that the bat model appears on the approved bat list
2) Ensure the bat does not appear on the NCAA non-compliant bat list.
3) Ensure the bat does not have flat spots.
4) Ensure the bat does not have audible rattle.
5) Ensure the bat does not have a cracked or loose knob or end cap, or
attachments.
b. Ring Test The bat shall pass through an approved ring to verify that the bat
does not exceed the maximum diameter and that the barrel is not misshapen.
To conduct the ring test, the following steps shall be followed:
1) Place the bat end cap on the ground and place the bat ring over the knob
letting it fall.
2) If the ring passes over the bat from gravity alone (without force), the
diameter passes.
3) If the bat passes through the ring, it proceeds to barrel compression testing.
4) If the ring does not pass over the bat, the bat is unacceptable for play and
is surrendered for the duration of the game/series.
c. Barrel Compression Test Procedure The bat shall be compressed by an
approved barrel compression fixture. The compression device shall be
calibrated prior to beginning testing for the series or game.
1) Calibrate fixture - To check the calibration of the device, insert the
calibration cylinder (provided with the tester) just as you would a bat. Be
sure to center the cylinder under the anvil. Turn the gauge until it reads "0
118 Appendix G / Bat Testing Procedures
lbs." and pull the cam level. The compression should meet the tolerance
engraved on the cylinder. If the device is not calibrated, contact the LV
Sports customer service line with any questions.
After calibrating the fixture, all nonwood bats shall be tested in two location
on the barrel using the following process:
2) Barrel compression test.
3) Each bat will be tested approximately six (6) inches from the end of the
barrel. The bat will then be rotated 90 degrees and tested again.
4) Bats will be tested a maximum of three times, until it receives two passing
results or two failing results, whichever comes first.
5) If after tests:
a. The bat has two passing results, the bat will be considered approved for
competition.
b. The bat has one passing result and one failing result, the bat will be
removed from the machine and be visually inspected for cracks. If no
cracks are found, the bat will be tested a third time for a final result.
c. The bat has two failing results, the bat will be considered unacceptable
for play and is surrendered for the duration of the game/series.
d. If the compliance or non-compliance of a bat is questioned, game
management will request final review by the umpire crew chief or
umpire crew prior to a team's first game at a neutral site venue or
tournament.
Identifying Approved Bats
SECTION 2. Bats passing bat testing shall be identified as approved with a
tamper proof sticker at the taper area of the bat. The taper area is the area at the
bottom of the barrel, just above the handle.
a. Series at campus location Bats shall be tested prior to the first game of
the series. Bats shall be identified as passing by placing the opposing team's
tamper proof sticker on the bat.
b. Single date of competition at campus or neutral location Bats are shall
be tested prior to all single dates of competition at a campus or neutral site
location. Bats shall be identified as passing by placing the opposing team's
tamper proof sticker on the bat.
c. Tournament or neutral site events Bats shall be tested prior to the first
contest during a tournament or neutral site event. Bats shall be identified as
passing with a tournament or event tamper proof sticker provided by the host
institution or entity.
d. The tamper proof sticker shall be applied to the same location on the bat
to allow a single tamper proof sticker for the applicable game, series or
tournament shall be the prominently visible sticker to identify the bat a
compliant.
Location and Time of Testing
SECTION 3. The location of bat testing shall be identified to the participating
teams no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled start of competition.
a. Single game, doubleheader or single opponent series.
1) Testing should occur prior to each team's practice time or at an agreed
upon time by mutual agreement of the participating schools. Conferences
can establish a designated testing by for conference games.
Appendix G / Bat Testing Procedures 119
2) Testing must be conducted with representatives from both teams and a
game management present.
3) Coaches or team designee will bring all bats to the testing location.
4) Testing should be conducted away from public view.
b. Tournament or multi-team event.
1) Testing should occur at an agreed upon time with the tournament host
prior to the team's first competition. Bat testing is valid through the
conclusion of the event.
2) Testing must be conducted by the host with the team representative
present.
3) Coaches or team designee will bring all bats to the testing location.
4) Testing should be conducted away from public view.
Procedure for Failed Bats
SECTION 4. Bats that fail any part of the bat testing protocol shall be
surrendered to game management and be retained for the duration of the game,
series or tournament for being unacceptable for play.
Barrel Compression Testing Equipment
SECTION 5. Barrel compression testing equipment is required to conduct
barrel compression testing.
Stickers
SECTION 6. Bat stickers shall made of a destructible material, so that the
sticker is not transferrable from one bat to another. Bats that pass the testing
process shall be identified with the opposing team's sticker for the single game,
doubleheader or single opponent series throughout the season. Bats that pass
the testing process shall be identified with the tournament/event or conference's
sticker at for tournament or multi-team events. The sticker shall remain visible
during the contest, series or tournament.
The sticker shall be placed at the taper, the area at the bottom of the barrel,
Bat Testing Protocols
The NCAA Baseball Rules require all nonwood bats used during competition
be reviewed by baseball bat testing conducted prior to each regular season series
or single date of competition. A bat must satisfy all sections of the bat testing
process to be compliant for competition. Bats failing any section of the testing
protocol The purpose of this testing is to ensure that legal equipment is used in
competition. Rule 4.4.c requires that coaches confirm that their team is playing
with legal equipment.
All bats used during competition must appear on the NCAA Approved Bat List,
pass the barrel ring test and barrel compression testing. Bat testing is required
for all NCAA competition during the 2021 with one exception. Bat barrel
compression testing will be required for NCAA Division II and III members
beginning with the 2022 NCAA championship segment.
Bat Testing Procedure
SECTION 1. Bat testing consists of three parts:
a. Visual Inspection of the Bat The bat shall be visually inspected to ensure the
following:
1) Ensure that the bat model appears on the approved bat list
2) Ensure the bat does not appear on the NCAA non-compliant bat list.
3) Ensure the bat does not have flat spots.
4) Ensure the bat does not have audible rattle.
5) Ensure the bat does not have a cracked or loose knob or end cap, or
attachments.
b. Ring Test The bat shall pass through an approved ring to verify that the bat
does not exceed the maximum diameter and that the barrel is not misshapen.
To conduct the ring test, the following steps shall be followed:
1) Place the bat end cap on the ground and place the bat ring over the knob
letting it fall.
2) If the ring passes over the bat from gravity alone (without force), the
diameter passes.
3) If the bat passes through the ring, it proceeds to barrel compression testing.
4) If the ring does not pass over the bat, the bat is unacceptable for play and
is surrendered for the duration of the game/series.
c. Barrel Compression Test Procedure The bat shall be compressed by an
approved barrel compression fixture. The compression device shall be
calibrated prior to beginning testing for the series or game.
1) Calibrate fixture - To check the calibration of the device, insert the
calibration cylinder (provided with the tester) just as you would a bat. Be
sure to center the cylinder under the anvil. Turn the gauge until it reads "0
118 Appendix G / Bat Testing Procedures
lbs." and pull the cam level. The compression should meet the tolerance
engraved on the cylinder. If the device is not calibrated, contact the LV
Sports customer service line with any questions.
After calibrating the fixture, all nonwood bats shall be tested in two location
on the barrel using the following process:
2) Barrel compression test.
3) Each bat will be tested approximately six (6) inches from the end of the
barrel. The bat will then be rotated 90 degrees and tested again.
4) Bats will be tested a maximum of three times, until it receives two passing
results or two failing results, whichever comes first.
5) If after tests:
a. The bat has two passing results, the bat will be considered approved for
competition.
b. The bat has one passing result and one failing result, the bat will be
removed from the machine and be visually inspected for cracks. If no
cracks are found, the bat will be tested a third time for a final result.
c. The bat has two failing results, the bat will be considered unacceptable
for play and is surrendered for the duration of the game/series.
d. If the compliance or non-compliance of a bat is questioned, game
management will request final review by the umpire crew chief or
umpire crew prior to a team's first game at a neutral site venue or
tournament.
Identifying Approved Bats
SECTION 2. Bats passing bat testing shall be identified as approved with a
tamper proof sticker at the taper area of the bat. The taper area is the area at the
bottom of the barrel, just above the handle.
a. Series at campus location Bats shall be tested prior to the first game of
the series. Bats shall be identified as passing by placing the opposing team's
tamper proof sticker on the bat.
b. Single date of competition at campus or neutral location Bats are shall
be tested prior to all single dates of competition at a campus or neutral site
location. Bats shall be identified as passing by placing the opposing team's
tamper proof sticker on the bat.
c. Tournament or neutral site events Bats shall be tested prior to the first
contest during a tournament or neutral site event. Bats shall be identified as
passing with a tournament or event tamper proof sticker provided by the host
institution or entity.
d. The tamper proof sticker shall be applied to the same location on the bat
to allow a single tamper proof sticker for the applicable game, series or
tournament shall be the prominently visible sticker to identify the bat a
compliant.
Location and Time of Testing
SECTION 3. The location of bat testing shall be identified to the participating
teams no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled start of competition.
a. Single game, doubleheader or single opponent series.
1) Testing should occur prior to each team's practice time or at an agreed
upon time by mutual agreement of the participating schools. Conferences
can establish a designated testing by for conference games.
Appendix G / Bat Testing Procedures 119
2) Testing must be conducted with representatives from both teams and a
game management present.
3) Coaches or team designee will bring all bats to the testing location.
4) Testing should be conducted away from public view.
b. Tournament or multi-team event.
1) Testing should occur at an agreed upon time with the tournament host
prior to the team's first competition. Bat testing is valid through the
conclusion of the event.
2) Testing must be conducted by the host with the team representative
present.
3) Coaches or team designee will bring all bats to the testing location.
4) Testing should be conducted away from public view.
Procedure for Failed Bats
SECTION 4. Bats that fail any part of the bat testing protocol shall be
surrendered to game management and be retained for the duration of the game,
series or tournament for being unacceptable for play.
Barrel Compression Testing Equipment
SECTION 5. Barrel compression testing equipment is required to conduct
barrel compression testing.
Stickers
SECTION 6. Bat stickers shall made of a destructible material, so that the
sticker is not transferrable from one bat to another. Bats that pass the testing
process shall be identified with the opposing team's sticker for the single game,
doubleheader or single opponent series throughout the season. Bats that pass
the testing process shall be identified with the tournament/event or conference's
sticker at for tournament or multi-team events. The sticker shall remain visible
during the contest, series or tournament.
The sticker shall be placed at the taper, the area at the bottom of the barrel,
