Playing Equipment Inspection: Baseball and Softball Bats

Prior to the start of any Little League® game, it is the responsibility of the managers and coaches to inspect the condition of the playing equipment to be used by the players participating in the ensuing game. The manager of each team is responsible for ensuring that all equipment is legal and proper for play according to Little League rules.

Beginning with the 2025 season, it is no longer the responsibility of the umpires to inspect equipment for either team. However, the Plate Umpire will confirm with the managers of both teams at the plate conference that all equipment is proper and legal for play according to Little League rules.

All baseball bats to be used in the Major Division and below, must be affixed with the USABat Standard marking, and deemed to be in accordance with Little League Rule 1.10 as outlined in the current edition of the Little League Rules, Regulations, and Policies. In Little League Baseball Intermediate 50/70, Junior, and Senior Divisions BBCOR bats are permitted. In each instance, all bats that may be used in the ensuing game must be void of any physical damage, or an altered state, that would prevent the bat from complying with the USABat Standard.

It is strongly recommended that the managers and coaches of teach team complete this inspection process. If a piece a bat is deemed unsafe, it must be immediately removed from the dugout.

Like all application of Little League rules, decisions are made in accordance with the current rules, regulations, and policies.

It is the responsibility of the team manager to understand this process, and why it is to be done prior to each game.