**2012 Bat Rule**

January 1, 2012

TO: League Officials, Dixie Boys Baseball Officials

FROM: J. Sandy Jones, Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. Commissioner/CEO

RE: RULE REGARDING BATS FOR THE 2012 SEASON

Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. is very aware of the complexity of the bat issue. In an effort to assist our leagues as well as our Dixie officials, the following statement is issued regarding approved bats for the 2012 season. Please note that the rules differ by age divisions!

Dixie Boys (age 13-14)-The bat rule for this age group remains the same as the 2011 season.

 

Rule 1:10—Bats must be manufactured meeting specifications as determined by Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. NOTE: Should changes be made to the current bat standards an addendum to the rules will be issued by the Commissioner of Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc.

Wooden, metal, or graphite bats manufactured specifically for 13 and above Boys and Majors play which have a minimum 2 1/2 inch barrel to 2 5/8 inch barrel diameter are approved. Bats manufactured for use by 12 and under baseball programs shall not be used.

DB. There are no weight to length limitations.

Testing of "Senior League" bats isn’t concluded at this time. We will await the findings and make an informed decision based on scientific data as made available for our use. USA Baseball, the governing body of amateur baseball has previously issued the following statement.

USA Baseball has announced the conclusion of Phase One of its Youth Bat Testing Study. USA Baseball will now move to Phase Two testing. In Phase One, data were collected to determine bat and ball characteristics during actual batting. In Phase Two, data will be collected to determine bat characteristics in a lab setting. As previously stated, the objective of this testing is to ascertain if the BBCOR testing standard is applicable to the multitude of youth bat options (i.e. -11, -10, -9 weight differentials, etc.). Further questions can be directed to Paul V. Seiler, Executive Director/CEO of USA Baseball.

Dixie Majors Baseball (age 15-19) - Effective with the 2012 season, BBCOR is the approved bat standard for Pre-Majors & Dixie Majors Baseball. Note: The length-to-weight "difference" (i.e. -3) will be maintained through BBCOR standards. 

2012-13 Official Rules of Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. (New language inserted as related to bats)

Any player found to have used a bat that has been altered (shaved, rolled, etc.) will be immediately disqualified from further play and is subject to permanent dismissal from the program.

Point of Emphasis: The penalty for the use of a non-conforming bat is found under section 6:06(d)-MLB rulebook.