How new USABat regulations will be implemented in Australia
All Little League International Divisions
As of January 1, 2018 Little League International will be adopting new bat regulations and aligning the USA Baseball bat standard (USABat). However, Baseball Australia will continue with current bat regulations for all Little League, Intermediate League, Junior League and Senior League domestic competitions until September 1, 2019. The aforementioned USABat implementation date in Australia reflects both the timing of the domestic season, as well as the availability of stock in Australia following the official USA manufacturing release in late 2017. Please be aware it will be permissible to utilise USABat compliant bats in all Little League, Intermediate League, Junior League and Senior League domestic competitions from January 1, 2018 as they become available in the Australian market. Please note that all Australia Region Championship teams (including Little League, Junior League and Senior League) participating in International tournaments (World Series and/or Asia Pacific Championships) will be required to adhere to the Little League International bat regulations (USABat) from 2018.
National Youth, Youth Women’s and Women’s National Championships
Current Baseball Australia bat regulations will remain in effect until further notice. BA will continue to monitor the introduction of USABat and other international regulations, including the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) norms, to keep members updated of any potential changes. Members of National representative teams travelling outside Australia will be required to adhere to regulations imposed by the host at the time of the tournament and these also may not align with Baseball Australia domestic regulations.
USABat Implementation Timeframe:
1 Little League: September 1, 2019
2 Junior League: September 1, 2019
3 Senior League: September 1, 2019
4 NYC: U16: No Change
5 NYC: U18: No Change
6 National Women’s: No Change
7 National Youth Women’s Championships: No Change