2008 Softball Bat License Agreement from ASA
Not sure if you have heard any of the rumors regarding ASA floating around… Here is what has been passed on to us from a softball bat manufacturer.
Manufacturers recently received the 2008 License Agreement from ASA and have to sign it, and
submit it by the end of January. There is some uncertainty in the marketplace, as there is any time there is a change, or rumored change to the bat regulations.
1. There is no NEW Standard for ASA Bats. The ASA 2004 Certified Mark continues to identify bats as approved for ASA Championship Play. It is unlikely that ASA will make any formal announcement on “changes to the Standard”.
2. The ASA Standard still requires bats to perform below 98 mph, so the “speed limit” DOES NOT change.
3. To address industry concerns with altering/enhancing performance of existing composite models in the market place, whether through normal use, or methods used by individuals or so-called “Bat Doctors”, ASA has implemented an ABI or “Accelerated Break-In” component to its certification process to ensure composite bats continue to meet the Standard during their
useful life. This “ABI” protocol will be used only on composite bats.
4. Any existing composite models that meet the Standard but might be at risk under the ABI protocol will be phased out of production. Effective July 1, 2008, manufacturers will no longer sell such models. Manufacturers will have until October 1, 2008 to replace consumers’ bats with these models. This ensures that for the 2008 softball season, manufacturers will be able to honor any warranties on these models for the benefit of the consumer..
5. For clarification, since these models meet the ASA 2004 Standard, they will continue to be allowed for use in ASA Championship Play beyond the 2008 season for as long as their useful life. Further, dealers can still continue to sell the balance of their inventory of these models after the July 1, 2008 date. ASA will continue to monitor and test these models to determine whether a “grandfather” period would need to be defined. At this time, there is no “cease use” date for players and no “cease sell” date for dealers on these models.
ASA has taken steps to maintain the integrity of the game for the majority of the players and we applaud these efforts.
As I stated this was taken from an email I received from a bat manufacturer. I just thought I would share it with you.
