This is a note sent from the Division Director for the South Zone concerning T-Ball Bats:
MEMORANDUM
The purpose of this memo is a clarification of bats manufactured to be specifically used in Tee Ball play.
Effective January 1, 2018, all bats (except for -3 BBCOR certified bats) used in PONY play must be
certified and labeled with the USABat certification stamp. The location of the stamp will be on the barrel of the bat.
Bats specifically manufactured for use in Tee Ball play are subject to certification as well. Rule 8-C-1 in
the 2019 PONY rule book will not permit these bats to be used where the ball is pitched by a player,
coach or pitching machine. At first glance of this rule, it would appear Tee Ball labeled bats would be
permitted for use in games where the ball IS PLAYED WITH A LEVEL 5 while placed on a
tee for the batter to hit. However, the USABat certification stamp on the Tee Ball bat will have an
additional notation below the stamp, “ONLY FOR USE WITH APPROVED TEE BALLS”. The intent is for this
bat to be used with a low compression or reduced injury baseball sometimes referred to as a “safety ball”.
NOTE: Tee Ball bats (and only Tee Ball bats) purchased prior to the implementation of the new
standards may still be used in games. Stickers may be purchased which will have the USABat
logo and will also contain language “ONLY FOR USE WITH APPROVED TEE BALLS”.
These stickers must be placed on the barrel of the bat. The USABat Tee Ball Sticker program is
an initiative designed to allow for the sale and continued use of Tee Ball bats that were
manufactured prior to the implementation of the USABat standard. Tee Ball stickers will be
available while supplies last. Regardless of supplies, no sales will happen after May 31, 2018.
I strongly encourage all leagues to follow these rules in League play. Further consultation with your
League insurance carrier and/or attorney is recommended. It should also be noted, 2-1/4” and 2-5/8”
bats with the USABat licensing stamp are legal for Shetland Tee Ball league and tournament play.
Aii tournament play for 2019 for the South Zone Shetland Division (6 and Under) will be played with a Level 5 Safety Ball.
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In conjunction with USA Baseball and its other participating national member organizations, PONY Baseball has adopted the new USA Baseball bat standard (USABat). Effective January 1, 2018, with the exception of -3 (BBCOR certified), all other minus factor bats (-5, -7, -9, etc.), must be YBBCOR certified with the USABat licensing stamp on the bat in order to be used for league and tournament play. Minus factor bats -5, -7, -9, etc. used in 2017 will be illegal to use in 2018.
The new YBBCOR certified bats bearing the USABat licensing mark are expected to be offered in retail stores in September.
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JUNE 27 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT WEATHER REPORT. AFTER 3:00PM