SSUSA MODIFIES BAT STANDARD

Feb. 1, 2010

SACRAMENTO – Senior Softball-USA announced on Jan. 21 a change in its bat standard based on recommendations from Dr. Richard Brandt, who established the original 1.20 bpf standard.

“The purpose of this modification of the standard,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive officer, “is to accurately reflect the following changes in testing procedures:

1. “The equipment used to test bats has changed since the original 1.20 bpf standard was developed.

2. “The balls used in the test are no longer available so the higher compression balls are being used.”

Bats meeting the original 1.20 bpf standard, test at 1.21 bpf using the new equipment and higher compression balls, according to Brandt.

In order to ensure that all manufacturers are required to meet the same specifications, the maximum standard for Senior Softball-USA will be 1.21 bpf using Brandt’s new equipment and higher compression balls.

“The effect of this ruling is to provide an equal playing field for all manufacturers to produce comparable bats,” said Hennessy. “It does not remove any of the currently approved bats from play.”

This standard goes into effect immediately, said Hennessy.