The NFHS Softball Rules Committee made the determination that clarification was needed to ensure each batter comes to the plate with a bat displaying the proper certification mark making it legal for use in high school play.  Bat manufacturers produce several models of bats for multiple organizations.  These different models are often custom designed to meet the specific organizations’ individual certification requirements.  Bats that are custom designed for one organization may only bear that organization’s certification mark.  Conversely, a large number of these bats are designed to meet several organizations’ requirements and will bear multiple organizations certifications marks - making them legal to use in multiple rules codes. 

NFHS Softball recognizes and utilizes USA Softball’s certification process.  In order for a bat to be legal for use in NFHS softball it must be marked with the ASA 2000, 2004 or the USA Softball All-Games Certification Mark. All bats that are approved by USA Softball, formally ASA, for use in fast pitch play shall bear one of the markings shown below. 

Additionally, any bat with one of these certification marks must not appear on the list of the USA Softball Non-Approved Bats with Certification Marks.  This list was created as a way to alert players and coaches that a bat that was once approved for use has now been deemed no longer approved for use.  Once these bats have entered the market and possible issues arise, there is a process for revoking the approval of these bats.  When it has been determined that a bat should have its approval revoked, either through the re-testing process or for a voluntary removal from the manufacturer, the bat is added to the Non-Approved Bats list with Certification Marks.  These bats were approved when originally manufactured and were legal for play at that time, but due to some unforeseen issues no longer pass the approval requirements.

Link to the USA Softball Non-Approved Bats with Certification Marks:

https://usa.asasoftball.com/e/BB1P2000.asp