Softball bat barrel wrapping prohibited by NFHS

To:                     NFHS State Association Softball Liaisons

From:                Sandy Searcy, NFHS Director of Softball
Subject:            Bat Wraps
Date:                 April 6, 2026

The NFHS has been alerted to a product that is being marketed as a bat barrel wrapping which covers the bat’s graphics. The covering is shrink wrapped to the bat barrel, which poses several issues associated with bat compliance and is therefore prohibited from NFHS softball competition. Specifically, NFHS rules require:

1. Bats that are crack free. Bat wraps potentially cover cracks and could make them undetectable to the coach and/or umpire.
2. Bats that bear 2000, 2004, or the USA Softball All Games certification mark (except all wood bats made of a single piece of wood).
3. Bats that do not contain materials inside the bat or treatments/devices are used to alter the bat specifications and/or enhance performance.

A bat wrapping that covers the bat barrel also covers potential cracks, the USA Softball certification mark and the bat model name and number and would be considered an altered bat per NFHS Softball Rules 1-5-1 and 2-4-2a. Bat wraps are not permitted for NFHS softball competition.

And finally, the NFHS adheres to the USA Softball Bat Certification program. USA Softball has also prohibited this product for its championship play.

Any questions should be directed to the NFHS offices.