USSSA bat rules, in plain English (2026)

The short version

• 12U and under: any bat with the USSSA 1.15 BPF mark, the USA Baseball mark, or BBCOR. Big barrels (2 5/8" or 2 3/4") are fine. No drop limit for these ages in the national rules.
• 13U: same stamps, but the drop can't be lighter than -8. In the Elite World Series, 13 Majors must use -5, BBCOR or wood.
• 14U (new for 2026): since January 1, 2026 the national standard is BBCOR -3 or wood. A -5 USSSA bat is only legal if your state has opted into the -5 exception. Select Super NITs, Super NITs and the Elite World Series require BBCOR or wood for 14 Majors.
• Penalty: first offense, the defense can take the play or an out; second offense, the manager is ejected (Rule 7.01.C penalty).

Watch out for

• Tournament directors and state programs can add tighter limits. Read the event page.
• USA Baseball-stamped bats are legal in USSSA, except where BBCOR is required (Rule 7.01.D).