This page will give you some in site on what the game officials are looking for on the batting helmets, batting helmets with face mask, catchers helmet and bats. As with all information, this is for reference only. Please note that; participation in softball may result in serious injuries and protective equipment does not prevent all injuries to players. Little League has rules in place governing safety equipment, WBLL follows all of these recommendations. For complete safety information view our Safety Manual.
BATS:
Bat length of 32 inches or shorter for majors and below. Most bats will say fast pitch softball and ASA or Little League approved.
Must be free of dents and no cracks. Umpire in-charge has final say in approving bat's. If you have an question about a bat, your daughters manager should be able to answer your questions.
Majors and younger (age 12 and younger)
2 1/4" diameter
Junior and older (age 13 and up)
2 3/4" diameter
Rule 1.10 (softball only)
NOTE 3: Non-wood bats may develop dents from time to time. Bats that cannot pass
through the approved Little League bat ring must be removed from play. The 2 ¼
inch bat ring must be used for bats in all softball divisions, and in the Tee
Ball, Minor League and Little League Baseball divisions of baseball. The 2 ¾
inch bat ring must be used for bats in the Junior League, Senior League and Big
League divisions of baseball.
What does this mean? For a non-wood bat to become dented over time is normal.
But some umpires have been disallowing bats that are slightly dented. As a
result, Little League is providing five Little League Approved bat rings at no
charge to every league for use in all divisions of play. Additional bat rings
may be purchased. The ring has holes for both sizes. If the bat passes through
the proper ring, it’s legal. (Obviously, if a bat has visible cracks in it, it
should not be permitted in a game.) You can see an example of the ring here:
www.littleleague.org/media/images/LL_Bat_Rings.jpg
Here is a good site for additional information.
Hit Run
Score
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HELMETS
Rule 1.16 and 1.17 (All levels of baseball and softball)
Warning! Manufacturers have advised that altering helmets in any way can be
dangerous. Altering the helmet in any form, including painting or adding decals
(by anyone other than the manufacturer or authorized dealer) may void the helmet
warranty. Helmets may not be re-painted and may not contain tape or re-applied
decals unless approved in writing by the helmet manufacturer or authorized
dealer.
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NOCSAE Seal (pronounced "noxey") MUST be clearly marked on all helmet's and face mask's NOCSAE has set the standard in football helmet protection since 1969 and in 1983 baseball helmets started meeting this standard. Softball also falls under this standard. In 2005 Little League has adopted this safety standard and has made it mandatory that all helmets and face masks meet these standard. This includes catchers helmet's. Some face mask's will only have the letters NOCSAE printed on them.
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What does this mean? It means if an umpire or other league official notices
paint or a decal on a helmet, and if the a umpire/league official has reason to
believe that the manufacturer or authorized dealer did not grant approval (in
writing) for the paint or decal to be applied, that helmet will not be used in
a game or practice.
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Here is good subject that there really is no right answer. As girls start playing softball they will find out what works for one will not work for another. Each girl will need her own glove that fits her. With that said and the choices that are out there, the best thing to do is have her try on several and see how they feel to her. You can also visit our glove page.
In Tee-Ball it really is a mater of fit.
At this level this girls are catching with two hands, so it comes down to what fits well and is not to big or sloppy.
In Coach Pitch the girls are getting older and start catching with one hand. This is when they need a glove that is for softball not baseball, there are differences. Glove should be soft and easy to close with one hand. New gloves take time to "break in". There are oils and soaps that help, but the best thing is to use it often by warring it and opening and closing your hand.
In Majors the girls are getting serious about playing. Girls that have moved up from coach pitch will probably need a new glow when entering majors. Majors use a 12" ball as opposed to coach pitch 11" ball. This should not make that much of a difference catching, however a larger glove give more webbing and pocket to catch with and less palm contact. Girls at the major level are throwing and hitting harder, so a larger glove will give more protection from palm to ball contact.
In Seniors, lets face it, by now you know what works and what doesn't. This is when you find a glove that works best for the position you are playing. Some girls will have two if not three gloves, depending on the position they are playing for that game. There is a glove for a 1st base, one for infield, one for outfielder, and of course a catchers glove.
