Athens Little League: Approved Equipment
Updated! This page will contain important information concerning approved and banned equipment for use in the Little Legaue program. Please be advised that there is some equipment out there including bats,helmets, and other gear that is not for use in the Little League program. Before buying that expensive bat or helmet,please check back here. We will update as often as possible and try to provide you with the most up to date information. This page will also contain a list of sites that may save you some money if you choose to use them.
Bats:
Many questions have come up concerning bats used in Little League play. There are a couple of importnat rules to remember beginning in the 2009 season:
Rule 1.10:
Basically describes the length,weight and diameter of bats used at various levels of play.
Junior League - Maximum diameter of bat has been reduced from 2 3/4 to 2 5/8 and no longer than 34 inches (for non-wood bats).
Little League (ages 12 and below) - Maximum diameter is 2 1/4 inches,no longer than 33 inches and must have a BPF 1.15 or less printed on the bat.
Illeagal bats will be removed from the field.
Traditional Batting donuts are NOT allowed to be used.
You can find a list of approved bats by going to the Little League Website or by clicking http://www.littleleague.org/Learn_More/equipment/approvedequipment/Bats_Non-wood.htm . (this list is not exhaustive and will grow as Little League adds to their site If you have a question,please feel free to ask).
Baseballs:
Baseballs for game play will be supplied by the league. We will have a limited number of balls to be used in practices that will be given out with equipment. We will do our best to make sure everyone has enough baseballs.
Rule 1.09:
Basically,the baseball shall not weigh less than 5oz and no more than 5.25 oz and be no less that 9in. nor more than 9.25in. in circumference. For tee-ball,it can carry the words "Little League Tee Ball" and may be softer. Baseballs licensed by Little League for regular season play will be printed with the designation "RS" on them.
Chest Protectors:
All catchers must wear long model chest protectors with neck collar and throat guard.
Gloves:
Rules 1.12 thru 1.15
The catcher must wear a catcher's mitt (not a first baseman's mitt or fielder's glove) of any shape size or weight consistent with protecting the hand.
The first baseman may wear a glove or mitt not more than 12 inches long from top to bottom and not more than 8 inches wide across the palm,measured from the base of the thumb crotch to the outer edge of the mitt.The glove may be of any weight.
Each fielder other than the first baseman and the catcher may wear a glove not more than 12 inches long nor more than 7.75 inches wide measured as described above.
The pitcher's glove shall be of one solid color OTHER THAN white or gray,or if multi-colored,white and light gray shall not be included in the colors.
Helmets:
Rules 1.16 and 1.17
The league will provide each team with 6 approved helmets to be used in game play.
If you purchase your own helmet,please be advised of the following:
The helmets must meet NOCSAE specifications and standards AND have an exterior warning label.
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. Any helmets in violation will be removed from play.
While we understand that kids like the "cool" or "different" look,please keep these rules in mind or you may have just wasted some money.
All catchers must wear a mask,dangling type throat protector and catcher's helmet during infield/outfield practice,pitcher warm-ups and games. Skull caps are NOT permitted.The same standards and warnings above apply to all catcher's helmets as well.
Uniforms:
Your child will be provided with a jersey and cap as part of the registration process.You will be responsible for their pants,socks,belts and shoes (cleats).
Please be advised of rule 1.11:
All players on a team shall wear numbered uniforms identical in color,trim and style.
There will be a Little League shoulder patch affixed to the upper left sleeve of the jersey. (the league will have this done for you).
Any part of the pitcher's undershirt (if exposed) will be of a solid color other than white or gray.
Each team's uniform will be distinctive.
No player may attach to a uniform tape or other material of a different color than the uniform.
No part of the uniform shall include a pattern that imitates or suggests the pattern of a uniform.
Glass buttons and polished metal shall not be used on uniforms.
In the Little League (ages 12 years and below),shoes with metal spikes or metal cleats are not permitted.Shoes with molded cleats are permitted.
Managers and coaches must not wear conventional baseball uniforms or shoes with metal spikes but may wear cap,slacks and shirt. (Junior League coaches may wear either but may not wear metal spikes).
Casts on any part of the body may not be worn during games.
Players may not wear jewelry other than medical alert identifiers.
You may NOT have your child's name printed,embroidered,stamped or in any other way placed on the back of the jersey. (This is for many reasons,including safety of the child).
Athletic supporters:
As stated in rule 1.17:
Allmale players must wear athletic supporters.Male catchers MUST wear the metal fibre or plastic type cup.
Sunday, January 18
Where to Buy:
Want to know where you can buy bats or other equipment at reasonable prices? Check the links below and you may find what you need. These are but a few sites submitted by people that have dealt with them.
Bats: Just Bats - Great site! Great Prices! Check out their offerings. they also have a "Bat Packs" link where you can purchase multiple bats at once at discounted prices. Baseball Bargains - Baseball Bargains aquired bplowest prices and has an exstensive offering of bats and other equipment. Closeout Bats - You can find some great deals here! In certain instances they also offer free shipping! Academy Sports & Outdoors - You can order online or shop at the local store! great way to support the community and to find that bat that is just the right fit for your young star! HQ4Sports - Some low prices and great quality bats and other equipment!
