USSSA bat rules (2026-27)
Which bats are legal in each USSSA division, in plain words, with the source and the date we checked it. Pick your division for the full rule and the bats that fit.
Rules checked Oct 27, 2026. Confirm with your league before you buy: local leagues and tournaments can set their own rules, stricter or looser than the national ones.
| Division | Ages | Bats allowed | Drop limit | Longest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7U | 7 | USSSA 1.15 BPF; USA Baseball; BBCOR .50; wood from a licensed USSSA maker | None stated | Not stated |
| 8U-9U | 8-9 | USSSA 1.15 BPF; USA Baseball; BBCOR .50; wood from a licensed USSSA maker | None stated | Not stated |
| 10U | 10 | USSSA 1.15 BPF; USA Baseball; BBCOR .50; wood from a licensed USSSA maker | None stated | Not stated |
| 11U-12U | 11-12 | USSSA 1.15 BPF; USA Baseball; BBCOR .50; wood from a licensed USSSA maker | None stated | Not stated |
| 13U | 13 | USSSA 1.15 BPF; USA Baseball; BBCOR .50; licensed wood | -8 | Not stated |
| 14U | 14 | BBCOR .50 or licensed wood (national rule); USSSA 1.15 BPF or USA Baseball -5 only where the event's state adopted the -5 exception | -3 (-5 in exception states) | Not stated |
| 15U-18U | 15-18 | BBCOR .50 or licensed wood | -3 | Not stated |
Parents ask
Can you use a USA Baseball bat in USSSA?
Yes, within USSSA's drop limits: through 12U any drop is fine; at 13U it must be a -8 or heavier; at 14U the standard is BBCOR or wood. USSSA accepts the USA Baseball mark except where BBCOR is required. (USSSA by-laws 7.01.C and 7.01.D)
Can a 12U player use a BBCOR bat?
Yes. Through 13U, USSSA accepts BBCOR bats as well as USSSA, USA Baseball and licensed wood bats; at 14U, BBCOR or wood is the standard. (USSSA by-laws 7.01.C)
What drop is legal at 13U?
No lighter than a -8: so -8, -5 or -3. At the Elite World Series, 13 Majors must use a -5, BBCOR or wood. (USSSA by-laws 7.01.C.1 and 7.01.D, USSSA California)
Do 14U players need a BBCOR bat?
Usually, yes. USSSA's national rules say "All 14U players must use a -3 (BBCOR) or wood bat" unless the event's state has adopted a -5 exception, and USSSA's California rules say "All 14u players must use BBCOR or wood bats only." A BBCOR bat is legal everywhere. (USSSA by-laws 7.01.C, USSSA California)
Buying used? Check the bat isn't on the withdrawn list, and see how to check a used bat.