The WBSC (Formerly ISF) Playing Rules Commission adopted bat certification standards effective January 1, 2002. Currently, the (ASTM F2219) high-speed batted ball test (100 mph) is used for determining bats allowed to be used in ISF World Championships, World Cups and the Olympic Games. Also included are the qualifying tournaments for both the World Championships and the Olympics.
August 31, 2008 marked the end of the period during which bats that complied with the previous bat performance standard (1.20 BPF) were permitted to be used in play.
Manufacturers that currently participate in the bat certification program are:
- Combat Softball
- DeMarini
- Easton
- Hillerich & Bradsby (Louisville Slugger)
- Miken
- Mizuno
- Worth
The following companies have dropped out of the program, so their bats will expire five years from the date that is listed (model-by-model) as when it was added as certified:
- Baden Sports
- Rawlings
The following manufacturers bat’s which were previously ISF certified has expired, so, no bats from any of those companies are permitted in ISF play:
- Albin
- Anderson Bat Company
- Nike
- Rip-It
- Schutt bat
The detailed ISF Allowed Listing of bats can be found at: http://www.wbsc.org/softball/softball-bat-list/
At this point in time, here is a printable listing of all Allowed ISF Bats. This listing can be updated by using the above link.
Unfortunately, with expiry dates on certifications and changes to the testing methodology, seeing an ISF stamp on a bat is not an accurate indication the bat is still allowed. The prior ISF Bat Standards are similar to ASA’s testing standards, so ISF expired bats may still be allowed in Softball Canada play if they are on the current ASA Allowed Bat listing.
For Softball Canada official Bat Policy, see: https://softball.ca/programs/umpires/approved-bats