What bat restrictions are in place?

Little League has placed a moratorium on composite barrel bats as on December 30, 2010. This was based on data compiled at the the University of Massachusetts, Lowell in late 2010. Most other local baseball associations and travel leagues have followed suit. The GRBA will be following the moratorium as well in its recreation programs.

By visiting the following link, parents can learn more about this decision and identify composite bats that have received waivers.

http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/2010/Sep-Dec/LLBBCompositeBatMoratoriumFAQ.htm

For Boys in Recreation Grades K -6: all bats must follow little league rule 1.10, meaning a maximum barrel width of 2-1/4″ and a maximum length of 33 inches. All bats must adhere to the Little League bat moratorium (meaning no composite barrel bats are allowed unless the composite bat is listed on the official little league waiver list). No maximum drop limit is enforced.

For Boys in Recreation  Grades 7-8: all bats must be “BESR” Certified .  “BESR” restrictions include a maximum barrel width of 2-5/8″ and a maximum drop (difference between length and weight) of -3. All bats must adhere to the Little League bat moratorium (meaning no composite barrel bats are allowed unless the composite bat is listed on the official little league waiver list).

For Boys in Travel Baseball: Travel Baseball leagues have different restrictions depending on the league. However, it is to be expected that most, if not all, leagues/tournaments will follow suit in terms of the restrictions set forth by Little League (as noted above). Head coaches of the various travel teams will keep their teams apprised of the restrictions imposed by the leagues/tournaments their teams will be entering.

For any specific questions we encourage you to visit the Little League Baseball and Softball Facebook page. Little League has been good about answering any specific bat questions on their discussion page.

For Girls softball, bats must bear the “Official Softball” stamp. Composite bats are not allowed.

When are games/practices played?

Grades 1 – 8 can expect to have two practices/games per week in the Recreation Program.  One will be during the week and typically vary from M-TH starting at 6:00 PM.  The second will be on Saturday and start times vary between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  Kindergarten girls play only on Saturdays.  Kindergarten boys play only on Sundays.

My child does not need a Tee to hit.  Can they play with older kids?

No.  GRBA Recreation Programs are run strictly by grade. 

My child is in pre-school and just missed the cut-off.  Can they still sign up?

Unfortunately, no.  GRBA Programs are run strictly by grade.  If a child’s birth date is before October 1st and they are Kindergarten eligible but have not enrolled in Kindergarten, an exception can be made.  However, please be advised that they must revert to playing back with their grade the following year and will be required to play 2 years of Tee Ball.