KVBSA (Kensington Valley) bat rules (2027)
Kensington Valley Baseball & Softball Association (KVBSA) bat rules. KVBSA follows USSSA bat rules for 8U–14U and high school (NFHS) bat rules for 15U–18U.
| Division | Season | Stamp | Barrel | Max length | Drop limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8U–12U Ages 7–12 | Current | USSSA 1.15 or USABat or BBCOR or Wood | 2 3/4" | 36" | — |
| 13U Age 13 | Current | USSSA 1.15 or BBCOR or Wood | 2 3/4" | 36" | -8 or heavier |
| 14U Age 14 | Current | BBCOR or Wood | — | — | -3 or heavier |
| 15U–18U Ages 15–18 | 2026+ | BBCOR or Wood | 2 5/8" | 36" | -3 or heavier |
| 2028+ | BBCOR or USA BBCOR or USABat HS -4/-5/-6 or Wood | 2 5/8" | 36" | -6 or heavier |
Notes by division
- 8U–12U: KVBSA follows USSSA bat rules. The USSSA mark must be permanent (no stickers). KVBSA's rulebook caps barrels at 2 3/4" and length at 36".
- 13U: KVBSA follows USSSA bat rules, and USSSA's national 13U rule is no lighter than -8.
- 14U: KVBSA follows USSSA bat rules, and USSSA's national 14U rule is BBCOR or wood. KVBSA confirmed this for 14U in November 2026.
- 15U–18U (2026+): KVBSA uses high school (NFHS) bat rules at 15U–18U: BBCOR or one-piece wood, no lighter than -3.
- 15U–18U (2028+): KVBSA uses high school (NFHS) bat rules at 15U–18U. Starting in 2028 that means USA BBCOR (-3) and new high-school USABat bats at -4, -5 or -6 are also allowed. Nothing lighter than -6.
Stamps used in KVBSA (Kensington Valley)
- USSSA 1.15 BPF mark: The travel-ball standard, marked "1.15 BPF" by a licensed maker. These bats aren't legal in Little League, Cal Ripken, PONY or Diamond Youth (Dixie). Retailers list barrels up to 2 3/4". Official list.
- USA Baseball (USABat) mark: USA Baseball's youth standard, which makes bats perform close to wood. Barrel up to 2 5/8", no drop limit, and no new USABat is made longer than 32". Required in Little League, Cal Ripken, PONY, Diamond Youth (Dixie), AABC and most rec leagues. Official list.
- BBCOR .50 mark: The high school and college standard: -3 drop, barrel up to 2 5/8", 36" max. BBCOR bats made before USA BBCOR stay legal in high school indefinitely, but the NCAA requires the new USA BBCOR mark from Jan 1, 2029. Official list.
- one-piece solid wood: One-piece solid wood is legal almost everywhere without a stamp. Multi-piece, laminated, bamboo and composite-wood bats usually do need a certification mark.
- USA BBCOR mark ("USA Baseball BBCOR Certified .50"): The same BBCOR performance standard, now run by USA Baseball (since July 2, 2026). These bats reach stores July 1, 2027. High schools allow them from 2028, and the NCAA requires them from Jan 1, 2029. Official list.
- high-school USABat mark (-4, -5 or -6): From the 2028 season, high schools also allow lighter USABat bats with a -4, -5 or -6 drop and a modified high-school mark, which eases the jump to -3. USA Baseball will publish the approved list from July 1, 2027. Official list.
Sources
- https://cdn2.sportngin.com/attachments/document/6ae7-2914951/KVBSABaseballRules2023.pdf (checked Nov 5, 2026)
This page summarizes published rules. Your league or tournament can add its own, and its ruling is final. Confirm your bat isn't on a decertified or non-approved list before you buy. Questions about a specific model? Check the official list linked above. More bat questions.
Not sure what to buy?
The free Bat Finder gives you the length, the drop and the stamp your league requires in about 20 seconds.
Open the Bat Finder