Greetings,
Last week it was brought to my attention that some umpires have identified the Rip-It bat as being non-compliant due to the positioning of the BBCOR .50 certification mark on the taper instead of on the barrel. This was very observant of them and a correct interpretation. However, the NFHS has had discussions with the Rip-It management group about this issue and an agreement was worked out to extend to them an administrative remedy to permit their bats to be allowed in high school competition. Please share this information with your officials that the Rip-It product with the BBCOR 50 certification mark on the taper of the bat instead of the barrel is compliant with the NFHS baseball rules due to an administrative remedy.
Another point regarding Rip-It products, at some point last year, the NCAA de-certified the Rip-IT bat due to performance issues. The company recalled all the bats, repaired them and had them re-certified. The bats that were repaired have a "re-certified" sticker on the barrel. I want to advise you that they are compliant because they now meet the BBCOR standard. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you again and have a great baseball season.
B. Elliot Hopkins, MLD, CAA
NFHS Baseball Rules Editor
