Many people have been contacting us and the high school coaches regarding how to pick the bats, gloves, and helmets that are best for their child. We have put together some information that should help you in deciding on what equipment to buy. Please remember that we do not require our athletes to buy their own bats. Each athlete should own their own glove. We also encourage that every athlete own their own helmet for hygiene proposes, however team helmets are available. Each team will have a few bats and helmets that can be shared by the team. However, if you are looking to purchase a bat, glove, or helmet, please use the following information as a resource.
Bats
To use the following table find your athlete's weight on the left and your athlete's height on the top. The corresponding cell in the table will show you what size bat you should get.
Courtesy of Softball.com
The YouTube videos below explain the basics behind softball bats and how to select the correct one.
When purchasing a softball bat, it is also important to make sure that it is a LEGAL bat that is approved by USA Softball (formerly ASA). Approved bats will also have one of the three certification marks as shown below. Click the button below to see a list of all bats that are ILLEGAL that also have the certification marks. Any bats listed on that document will not be allowed in any games at any age level.
PLEASE NOTE: The fourth certification mark is for USSSA, not USA Softball (ASA). None of our leagues are sanctioned by USSSA, but sometimes our teams will register for USSSA tournaments. If this is the case, then all bats used in those tournaments must have the USSSA approval stamp. The number on the stamp may vary, but the general style of the stamp is the same.
We have found that the cheapest place to purchase bats is at Bats Unlimited. Use the website to find the bat you are interested in and then call (800) 929-0959. The website does not always show the cheapest price for each bat. In order to find the cheapest price and order the bat for that price, you need to call the company directly.
Gloves/Mitts
Softball gloves/mitts have very few restrictions so the main factor in purchasing a glove/mitt is how it feels to the athlete and whether or not it can hold a softball. Our Rookie & 10U leagues will use an 11" softball while our 12U, 14U, & 16/18U leagues will use a 12" softball. The restrictions that apply to gloves and mitts are as follows.
Gloves/mitts shall be a maximum of two colors excluding lacing and manufacturer's logo colors. Lacing shall not be the color of the ball.
Gloves/mitts shall not be entirely optic in color.
Gloves mitts shall not have an optic-colored marking on the outside or inside that gives the appearance of the ball.
Batting Helmets
Batting helmets have the following requirements.
Batting helmets must be permanently affixed with the NOSCAE helmet stamp. (See image.)
Batting helmets cannot have a glare or mirror-like surface.
Batting helmets must be equipped with a NOSCAE-approved face protector. (The following must be permanently affixed to the face protector: "Meets NOSCAE Standard at the time of manufacture.") NOTE: This is not an optional requirement. Batting helmets will not be allowed to be used in games and/or practices without a face protector attached.
If an eye shield is worn, it must allow 100% light transmission and have 0% tint.
NOTE: If you buy a new helmet and eventually want to wear it for Portage High School Softball, the high school coaches would prefer that all helmets be mostly black.
UPDATED: The following is a WIAA adaptation to the NFHS rules and is enforced during high school games.
All batting helmets are required to be school colors or neutral (white, black, gray) colors. Only school logos, reward or commemorative stickers are allowed beyond the NFHS requirement. (Rule 1-6-1 and 1-7-1)
Catching Helmets
Each team will have a full set of catching gear available for everyone on the team to use. If you choose to purchase a personal set, please keep the following restrictions in mind.
Catcher's helmets must be permanently affixed with the NOSCAE catcher helmet stamp. (See image.)
A throat protector that is part of or attached to the mask shall be worn and extend far enough to adequately protect the throat.
Plastic visors attached to the catcher's helmet are prohibited.
If an eye shield is worn, it must allow 100% light transmission and have 0% tint.
Catching helmets cannot have a glare or mirror-like surface.
Defensive Fielding Masks
Although not required, Portage Youth Softball strongly recommends that athletes wear defensive fielding masks when playing in the infield, especially at the positions of pitcher, first base, and third base. The masks are also not allowed to have a glare or mirror-like surface.
Cleats
Cleats worn by any player in the Rookie, 10U, & 12U leagues must be rubber cleats. Metal cleats are not allowed in these leagues. Cleats worn by any player in the 14U & 16/18U leagues may be either rubber or metal cleats.
Uniforms
Portage Youth Softball will provide jersey tops for every athlete as part of their registration. The color of pants and socks are up to the individual teams and coaches. We recommend that you hold off on buying pants and socks until after teams are formed and coaches inform you as to what your complete uniform will be. We encourage that uniforms of all members on a team match. Teams will be created after the registration period is complete, usually sometime in April, and your head coach should be in contact with you shortly after.
Need Help?
Any sporting goods store that sells fastpitch softball equipment should be able to answer any questions that you have about these items. If you have any additional questions regarding equipment, please contact us.
"Rule 1: Field and Equipment." Softball Rules Book. Ed. Theresia D. Wynns. 2016 ed. Indianapolis: National Federation of State High School Associations, 2015. 12-15. Print. "Fastpitch Bat Selection Chart." Scheduled Maintenance. Team Express, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2016. TeamExpress. "Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Buying a Softball Bat." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Oct. 2010. Web. 23 Mar. 2016. HowcastSportsFitness. "How to Pick a Softball Bat | Softball Lessons."YouTube. YouTube, 25 May 2011. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.
