The ASA to USA Softball Rebrand: Why Everyone's Confused

In 2016, the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) rebranded to USA Softball — the national governing body for softball in the United States and the organization that selects Olympic teams. The rebrand changed the name, the logo, and the certification stamp on bats. But it did NOT change the performance standards.

Here's the critical thing: ASA-stamped bats and USA Softball-stamped bats follow the same performance standard (1.20 BPF). The stamp looks different, but the bat is tested to identical specs. A bat with the old ASA 2004 stamp is as legal as a bat with the new USA Softball stamp in leagues that require USA Softball certification.

Yet every year, parents and players show up at fields with bats that get rejected — either because the bat has the wrong certification entirely (USSSA instead of USA Softball), or because a well-meaning umpire doesn't recognize the old ASA stamp. This guide cuts through all of it.

The Certification Stamps Explained

USA Softball (Formerly ASA) — The 1.20 BPF Standard

The USA Softball certification mark (and the old ASA 2004 stamp) indicates the bat meets a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.20. This means the ball leaves the bat at no more than 1.20 times the speed it would off a solid wall. It's the most common standard in recreational and competitive slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball.

Leagues that require USA Softball certification:

• USA Softball (all sanctioned leagues and tournaments)
• Most municipal recreation leagues
• Many church and corporate leagues
• Most senior softball leagues (SSUSA uses its own list but overlaps heavily)

USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) — The 1.20 BPF Standard (Different Testing)

USSSA also uses a 1.20 BPF standard, but their testing methodology differs slightly from USA Softball's. This means a bat certified by USSSA may NOT be on the USA Softball approved list, and vice versa. Some bats carry both stamps.

Leagues that accept USSSA certification:

• USSSA-sanctioned slow-pitch and fast-pitch leagues
• Many travel ball programs
• Some rec leagues (check your league's specific rules)

NSA (National Softball Association)

NSA accepts bats on both the USA Softball and USSSA approved lists. Some NSA tournaments have their own restricted bat lists — always check the specific tournament rules.

ISA (International Softball Association) / ISF

International play uses ISF-certified equipment. This is rarely relevant for domestic US players but matters for players competing at the international level.

How to Check Your Bat Before You Buy

1. Look at the barrel. Every certified bat has a stamp printed or embossed on the barrel. Look for "USA Softball" (current), "ASA 2004" (older but valid), or "USSSA" with BPF 1.20.
2. Check the approved bat list. USA Softball maintains a searchable database at usasoftball.com (Equipment → Approved Equipment). USSSA maintains theirs at usssa.com.
3. Ask your league. Before spending $200-400 on a bat, email your league commissioner: "Which bat certification do you require?" Get it in writing.
4. Check for bans. Both USA Softball and USSSA occasionally ban specific bat models that were found to exceed performance standards after initial certification. A bat that was legal last year might not be legal this year. The ban lists are updated on both organizations' websites.

Fastpitch vs. Slowpitch: Different Bats, Different Rules

This is another major confusion point. Fastpitch and slowpitch bats are certified separately and are NOT interchangeable:

Using a slowpitch bat in a fastpitch game (or vice versa) is not just against the rules — it can be dangerous. Fastpitch pitching speeds (60+ mph for college) combined with a bat designed for slower pitches can produce exit velocities that endanger fielders. Umpires will (and should) pull illegal bats immediately.

Best USA Softball Certified Bats by Category

Best Fastpitch Bats (USA Softball Certified)

Best Slowpitch Bats (USA Softball Certified)

Common Mistakes

Sources & Further Reading

1. USA Softball. "Approved Equipment." usasoftball.com/approved-equipment
2. USSSA. "Bat Standards and Testing." usssa.com
3. National Softball Association. "Equipment Rules." playnsa.com
4. JustBats Staff. "ASA vs USA Softball Bats: What Changed?" justbats.com, 2024.
5. Softball Fans. "Understanding BPF and Bat Testing Standards." softballfans.com, 2024.
6. DeMarini. "Bat Certification Guide." demarini.com, 2025.