As long as it has a BESR or BBCOR stamp and it is not dented we are playing with it in the games I am umpiring.

I don't carry around the ASA banned bat list for softball and I am definately not carrying one around for baseball.

(added: If an org. is going to allow a manufacturer to place the approved stamp on their bats and that manufacturuer does not produce compliant bats with that stamp on it then the manufacturer is liable and not me.)

NCAA umpires (are supposed to) carry such a list -- and it's a lot more extensive than the FED list.

Of course, the list gets checked only when an opposing team requests it, as opposed to doing the bat check required in FED.

Having a BESR stamp on a composite bat doesn't make it legal any more.  You'll need the list.

Rich,

Actually pregame conference PU says, "Coaches do you certify that your players are legally and properly equipped to compete in this game." They articulate YES, no head nodding. This includes uniforms, undershirts, jewelry, bats and helmets. If you have time to inspect at least 20 bats and 10 helmets before a game from each dugout..more power to you.

Here in NC we are required to be dressed and on the field 20 mins before game time. We are also required to inspect each teams equipment prior to the start of the game. 

The state made this a point of emphasis at last year and this years clinics.

At regionals this year a catcher's helmet had a 2" crack in the forehead area and I would not let him use it, and if we did not do our inspections that catcher would have played with that helmet.  

And it looks like it just got easier in CA... the BBCOR standard has been bumped up a year going into effect 01 Jan 2011 (but of course with a twist). 

http://www.cifstate.org/sports/other/baseball.html

This was and agreement reached by the       after negotiations with a State Representative that was going to introduce legislation outlawing metal bats until further reseach was done.  Which was all begotten following Marin Catholic High Schools pitcher Gunner Sandberg's near-fatal head injury after being hit by a line drive March 11.

er

http://www.cifstate.org/sports/other/baseball.html