cuzmail wrote:MTR wrote:GIMNEPIWO wrote:DD had a bat pulled from NCAA DIII Regionals last year ... A small piece of tape was coming off the grip in a pre-game inspection ... It was out for the tournament ...
Sure there wasn't anything else? That's a bit ridiculous.
We have had a couple bats removed from the game for the same reason per statment by the umpire. The Xenos are famous for the tape coming loose on the grip. Simple fix, but you need to stay on top of it.
Ask for the rule.
From NCAA 2012-2013 Rule Book:3.3.1.8.3 The handle is the area between the knob and taper that is covered by the grip. It must be tubular and shall have a safety grip of cork, tape (no smooth, plastic tape) or composition material (commercially manufactured bat grip). The safety grip shall not be less than 10 inches long and shall not extend more than 15 inches from the knob. Resin, pine tar or spray substances placed on the safety grip to enhance the grip are permissible on the grip only. It may not exceed two layers. If taped, it must be a continuous spiral but need not be a solid layer. Nowhere it says anything about how taut the grip or tape must be or remain. As long as the handle is covered for the first 10" from the knob (and no more than 15") with approved material(s), it should be good to go. A little loose tape should be irrelevant to the legality of the bat.
Now, if the umpire states they have a directive which supersedes or enhances the rule, the umpire should be able to provide a copy of it to the coach.
I think you have some people who are reading too much into the rule.