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NFHS approves seven baseball rule changes, 18-inch base, 2027

7/10/2026

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Summary

NFHS Approves Rules

NFHS approved seven high school baseball rule changes that will begin in 2027.
Rules let schools use an 18-inch first base or double base and require non-wood bats 2028 to meet BBCOR .50 or a –4 to –6 standard and be labeled.
Players may not use electronic devices on the field except for medical use.
Coaches may send one-way electronic pitch calls from the dugout and use handheld scoring devices.

Summary

USA Baseball Takes BBCOR

USA Baseball will take over BBCOR from the NCAA, linking youth to college baseball.
NFHS approved the USA BBCOR (-3) label and added USABat -4, -5, -6 drop-weight options.
New USA BBCOR bats are slated for retail in July 2027.
USA Baseball President John Gall and NFHS Director Elliot Hopkins said the drop-weight range prevents a sudden jump to -3, gives varied-ability athletes more development time, and preserves safety.

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NFHS Approves Rules

NFHS approved seven high school baseball rule changes that will begin in 2027.
Rules let schools use an 18-inch first base or double base and require non-wood bats 2028 to meet BBCOR .50 or a –4 to –6 standard and be labeled.
Players may not use electronic devices on the field except for medical use.
Coaches may send one-way electronic pitch calls from the dugout and use handheld scoring devices.

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