2008 ASA Bat Ruling

Dear Worth Dealers:

Spring is just around the corner. Cleats are coming out of the closets. Arms are getting loosened up. And batting cages, followed shortly by softball fields, will soon be flooded with eager teams looking to get that jump start on their competition.

It's the best time to be in our business. However, the season isn't the only thing new in the sport of softball. As many of you know, the Amateur Softball Association has announced a ruling to restrict the shipment of certain composite bats beginning July 1. Before we get into what this means to our business, we want to clearly communicate that we fully support the ASA.

Yet, the ruling does have a significant impact on our manufacturing plans and priorities. We have an existing inventory of our composite bats for Worth. It is our intention to exhaust our current supply as soon as possible so we can turn our attention solely to constructing new bats that meet the guidelines that will go into place July 1. Please keep in mind that the new guidelines limit the shipment of certain bats after July 1, but do not affect what is allowed in play on the field. All bats delivered before July 1 are still allowed in ASA play after July 1.

Currently, we have a limited supply of inventory in the bat models listed as follows:

MUTJHA (Slowpitch)
MUT98 (Slowpitch)
M7598 (Slowpitch)
M75FP (Fastpitch)

Once July 1 passes, we will no longer be able to manufacture and distribute our current line of high-end bats. However, consumers can continue to purchase these bats from their dealers while supplies last.

With all this being said, we do want to take this opportunity to remind you that after July 1 the new bats designed and constructed by Worth will continue to set the standard for performance under the new ASA guidelines. In addition, we will continue to support all efforts put forth by ASA or any other softball association to prevent or deter "bat doctoring".

As the industry leader, we have an obligation to navigate this transition to the satisfaction and benefit of everyone- you, the ASA and softball players throughout the United States. To that end, we are very happy to discuss this with you further, if you have questions or comments. In the meantime, here's to another successful and rewarding softball season.

Sincerely,

Art Chou,
VP of RD&E
Jarden Team Sports

Tim Lord
Director of Products
Worth