NSGA Report: National Organization Rule Changes for 2025

By Marty Maciaszek 
NSGA Team Dealer Division Director 

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (November 25, 2024) – The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) is conducting its annual check of rule changes for 2025 with sports organizations across the country.

Here are some of the important rule changes reported to NSGA, which focus primarily on equipment and uniforms, and this document will be updated as more information becomes available. If you have any questions please contact Marty Maciaszek, NSGA Team Dealer Director, at mmaciaszek@nsga.org.

Dixie Youth Softball 

• Choke-up rings on bats are allowed for use in 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U age divisions. 

• No metal cleats are allowed in any age group (molded or plastic cleats only). 

Dixie Softball

Pressurized batting/base running helmets are approved for use. However, the pressurized helmet must fit properly and if the helmet has snaps for chin straps, the chin straps must be used. If the pressurized helmet does not fit properly, the player must use the common helmet with a chin strap. Face guards are required on the pressurized helmets.

NOTE: Dixie Youth Softball and Dixie Softball are two separate organizations.

PONY Softball 

• Electronic devices are allowed for the manager and coaches in regular-season play. 

National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) 

• Wood bats are no longer required for the 15U, 16U, 17U and 18U divisions. NABF has transitioned back to using metal bats.

USA Softball 

• The offense and defense can use communication devices during games. 

USA Lacrosse 

• Compliance with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) jersey rules with numbers clearly contrasting from the color of the body of jersey goes into effect in 2027. 

USA Swimming 

• The rules surrounding the wearing of wetsuits were amended to give more flexibility to Meet Directors to allow the use of wetsuits in Open Water competition. 

Organizations Reporting No Changes 

• AAU Baseball  

• AAU Track and Field 

• American Amateur Baseball Congress 

• USA Gymnastics