What are bats in Softball?

Section 2: Equipment

Size: A 12-inch (30.5 cm) circumference fastpitch softball.
Construction and color: Optic yellow cover with contrasting (red) stitching, built to the NCAA-specified coefficient of restitution and compression standard so that ball performance is consistent across the game.
Only balls bearing the required certification marking may be used in NCAA competition.

Certification: Bats must bear the certification mark recognized by the NCAA and appear in compliance with the approved-bat standards. Aluminum and composite bats are permitted within those standards.
Bat testing: At NCAA championships, and at the discretion of the host, bats are subject to compression/bat testing before games. A bat that fails testing is removed from play.
Dimensions: Bats are limited in length, diameter, and weight by the rules book's specifications and must be free of dents, cracks, or alterations.

Gloves and mitts: Fielders use gloves within the size limits of the rules; the catcher and first baseman may use mitts.
Batting helmets: All batters, on-deck batters, and base runners must wear a double-ear-flap batting helmet equipped with a face mask/guard. Helmets must not be altered.
Catcher's gear: The catcher must wear a helmet and mask with a throat protector, chest protector, and shin guards.
Pitcher and corner infielders: Defensive face masks/guards are permitted (and commonly worn) by the pitcher and corner infielders for protection against line drives.

Uniforms: Teammates wear like-colored uniforms with unique numbers. Jewelry and equipment that could be dangerous are prohibited.
Footwear: Cleats are worn; shoe regulations follow the rules book.
Bases: The bases are anchored at the corners of the diamond. A double base (a colored "safety" portion in foul territory alongside the white portion) is used at first base so the batter-runner and the fielder use separate parts of the bag, reducing collisions.

Size: A 12-inch (30.5 cm) circumference fastpitch softball.
Construction and color: Optic yellow cover with contrasting (red) stitching, built to the NCAA-specified coefficient of restitution and compression standard so that ball performance is consistent across the game.
Only balls bearing the required certification marking may be used in NCAA competition.

Certification: Bats must bear the certification mark recognized by the NCAA and appear in compliance with the approved-bat standards. Aluminum and composite bats are permitted within those standards.
Bat testing: At NCAA championships, and at the discretion of the host, bats are subject to compression/bat testing before games. A bat that fails testing is removed from play.
Dimensions: Bats are limited in length, diameter, and weight by the rules book's specifications and must be free of dents, cracks, or alterations.

Gloves and mitts: Fielders use gloves within the size limits of the rules; the catcher and first baseman may use mitts.
Batting helmets: All batters, on-deck batters, and base runners must wear a double-ear-flap batting helmet equipped with a face mask/guard. Helmets must not be altered.
Catcher's gear: The catcher must wear a helmet and mask with a throat protector, chest protector, and shin guards.
Pitcher and corner infielders: Defensive face masks/guards are permitted (and commonly worn) by the pitcher and corner infielders for protection against line drives.

Uniforms: Teammates wear like-colored uniforms with unique numbers. Jewelry and equipment that could be dangerous are prohibited.
Footwear: Cleats are worn; shoe regulations follow the rules book.
Bases: The bases are anchored at the corners of the diamond. A double base (a colored "safety" portion in foul territory alongside the white portion) is used at first base so the batter-runner and the fielder use separate parts of the bag, reducing collisions.