United States Specialty Sports Association Adds NTS to Official Test Certification Stamp for Bat Quality and Safety

NTS, the undisputed leader in testing, inspection, and certification, today announced a milestone development in its strategic partnership with the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). After designating NTS as the sole source for all certification testing of Slow-Pitch Softball and Senior Youth Baseball Bats, USSSA will require all manufacturers of the bats to include NTS on the official test certification stamp.

"This recognition, and the inclusion of NTS on the official stamp representing the USSSA Standard for Testing Bat Performance is a huge vote of confidence," said Ray Milchovich, CEO of NTS. "Our partnership with USSSA already solidified our reputation as a trusted source for all baseball- and softball-related equipment testing needs," Milchovich continued. "But having our name added to the certification stamp signifies a special level of acknowledgement to NTS as an authority in sports testing. We wholeheartedly share USSSA's commitment to testing to the highest standards to maintain the utmost levels of player safety and performance."

NTS conducts all sports equipment testing from its Sports and Mechanical Division in Belcamp, Maryland. This state-of-the-art facility ensures USSSA and bat manufacturers receive superior testing yet expedited turnaround times. NTS Belcamp is a renowned leader in conducting sports-related testing, which includes NOCSAE equipment certification through the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI).

NTS began Slow Pitch and Baseball bat certification for USSSA on September 1, 2019. On April 1, 2020, baseball bats will cease to be manufactured with USSSA's former certification stamp. On June 1, 2020, Slow-Pitch bats with the NTS/USSSA certification stamp will be for sale. And by November 1, 2021, the only bats accepted on fields of play for Slow-Pitch and baseball will be those donning the new certification stamp.

"Our vision is for the USSSA stamp to instill confidence in players and coaches that each bat is reliable, safe and will perform without fail," said Don DeDonatis III, USSSA CEO. "Modifying our official certification stamp to include NTS, the testing leader with unparalleled expertise in our industry, reinforces our uncompromising demands to adhere to the paramount of safety standards."

About National Technical Systems

National Technical Systems, Inc. (NTS) is the leading provider of qualification testing, inspection, and certification services in North America, serving a broad range of industries, including the civil aviation, space, defense, nuclear, telecommunications, industrial, electronics, medical, and automotive end markets. Since 1961, NTS has built the broadest geographic presence in the United States, offering more than 70 distinct environmental simulation and materials testing categories, including climatic, structural, dynamics, fluid flow, EMI/EMC, lightning, product safety, acoustics, failure analysis, chemical, and other industry-specific tests.

Operating through a network of more than 27 technologically advanced testing laboratories, this geographically diverse footprint puts NTS facilities in close proximity to its more than 8,000 clients, allowing NTS to serve the nation's most innovative companies with industry-leading accessibility and responsiveness. NTS is accredited by numerous national and international organizations and operates its inspection division under the Unitek brand, providing a wide range of supply chain management services. NTS' certification division, which operates under the NQA brand, is one of the largest and most respected global ISO registrars, with active certifications in more than 75 countries. For additional information about NTS, visit our website at www.nts.com or call 800-270-2516.

About United States Specialty Sports Association

USSSA is headquartered in Viera, Florida. USSSA is the world's largest multisport athletic organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 4 million participants, competing in 14 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! USSSA is an Associate Member of the WBSC. For more information about USSSA, visit www.usssa.com and follow USSSA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.