Prior to the start of the game, the umpire-in-chief shall receive verification from each head coach that his participants:

• A. Understand the rules and agree to abide by them.
• B. Are properly equipped and as far as he knows the bats and helmets are OK.
• C. Are properly equipped and are using only legal equipment, including bats that are unaltered and meet 1-3-2, and helmets that are free of cracks and damage and meet 1-5-1.
• D. Have signed affidavits stating they have not altered their bats from the original design and production.

Answer: (C)

Before the game, the focus is on safety and gear legality. The umpire-in-chief verifies that each participant is properly equipped and using only legal equipment. This means bats must be unaltered and conform to the established standard (1-3-2), and helmets must be free of cracks, damage, and meet the applicable standard (1-5-1). This precise check stops unsafe or nonconforming equipment from being used, which is essential for fair play and player safety.

General statements about understanding rules or assurances from coaches aren’t enough, and affidavits about not altering bats aren’t part of the required process. The key point is the concrete verification that equipment meets the official specifications.