Does anyone have any knowledge of this? I know nothing of this ball, and it might be great, but looking to see if anyone has background info. I am concerned that we will be using a new ball from a company for our state playoffs that doesn't even have soccer listed as a sport they produce products for (or lacrosse & volleyball)... What's next? Golf balls, tennis balls, cheerleading pom-poms? I am hoping this might be some kind of an April Fools joke...

(From our AD: No one is quite sure if this means playoffs only, state championships only, or what. It does not appear to regular season games however. Pennsylvania had already signed a 4-year deal last year.)

It seems the SCHSL has signed a deal with Rawlings constituting the use of Rawlings balls through “all SCHSL districts extending through the SCHSL inter-district finals in baseball, boys/girls basketball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball and boys/girls lacrosse.” (Read press release below.)

Rawlings inks 4-year deal with South Carolina High School League in new athletic partnership
Includes designation as the "Official Ball" of League

ST. LOUIS, MO - March 31, 2015 - Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH), today announced a new 4-year agreement with the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL), establishing Rawlings as the Official Ball of the organization effective July 1, 2015. The new partnership covers all SCHSL districts extending through the SCHSL inter-district finals in baseball, boys/girls basketball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball and boys/girls lacrosse.

"Our partnership with the South Carolina High School League is truly exciting as it pairs our latest premium products and technologies with South Carolina's premiere athletes," said Greg Bialis, Vice-President of Team Sales for St. Louis, Missouri-based Rawlings. "We're looking forward to building a strong, collaborative relationship with the SCHSL and its members that will allow the Rawlings brand to be well-represented in the state of South Carolina."

"The South Carolina High School League's new partnership with a sports brand as reputable and established as Rawlings is an exciting venture we are thrilled to embark upon. As they bring 125 years of expertise in producing the most high-performing sports equipment for athletes, the SCHSL will continue to make bold moves with iconic partners such as Rawlings," said Jerome Singleton, SCHSL Commissioner. "We're confident that all SCHSL member schools and athletes will be impressed with the level of product quality and performance resulting from our newly-formed relationship with Rawlings."

In addition to the product portion of the agreement, Rawlings will provide marketing support to the SCHSL as it pertains to their digital communications, public relations, promotional, social media, events and advertising efforts.

Singleton continued, "It is our goal to maintain a reputation of greatness within our region and throughout the nation. SCHSL athletes and member schools as a whole strive to be an asset to the communities in which they reside. We are proud to partner with an elite, reputable company such as Rawlings."

The following Rawlings products will be utilized as part of the SCHSL agreement:

Soccer
SCHSLSB1050