What is the penalty for a player who uses an illegal bat in a game?

Using an illegal bat during a game directly affects the integrity of the competition, which is why the penalty includes calling the player out. When a player is discovered using an illegal bat, that player is immediately called out, and all base runners must return to their original bases. This ensures that the advantage potentially gained by using equipment that does not conform to the rules is nullified, and the play is effectively reversed as if it had never happened.

The other penalties, such as forfeiting the game or suspending the player from future games, do not typically apply in this specific situation for a first infraction. The option regarding a five-minute timeout does not relate to the consequences of using illegal equipment in NCAA Softball rules. Therefore, the action taken of calling the player out and returning the runners is aligned with the regulatory framework meant to maintain fair play in the sport.