If you watched any of the Little League World Series this year you probably
noticed there's been some changes in the pitching rules. Finally, there are steps being taken to help slow down the
epidemic of young arms being overused. Various little league programs across the nation have adopted their
own rules showing their support...and I sincerely hope that local leagues and coaches will quickly follow suit.
Here is an example of what some little league programs are using as a guideline:
A day's rest = no pitching the next day
20 pitches or less = no day of rest
required
21 to 35 pitches = 1 day rest
36 to 50 pitches = 2 days rest
51 to 65 pitches = 3 days rest
66+ pitches = 4 days rest
I do think the following pitch limits (according to age) should be enforced for any one day:
9
to 10 year olds = 60 pitches
11 to 12 year olds = 75 pitches
13 to
14 year olds = 90 pitches
15 & up = 105 pitches
It
is also wise not to take a pitcher out, put him at another position and then bring him back in to pitch later that game (or
in any other game that day). Once the arm has cooled off it's not recommended to try to get it heated back up.
This is where you are increasing the chances of injury exponentially!
