Understanding Little League pitching rules is crucial for keeping young athletes safe and ensuring fair play. The rules are in place to protect developing arms and prevent injuries. This guide covers the key aspects of those rules, including pitch counts, required rest days, and catcher limitations. It’s a must-read for managers, coaches, and parents involved in Little League baseball.
Pitch Count Limits
To protect young arms, Little League sets limits on how many pitches a player can throw in a single game, depending on the child’s age. Here’s a quick rundown:
- 13-14 year olds: 95 pitches
- 11-12 year olds: 85 pitches
- 9-10 year olds: 75 pitches
- 8 year olds: 50 pitches
It’s the managers’ and coaches’ responsibility to keep close track of those pitch counts.
Exceptions to the pitch count rules
What happens if a pitcher reaches the limit in the middle of an at-bat? The rules say that the pitcher can finish pitching to that batter. That means the pitcher can continue until the batter either gets on base, is called out, or the inning ends.
Required Rest Days
Little League rules require pitchers to rest for a certain number of days based on how many pitches they throw in a game. The rules are:
- 0-20 pitches: 0 rest days
- 21-35 pitches: 1 rest day
- 36-50 pitches: 2 rest days
- 51-65 pitches: 3 rest days
- 66+ pitches: 4 rest days
These rules are in place to help prevent injuries in young pitchers, so it’s important to follow them closely.
Catcher Restrictions
Little League rules have specific rules to prevent overuse injuries to catchers.
- Pitchers who throw 41 or more pitches can’t play catcher in the same game.
- Catchers can only catch a maximum of 3 innings before pitching. If a catcher starts a 4th inning behind the plate, they can’t pitch at all.
These rules are designed to protect young players from overexertion and potential injuries.
Injury Prevention and Safety
Irmo Little League prioritizes safety and injury prevention. Players should never play through pain.
If your player suffers a minor sports injury, apply ice to the affected area. Icing helps reduce pain and swelling.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact an Irmo Little League board member for more information.
Key Takeaways
Remember, Little League pitching rules exist to protect young arms and ensure fair play. Keep track of pitch counts, mandatory rest days, and catcher limits. Following the rules helps everyone have a safe and positive experience.