Revised pitch count limits, longer mandatory rest periods, and other rule changes implemented by Little League Baseball in 2010 to reduce shoulder and elbow overuse injuries to youth baseball pitchers remain in effect for 2012.
In 2007, Little League Baseball dropped its decades-old pitching rules - which limited pitchers age 12 and under to six innings per week and six innings per game, with the number of innings increasing for older age groups in favor of rules based on pitch count, with the number of allowable pitches based on the pitcher's age and with specific rest periods between pitching appearances when a pitcher reaches higher thresholds of pitches delivered in a day. Revised rules go into effect for the spring 2010 baseball season.
Knowledge of and compliance with USA Baseball pitch count
recommendations by youth baseball coaches is poor, putting youth pitchers at increased risk for
upper extremity pain and injuries, finds a disturbing new study.
Overuse is to blame for arm injuries among youth baseball players, but
throwing curve balls at an early age still increases risk, according to a new report by
researchers at the University of North Carolina.
Misconceptions abound among baseball parents, coaches and players about the reasons for and benefits of Tommy John surgery and the relationship between pitch counts and injury risk.
Pitch limits and rest periods for Little
League Baseball are mandatory. USA Baseball's recommended limits on pitches per game, per week, per season and per year are voluntary only.