Pitching Rules
Little League International has once again adopted new pitching rules in 2010, which determines pitcher’s rest by the number of pitches thrown. The AL will follow these pitches thrown rules but with a few modifications. The modifications are to ensure that pitchers are not over-used, particularly early in the season in cold weather, and that coaches will try to develop more pitching. The following highlights some, but not all, of these rules:
Players are subject to the following Local WLL (slightly modified) pitch count limits (note: LL of America uses 85 pitch limits):
Until the games of Tuesday May 11th we will use the following pitch limits. Players who are league age 11+12 year olds: 65 pitches per day limit
For league age 10 year olds: 50 pitches per day limit.
From May 11th games until end of season including playoffs:
Players who are league age 11+12 year olds: 75 pitches per day limit.
For league age 10 year olds: 65 pitches per day limit.
Pitchers are allowed to complete the batter they are working against but note that these additional pitches do count against rest rules.
The rule reads: If a pitcher reaches their maximum limit imposed by this rule while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: (i) that batter reaches base; (ii) that batter is put out. NOTE: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
Rest Rules
In addition, all pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:
• If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
* If a player pitches 51 - 65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 36 - 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 21 - 35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.
