TSSAA Approves pitch count for high school baseball
HERMITAGE, Tenn — The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee passed a policy which states that all state associations must develop its own pitching restriction policy based on the number of pitches thrown during a game to afford pitchers a required rest period between pitching appearances.
The Board voted to approve the following Pitch Count regulations for the sport of baseball.
GENERAL GUIDELINES:
- Make sure properly warmed up prior to any throwing activity. Use proper equipment to aid in the warm up. (Surgical tubing, etc…)
- Make sure a proper dynamic and static stretching plan is followed prior to throwing.
- Educate pitchers on proper mechanics and techniques of throwing.
- Monitor for signs of mechanical breakdown and fatigue.
- Take immediate action if a pitcher complains of pain.
- Consult a trainer/doctor/ trained coach upon completion of game pitching activity.
- Put in place and follow a prescribed post pitching rehabilitation program.
- Make every effort to avoid pitching a player in multiple games on the same day.
GUIDELINES:
- Cannot use the same pitcher three (3) days in a row regardless of number of pitches thrown.
- If pitchers hit their END number, they are allowed to finish the batter in the box regardless of END number.
- Highly recommended that a coach check with a coach on the opposing team between each half inning to make sure pitch counts are in congruent. ( the same )
- Home team would be final correct count.
- Both teams would sign documentation pitch form at the end of each game.
- The pitch count will apply to a player who pitches. JV pitch count and high school varsity pitch count would be linked together. Example – Pitcher A pitches Varsity on Monday 45 pitches, not allowed to pitch JV on Tuesday.
- The pitch count applies to regular season and postseason.
For more information on the new guidelines, click here.
