Pitching Rules

March 2016 Update

General Rules:

·        A Pitcher once replaced by another Pitcher cannot pitch again in that game. 

 ·        A Pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of Catcher for the remainder of that game. 

 ·        A Catcher who catches in four (4) or more innings (1 pitch = 1 inning) cannot play the position of Pitcher for the remainder of that game. 

 ·        At least six players per team must pitch during the season. The intent of this rule is to promote the development of Pitchers. (Local rule) 

 ·        A Pitcher may pitch in no more than three (3) innings (1 pitch=1 inning).  (Local rule – Minors only)

Pitch Count Limits:

The manager must remove the Pitcher upon reaching the following limits:

·        League age 11-12: 85 pitches per day

·        League age 9-10: 75 pitches per day

·        League age 7-8: 50 pitches per day

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 day of rest must be observed.

·        If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.

Note:  A calendar day is a 24 hour period beginning at midnight after the day pitched.

If a Pitcher reaches the pitch count limit or rest requirement threshold while facing a batter, the Pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs:

1.      That batter reaches base
2.      That batter is put out
3.      The third out is made to complete the half-inning

Example:  A Pitcher starts a batter by throwing pitch #35 (or less).  If the Pitcher finishes that batter (and does not throw a pitch to another batter) or the third out is made to complete that inning (e.g., runner thrown out stealing), even if the Pitcher has now thrown more than 35 pitches, the threshold is noted as 35 pitches and one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.  The key is that the pitcher cannot start another batter beyond the current threshold (20 or 35 or 50 or 65) or another day of rest is required.

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Scorekeeping Requirements

·        Pitch count forms are to be used and counts must be recorded on the official scorecard at the end of the game (exception - see Electronic Scoring note below).
·        The pitch count recorder must provide the current pitch count for any Pitcher when requested by either manager or any umpire. However, the manager is responsible for knowing when his/her Pitcher must be removed.
·        The pitch count recorder should inform the umpire-in-chief when a Pitcher has delivered his/her maximum limit of pitches for the game.   Note: warm-up pitches are not counted against the limit.
·        SBLL is required to record and make available pitch count totals to all managers and umpires in the league.
·        Scorecards must be completed, signed by both Managers and placed in the appropriate 3-ring binder in the snack shack.

Electronic Scoring:  When the official scorecard, including pitch counts, is kept electronically (for example, using iScore on a tablet), pitch counts must be discussed and confirmed with the opposing manager after the game (and as needed at any point during the game).  Any discrepancies must be resolved before leaving the field.  By the next day, paper scorecards with pitch counts highlighted must be printed out and placed in the appropriate 3-ring binder in the snack shack.