Arm care in incredibly important to HBA.  We want players to enjoy the game of baseball and play it in a way that protects their arm  in a way that allows them to continue playing as long as their desire and ability allows them to.  The MSHSL has adopted pitch count rule for 2017 for HS players grades 9-12. 

The HBA approved the adoption of the following pitch count policy to be in effect for the 2019-20 seasons.  All teams and coaches must abide by these league guidelines, in addition to following any tournament or league rules to remain eligible for the tournament.  HBA has chosen to follow the example of MSHSL, USA Baseball and Little League and institute this important safety rule now.

1. Once the pitch limit is reached a pitcher may finish pitching to that batter without advancing in required days rest; except in the case of pitching in multiple games in a single day. If this occurs the actual number of pitches delivered in Game 1 will determine the number of rest days required.  See reference below.
2. A minimum of one day of rest is required if a pitcher pitches two straight days.
3. The maximum number of pitches in one inning must be limited to 30 pitches. Players 15 years of age and older can  finish the batter if the 30th pitch occurs during the at-bat.
4. Days of rest are measured in calendar days, not 24 hour periods. If a 15U player throws 55 pitches on Monday they are not eligible to pitch on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but are eligible to pitch anytime on Thursday
5. Only pitches thrown to a batter count toward the pitch count.
6. All games count towards pitch count and required days rest whether it’s a league game or tournament game.
7. A pitcher who delivers more than 40 pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
8. A catcher who catches more than 3 innings is not allowed to pitch the remainder of the day. 
9. It is recommended pitchers do not pitch twice in one day. If they do the summation totals will be in effect. For example, at 15U, if a pitcher delivers a total of 31 pitches in Game 1 Saturday he will not be allowed to pitch again until Monday.  If a 15U pitcher delivers a total 22 pitches in Game 1 Saturday he may be allowed to pitch again in Game 2 Saturday with the sum of all pitches dictating the total number of days off not to exceed the “Daily Max”. 

 When a pitcher pitches more than the allotted number of pitches or does not meet the rest requirement they become an ineligible athlete.

Failure to record and track pitches as per the following stipulations will result in the following penalties:

• 1ST Offense:  Head coach is warned of the offense, and consequences of not following the policy
• 2ND Offense in the same season:  Head coach is suspended one (1) game
• 3RD Offense in the same season:  Head coach is suspended four (4) games
• 4TH Offense in the same season:  Head coach is removed from their position

The pitcher in violation will not incur any penalties but will be required to adhere to his days rest requirements.

Tracking Pitches:

1. All games must be tracked using Game Changer and published after each game.
2. Ideally, there is another coach tracking pitches with a pitch counter.