Pitching Limits  - Regulation VI(c)

Alpine LL uses a phased in approach to pitch limits.  The goal is not only for players to build arm strength as the season progresses but also to encourage teams to rotate and develop 4-6 pitchers regularly if possible.

Alpine LL imposes the following maximum pitch count limits in Majors.  PCL and Minors have more restrictive pitch limit numbers outlined in the rules for that Division. However, the principles on when the limit is reached and days of rest are the same across divisions.

Alpine LL imposes the following maximum pitch count limits: 

League age 11 and 12 years:

• Through March: 60 pitches per day
• Through April: 70 pitches per day

• May & June: 85 pitches per day

League age 9 and 10 years: 

• Through March: 50 pitches per day
• Through April: 60 pitches per day

• May & June: 75 pitches per day

League age 7 and 8 years:

• 50 pitches per day

If a pitcher reaches the limit as described above for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occur:

•  that batter reaches base
• that batter is put out
• the third out is made to complete the half-inning
   

Required Rest - Regulation IV(d)

 Pitchers aged 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements.  

• If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) full calendar days of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 51 - 65 pitches in a day, three (3) full calendar days of rest must be observed.
•  If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) full calendar days of rest must be observed. 
•  If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) full calendar day of rest must be observed.
•  If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed.

EXAMPLE: If you have a pitcher throwing >50 pitches on Wednesday they can not pitch on Saturday.

The required rest rules are also subject to the same caveat as above about reaching the limit while facing a batter.  For example, if a pitcher reaches 50 pitches while facing a batter, they may continue to pitch to that batter until the at-bat is over, and remain subject to the rest requirements for throwing 50 pitches. 

Violation of the pitching rules can lead to game forfeits, even if discovered after the fact. 

 Pitching & Catching - Regulation VI(a), (d)

Any player who has played the position of catcher in more than three innings (i.e any part of those innings) in a game is not eligible to pitch that day. Any player who has pitched more than 40 pitches in a game is not eligible to catch (batter continuation rules apply). A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position on that same calendar day. A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return that same game as a pitcher. 

Pitcher's Undershirt - Rule 1.11(a)3
Any undershirt worn by a pitcher must be solid in color (but not grey or white).  For purposes of this rule, an "arm sleeve" counts as an undershirt.

The scorekeeper is the official pitch counter for the game. With the integration of our new registration system and website, Alpine LL will mandate the use of GameChanger for scorekeeping and pitch counts. The scorekeeper 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.

Recording Scores & Pitch Counts: Each team is responsible for entering scores and pitch counts the SAME DAY as the game occurs to the Alpine LL website. Pitch count information is critical to maintaining the health of players arms and monitoring manager/coach compliance with the applicable pitch count restrictions.  Day of game entry is an essential aspect of this process. 

Violations of Alpine LLs rules limiting pitches thrown by a player outlined here and in the Little League Official Rules are considered a serious safety concern and will be dealt with the seriousness that they deserve. An opposing manager or coach shall file a protest if he/she believes a team violated the pitching or rest rules within 24 hours of the game in question. (Note: for pitch limit violations a protest MAY be filed after the game has concluded). See Alpine LL Bylaws Section 4.5.4 above and LL Rule 4.19 for details on filing a protest. This protest is filed with the applicable Division Commissioner. 

HOWEVER, if an opposing manager realizes a violation is imminent, they should try to prevent it by discreet discussion with the opposing manager and/or the head umpire. Nevertheless, the obligation to comply with these rules rests with each manager, who must track the playing time and pitch counts of his/her players.

If the Disciplinary/Protest Committee determines the protest is merited the following consequences shall apply: 

• The manager of the offending team will be suspended for one game and an assistant coach shall be named the temporary manager
•  The player whose pitching caused the violation will not be allowed to pitch in the same game for which the suspension is in effect; and
•  The game in which the violation occurred will be declared a forfeit in favor of the opposition team. 

Second time offenses will be subject to such additional discipline as the Disciplinary/Protest Committee may deem appropriate, including without limitation, permanent suspension of the offending manager. 

Note: Due to the importance of player safety, this Rule will be applied on a strict liability basis. No excuse or circumstance whatsoever shall be deemed justification for the violation of any pitch count rule.