Arm health is an important aspect to baseball and softball. Multiple research studies have shown that overuse is the largest cause of arm-related baseball injuries. In 2007, Little League worked with world-renowned orthopedic surgeon and Founder and Medical Director of the American Sports Medicine Institute, Dr. James Andrews, to create our pitch count rules to protect young arms from injury. 

With children getting more pressure to pitch year-round, play on multiple teams and focus too much on velocity and pitch speed, Little League is one of the only organizations to enforce a pitch count, with varying thresholds and days rest based on the age of the pitcher, to make sure young arms stay healthy. 

If your child plays baseball or softball on a team outside of San Francisco Little League, SFLL expects you to keep your own pitch count and work with your SFLL coaches AND the coaches of your other team(s) to make sure your player is not throwing too much and is getting the rest they need between games.

By signing “I accept” below, you are affirming your commitment to partner with SFLL and take an active roll in the protection of your child’s arm health and safety, by communicating with your coaches about your child’s participation in other baseball programs and keeping them informed about daily pitch counts as applicable.