MLB and USA Baseball Hit Home Run with Pitch Smart

Source: sadlersports.com - MLB and USA Baseball Hit Home Run with Pitch Smart
Author: John M. Sadler

Program aims to reduce youth pitching injuries

Major League Baseball and USA Baseball recently developed the Pitch Smart compliance program to help identify the youth baseball organizations that have adopted its principles and guidelines.  Pitch Smart offers players, parents and coaches guidelines on avoiding overuse injuries.

Organizations can be designated as being in “full compliance” or “select compliance.”

Organizations in full compliance are required to:

1. follow the Pitch Smart pitch count and rest period guidelines pertaining to pitch counts across all competitions;


2. request that players, coaches and parents follow all additional Pitch Smart guidelines;


3. post or link to the Pitch Smart information on the organization’s website;


4. distribute Pitch Smart information to all coaches;


5. include Pitch Smart information in all formal coaches’ meetings; and


6. encourage parent and player awareness with the inclusion of Pitch Smart information in team orientation meetings.

Organizations in select compliance are required to:

1. follow the Pitch Smart pitch count and rest period guidelines across select competitions;


2. request that players, coaches and parents follow all additional Pitch Smart guidelines;


3. post or link to the Pitch Smart information on the organization’s website;


4. distribute Pitch Smart information to all coaches;


5. have a developed plan and continue to show progress in adopting all of the Pitch Smart full compliance standards standards.

“Education supporters” will also be recognized by the program. These groups help in promoting awareness of the Pitch Smart principles and are making continued efforts toward compliance in the program.

For a full list of organizations in full or select compliance, visit the Pitch Smart website, which also offers information on other pitching risk factors. You can also read more articles related to pitching injuries on our blog.

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