Pitching Restrictions, Pitch Counts, and Charged Conferences
- There are no restrictions on innings pitched in ZVBL games.
- There is no weekly pitch count maximum at any age division.
- Pitch counts for ZVBL league and playoff games are tracked separately and are not cumulative with games played outside the regular season and playoffs (e.g., tournaments or travel ball). ZVBL places great trust in coaches and team directors to monitor pitchers and prioritize player health and safety above all else.
- Rest Day Regulations (ZVBL league and playoff games only)
Pitchers may not pitch on 3 consecutive calendar days at any age level.
Rest days are measured in calendar days (not 24-hour periods).
9U–12U Divisions
– 1–20 pitches = 0 days rest
– 21–40 pitches = 1 day rest
– 41–55 pitches = 2 days rest
– 56+ pitches = 3 days rest
Daily Limit: 50 pitches (9U–12U)
13U–15U Divisions
– 1–25 pitches = 0 days rest
– 26–40 pitches = 1 day rest
– 41–60 pitches = 2 days rest
– 61+ pitches = 3 days rest
Daily Limit: 65 pitches (13U–15U)
– If a pitcher reaches their daily limit during an at-bat, they may finish pitching to that batter. The additional pitches count toward the rest day requirement.
– Intentional walks do not count toward the pitch count total.
– Pitch counts reflect actual pitches thrown; pitchers may not throw extra pitches to stay in a lower rest category.
Example: A 12U pitcher with 49 pitches starts a batter and throws 7 more to finish the at-bat (56 total). They must rest 3 calendar days before pitching again. - Recommendations for Pitcher Health and Safety
– It is strongly recommended that players do not pitch and catch in the same game, especially if they reach a pitch count requiring rest days.
– On rest days, coaches should monitor throwing volume when a player is in another position. Playing catcher on a rest day is not recommended.
– Once removed as pitcher in a game, a player may not return as pitcher that game.
– Warm-up pitches that simulate game-like, competitive deliveries should be counted toward the daily limit and rest requirements. Warming up multiple times without entering the game is discouraged.
– Coaches and parents should watch for signs of arm fatigue (e.g., reduced velocity, decreased accuracy, longer time between pitches, elbow drop, or mechanical changes).
– If a player reports pain in the elbow or shoulder, stop pitching/throwing immediately and seek evaluation by a certified athletic trainer or medical professional.
– Players should avoid pitching for multiple teams during overlapping seasons.
– Players should have at least 3–4 months per year free from competitive pitching. - Penalty for Violating Daily Pitch Limit or Rest Day Regulations
The pitcher must be removed immediately and may not pitch again in any ZVBL league or playoff game during the same week. The head coach is ejected from the current game and must serve a one-game suspension in the team’s next scheduled non-scrimmage game (including tournament games) based on the schedule at the time of the violation. The ZVBL Board may impose additional penalties depending on the circumstances. - Legal Pitches by Age Division
9U–11U: Fastballs, changeups, palm balls, and knuckle balls are permitted. Curveballs and other breaking pitches are NOT allowed.
Penalty for illegal pitch (9U–11U):
– 1st offense: Dead ball, warning to pitcher and head coach.
– 2nd offense: Dead ball, pitch called a ball.
– 3rd offense: Dead ball, pitch called a ball, pitcher removed for the remainder of the game.
12U–15U: All pitches are legal per NFHS rules (including curveballs and breaking pitches). - Pitcher Stops Delivery (9U–11U)
A fake pitch or stop in delivery that, in the umpire’s judgment, deprives the offensive team of an opportunity to advance or execute a play, results in all runners advancing one base.
Example: With a runner on first and 0 outs, the batter squares to bunt as the pitcher begins delivery. The pitcher stops. If the umpire determines the bunt could have advanced the runner, the runner is awarded second base. - Charged Conferences / Mound Visits
ZVBL follows NFHS rules without modification: Each defensive team is allowed up to three (3) charged conferences per regulation game without penalty to confer with defensive players. A conference is not charged if the pitcher is removed as pitcher before the third conference is reached.
ZVBL prioritizes arm health and player safety. Coaches are responsible for accurate pitch tracking and adherence to these guidelines. Violations will be reviewed by the ZVBL Board.
Approved by ZVBL Board: [Date]