1. The National Federation of State High School Athletics is requiring all high schools to have pitch count limitations in place by the start of the 2017 season. Although it’s requiring each state to have the rules, what the pitch limit will be is left to the individual states to decide.
2. The MPA sought several physician opinions on the issue.
3. William Heinz, MD, was brought in as a liaison to the sports medicine committee. Additionally he is the chair of the National Federation of High School Associations medical board. He said although nothing will prevent arm injuries, pitch counts can help limit them.
4. Dr. Heinz suggested the MPA implement a sliding scale where varsity players would be allowed to throw more pitches than “subvarsity” players. Vermont has a similar sliding scale. Varsity pitchers are limited to 120 pitches while the limit for junior varsity is 110. Middle school pitchers are also limited to 85 pitches.
5. High school pitchers in Maine are currently required to have three days rest if they pitch more than three innings in a game. There was debate among the MPA to requiring more rest days contingent on the number of pitches thrown.
More news related to sports medicine:
1. Dr. Alex Diamond: There is an optimal time of day to break sports records — 6 things to know
2. Dr. Mark Getelman named a healthcare champion by Pacific Coast Business Times: 4 thoughts
3. 10 thoughts and statistics on medical malpractice claims against orthopedists
