We are quickly approaching the 2019 JBO State Tournaments. We continue to have the safety and health of our players in the forefront. For those interested, here is an explanation of the Pitch Count rules that are being followed in post-season play. This is the first year we have instituted pitch count in post-season play; thank you for your patience and understanding as we work our way through it and learn by experience.
STATE TOURNAMENT PITCH COUNT
| Divisions | Pitch Count | Days Rest | Pitch Count | Days Rest | Pitch Count | Days Rest | Max Per Day |
| Senior | 1-50 | 0 | 51-80 | 1 | 81+ | 2 | 95 |
| Junior | 1-40 | 0 | 41-65 | 1 | 66+ | 2 | 85 |
| Minor | 1-40 | 0 | 41-65 | 1 | 66+ | 2 | 75 |
- The pitch count is based on pitches thrown for strikes, balls, foul balls, and outs. Warm-up pitches, pick off attempts, ‘no pitch’ call by the umpire do not count towards the pitch count.
- A pitcher who throws a warm-up pitch must pitch to one batter.
- The maximum number of pitches is based on the level of play. Specific rest periods are in place when a pitcher reaches specific thresholds of pitches delivered in a day.
- At all divisions of play, in a multi-game contest, a pitcher may pitch in multiple games in the same day, provided they do not pitch more than 40 pitches (Minors/Juniors) or 50 pitches (Seniors) in the first game they pitch in. Once a pitcher reaches a days of rest threshold (other than 0 days) he may not pitch in another game until he completes his days of rest.
EXAMPLE #1: If a Minor pitcher throws 20 pitches in their 1st game of the day, he can throw up to 20 pitches in his 2nd game of the day and still be at a threshold of 0 days rest and eligible to pitch in his 3rd game of the day. He would be able to pitch no more than 35 pitches in his 3rd game of the day.
EXAMPLE #2: If a Minor pitcher throws 40 pitches in their 1st game of the day, he is at a threshold of 0 days rest and can pitch in a 2nd game that same day. In his 2nd game, he is limited to no more than 35 pitches which would put him at a threshold of 2 days rest.
EXAMPLE #3: If a Minor pitcher throws 15 pitches in their 1st game of the day, he can throw up to 50 pitches in his 2nd game of the day and be at a threshold of 1 days rest.
EXAMPLE #4: On Sunday during the tournament, a Junior pitcher throws 35 pitches in his 1st game. He throws 12 pitches in his 2nd game. He is no longer eligible to pitch in a game 3 because the 1 day threshold was reached.
EXAMPLE #5: A Junior pitcher pitches 43 pitches with finish the batter (0 days rest threshold). In his 2nd game he throws 39 pitches. He has thrown a total of 82 pitches. He is at 2 days rest threshold and going into game 3 he cannot pitch.
EXAMPLE #6: A Junior pitcher pitches 38 pitches and game is called for darkness. The next day in the continuation game, pitcher pitches 42 pitches with finish the batter (0 days rest threshold). In the next game, pitcher throws 23 pitches. He has thrown at total of 65 pitches. Pitcher has reached 1 days rest threshold can cannot pitch if there is a game 3.
EXAMPLE #7: Senior pitcher throws 51 pitches in his first game. He has reached 1 days rest threshold and cannot pitch in any other game until he completes his day of rest.
- There shall be free defensive substitutions at all positions, excluding pitchers. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound during the course of the game, they may not re-enter for any reason as a pitcher, for the duration of the game.
- A pitcher reaching the maximum daily pitch count limit in the middle of an at bat is allowed to finish that batter without penalty.
- A pitcher reaching a day(s) of rest threshold in the middle of an at bat is allowed to finish that batter. The pitcher will only be required to observe the calendar day(s) of rest for the threshold he/she reached during that at-bat, providing that pitcher is removed before delivering a pitch to another batter.
- DAYS OF REST: 1 calendar day equals 1 day of rest.
- Pitching rule for a continuation game: see section VIII Letter U in the JBO rulebook
- VIOLATION OF THIS RULE: The team in violation forfeits the game in which the violation occurred; the head coach is suspended for one game
- All protests must be made immediately, prior to the next pitch, play, attempted play, or any kind of action. The JBO Umpire-in-Chief, JBO Board member in attendance or Tournament Director will rule on any protests immediately; the ruling will be final. Game delays will be for no more than five minutes for a protest.