Coaches should pay particular attention to signs of exhaustion and/or injury, and use their best judgment to withhold pitchers from pitching even short of the
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MHSAA BASEBA LL PITCH COUNT REGULATION TRACKING & RECORDING PROTOCOL 202 Season Purpose of Pitch Count Rules The purpose of tracking and recording the number of pitches thrown by pitchers is to ensure that the health and safety of student-athletes remains a priority within MHSAA baseball. Pitch count limits provide a baseline to prevent fatigue and discourage overuse. Coaches should pay particular attention to signs of exhaustion and/or injury, and use their best judgment to withhold pitchers from pitching even short of the maximum pitch allotments when it is in their best interest. Minimum Rec ording Requirements Head coaches may track and record pitches using either a Pitching Record Form (PRF) or through a GameChanger Plus account provided free of charge by the MHSAA*, or a combination of both. If using the GameChanger account, it must allow public access to the box score portion so that opposing coaches may review the pitchin g statistics . Pitching records from the previous three calendar days must be made available (through either method) to the opposing coach at the plate meeting. The MHSAA has access to the dates and times w hen pitching statistics are added to GameChanger. *It is recommende d that a PRF be used as a backup for thos e coaches recording i n GameChang er to preve nt a situation where pitchers are made ineligible due to a technological error.If using a PRF, the required form is attached. If intending on using GameChanger, head coaches must complete the following steps before MARCH 1, 202: Step 1 : Create a GameChanger account if not already registered . Go to https://gc.com/join . Create a new team (if already registered, locate your team under My Teams dropdown menu). Assign up to four additional team admins for free access to your team. Create a new season. Download the app to your phone or tablet for easy access and submission. Step 2 : Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line: GameChanger Account . In the body of the email include: address used to register with GameChanger School name Level ( i.e., Middle School, Freshman, JV or Varsity )
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MHSAA BASEBA LL PITCH COUNT REGULATION TRACKING & RECORDING PROTOCOL 202 Season Tracking & Recording Protocol Head c oaches shall be responsible for tracking the pitch counts for their own pitchers. MUST include a list of players ineligible to pitch (ITP ) on that day of competition because it is one of their required days of rest. If the opposing coach believes that a pitcher has reached his maximum daily pitch allow ance, and a new batter then approaches the plate with the same pitcher pitching , he/she should request time and approach the opposing coach with his /her information . It is ultimately the responsibility e/she has reached the maximum daily pitch allowance. Tracked pitches for every pitcher from every game will be calculated and included on the Pitching Record Form (PRF) and/ or within GameChanger .Pitch counts should be calculated throughout the game and included on the PRF or in the GameChanger app immediately following the conclusion of the game; however, it is no longer required for opposing coaches to share pitching statistics following the conc lusion of the game via the PRF. If an opposing head coach believes that a pitcher exceeded his/her maximum daily pitch allowance, the Daily Pitch Count Dispute Form (attached to this document) should be completed and submitted to Brent Rice ( [email protected] ).At the plate meeting, each head coach shall indicate to the opposing coach whether pitch ing statistics were input into GameChanger , or present PRFs from the previous three calendar days. Failing to input pitching statistics into GameChanger prior to the plate meeting, or, alternatively, failing to present PRFs from the previous three calend ar days, will result in any previous three calendar days inelig ible to pitch that game. While pitching statistics cannot be added to a PRF at that time; i f accurate pitch counts are input into GameChanger or on a PRF by the start of any following game on that day of competition, pitchers eligible by pitch count will b e allowed to pitch. For violations of pitch count regulations, the minimum penalty is forfeiture of the game ( MHSAA Handbook Regulation V, Section 4 (B)). Violations include: oA pitcher that pitches beyond his/her maximum daily pitch count limit .oA pitcher that pitches in a game before the minimum required days of rest .oA head coach fails to present an updated and accurat e PRF at the plate meeting, erroneously informs the opposing head coach that the pitching statistics were input into GameChanger and any pitcher that has pitched from the previous three calendar days pitches during that game. Player/DH and DH Specifications : Please CLICK HERE to see how to make a Player/DH a DH only, and how to move a DH to a defensive position.
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MHSAA BASEBA LL PITCH COUNT REGULATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) 202 Season 1.What are the pregame responsibilities for both head coaches/teams? Head coaches are required to make certain that the pitch count statistics f rom the previous three calendar days are accurately input into GameChanger before the plate meeting of the next game. Alternatively, coaches may present the PRFs from the previous three calendar days. Failure to comply with this requirement will require an y pitcher that pitched delivered) to be ineligible to pitch in that game. Coaches MUST include on the lineup card a list of players inelig ible to pitch (ITP) on that day of competition because it is one of their required days of rest. 2.How will a team track the number of pitches delivered in each game? The easiest and most convenient way for teams to track pitch counts is in the GameChanger app. However, the MHSAA has created a hard copy manual chart for teams to use in place if GameChanger is not available to utilize during the game. It is recommended that coaches keep a couple of copies of the paper document with them in case of technologi cal difficulties. That document is included below. 3. The umpires will have NO ROLE in tracking or recording of pitch counts, or whether a pitcher is or is not eligible to pitch in a particular game, except to facilitate a conversation between coaches or to inform a coach that a player listed as 4.What happens when a pitcher plays at multiple lev els ( i.e., freshman, JV and varsity ) during the same season? The number of counted pitches apply to the individual pitcher and are accumulative, and the days of rest requirement 5.What h appens to a pitcher that has reached his/her maximum daily pitch count limit? The pitcher can be moved to another position or removed from the game. The only thing that the player cannot do is continue to pitch for the remainder of that day and may not pit ch the minimum required days of rest. 6.What happens if a pitcher reaches the maximum daily pitch count limit during an at -bat? A pitcher that reaches the maximum daily pitch count limit is allowed to continue pitching until the batter has completed his time at bat or the inning is over before the at -bat is completed. There is no exception to finish the batter as it applies to the required number of days of rest. 7.How does the rule apply to an ambidextrous pitcher? The maximum daily pitch count limit and the minimum required days of rest apply to the individual pitcher and not the parti cular arm from which he/she delivers pitches.
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MHSAA BASEBA LL PITCH COUNT REGULATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) 202 Season Can a pitcher pitch twice in one game or in multiple games in one day?As long as it is allowed by substitution rules and the pitcher has not yet reached his/her maximum daily pitch count that pitches in multiple games in the same day it is allowed as long as he/she has not yet reached his/her maximum daily pitch count limit. In both cases, all pitches are accumulative as it applies to the required days of rest requirement.Yes, all counted pitches delivered on a given day will be attributable to an individual pitcher regardless of the result of the game.Can a pitcher continue pitching the resumed portion of a suspended game that he/she was pitching when it became suspended?Yes, as long as it is in accordance with the substitution rules and he/she has met the required days of rest. A pitcher would not pick up the pitch count from where he/she left off on a previous day. The pitch count regulation applies to theday of competition, not the game pitched. Substitution rules apply to the game, not the day of competition.Are pitches delivered during practice or a scrimmage tracked and recorded on the PRF?Pitches delivered in a practice or scrimmage are not subject to a maximum daily pitch count limit or the minimum required days of rest.How are pitch counts reported to the opposing team, and what happens if there is a dispute?Opposing head coaches must inform each other at the plate meeting whether they input pitching statistics from the previous three calendar days into their GameChanger account. Alternatively, a head coach may present updated and accurate PRFs from the previous three calendar days. Failure to do either will prohibit any player listed in the scorebook as having pitched the previous three calendar days from being eligible to pitch in that game.Opposing head coaches are not required to share pitch counts with each other following the conclusion of the game. If there is dispute in the number of pitches thrown during a game, the opposing coach may complete a Daily Pitch CountDispute Form and submit it to Brent Rice ( [email protected]) for review.How does the pitch count rule apply when playing out-of-state schools?Each state can set its own pitch count regulations. MHSAA teams must comply with the MHSAA pitch count regulationregardless of what count requirements to which an opposing out-o f-state team adheres. The same tracking and reporting requirements apply.What if there is a dispute during the MHSAA postseason tournament?Each tournament site is required to have a designated Pitch Count Recorder that will track pitches throughout the .If there is a dispute, the Pitch Co
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MHSAA BASEBA LL PITCH COUNT REGULATION CASE PLAYS 202 Season 1.At the plate meeting before the start of the game, the coach of the home team does not have any players listed on the lineup as ineligible to pitch (ITP). The opposing coach should ask whether the home team has any pi tchers that are not eligible to pitch that game due to the pitch count regulation. If the home team has players that are ineligible to pitch, they should be added at that time, or any time it is noticed. 2.The visiting team has Smith listed on the lineup ca rd as ineligible to pitch (ITP); however, in the 4th inning Smith is substituted into the game as a new pitcher. If the umpire or the opposing coach notices this, they should bring it to the attention of the visiting team coach. If Smith was brought in as an oversight, he should be removed before being allowed to pitch. If it is noticed after Smith has already pitched, he should be removed when discovered. This would be the same as the visiting team using an ineligible player, and the penalty is, at minimum , a forfeit of the game. This should be self -reported by the offending athletic director. If the visiting team manager listed Smith as ITP in error, Smith may continue to pitch as long as he is actually permitted to pitch by rule and regulation. 3.In the 6th inning of a high school game, the home pitcher has delivered 102 pitches when the new batter comes to bat. He then retires the batter after throwing another eight pitches to bring his total to 110. This is legal. Since the pitcher reached the 10 5 maximum daily pitch count during an at -bat, he could continue to pitch to that batter until he is put out or becomes a runner, or the half -inning is completed before the at -bat is completed .4.In the 5th inning of a middle school game, the home pitcher ha s delivered 74 pitches when the new batter comes to bat. The batter grounds out on the first pitch of the at -bat for the second out of the inning. The pitcher remains on the mound as a new hitter approaches the plate. The pitcher must be removed since he h as reached his maximum daily pitch count. If the opposing coach notices this, determine whether he has reached the daily maximum pitch co unt. If there is a dispute, the opposing coach should complete a Daily Pitch Count Dispute Form and submit it to Brent Rice ( [email protected] ) for review. 5. statistics and believes that one of the home team pitchers delivered 51 counted pitches, while the home team has only 49 pitches recorded. If there is a d ispute, the opposing coach should complete a Daily Pitch Count Dispute Form and submit it to Brent Rice ([email protected] ) for review.
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MHSAA BASEBA LL PITCH COUNT REGULATION CASE PLAYS 202 Season 6.At the plate meeting to start the first game of a doubleheader, the home team co ach notifies the visiting team coach that there are no pitch counts listed in GameChanger for the visiting team from the previous three calendar days. The visiting team coach may produce all PRFs from the previous three calendar days to verify which pitche rs are available to pitch that day of competition. If the PRFs from the previous three calendar days are not available, any to pitch that game. but no verification for the other days within the past three calendar days (either through GameChanger or by PRF), only those pitchers are as identified as having pitched on the days pitch counts cannot be accounted will be ineligible to pitch that game. 7.At the plate meeting, the head coach of the home informs the head coach of the visiting team that the statistics from the pre vious three calendar days have been input in his GameChanger account. Following the game, the coach of the visiting team notice s no pitching statistics have been added for the previous three calendar days. The visiting team coach should complete a Daily Pi tch Count Dispute Form and submit it to Brent Rice ([email protected] ) for review. If it is determined by the MHSAA that required pitching statistics were not input in GameChanger prior to the plate meeting, and any pitcher who pitched in the previous three calendar days pitched in the game in dispute, the game will be forfeited to the visiting team. 8.At the plate meeting before the start of the game, the coaches of both teams ask that the base umpire track and record counted pitches for their pitchers. This is not allowed. The umpires will have no role in the tracking or recording of pitch counts. They may only serve as a facilitator in conversations between coaches. 9.A pitcher pla ying on the JV team Monday delivers 55 counted pitches. On Wednesday the player is called up to play for the varsity team in a doubleheader. After having delivered 55 counted pitches, the pitcher is required two days of rest before being eligible to pitch again, regardless of the level of play. The pitcher wo uld be ineligible to pitch at any level until Thursday. 10.In the 6th inning, the pitcher reaches his maximum daily pitch count. His coach would like to keep him in the game to play the outfield. This is legal as long as substitution rules allow. The pitcher may continue to play in the game, but just cannot pitch.
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MHSAA BASEBA LL PITCH COUNT REGULATION CASE PLAYS 202 Season 17.Before the start of the regular season, a team scrimmages another MHSAA school while on Spring Break in Florida. On Tuesday a pitcher delivers 30 counted pitches and is removed from the game. The tea m scrimmages the same team the following day. While ill -advised, t his is legal. Pitches delivered during a scrimmage are not required to be tracked and recorded, and .18.A school has scheduled a varsity doubleheader against an Indiana school while in Indiana. The IHSAA allows their varsity pitchers to deliver up to 120 counted pitches. A pitcher for the Michigan school reaches his 105th counted pitch to end the 6th inning. His coach would like him to come out to pitch the 7th inning. This is not legal. Even though playing an out -of-state school in a state that allows a higher maximum daily pitch count, MHSAA member schools must adhere to the MHSAA Pitch Count Regulat ions (i.e., maximum daily pitch count of 105). The team from Indiana is not required to adhere to MHSAA Pitch Count Regulations. The Michigan school team is still required to follow all other requirements, including listing players on the lineup card that are ineligible to pitch (ITP) and tracking and recording pitching statistics in GameChanger or on a PRF. 19. delivered 78 counted pitches, while the home t eam has recorded only 74. The coaches will request an official count from designated Pitch Count Recorder (PCR). (a) The PCR has recorded 78 counted pitches. (b) The PCR has recorded 74 counted pitches. (c) The PCR has recorded 75 counted pitches. In (a), (b) and (c), since there is a dispute, team has recorded.
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MHSAA BASEBALL PITCH COUNT REGULATION BASEBALL PITCHING RECORD FORM (PRF) (Head coaches must track, record and maintain pitching statistics from the previous three calendar days on this form or in Gam eChanger ) High School (Grades 9 -12) Baseball Pitch Count Limitations Maximum Daily Pitches 105 Required Days of Rest 76+ Pitches 3 Days of Rest 51-75 Pitches 2 Days of Rest 26-50 Pitches 1 Day of Rest 25 Pitches or Less No Required Days of Rest Opposing School Date of Game Uniform Number Counted Pitches Next Date Eligible to Pitch Signature Junior High/Middle School (Grades 6 -8) Baseball Pitch Count Limits Maximum Daily Pitches 75 Required Days of Rest 51+ Pitches 3 Days of Rest 26-50 Pitches 2 Days of Rest 1-25 Pitches 1 Day of Rest
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MHSAA BASEBA LL PITCH COUNT REGULATION DAILY PITCH COUNT DISPUTE FORM 202 Season Game Information Date of Game in Dispute: ____________________________ Location: _______________________________________ Home Team: ________________________________ Visiting Team: ________________________________ (Check the box of the of the team whose pitcher(s) is in dispute ) Results of the Game in Dispute Score: ___________ to ____________ in favor of __________________________________ Pitcher(s) in Dispute Uniform Number Pitches Counted (if known ) Number of Pitches Counted by You Check if Pitcher Exceeded Maximum Daily Pitches __________________________________________ _____________________ Disputing Head Coach Signature Date
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