Post by ADMIN on Jun 2, 2007 12:33:36 GMT -5
From time to time I hear things either in emails or on the field which I refer to as "rules myths" - versions of the DBA rules which just aren't right, but seem to perpetuate themselves from season to season.
I have started this thread to address some of those which I have already run into this summer.
#1. MYTH - There is a Per Inning Run Limit for 11-12 hardball:
There is NO per inning run limit for 11-12 HARDBALL. Never was. Likely never will be. The source of this myth is a misreading of the rules which apply to Fastpitch (softball).
#2. MYTH - Pitchers can't throw change ups or knuckleballs:
There is NO prohibition on pitches of this type.
The only "illegal" pitch in this age group is a curveball. The reason for the restriction is that the curve is thrown with a twisting break of the wrist which translates down the forearm and into the elbow. For young arms with soft or open growth plates this can cause damage. Properly thrown change ups and knuckleballs do not torque the elbow in the same way, and are therefore not a health concern for the pitcher.
The issue here is NOT fairness to the batter. The only issue is the well being of young pitchers.
#3. MYTH - The "Mercy" Rule is 15 after 3, 10 after 5:
There is NO 15 after 3 rule in the DBA 11-12 hardball rules.
Ten (10) after 5 is the DBA rule.
#4. MYTH - There is a time limit on all DBA 11-12 hardball games:
There is NO BLANKET TIME LIMIT on 12U Hardball games. The only games having time limits are those on lighted fields, and then only if there are "back-to-back" games being played on those fields that day/night.
There may be, however, city curfews set by City governments, and enforced by the police. Those we can do nothing about.
Feel free to share or discuss your own rules myths or questions here.
Neill
I have started this thread to address some of those which I have already run into this summer.
#1. MYTH - There is a Per Inning Run Limit for 11-12 hardball:
There is NO per inning run limit for 11-12 HARDBALL. Never was. Likely never will be. The source of this myth is a misreading of the rules which apply to Fastpitch (softball).
#2. MYTH - Pitchers can't throw change ups or knuckleballs:
There is NO prohibition on pitches of this type.
The only "illegal" pitch in this age group is a curveball. The reason for the restriction is that the curve is thrown with a twisting break of the wrist which translates down the forearm and into the elbow. For young arms with soft or open growth plates this can cause damage. Properly thrown change ups and knuckleballs do not torque the elbow in the same way, and are therefore not a health concern for the pitcher.
The issue here is NOT fairness to the batter. The only issue is the well being of young pitchers.
#3. MYTH - The "Mercy" Rule is 15 after 3, 10 after 5:
There is NO 15 after 3 rule in the DBA 11-12 hardball rules.
Ten (10) after 5 is the DBA rule.
#4. MYTH - There is a time limit on all DBA 11-12 hardball games:
There is NO BLANKET TIME LIMIT on 12U Hardball games. The only games having time limits are those on lighted fields, and then only if there are "back-to-back" games being played on those fields that day/night.
There may be, however, city curfews set by City governments, and enforced by the police. Those we can do nothing about.
Feel free to share or discuss your own rules myths or questions here.
Neill