Expert: Martin Hoover - 4/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: My daughter plays in the 9-10 age softball division. She is a pitcher.  I am wondering by rules and regulations how much can she pitch in a calendar week. It has been interpreted several different ways the last three years in our little league program.

ANSWER: Shannon,

It depends on how you league structures each division.  If your daughter is in the Minor Softball division, she may only pitch 6 innings in a calendar week.  If your daughter plays in the Major Softball Division, she may only pitch 18 innings in a calendar week.

Check with your local league to see what division she is playing in.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I think that is the problem.  No one seems to know if they are considered Minor or Major softball division.  Last year they could pitch 9 innings, this year they changed it to 6 innings.  Where can I find out what is considered Minor and what is considered Major?  Does it go by age or is this a local league decision?

Answer
Your league should have a set of By-Laws that stipulates the age structure of their divisions.  Contact your league, and if they can't answer your question, contact your regional center.  They should have these documents on file.

The Local League determines the structure of their leagues, and have should have it documented in their By-Laws.

-Martin Hoover