Curveballs in U14's ?

[44]

I agree with the no curveball rule in U14's and LL, designed to protect young arms and developing growth plates. Plus I believe that kids that age should be focussed on learning 4 seam, 2 seam, changeup, good mechanics and location control anyway.

But If you as an ump see it in U14's, what do you call ?
Is there a rule penalty?

2nd Year U14 Pitchers, especially experienced ones are going to start to experiment with curves and it's only natural for those with inquisitive young baseball minds to want to learn it, but how is the no curve rule enforced?

[QBUA]

Rams, a good question, one that has me doing my homework and looking at this issue.
I will make sure (for Club ball and QLD SC and other Tournaments) that the answer goes further than the forum so we can clear a few things up, I have the contacts.

Here it is:
Baseball QLD has the Rule in (QLD Baseball Rules [including Rules for all tournaments] Page 7: Pitching and Catching, Rule D.
No Penalty is stated.
From memory, we usually:
1. Call the pitch a ball
2. Inform the Manager and the Scorers of the violation (Illegal Pitch)
3. Include the pitch in the pitch count
4. If a second violation occurs, remove the pitcher from the mound, not an ejection.
This Rule is not in the official baseball Rule book, the above are made up for various Rules in the OBRB, to give the pitcher a penalty, but not as per the wording of the book.
If you read through OABR, Rule 8.02 (a1) and then (Penalty (a, b and e)), that should help with understanding the penalty.

The ABF Tournaments have defined penalties for this illegal pitch.
ABF NYC PROCEDURES MANUAL: Page 17.
32.4.11. Pitchers in the Under 14 NYC may only throw fast balls or straight change ups. Knuckle balls,
split fingers, fork balls and curve balls are not permitted.
32.4.11.1. If any other pitch is thrown, the Plate Umpire will call “Illegal Pitch”. The illegal
pitch call may also be made by a field umpire. If the ball is not batted then the
pitch shall be called a “Ball”. If the pitch is hit by a batter, then normal rules of
Baseball will apply. Where the ball is batted and an out is made, or the batter
strikes out, then the batter runner is not out and the illegal pitch rule and penalty
will apply.
32.4.11.1.1. The pitched ball will count towards the pitcher’s count.

32.4.11.2. This rule must be addressed in full with umpires prior to the Tournament. It must
also be stressed at the Officials’ Meeting and it is the responsibility of the
respective coaches to ensure that the rule is adhered to. In doing this the purpose
of the rule must be stressed.

National Little League Championships: As Per Above and Including:
This rule must be addressed in full with umpires prior to the championships. It must also be stressed at the mangers meeting and the responsibility of the respective coaches to ensure that the rule is adhered to. In doing this the purpose of the rule must be stressed.

This rule is a mandatory Australian rule and will be in effect for all Australian Little League teams at all times. This includes all International Tournaments (Asia-Pacific and World Series included).

It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the Head Coach to ensure that their team abides by these rules.

How is that ;D