Many young people start playing baseball and enjoy it throughout their childhood. At the age of 10, youngsters have the opportunity to play youth-league baseball. These leagues have rules that promote safety, learning and opportunity to play. Rules assure parents of young players that their children will get the chance to play all positions during the season and that they will not be put in jeopardy.
Player Opportunity
When 10-year-olds play youth league baseball, the emphasis needs to be on learning the game, playing with sportsmanship and having fun. However, competitiveness is always a part of it and teaching players to do their best means trying to win. However, no player should be denied an opportunity because another 10-year-old may be better. In all youth leagues, players are required to play in at least two innings every game and get at least one at bat in a six-inning game.
Pitching Limitations
When 10-year-olds go to the pitching mound, it is important to protect their vulnerable young arms. Throwing a baseball with an overhand motion is tough on the shoulder. As a result, no 10-year-old pitcher is allowed throw more than three innings or 65 pitches in any one game. Pitchers who throw 46 to 65 pitches may not go to the mound for three days. If the youngster throws 26 to 45 pitches, he may not go to the mound for two more days. If he throws one to 25 pitches, he needs one day of rest before pitching again.
Protective Equipment
All batters must wear protective batting helmets made of hard plastic that cover their ears every time they come to the plate. Those helmets must remain in place as long as the players are on the basepaths as well. Players have to wear a helmet the moment they step into the on-deck circle. Face masks that attach to the helmet are not required but they are encouraged. Catchers must wear chest protectors, shin guards and a catcher's mask. Catchers may wear a traditional catcher's mask or a hockey-style goalie mask. A traditional mask must have a throat protector that hangs down from the bottom rung of the mask.
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