Leading off today: Reacting to the steady increase in arm injuries for pitchers, Major League Baseball has rolled out a policy limiting the ability of its teams to scout amateur players during the offseason.
Dubbed the "Amateur Recovery Period," the new rule creates a blackout period of Oct. 15 through Jan. 15 for high schools and Nov. 15 through Jan. 15 for colleges. The impact on so-called "showcases" is likely to be substantial since organizers often charge substantial registration fees to participants with the promise that scouts will attend. However, the new edict does not apply to college coaches, who are regulated by NCAA calendars spelling out when they can evaluate and contact prospects.
MLB released a review last winter that cited year-round competition as a significant contributor to the need for Tommy John surgery and the treatment of shoulder and elbow ailments.
"Young pitchers are foregoing periods of rest and recovery in order to 'max-out' at showcase events and perform for MLB teams, even when feeling tired or fatigued," Dr. Gary Green, medical director for Major League Baseball, said in the MLB announcement. "This (recovery period) would potentially reduce the pressure on young pitchers and decrease the incentive for them to throw at maximum effort year-round, sending a message that MLB is serious about protecting youth pitchers and taking actionable steps to improve player health and safety."
Section 4 school ends boys soccer season
Citing injuries that have depleted the roster, administrators at Schenevus have ended the school's boys soccer season.
The announcement was made Thursday is a letter to the community.
The Dragons were off to an 0-5 start in Section 4 action this fall.
