Behind the Seams III | Page 39

and then functional skill (sport-specific movements such as throwing a pitch). Too often the focus is on the sport-specific movement, which in baseball often centers on a pitcher's arm. While Dr. John suggests the focus cannot be limited to that movement, there is also a need for youth programs to work on ways to aid pitchers. In fact, leagues across the country are working with USA Baseball to prevent injuries through something called Pitch Smart. "Pitch Smart is a program that is meant to serve as a series of guidelines and resources for the general public to access and get better informed about how to navigate their journey through amateur baseball," Rick Riccobono, USA Baseball's chief development director, told Sporting News. "It is designed to keep kids healthy and to limit overuse, provide best practices and hopefully allow for better-informed coaches and parents." USA Baseball does not make the rules for youth baseball. That process remains in the hands of individual leagues, which is why there are problems within the industry. Riccobono said that USA Baseball's goal with Pitch Smart is to have its guidelines adopted as rules.