Condoning Curve Balls

You asked for an "Official" source: Tom House is one knowledgeable source (agree or disagree, he certainly has devoted a lot of time and research to the issue) who condones teaching kids as young as 9 or 10 to throw the "spinner" - index and middle finger come to side of ball at release - release with karate chop motion. He doesn't discuss thumb action to increase and tighten rotation.

I too did not allow curves with youth pitchers. His reasoned, researched approach convinced me that, used in moderation and correctly, this pitch will not hurt a kids arm any more than a fastball. Seen lots of kids who rely only on a heater hurt their arms from overuse. Teach the change first, when they have reasonable control of FB and change, introduce a spinner to use as out pitch - like RAD, throw only when you need it - usually one per batter to top hitters, maybe 2 in a pinch.

Like many others, I'm most concerned with overuse. Tournament rules for young (12-U) pitchers are ridiculous - we played an 11-U tourney this year where a kid could've pitched 18 innings in 48 hours. Fortunately, most managers have more sense than that, sadly, some don't.

Bottom line is - work extra hard on pitching and defense - bring lots of pitchers to the table, watch for soreness and signs of tiring pitcher, and guard a kid's arm like the treasured resource that it is.