Japan’s high school baseball governing body will start full-fledged discussions on shortening its games from nine innings to seven as a way to protect players from the intense summer heat.
The Japan High School Baseball Federation decided on Friday that it will launch a working group, after having held two rounds of consultations on the matter.
The working group will discuss the pros and cons of introducing the seven-inning system for the spring and summer national championships, as well as for regional tournaments.
The result of the group’s discussions is due to be presented at the federation’s board meeting in December.
The federation has already introduced measures to protect the health of players, such as limiting the number of extra innings, as well as introducing tie-breakers and “cooling time” that allows players to take a break during games.
It will also adopt a two-session format for part of the upcoming national championship this month. Games will be scheduled in the morning and evening to avoid play during the hottest hours of the day.
The seven-inning system would better protect players and spectators from intense heat. But it could raise further debate as it is expected to affect game strategies and bring less opportunities for some players.