I hope some of the scouts and showcase organizers can chime in on this question.

Many kids play from Feb through Sept/Nov. It also seems that many college showcases,and some others, are in the late fall. When does a kid take the time off that they need?

In my son's case, the only time his teams don't play are: Jan (then there is practice), May (maybe), Aug (maybe), Nov (occasional tournament/showcase), Dec. I'd like for him to be able to take the recommended three months to rest his arm, but it sure is difficult.

obrady:
Great question I am wondering the same thing cannot wait to see some responses.

Yeah. I think the extended ball seasons are unique to the warmer regions of the US, and the reality of temperature gives players in cold areas more of a break.

I have been thinking about this too.In Va. there is the opportunity to play from late Feb.-mid Nov.With winter workouts becoming the norm around here there can be no break!This winter "we" decided just to agility train/hitting once a week.My son is a freshman this year & has always pitched a lot.
I guess to anwser your question I would say to MAKE the time off.Especially if your son pitches.YOU know your son better than anybody else.Do not worry what the other kids/dads are doing.It will not matter/no one will remember come June A teammate/friend of my son(A Top 5 09 pitcher in Va) just found out last week he needed Tommy John He probably should have slowed down.I know it is hard for these kids when they reach HS & want to show what they have(or have shown in travel ball for years).My 2 cents.
PS:
I say all this & we are going to a showcase Jan. 6... close to home...15 in state colleges.(1 day,2or3hrs,for pitchers).It is hard!

Rest? Do you mean for high school varsity level players?

If by that you mean engage in a conditioning program where you use cords, light weights, core conditioning, and throwing with weighted balls, then I agree. But laying off for 3 months is not recommended.

I believe the most recent research supports conditioning year round for pitchers and never stop throwing longtoss, or flat ground throwing, unless there is an injury. That does not mean tournaments year round though. Check the pitcher's chat room for more info on this website.

brod:
Thanks so much for the info. Yes I meant for HS varsity players, my son goes through all the above you menntioned year around. But I was wondering if there was any downtime.

I'd vote for two periods a year of 5-6 weeks pitching rest for a HEALTHY pitcher My definition of rest means no games, no showcases and just light toss about once a week. That amount of rest is very hard to do during the key junior year.

If there's real pain, prepare to shut it down for 2-3 months.