Managers and Coaches Safety Responsibilities
- Appoint a parent as the Team Safety Officer. The Team Safety Officer’s responsibilities are to ensure that the field and equipment are safe before games begin, that first aid equipment is on-site and in usable condition, and that safety rules are followed during the game.
- Be aware of your players’ physical condition when they show up for practice and at games. Injuries that happen away from baseball, i.e. playground or other recreational activities can often produce injuries that are brought to the playing field. These conditions, if they exist should be evaluated. If the injuries compromise the player’s safety then the player should sit out until the condition improves. Parents should also be notified if they are unaware of the situation.
- Make sure all players are wearing the proper equipment at practice and games. Cups are recommended and should fit properly to insure the player is comfortable and it does not hinder his ability to play safely. Baseball caps should be worn. All jewelry must be removed. All catchers must wear complete and proper catcher’s equipment during practices, and games. For warm ups, they must wear a helmet, mask with throat guard, cup and catcher’s glove. All players must wear approved batting helmets while at bat or on base.
- Any damaged or worn gear should be replaced immediately. Contact our Equipment Officers immediately (see contact list for phone numbers and email addresses).
- Always make warm-up exercises a part of the beginning of all practice and games. This is important as warm-up exercises reduce the possibility of sprains and strains on our players.
- Make sure all players, parents and coaches watch the ball at all times. Many thrown and batted-ball injuries occur because the victim does not see the ball coming and has no opportunity to get out of the way. Avoid drills and warm-ups in which several balls are being thrown in different directions at the same time.
- Ensure that there is no “on deck” swinging of bats during games and practices. The only person with a bat in his/her hands should be the batter. If individual instruction is being given at practice then one coach and one player should do this at a safe distance away from the other practice activities. All bats should remain in the provided bat holders. A player or adult should be assigned to the dugout to make sure this safety procedure is kept in place at all times.
- Your field crew should always check field equipment after dragging and watering. Bases should be checked to make sure they are secure. Breakaway bases should be checked for proper operation. Chalk lines should be in their proper location. The field should be checked for holes or ground irregularities. All holes must be filled. Filled holes should be tamped down. Ground crews should also check for hazards in and around the field. Broken glass, animal waste, rocks, etc should all be removed prior to practice or games.
- Always bring a cell phone and medical release forms and first aid kit to every practice and game.
- One coach or manager per team is required to attend first aid training, per Little League National rules.