In an effort to help our managers and coaches comply with our safety standards, the Board of Directors have put forth a mandate of safety rules to be followed as outlined in the DBALL 2009 Safety Manual. 

Each team will also appoint a Team Safety Officer (TSO) who will assist the manager and the designated coaches of that team to insure that the safety guidelines are met whether at practice  or during a game.

The commitment to this Safety Manual is proof that we at DBALL are dedicated to our cause.  Please read it carefully from cover to cover, as it will familiarize you with safety fundamentals.  Then use the manual as a powerful reference guide throughout the season. 

Always remember that safety rests with all of us, the volunteers of Delray Beach American Little League.  Please use common sense, never doubt what children tell you, and report all accidents or safety infractions when they occur. 

Now, play ball and play it safe!

This system can detect lightning within a 12-mile radius, and the warning will consist of a one 15-second blast of a horn and a strobe light will begin to flash. The horn and the strobe light are attached to the top of the concession buildings. The horn is audible throughout the park and the strobe light is visible.

When park-goers hear or see this signal, all activities shall be suspended; they should leave the fields and immediately seek an appropriate, safe shelter which includes large buildings, lightning shelters, automobiles/trucks, or tunnels with no standing water. Do Not Stay in Dugouts! People should avoid open areas, water, tall trees, metal fences, overhead wires and power lines, high ground areas, telephones and cellular phones, radios, and small, unprotected shelters like dugouts. Any one not following these guidelines and remains outdoors or in an inappropriate area or shelter will do so at their own risk.

The system will also detect safe conditions after a storm has passed and activities may resume only after three 5-second blasts of the horn are sounded, and the strobe light stops flashing.

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Rodger Ribeiro, CPRP, Recreation Superintendent, at (561) 243-7256 or email Rodger at ribeiro@ci.delray-beach.fl.us.

SAFETY CODE 

Dedicated to Injury Prevention

Report any present or potential safety hazard
 to the Safety Officer Reggie Dobard (243-7355), IMMEDIATELY.

·        There are first aid kits located in the concession stand.

·        No games or practices should be held when weather or field conditions are not good, particularly when lighting is inadequate.

·        The play area should be inspected frequently for holes, damage, stones, glass and other foreign objects.

·        All team equipment should be stored within the team dugout, or behind screens, and not within the area defined by the umpires as “in play”.

·        Only managers, players, coaches and umpires are permitted on the playing field or in the dugout during games.

·        Responsibility for keeping bats and loose equipment off the field of play should be that of a player assigned for this purpose or the team manager and coaches.

·        During practice and games, all players should be alert and watching the batter on each pitch.

·        During warm up drills, players should be spaced so that no one is endangered by wild throws or missed catches.

·        All pre-game warm ups should be performed within the confines of the playing field and not within areas that are frequented by, and thus endanger spectators (i.e., playing catch, pepper, swinging bats, etc.)

·        Equipment should be inspected regularly for the condition of the equipment as well as for proper fit.

·        Batters and runners must wear Little League protective helmets during batting practice and games.

·        Catchers must wear catchers helmet, mask, throat guard, long model chest protector, shin guards, and protective cup with athletic supporter at all times (males) for all practices and games. NO EXCEPTIONS. Managers should encourage all male players to wear protective cups and supporters for practices and games.

·        The catcher must wear catcher’s helmet and mask with a throat guard in warming up pitchers. This applies between innings and in the bullpen during a game and also during practices.

·        Managers and coaches may not warm up pitchers before or during a game.

·        Except when the runner is returning to a base, head first slides are not permitted.

·        During sliding practice, bases should not be strapped down or anchored.

·        At no time should “horse play” be permitted on the playing field.

·        Parents of players who wear glasses should be encouraged to provide safety glasses.

·        Player must not wear watches, rings, pins, or metallic items during games and practices.

·        On deck batters are not permitted except in Juniors/Senior Division.

Important Do's and Dont's

DO . . .

• Reassure and aid children who are injured, frightened or lost.

• Provide or assist in obtaining medical attention for those who require it.

• Know your limitations

• Assist those who require medical attention, and when administering aid, remember to . . .

• LOOK for signs of injury

• LISTEN to the injured describe what happened and what hurts.  Before questioning, you may have to calm and soothe an excited child.

• FEEL gently and carefully the injured area for signs of swelling or grating of broken bone.

• Managers, have your player Medical Clearance Forms with you at all games and practices.

• Report any present or potential safety hazard to the Safety Officer, IMMEDIATELY.

DON’T . . .

• DON’T administer any medications

• DON’T hesitate in giving aid when needed

• DON’T be afraid to ask for help if you are not sure of the proper procedures (i.e., CPR)

• DON’T leave an unattended child at a practice or game.