Richlands Athletic League, Inc.: Safety First
Friday, June 5Child Killed By Lightning, Another Injured In Spotsylvania, Virginia
 | |
 | |
June 4, 2009
Child Killed By Lightning Strike
Tragedy hit a local Baseball Field Wednesday night when two boys were struck by lightning as they tried to get in a game of catch before thunderstorms rolled in. One was killed. The other is in grave condition. The call to 911 came in at 6:25 p.m. Wednesday from the baseball field behind Lee Hill Elementary School in Spotsylvania County, VA. According to investigators, a Little League game had been called off early because of the approaching storms, but the 11- and 12-year-old boys had gone back onto the field to play catch while their parents looked on. Shortly thereafter, witnesses said, lightning struck 12-year-old Chelal Matos, a sixth grader at Chancellor Middle School, and transferred to the other boy. As horrified spectators and teammates looked on, both boys fell to the ground and went into cardiac arrest. Two nurses who were at the field performed CPR until rescue workers arrived. Chelal died on the field. The other boy was taken to Mary Washington Hospital and then flown to VCU Medical Center in Richmond. He was last listed in critical condition. Like most baseball diamonds, the field behind Lee Hill Elementary has a metal backstop, metal benches and metal bleachers that could easily conduct electricity.
Dear Little League Volunteer:
You may have heard about the tragic accident last night during a weather-related delay in a Spotsylvania County (VA) Little League game. One child died as a result of a lightning strike, and another was injured. We at Little League International extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Little Leaguer Chelal Matos. Our thoughts and prayers also are with the child who was injured, and with his family. As you know, Little League International has provided extensive information to its member leagues on lightning safety, in conjunction with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. We are taking this opportunity to remind all parents and volunteers to review the information linked below.
http://www.littleleague.org/Learn_More/programs/asap/lightning.htm
http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/newsletters/ASAP/May-June+2008+ASAP+Newsletter.pdfhttp://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/asap_signs/See+It+Flee+It.pdf
http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/newsletters/ASAP/March+2009+ASAP+Newsletter.pdf
Sincerely,
Stephen D. Keener
President and Chief Executive Officer
Little League International
P.O. Box 3485
539 US Route 15 Hwy
Williamsport, PA 17701-0485
Phone: 570-326-1921
Fax: 570-326-1074
Why Does the Catcher’s Throat Protector Have to Dangle?
| ||
| |
By Andy Konyar
Little League International Umpire-in-Chief
It appears that over the course of this past season that there has been a lot of confusion over Rule 1.17.
The section I am referring to is the safety requirement that All Catchers MUST have a "dangling" type throat protector attached to the mask of the catcher's helmet. We have observed catcher's helmets without any type of "dangling" throat protector, as well as throat protectors secured so tightly to the lower frame bar that they cannot move or "dangle" to protect the catcher's throat. We have observed them secured so that the throat protector is sticking straight out at a 90-degree angle, providing no protection for the catcher's throat area.
All of these are totally unacceptable.
The "dangling" throat protector should be properly and securely attached so that when the catcher looks up or his/her head is tilted upward that the throat protector will be able to remain down so that the catcher's throat area has some protection. A ball (from a foul or from a pitch in the dirt) or even a bat could possibly come up under the catcher's helmet and cause a severe injury.
To be properly attached, the “dangling” type throat protector should be securely attached from one-fourth of an inch to no more than three-fourths of an inch below the lowest bar or frame of the catchers mask. The throat protector should swing freely and smoothly under the mask when tapped with a finger while holding the catcher's mask/helmet in the hand.
The "dangling" style throat protector is required on any and all types of catchers’ helmets/masks in all divisions of Little League Baseball and Softball. So whether you have the standard frame, the extended frame, the hockey style, etc., the "dangling" throat protector is required.
Yes, even on the extended frame masks – because when a catcher tilts his/her head upward, the frame goes with it – exposing the throat. That is, unless there is a properly positioned “dangling” throat protector in place.
This Is A Mandatory Safety Requirement and MUST Be Strictly Enforced At All Times By Managers, Coaches, League Officials and Umpires. There is NO reason or excuse, (and we have heard them all) for not having a properly attached "dangling" throat protector on all catcher's helmets/mask. The children's safety and well being MUST always be foremost in all that we do in Little League.
It is not worth the risk.
So, PLEASE, help us to make sure that every catcher's helmet/mask in your league’s equipment (whether league-purchased or parent-purchased) has a properly attached "dangling" style throat protector to protect the children from any injury or harm.
A note for the umpires out there: It is not a requirement for the plate umpire to wear a "dangling" throat protector, but it is very strongly recommended that they do.
 |
The Little Leaguer Newsletter - Monthly Digest
| |
 | |
E-News — Sign up any league member on Little League’s web site for all the latest safety information, rules and other updates. Receive email notification of the latest ASAP News availability, Little League press releases and World Series updates.
This is a monthly digest of helpful tips and news about Little League around the world. It's a great way to keep up to date with all the information that is important to you.
E-News will be sent to you from "headquarters@littleleague.org." |