Fairfax Little League: Safety

ASAP

SAFETY


S. Roger Parthasarathy, M.D.,
Director of Safety
mobile 703-981-4556
work 703-385-3333
rogerpart@yahoo.com

Injury Reporting Procedures

Page Contents
Safety Director Message Code of Conduct
Introduction Safety Code
ASAP - What is It? General Health
Fairfax LL Safety Plan Manager's Expectations
Director of Safety Lightning Evacuation Procedures
Board Meetings Some Important Do's and Don'ts
Safety Committee Storage Shed Safety Procedures
Rules Committee Some gentle reminders
Some useful links...
Injury Reporting Procedures
What Parents Should Know About Little League Insurance
Fairfax Little League Honored at the Little League World Series
...and downloads
Safety Presentation (1.1MB)
What You Should Know About Lightning (50K)


2008 Mandatory Safety Training

Monday, March 24th
Monday, March 31
7:00 pm
Gold Cafeteria
Robinson High School

Every team at every level must have at least one manager or coach who attends one of the 2008 training sessions.

Message from Safety Director


Last year was another exceptional year for safety in Fairfax Little League. Fairfax is still referenced to by Williamsport as an example of a league with a stellar Safety Plan – one that could and should be emulated by other leagues. In fact, once again Williamsport has included Fairfax Little League's "Safety Manual for Managers and Coaches" on their Safety Officer's package, which is distributed to all Safety Officer's throughout Little League. Everyone associated with Fairfax Little League deserves the credit for this recognition because it was the combined efforts of parents, players, umpires, managers, coaches, concession stand workers, Board Members, Fairfax city government, and other volunteers that makes all of our safety initiatives a reality.

In 1999 our safety program, developed by then Safety Director Mike Dec, was selected as the National Safety Award Grand Prize Winner, as the best Safety program in Little League Baseball. The 1999 safety program remains the foundation for our safety program today.

Fairfax LL Honored at the Little League World Series

Each year, Fairfax Little League looks for specific ways to create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for kids and all participants of Little League Baseball. If you have any ideas or interest in participating in support of our safety program please contact the Safety Director or complete the on-line safety suggestion form.

I wish to thank all of you who helped make previous years in Fairfax Little League safe and rewarding. Remember, safety is everyone's job and prevention is the key to reducing accidents.

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Introduction


Fairfax Little League was first organized in 1955. Since that time, enrollment has grown from the 250 boys who played in 1955 to the approximately 1200 boys and girls who played in 2002. Fairfax Little League consists of three chartered Leagues: American, Dominion, and National. Each of these three leagues contains teams within each of the following levels:

T-ball Consists of 5, 6, and 7 year olds where the ball is hit from a tee at home plate and where hitting, throwing, and catching a baseball is taught for the first time.

"A" Consists primarily of 7 and 8 year olds. Introduction to pitched balls is made through "coach pitch" or machine pitch. For more advanced players the pitching from a player is introduced in the second half of the season.

"AA" Consists primarily of 9 and 10 year olds. Players are first introduced to a pitched ball by another player.

"AAA" Consists primarily of 10, 11, and 12 year olds who have not yet acquired the experience or skill to participate in the major league.

"Majors" Consists of skilled and experienced 10, 11, and 12 year olds.

"Juniors/Seniors" Consists of 13,14 and 15 year olds playing on fields with 90' base paths.

"Challenger Division" provides an opportunity for physically and emotionally challenged children through age 22 to experience Little League baseball.

In 1999, Fairfax Little League expanded its fall season, or TAD(training and development), to consist of a Juniors, Majors, a Minors, and a Rookie division. It also boasts of having one of the only Challenger TAD leagues in the country. Even though the league's Safety Plan was initially authored with spring baseball in mind, it should be pointed out that the Safety Plan is also in effect and enforced for the TAD program as well. Fairfax Little League has long shown a commitment for the safety and well-being for all those involved in all of our divisions of play. It was an active and willing participant in the ASAP pilot test several years ago. In fact, years before ASAP officially came into being, Fairfax Little League had already enacted many of the items that are now considered "requirements" in the ASAP program. Each year Fairfax Little League looks for specific ways "to create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for kids and all participants of Little League Baseball." We believe that the Safety Plan that follows provides for the maximum opportunity to put forth a formal methodology that can be easily repeated and reused from year to year. We also believe that the plan accommodates new recommendations and initiatives that can be "rolled" into the plan for the future.

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ASAP - What is It?


In 1995, ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program) was introduced with the goal of reemphasizing the position of Safety Officer "to create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for kids and all participants of Little League Baseball". In order to be an ASAP-compliant league, a Little League approved Safety Plan must be filed with Williamsport.
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Fairfax Little League Safety Plan


The goal of the Safety Plan is to develop guidelines for increasing the safety of activities, equipment, and facilities through education, compliance and reporting. In support of the attainment of this goal, Fairfax Little League also commits itself to providing the necessary organizational structure to develop, monitor, and enforce the aspects of the plan.

The Safety Plan, by reference, includes the Fairfax Little League's Safety Code, the Fairfax Little League's Code of Conduct, and the Fairfax Little League's Safety Manual. The combination of these documents outlines specific safety issues and the Fairfax Little League's policy or procedure for each issue. All participants, volunteers, employees, spectators, and guests are bound by the guidelines set forth in these documents.

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Director of Safety


One of the elected members on the Fairfax Little League Board of Directors is the Director of Safety. This individual, acts as Fairfax Little League's primary point of contact for the creation and enactment of the Safety Plan. The Director of Safety authors or modifies the League's Safety Plan, Code of Conduct, Safety Code, and Safety Manual each year, as necessary. These documents are then presented to the Board for approval and ratification (usually in February or March) for the upcoming season. The ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance of the Safety Plan lies with the Director of Safety. Because of the size of Fairfax Little League, and to provide more width to the enforcement of the plan, the following individuals are tasked with ensuring the overall Safety Plan compliance with respect to the level-of-play specified below:

American League Majors American League President
American League Minors* American League Director of Minors
Dominion League Majors Dominion League President
Dominion League Minors* Dominion League Director of Minors
National League Majors National League President
National League Minors* National League Director of Minors
T-Ball Director of T-Ball
Challenger Director of Challenger Play
Juniors Director of Junior Operations
T.A.D. (Fall Ball) Director of T.A.D
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Board Meetings


The Board meets at least once every month. The date and times of Board meetings are published in the league's registration booklet, and all adults are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Director of Safety is included on every meeting's agenda. Besides providing an opportunity for the Safety Director to inform and update the other Board members on the status of certain safety initiatives (whether they be at the local, District, or Headquarters level), it also ensures the continued awareness and attention to the subject of safety within Fairfax Little League.

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Safety Committee


In 1999, Fairfax Little League formally created the Safety Committee. This committee has the primary responsibility to consider, discuss, and recommend courses of action regarding any safety issues that may present itself to the League. This committee meets to assist the Director of Safety to prepare the first draft of the League's Safety Plan to be distributed to the Board for comment. The Safety Committee consists of the Director of Safety (chairman), the American League President, the Dominion League President, the National League President, Chief Umpire - Training, Director of Facilities, and Director of Fields and Grounds.

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Rules Committee


This committee, consisting of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the three League Presidents (American, Dominion, and National), the Chief Umpire Rules and the Chief Umpire Training, is responsible for drafting any proposed new or modified Local Rules for Fairfax Little League. Areas such as competitive balance, player participation, speed of play, and safety are discussed and any changes or additions are presented to the Board for discussion and/or ratification. Each and every year, this committee evaluates existing Local Rules and considers any necessary changes and/or additions to these rules.

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Code of Conduct


The Fairfax Little League Code of Conduct has been adopted by the Board of Directors. This Code is enforced by the Director of Safety, the three League Presidents, the three League's Directors of Minors, the Director of T-Ball, and the Challenger Director. All league officers, participants, employees and volunteers are required to abide by this code. It is the job of the Director of Safety to author and/or make any revisions to this Code of Conduct from year to year, as necessary.


Fairfax Little League Code of Conduct
  • Speed Limit 5 mph in roadways and parking lots while attending any Fairfax Little League function. Watch for small children around parked cars.
  • No Alcohol allowed in any parking lot, field, or common areas within a Fairfax Little League complex.
  • No Playing in parking lots at any time.
  • No Playing on and around lawn equipment.
  • Use Cross walks when crossing road ways. Always be alert for traffic.
  • No Profanity please.
  • No Swinging Bats at any time within the walkways and common areas of a Fairfax Little League complex.
  • No throwing balls against dugouts or against backstop. Catchers must be used for all batting practice sessions.
  • All gates to the field must remain closed at all times. After players have entered or left the playing field, all gates should be closed and secured.
  • No children under the age of 16 are to be permitted in the Concession Stands.
  • No throwing baseballs at any time within the walkways and common areas of a Fairfax Little League complex.
  • No throwing rocks.
  • No horse play in walkways at any time.
  • No climbing fences.
  • No pets are permitted at games or practices.
  • Only a player on the field and at bat, may swing a bat (Age 5 - 12). Juniors (Age 13) on the field at bat or on deck may swing a bat. Be Alert of area around you when swinging bat while in the on deck position.
  • Observe all posted signs. Players and spectators be Alert at all times for Foul Balls and Errant Throws.
  • During game, players must remain in the dugout in an orderly fashion at all times.
  • After each game, each team must clean up trash in dugout and around stands.

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may
result in expulsion from the Complex.

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Safety Code


The Fairfax Little League Safety Code has been adopted by the Board of Directors and is enforced by the Director of Safety, the three League's Presidents, Directors of Minors, Directors of Juniors, Directors of T-Ball, and the Challenger Director. All league officers, participants, employees and volunteers are required to abide by this code.

It is the job of the Director of Safety to make any revisions to the Safety Code from year to year, as necessary.


Fairfax Little League Safety Code
  • Responsibility for Safety procedures should be that of an adult member of Fairfax Little League
  • Arrangements should be made in advance of all games and practices for emergency medical services.
  • Managers, coaches and umpires should have training in first-aid. First-aid kits are issued to each team manager and are located at each concession stand.
  • No games or practices should be held when weather or field conditions are not good, particularly when lighting is inadequate.
  • 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 players, managers, coaches, and umpires are permitted on the playing field or in the dugout during games and practice sessions.
  • 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's manager and coaches.
  • Procedure should be established for retrieving foul balls batted out of playing area.
  • 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.
  • Equipment should be inspected regularly for the condition of the equipment as well as for proper fit.
  • Batters must wear Little League approved protective helmets during batting practice and games.
  • Catcher must wear catcher's 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.
  • Except when 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.
  • The Catcher must wear catcher's helmet and mask with a throat guard in warming up pitchers. This applies between innings and in the bull-pen during a game and also during practices.
  • Managers and Coaches may not warm up pitchers before or during a game.
  • On-deck batters are not permitted (except in the Juniors Division)
  • All pre-game warmups 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.)

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General Health


Physical Exams - With regard to the general health of its participants, Fairfax Little League includes the following wording in its Registration Booklet:

"While physical exams are not required by league policy, Little League Headquarters strongly recommends that participants be in good general health. If your child has a physical impairment that the league should be aware of, PLEASE note the information on the registration form, and contact your leagues' Player Agent. Items such as allergies, eye problems, diabetes, etc., will be kept confidential, except that your child's manager and coach will be aware of any potential problem."

Medical Approval and Release - The Medical Information and Treatment Release form is provided to all managers. This form contains vital information regarding the child's current general health, the child's doctor's name, address, and phone number, and any other special medical considerations (i.e. allergies, etc.). Managers are strongly encouraged to obtain a completed Release for each of the players on their team and is instructed to have these forms with them for every practice and game.

What Parents should know about Little League Insurance

Communicable Disease Procedures - While the risk of one participant infecting another with HIV/AIDS during league activities is small, there is a remote risk other blood borne infectious disease can be transmitted. Procedures for reducing the potential for transmission of infectious agents should include, but not limited to the following:
  • Bleeding must be stopped, the open wound covered and if there is any excess amount of blood on the uniform, it must be changed before an athlete may participate.
  • Routine use of gloves or other precautions to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is anticipated.
  • Immediately wash hands and other skin surfaces if contaminated (in contact) with blood or other body fluids. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves.
  • Clean all blood contaminated surfaces and equipment with a solution made from a proper dilution of household bleach or other disinfectant before competition resumes.
  • Practice proper disposal procedures to prevent injuries caused by needles and other sharp instruments or devices.
  • Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmission, to minimize the need for emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices should be available for use.
  • Managers, coaches, umpires, and volunteers with bleeding or oozing skin should refrain from all direct athletic care until condition is resolved.
  • Contaminated towels should be disposed of or disinfected properly.

Follow acceptable guidelines in the immediate control of bleeding and when handling bloody dressings and other articles containing body fluids.

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Copies of the Code of Conduct, the Safety Code, and the Manager's Expectations are provided to each manager. It is expected that the manager provide each member of his or her team with a copy of each of these. The Code of Conduct and the Safety Code were listed previously in this document. The Manager's Expectations can be found below ...


Manager's Expectations


What Do I Expect from My Players?
  • to be on time for all practices and games.
  • to always do their best whether in the field or on the bench.
  • to be cooperative at all times and share team duties.
  • to respect not only others, but themselves as well.
  • to be positive with teammates at all times.
  • to try not to become upset at their own mistakes or those of others ... we will all make our share this year and we must support one another.
  • to understand that winning is only important if you can accept losing, as both are important parts of any sport.

What Can You and Your Child Expect from Me?
  • to be on time for all practices and games.
  • to be as fair as possible in giving playing time to all players.
  • to do my best to teach the fundamentals of the game.
  • to be positive and respect each child as an individual.
  • to set reasonable expectations for each child and for the season.
  • to teach the players the value of winning and losing.
  • to be open to ideas, suggestions or help.
  • to never holler at any member of my team, the opposing team or umpires. Any confrontation will be handled in a respectful, quiet and individual manner.

What Do I Expect from You as Parents and Family?
  • to come out and enjoy the game. Cheer to make all players feel important.
    to allow me to coach and run the team.
  • to try not to question my leadership. All players will make mistakes and so will I.
  • do not holler at me, the players or the umpires. We are all responsible for setting examples for our children. We must be the role models in society today. If we eliminate negative comments, the children will have an opportunity to play without any unnecessary pressures and will learn the value of sportsmanship.
  • if you wish to question my strategies or leadership, please do not do so in front of the players or fans. My phone number will be available for you to call at any time if you have a concern. It will also be available if you wish to offer your services at practice. A helping hand is always welcome.

Finally, don't expect the majority of children playing Little League baseball to have strong skills. We hear all our lives that we learn from our mistakes. Let's allow them to make their mistakes, but always be there with positive support to lift their spirits!


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Lightning Evacuation Procedures


  • Stop Game/Practice.
  • Stay away from metal fencing (including dugouts) !!
  • Do not hold a metal bat.

Walk, don't run to car and wait for a decision on whether or not to continue the game or practice.

What You Should Know About Lightning (50K PDF)

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Injury

Some Important Do's and Don'ts


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.
  • Carry your first-aid kit to all games and practices .
  • Keep your "Prevention and Emergency Management of Little League Baseball and Softball Injuries" booklet with your first-aid kit.
  • Assist those who require medical attention - and when administering aid, remember to ...

    LOOK for signs of injury (Blood, Black-and-blue deformity of joint etc.).
    LISTEN to the injured describe what happened and what hurts if conscious. 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.
  • Have your players' Medical Clearance Forms with you at all games and practices.
  • Make arrangements to have a cellular phone available when your game or practice is at a facility that does not have any public phones.

Don't ...
  • Administer any medications.
  • Provide any food or beverages (other than water).
  • Hesitate in giving aid when needed.
  • Be afraid to ask for help if you're not sure of the proper procedures (i.e., CPR, etc.).
  • Transport injured individuals except in extreme emergencies.
  • Leave an unattended child at a practice or game.
  • Hesitate to report any present or potential safety hazard to the Director of Safety immediately.

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Storage Shed Safety Procedures


The following applies to all of the storage sheds used by Fairfax Little League and apply to anyone who has been issued a key by Fairfax Little League to use those sheds.
  • All individuals with keys to the Fairfax Little League equipment sheds (i.e., Managers, Umpires, etc.) are aware of their responsibilities for the orderly and safe storage of rakes, shovels, bases, etc.
  • Before you use any machinery located in the shed (i.e., lawn mowers, weed whackers, lights, scoreboards, public address systems, etc.) please locate and read the written operating procedures for that equipment.
  • All chemicals or organic materials stored in Fairfax Little League sheds shall be properly marked and labeled as to its contents.
  • All chemicals or organic materials (i.e., lime, fertilizer, etc.) stored within these equipment sheds will be separated from the areas used to store machinery and gardening equipment (i.e., rakes, shovels, etc.) to minimize the risk of puncturing storage containers.

Any witnessed "loose" chemicals or organic materials within these sheds should be cleaned up and disposed of as soon possible to prevent accidental poisoning.

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Some gentle reminders


Make sure your coaches have correctly filled out the required Volunteer Application and Background Check Authorization Form and sent it to your League President. (If you need more forms, contact your League President).
  • Fairfax Little League goes to great lengths to provide as much training and instruction as possible. Attend as many of the clinics as possible.
  • All Managers and Coaches are required to attend the Official League Safety and First-Aid Training class.

Check the Fairfax Little League Home Page frequently. Lots of information and a complete league calendar can be found there and can be a very valuable resource.

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Remember, safety is everyone's job. Prevention is the key to reducing accidents to a minimum. Report all hazardous conditions to the Director of Safety or another Board member immediately. Don't play on a field that is not safe or with unsafe playing equipment. Be sure your players are fully equipped at all times, especially catchers and batters. And, check your team's equipment often.