Lower Perk utilizes a lightning detector that allows for the implementation of a consistent policy regarding the suspension of games with the approach of lightning. The following procedures have been developed which consider thunderstorm and lightning statistics and the limitations of our detector.

1) On days when a storm is anticipated, the lightning detector will be turned on and monitored by the announcer or the snack bar staff. In the event that the announcer is not available or the snack bar is not open, the league official on duty will be responsible.

2) When a lightning storm approaches within 8 - 20 miles, umpires and managers on all fields will be alerted by either the league official on duty or two short blasts sounded on an air horn by the snack bar staff.

3) When lightning storm approaches within 3 - 8 miles, umpires and managers on all fields will be alerted by either the league official on duty or a single long blast sounded on an air horn by the snack bar staff. All games will be immediately suspended. Players and spectators should immediately proceed to the safest place possible. In general, this means the family car. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY INDIVIDUAL REMAIN BY THE PLAYING FIELDS OR TOUCH ANY FENCING. The grandstand and press box should also be vacated.

4) Any individual who does not have access to a car should report to the snack bar / conference room until the storm passes or a ride home is arranged (players should be instructed to remain at the complex until their game has officially been called).

5) Games may be resumed once the storm has passed and moved to at least 8 - 20 miles from the complex. It should be clear that the storm is moving away from the complex and has moved beyond the 3 - 8 mile radius for at least 15 minutes. The decision to resume games will be made by the umpires assigned to the day’s game in consultation with the league official on duty.

It should be noted that due to the location of the Lower Perk complex, lightning strikes over 20 miles away may be observed. These observations should obviously alert everyone that a storm may be approaching; however they do not necessitate the cessation of play.

Remember, the safety of the children is the first priority!

LPLL Child Protection Program

At the January 2003 meeting, the Lower Perkiomen Little League Board of Directors adopted its Child Protection Program to be fully compliant with Little League Baseball and to establish basic parameters defining how the Little League Baseball program will be implemented.

The LPLL Program

1.        Lower Perkiomen Little League (LPLL) shall be fully compliant with the policies, regulations, and recommendations of Little League Baseball International as they apply to volunteer applications and background checks. This program is being implemented to maintain Little League as a safe environment and to protect our children from those who would seek to do them harm

2.        The highlights of Regulations I (b) and I (c) 8 and 9 specify that:
        - a “Little League Volunteer Application” must be completed and submitted annually by all managers, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors;
        - annual background checks will be conducted of all individuals required to submit a “Little League Volunteer Application” prior to the applicants assuming their duties for the current season;
        - the league must conduct a search of the applicable government operated statewide sex offender registry. If no sex offender registry exists in the state [as is the case in Pennsylvania], the league must conduct a state-wide criminal background check through the appropriate governmental agency [Pennsylvania State Police].
        - any person with a conviction for a crime against or involving minors cannot participate in league activities;
        - any other persons, volunteers and/or hired workers who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with, players or teams must also annually complete and submit a “Little League Volunteer Application” prior to assuming their duties;
        - refusal to annually submit a fully completed “Little League Volunteer Application” shall result in immediate dismissal of the individual from the league;
        - these regulations apply to any individual who provides assistance to the manager and coaches at practices and /or games and have repetitive access to or contact with players or teams; and,
        - the president must maintain the applications, at a minimum, for the duration of the applicant’s service to the league for that year.

3.        The Board of Directors of LPLL has specifically identified the following additional positions where “Little League Volunteer Applications” must be submitted, and background checks conducted: Team Parent; Umpire Staff (those individuals whose primary duties involve officiating games and who officiate at more than five games / season); and Supervisory Snack Bar Staff. Other positions for which background checks must be conducted may also be identified at the Board’s discretion.

4.        The background check process shall be overseen and executed by the president, vice-president, and one member of the Board of Directors as assigned by the president. The results of the background check shall remain confidential at all times.

Volunteer Application Procedure

1.        In order to comply with the policies, and regulations (Regulations I (b) and I (c) 8 and 9) of Little League Baseball International, during the registration period all managers, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors must complete and submit a “Little League Volunteer Application.” It should be noted that this form states that a copy of a valid government issued photo identification must be attached to complete this application. The application form is available on the League website and at the scheduled registrations.

2.        Background checks will be conducted of all individuals required to submit a “Little League Volunteer Application” prior to the applicants assuming their duties for the current season. The league is required to conduct a state-wide criminal background check through the Pennsylvania State Police. Candidates for manager, coach, or director positions must complete and submit Form SP 4-164 (12-99), Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record Check. This form is available on the League website and at the scheduled registrations.

3.        Completed application forms must be presented during registration or mailed to:

Lower Perkiomen Little League
P.O. Box 26203
Collegeville, PA 19426

The envelope should be marked: “Volunteer Application.”

Note: All submitted information and the results of the background check shall remain confidential at all times. The information shall be retained by the League President and will be destroyed (shredded) at the conclusion of the Fall Season.

LLB Child Protection Program

All local Little Leagues are required to conduct background checks on Managers, Coaches, Board of Directors members and any other persons, volunteers or hired workers, who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with, players or teams. Individuals are also required to complete and submit a Little League Volunteer Application to their local league. Follow this link to learn more about this vital aspect of Little League’s mission.