MARYLAND DISTRICT 7's SAFETY MISSION STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Maryland District 7 Little League to actively participate in the ASAP Program in order to safeguard the physical and emotional well being of all children participating in our district chartered Big League Baseball and Softball programs, as well as providing a safe and friendly environment for volunteers, parents and spectators. In order to ensure that all league volunteers and parents of the Maryland District 7 Little League are fully aware of these policies, this plan and all related safety information will be distributed to all managers, coaches and umpires. Parents may obtain a copy by email. mdllbb-asap@comcast.net.

The Little League Pledge

"I trust in God.
I love my country and will respect its laws.
I will play fair and strive to win.
But win or lose I will always do my best."

INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

After the recent tragedy in Spotsylvania County, District 7 would like to re-emphasize the existing policy on Thunderstorms for all games played in Maryland District 7.

If you hear thunder or see a flash of lightning, no matter how far away you think it is, you will immediately stop all activities and direct everyone to get to SAFE SHELTER, either a SAFE BUILDING or a SAFE VEHICLE. Everyone will remain under shelter for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning event. Every time thunder is heard or lightning is seen, the 30-minute clock starts over.

Safe Buildings

A safe building is one that is fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floor, such as a home, school, office building or a shopping center. Even inside, you should take precautions.  Picnic shelters, dugouts, sheds and other partially open or small structures are NOT safe.  Enclosed buildings are safe because of wiring and plumbing. If lightning strikes these types of buildings, or an outside telephone pole, the electrical current from the flash will typically travel through the wiring or the plumbing into the ground.  Stay away from showers, sinks, hot tubs, etc., and electronic equipment such as TVs, radios, and computers.

Unsafe Buildings

Examples of buildings which are unsafe include car ports, covered but open garages, covered patio, picnic shelters, beach shacks/pavilions, golf shelters, camping tents, large outdoor tents, baseball dugouts and other small buildings such as sheds and greenhouses that do not have electricity or plumbing.

Safe Vehicle

A safe vehicle is a hard-topped car, SUV, minivan, bus, tractor, etc. (soft-topped convertibles are not safe).  If you seek shelter in your vehicle, make sure all doors are closed and windows rolled up. Do not touch any metal surfaces. If you're driving when a thunderstorm starts, pull off the roadway. A lightning flash hitting the vehicle could startle you and cause temporary blindness, especially at night.

Better Coaches. Better Games. Better Leagues. Managers and coaches are among the most important volunteers in the Little League program. They have to know the game and they have to love working with kids. Leagues with knowledgeable, caring and concerned coaches have an advantage when it comes to making the games fun and retaining players.

That’s why Little League International created The Coaches Registry. The registry gives coaches exclusive tools and resources to prepare them for the job of putting the Little League program into action:

• Electronic rulebooks
• DVD/VHS training materials
• The Little League Official Coach and Manager Training program manual
• Deep discounts on items purchased through the Little League online store.

All that you need to improve your coaching ability, to reach the players you’re coaching, and to make the league a great place for children and parents alike.