Pottsgrove Little League

Transcription

1 Pottsgrove Little League Safety Manual 2016

2 Table of Contents I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX X XI XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. Mission Statement Purpose Little League Volunteer Application Fundamental Training for all Coaches Sports Awareness For Educating Today s Youth S.A.F.E.T.Y Emergency Phone List Facilities and Equipment Accident Reporting Procedure Safety Code For Little League Coaches Code of Conduct Coaches Pledge Player s Code Player's rights Parents Pottsgrove Little Leagues Safety Manual for Coaches Posters 2

3 I. Mission Statement (Safety is everyone's Responsibility) I will teach all children to play fair and do their best I will positively support all managers, coaches and players I will respect the decisions of the umpires I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game (The Little League Parent/Volunteer Pledge) 3

4 II. Purpose This manual has been written to guide the Pottsgrove Little League officers, board members, coordinators, coaches, parents and players in creating a safe environment for all involved. I have incorporated into this manual many items that will assist everyone to keep our children safe. I have pulled these items from the many resources provided by Little League International s A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP). This program was developed in 1995 to better assist safety officers prevent injuries rather than reacting to them. As Safety Officer for the Pottsgrove Little League, pledge to uphold the mission of the ASAP Safety Officer s Mission: To create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for kids and all participants of Little League Baseball. Dan Roskos Safety Officer Pottsgrove Little League djroskos1@gmail.com 4

5 III. Little League Volunteer Application All league officers, managers, coaches, and all other volunteers are required to fill out a Little League Volunteer Application prior to the start of every season. This application allows Little League to perform background checks for sex abuse registries, child abuse and criminal history records. See a copy of the Little League Volunteer Application that was used to perform background checks on all of our volunteers. 5

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7 IV. Fundamental Training for all Coaches and Managers Pottsgrove Little League provides a coaches' clinic for all our coaches and managers every year. Pottsgrove Little League requires all coaches and managers to attend a coaches' seminar on baseball fundamentals at least once every 3 years. Pottsgrove Little League additionally requires that at least one representative from each team must attend the yearly seminar. Pottsgrove Little League s requirements fulfill the requirements of Little League International. 7

8 V. Sports Awareness for Educating Today's Youth S.A.F.E.T.Y. First-Aid training and Safety information will be presented to all of our coaches and managers. Pottsgrove Little League requires all coaches and managers to attend a First-Aid training and information session at least once every 3 years. Pottsgrove Little League additionally requires that at least one representative from each team must attend the yearly training and information session. Pottsgrove Little League s requirements fulfill the requirements of Little League International. 8

9 VI. Emergency Contact List For Pottsgrove Little League Police/Fire/EMS:... Poison Control Center... Non-Emergency Lower Pottsgrove Police... Upper Pottsgrove Police... West Pottsgrove Police... Ringing Hill Fire Company.... Sanatoga Fire Company.. Goodwill Ambulance. Pottstown Memorial Hospital.... Pottsgrove Little League Safety Officer Dan Roskos... ( ) Pottsgrove Little League Officers President: Tye Kivela Vice President: Bob Van Bramer.... Secretary: Vicki Valinoto Treasurer: Jen Graber. Player Agent: Kevin Browne Player, Coach & Game Affairs Coordinator - Coaches: Mark Skarbek Coordinator - Coaches: Bob Van Bramer Information Officer: Mark Skarbek Registration Chair: Mark Skarbek Umpire-in-Chief: Tye Kivela Tournament Director: Monica Bainbridge Fundraising Coordinator: Alicia Schlacta Volunteer Facilitator: Meggin Silvestri Special Events Coordinator: John Toth LL Eastern Region Headquarters

10 VII. Facilities and Equipment At our First-Aid training and information session Each coach was instructed on the importance of field inspection prior to all practices and games. Each coach was informed that Pottsgrove Little League requires field inspection prior to all practices and games. Also, coaches were instructed to have charged cell phones available to call parents or anyone on the Emergency Phone List. Our Field Manager scheduled field maintenance dates prior to the start of all practices. Volunteers assisted the Field Manager with preparing the fields, benches and bleachers to be safe for the start of the season. Each field is required to maintain a fully functional first-aid kit. When games are played at night under the lights on the West Pottsgrove Township Field, The light level will be checked with a light meter to ensure proper light levels. Any unsafe conditions that need attention by the league should be immediately reported and documented on A Safety Report and submitted to the league board. See attached Little League Facility Survey. Equipment Inspection Procedure All equipment will be inspected by our Equipment Manager prior to disbursement to coaches in the beginning of the season. All bats, helmets and catchers equipment will be inspected by the coaches prior to all practices and games. Unsafe equipment will be immediately corrected and replaced. 10

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12 Facilities and Equipment (cont.) Field Storage Boxes All major league teams will receive their own equipment (helmets, catchers gear, bats, & balls), however all other divisions (Minors, Instructional, & Tee-ball) will share the use of the equipment stored in the field lock boxes. All boxes will have combination locks and the coaches will be the only people to know the lock combinations. Storage boxes are to be kept clean, orderly and locked at all times. A list of the contents of each box along with a League Officials & Emergency Phone List will be stored inside the storage boxes. First aid kits and flow charts are provided in each storage box at each field. Concession Stand Safety Procedures All concession stand volunteers are instructed on proper food handling and hand washing techniques. All food is stored in airtight containers and off of the floor. No children are permitted in the concession stand. Monthly inspection of food, equipment and storage devices is completed by the head of our concession stand volunteer. 12

13 VIII. Accident Reporting Procedure What to Report: An incident that causes any player, manager, coach, umpire, or volunteer to receive medical treatment must be reported to the league safety officer. When to Report: All such incidents described above must be reported within 24 hours of the incident to the Safety Officer (per Section VI. Emergency Contact List). Please report the name & phone number of the individual involved, date, time & location of the incident, detailed description of the incident, a preliminary estimation of the extent of the injury, and the name & number of the person reporting the incident. 13

14 Incident/Injury Tracking Report League Name: League ID: - - Incident Date: Field Name/Location: Incident Time: Injured Person s Name: Date of Birth: Address: Age: Sex: Male Female City: State ZIP: Home Phone: ( ) Parent s Name (If Player): Work Phone: ( ) Parents Address (If Different): City Incident occurred while participating in: A) Baseball Softball Challenger TAD B) Challenger T-Ball (5-8) Minor (7-12) Major (9-12) Junior (13) Senior (13-15) Sr./Minor (13-15) Big League (16-18) C) Tryout Practice Game Tournament Special Event Travel to Travel from Other (Describe): Position/Role of person(s) involved in incident: D) Batter Baserunner Pitcher Catcher First Base Second Third Short Stop Left Field Center Field Right Field Dugout Umpire Coach/Manager Spectator Volunteer Other : Type of injury: Was first aid required? Yes No If yes, what: Was professional medical treatment required? Yes No If yes, what: (If yes, the player must present a non-restrictive medical release prior to being allowed in a game or practice.) Type of incident and location: A) On Primary Playing Field B) Adjacent to Playing Field D) Off Ball Field Base Path: Running or Sliding Seating Area Travel: Hit by Ball: Pitched or Thrown or Batted Parking Area Car or Bike Collision with: Player or Structure C) Concession Area or Walking Grounds Defect Volunteer Worker League Activity Other: Customer/Bystander Other: Please give a short description of incident: Could this accident have been avoided? How: This form is for Little League purposes only, to report safety hazards, unsafe practices and/or to contribute positive ideas in order to improve league safety. When an accident occurs, obtain as much information as possible. For all claims or injuries which could become claims, please fill out and turn in the official Little League Baseball Accident Notification Form available from your league president and send to Little League Headquarters in Williamsport (Attention: Dan Kirby, Risk Management Department). Also, provide your District Safety Officer with a copy for District files. All personal injuries should be reported to Williamsport as soon as possible. Prepared By/Position: Phone Number: Signature: Date: Sample Tracking Report

15 IX. SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE Play area should be inspected frequently for holes, damage, glass and other foreign objects. Dugouts and bat racks should be positioned behind screens. Only players, managers, coaches and umpires are permitted on the playing field during play and practice sessions. Responsibility for keeping bats and loose equipment off the field of play should be that of a regular player assigned for this purpose. 15

16 SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE Procedure should be established for retrieving foul balls batted out of the playing area. During practice sessions 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 errant balls. 16

17 SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE Equipment should be inspected regularly. Make sure it fits properly. Pitching machines, if used, must be in good working order (including extension cords, outlets, etc.) and must be operated only by adult managers and coaches. 17

18 SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE Batters must wear protective NOCSAE helmets during practice, as well as during games. Catchers must wear catcher's helmet (with face mask and throat guard), chest protector and shin guards. Male catchers must wear longmodel chest protector (divisions below Junior/Senior/Big League), protective supporter and cup at all times. 18

19 SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE Except when runner is returning to a base, head first slides are not permitted. This rule applies to Little League (Majors)/Minor, Inst. and Tee Ball During sliding practice bases should not be strapped down. 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:' 19

20 SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE Regulations prohibit on-deck batters. This means no player should handle a bat, even while in an enclosure, until it is his/her time at bat. This rule applies to Little League (Majors)/Minor, Inst. and Tee Ball Players who are ejected, ill or injured should remain under supervision until released to the parent or guardian. 20

21 SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE Players must not wear watches, rings, pins, jewelry or other metallic items. Catchers must wear catcher's helmet, face mask and throat guard in warming up pitchers. This applies between innings and in bull pen practice, Skull caps are not permitted. Batting/catcher's helmets should not be painted unless approved by the manufacturer. 21

22 X. Coaches Code of Conduct Manager and Coach Behavior If each of us has wholeheartedly adhered to our objective of sportsmanship, we of course, wouldn't have to be concerned about our behavior. However, as the season wears on, our temperaments wear thin and as a result, we need to have some guidelines. 22

23 Coaches Code of Conduct Cursing and Swearing Cursing and swearing cannot be tolerated. We can adequately express ourselves without using "expletives" to make a point. Profanity is usually a sign of ignorance that we do not want to pass on. Smoking/Alcoholic Beverages Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited on Little League grounds - including parking lots and stands. Obviously, the more positive examples that we can make for the players, the better influence are. If you notice fans who are violating this rule, please inform them, in a courteous manner, of our policy and ask them to please abide. Game Behavior Once the game starts, the umpire is in charge and it is our responsibility to exhibit proper behavior as well as giving the players positive reinforcement. Always ask the umpire for a time out before entering the playing field. Once permission has been granted, you may then talk to your player, umpire, etc. 23

24 XI. Coaches Pledge By accepting my appointment as a manager or coach for the upcoming season, I certify that I have read, understood and agreed to the following terms and/or conditions: 1. I will abide by try out and drafting procedures adopted by the League. 2. I will schedule and hold a team meeting with the players and parents prior to the start of regular season games. 3. I will ensure that my team is well represented and fulfills its obligations regarding field maintenance prior to the start of the game and throughout the season. 4. I will maintain an adequate level of first aid training. 5. I will try to umpire a minimum of one game per week in levels or divisions of play other than that which I am coaching or managing. I will attend umpire training sessions and playing rules clinics as specified by the League. 6. I will become knowledgeable of, teach, and abide by the OFFICIAL REGULATIONS AND PLAYING RULES. 7. I will support the League's special policies.. 24

25 Coaches Pledge 8. I understand that un-sportsmanlike conduct including foul and/or abusive language will not be tolerated at any time. If such behavior occurs, I acknowledge that I will be suspended for a minimum of one game and undergo a hearing to determine if additional penalty is warranted. 9. I understand that physical abuse of and/or any alteration with any player, parent, and/or any spectator will result in automatic dismissal from the League 10. I will abide by the Safety Code for Little League at all times. 11. I have read the League's Safety Program and agree to carry out my responsibilities as defined therein. 25

26 Coaches Pledge 12. I understand that my appointment as a Coach or Manager is solely at the pleasure of the League President. I also understand that my appointment does not extend beyond the current year. The League President is responsible for all Coaches and Mangers to the Board. 13. I will not unilaterally appoint others to be assistant coaches. I understand that only the League President can make such appointments. 14. I will ensure that only players and adults on the team roster occupy the dugout during games. 15. I understand that the time for drinking any beverage [other than water or Gatorade] is not during the game. I will not allow any food or beverage [except for water or Gatorade] in the dugout. I will not allow any member of the team to leave the field of play for purposes of obtaining food, candy, or soda or anything of this nature. 16. I will check the playing field for safety hazards prior to each game. I agree, accept and pledge to you... these terms. The Pottsgrove Little League Baseball Coaches 26

27 XII. Players Code Each player has a personal responsibility in being on the team. Responsibility starts with the knowledge of when practices and games are scheduled. If a player doesn't know when a game or practice is he should call the coach. If a player cannot attend a practice, he should notify his manager or coach. Players will make their commitment to their team a top priority and will work to make every game and practice. If a player cannot attend a game, the player should notify his manager as soon as possible. Attendance at practice should be punctual. Arrival at games should be scheduled 30 minutes before the game or the time designated by the coach or manager. Each player is responsible for the proper care of the Little League equipment. Throwing helmets, bats, masks, etc. will first be warned by the umpires. The second violation will result in the ejection of that player from the game. Any player knowingly damaging Little League equipment will be required to a hearing by the Board. Players are expected to treat all teammates, opponents and officials with respect and show good sportsmanship. 27

28 XIII. Players Bill of Rights Right to participate in sports. Right to participate at a level commensurate with each child's maturity and ability. Right to play as a child and not as an adult. Right of children to share in the leadership and decision-making of their sport participation. Right to participate in safe and health environments. Right to proper preparation for participation in sports. Right to an equal opportunity to strive for success. Right to be treated with dignity. Right to have fun in sports. 28

29 XIV. Parents As you watch parents, coaches, and athletes interact to become teams most of these interactions are positive. But occasionally you will notice areas in which parents can really help to make the athletic experience a positive learning experience for their kids. To make sports more fun for your children, more enjoyable for you, and a heck of a lot easier on those people who volunteer their time and skills - read the following. Work with your child. There really is little more satisfying than going out at least a few evenings a week and watching your child play ball. This gives quality time, and helps your child improve his/her skills. The better your child can play the more the more she/he will enjoy the Little League experience!). Some day, your child will look back on the summer evenings spent playing catch with mom and dad. Get involved in your local League. Little League is run on a volunteer basis, and they can use all the help they can get. Anything you can do to pitch in will make the League run more smoothly, and will help all the kids, from helping out at tryouts, to scorekeeping or field preparation, to umpiring. If your child sees that Little League is that important to you, he/she will learn that it is important to the kids, too. Helping out by field prep, scorekeeping, and umpiring; in addition to making it a satisfying experience for the parent, I was able to teach my son some of the things that others (umpires!) look for in a game. And, the Leagues provide all of the training anyone needs. Some people worry that they are not qualified--i say if you make a mistake, you can offer to give back the money you earned that day (remember--it's volunteer work!!). Besides, even coaches and players make mistakes...the point is to learn and to have fun, and to teach kids that you care!!! 29

30 Parents Different coaches have different philosophies. Some believe in having players play all positions, some want players to become good at one. Some coaches place more emphasis on winning (and I can tell you, from experience, that players have more fun when they are winning). It is IMPORTANT to remember that your child's coach is not being paid, he is working for the love of the game and the kids. Let him be the coach! Don't argue and criticize if you think your child is being treated unfairly (as parents, it is natural to be very protective, but most coaches aren't discriminating). If you think there is a problem, discuss it with the coach AWAY from the ball field; chances are that you will see his point of view. The important thing is not to make an issue in front of the players; along with baseball, they are learning to work as a team and to respect authority and experience...work not to ruin this teaching. For heaven's sake, show up for the games AND the practices. In today's busy world it is sometimes hard to juggle schedules, but this is your child! I cannot begin to tell stories of kids I've seen who never tried to excel at Little League, and invariably these kids were dropped off at practices and picked up afterwards, without the parent(s) ever watching a single practice. It's only a couple of times a week, a couple of months out of the year! The most irritating are the parents who don't ever watch practice (and, therefore, never understand the coaches philosophy), but will question (yell!) at a coaches decision during the game. Most people wouldn't dare to not show up for work and still tell the boss what's wrong with the company, but they will turn around and do just that with their child's' coach. 30

31 Parents Respect the rules! This is what the kids should be learning. If you don't agree with an umpires call, keep it to yourself. If there is a team rule that bothers you, well, its their team...not yours. If you think there is a serious problem, take it up with the coach or a League official on your own time, not your child's'. Rule of thumb: during practice or games, don't speak unless spoken to (except, of course, to cheer on ALL the kids). Don't create pressure. Just about every father dreams of his son becoming a major league star, but they are only children. Don't expect more than they can deliver. Give positive encouragement, and be there when they need you. Besides, often a child in early years will lack certain skills, and blossom later on. Don't fight nature, or the kids. Ice Cream!!! No one likes to lose, but the nature of a team sport is that one team will always lose. Teach your child that he/she didn't lose, the team lost. And they lost to a team that just happened to play better that day. There is always next time, and the important thing is to learn from the defeats. Its okay to analyze why someone lost, and how they can do better next time. It's never okay to place blame! Then, go out and have an ice cream cone. Have Fun!!!!! Little League should be a positive experience for everyone: kids, coaches, support staff, and parents. Winning is nice, but losing is inevitable. Being a star is fun, but being a bench player is just as important. Take the opportunity to enjoy your child's' childhood, and to teach some important life lessons!! 31

32 Parents (This suggestion is from a Mom) Although baseball is considered a 'non-contact' sport, there are occasions when players collide, or non-contact injuries occur. We are all concerned about our children's safety, but if your child suffers an injury, remember: kids are able to sustain a lot more than adults; and, coaches are trained in dealing with injuries. Let the coach handle the situation...he doesn't need a panicked parent to deal with. I can't stress this enough: VOLUNTEER...they need you. One of the biggest irritants I see is those who will not give their time, but are quick to criticize. If you can't be part of the solution, don't be part of the problem. If you think that something needs to be changed, get involved so that you can change it. (This suggestions is from a manager) One of the most frustrating things for a manager is to have a parent come up after the season and say, "great season, but you kept doing something that bothered me..." A manager/coach cannot change problems if they don't know the problems exist. Most managers/coaches welcome input. 32

33 XV. Pottsgrove Little League Safety Manual For Coaches EMERGENCY CONTACTS ASTHMA BROKEN BONES CHOKING CUTS DEHYDRATION EYE INJURIES HEAD INJURIES HEAT ILLNESS INSECT BITES & STINGS STRAINS AND SPRAINS SUNBURN SEIZURES DENTAL INJURIES 33

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