Abbott-O-Rabbit Little League 2018 Safety Plan
Table of Contents AOR Safety Policies / Goals 2 AOR Safety Procedures / Safety Code 3 Emergency Procedures for Managers / Coaches 4 Emergency Information 4 Communicable Disease Procedures 5 Accident Reporting Procedures 6 Safety Parent Responsibilities 7 AOR Safety Net Program 7 Snack Shack Safety 9 2017 Board of Directors 10 Appendix: 1) Safety Code 2) Incident / Injury Reporting 3) AOR sample Little League Parent and Player Contract 4) AOR sample Coach s Code of Conduct Updated 03/28/2018 1
AOR Safety Policies and Goals Responsibility for safety procedures should be that of an adult member of the local league. Our League has one safety officer for baseball and softball who collaborates with the board members on the safety program. This safety officer is on file with Little League International and will submit the Safety Plan and Facility Survey annually. Safety rules and regulations will be posted and enforced throughout the season. Snack shack and equipment storage shed regulations are included. The player agents will insure that all player, coach and manager data are submitted to Little League International. The Abbott-O-Rabbit Little League s main goal is to involve all managers, coaches, umpires, and participants in league safety and prevention. Parents and all other volunteers will be encouraged to actively participate. With proper training and increased awareness, the league strives to put safety first! BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE REQUIRED AOR requires that the Official Little League Volunteer Application be filled out and signed by all Managers, Coaches, Board of Directors, and other persons, volunteers and/or hired workers, who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to/contact with players or teams. A copy of valid governmentissued photo identification must be attached to the application. A background check in compliance with Regulation 1(c) 8 and 9 will be conducted on every individual prior to the applicant assuming his/her duties for the current season that is required to complete a volunteer application. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS. AOR annually uses the company contracted by Little League International to conduct background checks for all applicants. Coach, manager and player data will be submitted to the Little League Data Center per policy. FIRST AID AND FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING ARE REQUIRED AOR requires that at least one manager or coach on every team will attend first aid training and coaching fundamentals training. AOR encourages all coaches and managers to attend the training. Every manager and coach must attend first aid and fundamentals training at least once every three years. League provided first aid training may be substituted for current American Heart Association certification for first aid / CPR. The training will also include the risks associated with heat illnesses and warning sings. In 2018 first aid and coaching fundamental training will be held at The Alaska Dome on April 14 th from 1100-1400 hours. A second session will be held during the season to train additional personnel. 2
AOR Safety Procedures/Safety Code Safety Code Preseason Safety Officer will contact local emergency medical personnel to ensure they have precise directions to all game fields. Safety Officer will provide map to local emergency facilities for all managers as needed. Managers and coaches will receive first aid training and information. They will carry a first aid kit to all practices and games. Each team will select a safety parent to assist with safety awareness. The safety parent will coordinate team parent volunteers for safety related repairs. Protective Equipment Catchers must wear a catcher s helmet, mask, throat guard, long molded chest protector (ages 12 and below), and shin guards at all times during practices and games. NO EXCEPTIONS! Male catchers are also required to wear a protective cup with athletic supporter. Managers will encourage all players to wear protective cups and supporters for all practices and games. Dental protection will also be encouraged. All batters must wear Little League approved batting helmets during practices and games. All batters playing in Minor, Major, Junior and Senior Baseball divisions will have the option to wear helmets with face guards. All batters in all Softball divisions shall wear helmets with face guards. Parents of players who wear glasses will be encouraged to provide safety glasses. Players will not wear any watches, pins, or metallic items during practices and games. Equipment will be inspected before each use. Pregame/Practice Umpires, managers, coaches and safety parents will inspect play areas prior to games and practices. Practices or games will not commence until safety concerns have been addressed (i.e. rocks removed, holes repaired, etc.). No fewer than two coaches should be available for practices. No practices or games will be held when weather conditions pose a safety risk. Managers, coaches and umpires are instructed to cancel when footing becomes unsafe. In the highly unlikely event that lightning may occur in the Anchorage Bowl area, play will be suspended. Managers and coaches will not warm up pitchers before or during a game. 3
Team equipment will be stored outside the field of play, in the dugout or behind the fencing. During sliding practice, bases should not be strapped down or anchored. Play Ball Horseplay is not permitted. Headfirst slides are not permitted unless a runner is returning to base. Only players, managers, coaches and umpires are permitted on the playing fields during practices and games. Procedures for returning foul balls will be posted. In addition, announcers will be asked to reiterate these procedures during games. All players should be alert and watching the batter on each pitch whether at practice or in a game. Emergency Procedures for Managers and Coaches Preparation Carry your first aid kit to all games and practices. Have your players medical release forms with you at all times. Make arrangements to have a cell phone available at all times. Medical Emergency Provide or assist in obtaining medical attention for those who require it. If necessary, call 911 immediately for severe injuries. Error on the side of caution. Direct someone to contact parents if they are not on scene. Calm and soothe the child. Administer first aid as needed. Notify League Safety Officer by phone within 48 hours. See accident reporting procedures in this manual. Shanna Alexander (907)952-7760 Emergency Information Emergency Numbers Fire/EMT/Police 911 Alaska Regional Hospital 276-1131 Providence Hospital 562-2211 ANMC 563-2662 Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 4
Communicable Disease Procedures While the risk of one athlete infecting another with HIV/AIDS during competition is close to non-existent, there is a remote risk that other blood borne infectious diseases could be transmitted. Procedures for reducing the potential for transmission of infectious agents are summarized below. Bleeding must be stopped, and the wound covered, and if there is any excessive amount of blood on the uniform, it must be changed before the athlete may resume participation. Use gloves or other precautions to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids are anticipated. While still gloved, wash hands and other skin surfaces if they have come in contact with blood or other body fluids. Immediately wash hands after removing gloves. Clean all blood contaminated surfaces and equipment with a solution made from a proper dilution of household bleach and water (CDC recommends 1 to 100) or other disinfectant before competition resumes. Practice proper disposal procedures to prevent injuries caused by needles or other sharp instruments. Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmissions, to minimize the risk with emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, use appropriate mouthpieces or other ventilation devices if at all possible. Athletic trainers/coaches with bleeding or oozing skin will refrain from all direct athletic care until condition resolves. Contaminated towels, etc. should be disposed of or disinfected properly. NOTE: First aid kits, latex gloves, and ice are available at the snack shack at the AOR Complex. Coaches at the Harmon Fields are required to carry their first aid kits and any other emergency supplies to all practices and games. If you need to restock your kits, replacement kits are available by contacting AOR Safety Officer Shanna Alexander (907) 952-7760. 5
Accident Reporting Procedures What to Report Any incident that causes any player, manager, coach, umpire or volunteer to receive medical treatment and/or first aid must be reported to the Safety Officer. When to Report All incidents described above must be reported to the Safety Officer within 24 hours of the incident. The Safety Officer for the 2018 season is: Shanna Alexander 907-952-7760 aorll.safety@gmail.com How to Report You may report either by email or telephone and must include the following information: Name and phone number of individuals involved Date, time and location of incident Description of incident in as much detail as possible Preliminary estimation of the extent of any injuries Name and phone number of reporting person Safety Officer s Responsibilities Within 48 hours of receiving the incident report, the Safety Officer will contact the injured party or the parents and: Verify the information received Obtain any other information deemed necessary Check on the status of the injured party* In the event further medical treatment was required, advise the responsible party of AOR s Little League insurance coverage. *If the injury is considered greater than minor in nature, the Safety Officer will contact the injured party periodically to inquire on the status of the injury and assist with submitting claims to Little League as needed. Little League requires notification of a claim within twenty days of the incident for the current season. When treating an injury; remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. 6
Safety Parent Responsibilities Each team will designate a volunteer for Safety Parent. Along with encouraging and monitoring safe practices for their team, the responsibilities include completion of the Baseball/Softball Field Safety Checklist prior to games. ACTIVITIES AOR Safety Net Program Education All managers and coaches receive the AOR Little League Managers and Coaches Handbook. Safety code, fundamental and first aid training information, drug education, bicycle travel, and insurance information and claim forms information are included. All managers and coaches will attend a mandatory clinic where training on fundamentals such as batting, fielding and sliding are provided, along with first aid training. Little League philosophy and rules are highlighted. All athletes are instructed in proper use of equipment, safe travel, and play. Emergency phone numbers, communicable disease procedures, and first aid kit location are posted at the fields. The snack shack manager is trained in proper food handling and use of equipment. Hand washing techniques are reinforced and safety procedures are posted. Managers and coaches are expected to model and practice safety at all games and practices. Each team designates a Safety Parent volunteer to encourage safety awareness and to recognize players and volunteers who contribute to the safety of the league. Compliance Mandatory clinics are conducted by experienced league coaches and/or consultants approved by the league. The Safety Officer performs routine field and facility inspections and provides training and information on safety as needed. First aid kits are inspected and restocked regularly. Managers/coaches/umpires complete field and equipment assessment before/during each practice and game. All dugouts and the snack shack have posted the following: Safety Code, emergency and communicable disease procedures, emergency phone numbers, and location of safety equipment. 7
Reporting League newsletter and website are used to communicate safety awareness. The Safety Officer keeps records of injury reports and annually presents a report to the Board of Directors. There is a designated area in the AOR office where safety awareness concerns can be communicated. EQUIPMENT Education All coaches and athletes are instructed on proper fitting gear and how to address any safety hazards. Team Safety Parent assists in verifying proper use of equipment All teams are encouraged to utilize helmet and bat caddies provided by the league to keep dugout areas clear. Compliance Equipment and Uniform Coordinators inventory and inspect equipment at the beginning and end of each season. Repair or replacement of equipment occurs as needed. Coaches, umpires, and athletes inspect for proper functioning and fitting of equipment prior to all practices and games. Reporting Corrective action recommendations are forwarded to appropriate coordinators or League President. Safety concerns are communicated via written contact, email, or phone to the Safety Officer. FACILITIES Education Field maintenance equipment is kept under lock and key, behind a ten foot fenced yard. Only authorized and trained volunteers can operate equipment. Playing fields are inspected regularly to identify potential hazards. Security Facility cameras and Alarm System 8
Compliance Yearly clean up and repair days are held in the spring prior to play. The Safety Officer and safety parents recruit volunteers to address specific safety related projects identified during the season. Maintenance volunteers determine the best method for addressing repairs. Teams are responsible for leaving dugouts clean and orderly after games and practices. Safety Touch Release bases are used on all fields. There are no lighting systems at any AOR field. Reporting All recommendations and requests should be made through the Field Maintenance Manager. Snack Shack Safety No person under the age of thirteen will be allowed behind the counter in the snack shack without a parent or guardian, unless special permission be granted by the board. People working in the snack shack will be trained in safe food handling preparation and safe use of equipment. A certified fire extinguisher will be kept in plain sight at all times. All snack shack workers will be instructed in the proper use of fire extinguishers. A fully stocked first aid kit will be kept in the snack shack. The main and auxiliary entrance doors will not be locked or blocked while people are inside. Cleaning chemicals will be stored in appropriate containers. 9
ABBOTT O RABBIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Randal Buckendorf randal.buckendorf@bp.com Vice President Brian Partch brian.partch@gmail.com Treasurer Gina Withrow aasgina@gmail.com Secretary Vacant Safety Officer Shanna Alexander aorll.safety@gmail.com VP Softball Mike Jolin mikejolin@yahoo.com VP Majors VP Intermediate Chris Kane chriskane.ak@gmail.com VP Minors Michelle Webb webbrealtorak@gmail.com VP Machine Pitch Jack Mingo qaptinjack@gmail.com VP Tball Vacant Player Agent Tasha Huhta huhtaak@hotmail.com Equipment Tony Maldonado ramscoach@outlook.com Registrar Chris Reaburn chris.reaburn@gmail.com Note: Board Members will be updated as volunteer applications are approved. APPENDIX 1 AOR SAFETY CODE Preseason Safety Officer will contact local emergency medical personnel to ensure they have precise directions to all fields. Safety Officer will provide map to local emergency facilities for all managers as needed. Managers and coaches will receive first aid training and information. They will carry a first aid kit to all practices and games. 10
Each team will select a safety parent to assist with safety awareness. The Safety Parent will coordinate team parent volunteers for safety related repairs. Protective Equipment Catchers must wear a catcher s helmet, mask, throat guard, long chest protector (ages 12 and below), and shin guards at all times during practices and games. NO EXCEPTIONS! Male catchers are also required to wear a protective cup with athletic supporter. Managers will encourage all players to wear protective cups and supporters for all practices and games. Dental protection will also be encouraged. All batters must wear Little League approved batting helmets during practices and games. All batters playing in Minor, Major, Junior and Senior Baseball divisions will have the option to wear helmets with face guards. All batters in all Softball divisions shall wear helmets with face guards. Parents of players who wear glasses will be encouraged to provide safety glasses. Players will not wear any watches, pins, or metallic items during practices and games. Equipment will be inspected before each use. Pregame/Practice Umpires, managers, coaches and safety parents will inspect play areas prior to games and practices. Practices or games will not commence until safety concerns have been addressed (i.e. rocks removed, holes repaired, etc.). No fewer than two coaches should be available for practices. No practices or games will be held when weather conditions pose a safety risk. Managers, coaches and umpires are instructed to cancel when footing becomes unsafe. In the highly unlikely event that lightning may occur in the Anchorage Bowl area, play will be suspended. Managers and coaches will not warm up pitchers before or during a game. Team equipment will be stored outside the field of play, in the dugout or behind the fencing. During sliding practice, bases should not be strapped down or anchored. Play Ball Horseplay is not permitted. Headfirst slides are not permitted unless a runner is returning to base. Only players, managers, coaches and umpires are permitted on the playing fields during practices and games. Procedures for returning foul balls will be posted. In addition, announcers will be asked to reiterate these procedures during games. All players should be alert and watching the batter on each pitch whether at practice or in a game. 11
APPENDIX 2 INCIDENT / INJURY REPORT What to Report Any incident that causes any player, manager, coach, umpire or volunteer to receive medical treatment and/or first aid must be reported to the Safety Officer. When to Report All incidents described above must be reported to the Safety Officer within 24 hours of the incident. The Safety Officer for the 2018 season is: Shanna Alexander 907-952-7760 aorll.safety@gmail.com How to Report You may report either by email or telephone and must include the following information: Name and phone number of individuals involved Date, time and location of incident Description of incident in as much detail as possible Preliminary estimation of the extent of any injuries Name and phone number of reporting person APPENDIX 3 AOR Sample Little League Parent and Player Contract Parent Code of Conduct: We, the ABBOTT-O-RABBIT Little League, have implemented the following Sport Parent Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of parents in supporting their child in sports. Parents should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in our league. Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games. Preamble 12
The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Good Citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these six pillars of character. I therefore agree: 1. I will not force my child to participate in sports. 2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults. 3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others. 4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league. 5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event. 6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures. 7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes. 8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. 9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability. 10. I will teach my child that doing one s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance. 11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time. 12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition. 13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. 14. I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win. 15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place. 16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events. 17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team. Parent/Guardian Signature: 13
Player Code of Conduct: I Will: Be supportive of all players. Display good sportsmanship at all times Show a positive attitude toward my teammates, parents and the other team. Be respectful & courteous to all managers, coaches, players, umpires and parents. Work hard, be attentive and give 100% in practice and games. Listen to my manager and coaches and obey their instructions. Win with humility and lose gracefully. Always congratulate the other team. Help the manager and coaches pack the gear prior to and after the game or practice. Discuss any problems (coaching, personalities, performance & etc.) with the manager and coach first. If not resolved, seek out Player Agent. Volunteer in any capacity I can. Notify my manager and/or coach if I cannot be at practice or a game or if I will be late. Thank the umpire; remember the umpire is a volunteer also. Help by picking up and disposing of the trash in the dugout and around the bleacher area after each game. I Will Not: Discuss any problems (coaching, personalities, performance & etc.) with other players or parents without having first discussed it with the manager and coach and Player Agent. Use foul language or display foul gestures at any time. Yell, scream or say disparaging remarks or comments to the umpire before, during or after a game. Belittle or make fun of my teammates or the players on the opposing team. I have read and understand the conditions as stated above and agree to abide by them. Player Age Parent Date 14
APPENDIX 4: Coaches Code of Conduct Coaches Code of Conduct: Coaching a youth sport program such as Little League Baseball is a privilege that is not to be taken for granted. As a coach, appointed by the Abbott-O-Rabbit Little League (AOR) Board of Directors, you have an important role in the development of the young children in the community. We strive to teach each child the positive values of good sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork values they can use throughout their lives. In order to ensure each coach is acting in the best interest of the children and Little League Baseball, the AOR Board has developed a Coaches Code of Conduct for interactions with players, parents, fans, coaches, and umpires. 1) Players When there are interactions with players, appropriate language and behavior is expected. a. Language - At no time is cursing or yelling at a player acceptable. As a coach you are a mentor and should focus on the positive. A coach should always be looking for opportunities to praise and encourage the players. b. Discipline At no time is physical discipline of a player acceptable. At the beginning of the season, coaches are encouraged to establish and communicate rules of acceptable behavior to players and parents, and the consequences if not followed. Coaches have a variety of discipline measures at their disposal including restriction to the dugout, dismissal from practice or games, and, with approval of the AOR Board of Directors, dismissal from the team. Coaches are responsible for supervision of the child until the parents arrive at the field. If a coach wishes to discipline his own child, he is expected to pull the player aside for corrective action. 2) Parents / Fans Coaches are expected to interact with parents in a professional manner. Appropriate language and behavior is expected. At no time should a coach respond to comments from fans during a game. 3) Coaches Coaches are expected to interact with opposing coaches in a professional manner. At no time should a coach yell from one dugout to another at an opposing coach. Coaches are to address other coaches between innings and with the umpire present. If the need arises to address an opposing coach before the end of the half inning, the coach should ask the umpire to call timeout to address the opposing coach at home plate. 4) Umpires Coaches are expected to interact with umpires in a professional manner. At no time should a coach yell from the dugout, 1st base coaches box, or 3rd base coaches box to an umpire. Coaches are to address the umpires between innings with the umpire s permission. If the need arises to address an umpire before the end of the half inning, the coach should call a timeout and request permission to address the umpire at home plate. If a coach asks for the umpire s permission to discuss a call, the umpire will be more willing to listen. Umpires are generally unpaid volunteers. Some are high school students. Adult coaches should be mindful of this when interacting with them. 5) Drugs, Alcohol, & Tobacco A coach determined to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave the field immediately. Use of tobacco in any form while coaching is prohibited. A drug, alcohol or tobacco infraction will be referred to the board of directors for action and may be grounds termination of coaching privileges. In the event a complaint is received by the Board of Directors of a coach failing to comply with the above listed code of conduct, the Board may decide to 1) dismiss the case, 2) draft a warning letter or 3) revoke all or part of the coach s privileges. By signing in the space provided below, you are agreeing that you have read and understand the Coaches Code of Conduct for AOR Baseball. Signature & Date: 15