Harvard Little League Safety Plan



Merrimac Little League

Safety Plan

2011

Prepared by:

MERRIMAC BASEBALL, INC.

Chartered as

MERRIMAC LITTLE LEAGUE

PO BOX 146

MERRIMAC, MA 01860

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Mission Statement 3

Introduction 3

Requirement 1 – Responsibility of Merrimac Little League to National LL Headquarters 3

Requirement 2 – Publishing of Safety Manual 3

Requirement 3 – Merrimac Little League and Emergency Phone Numbers 4

Requirement 4 – Volunteers 4

Requirement 5 – Training 4

Requirement 6 – First-Aid Training 5

Requirement 7 – Field and Game Safety 5

Requirement 8 – Facility Survey- Plans for future needs 5

Requirement 9 – Concession Stand Safety Requirements 5

Requirement 10 – Inspection and replacement of Baseball Equipment 6

Requirement 11 – Incident/Injury Reporting Procedure 7

Requirement 12 – First Aid Requirements 8

Requirement 13 – Enforcement of Little League Rules and Regulations 9

MLL Safety Code 10

MLL Safety Standards 11

Additional Requirements/Procedures 11

Concession Stand Policy 11

Storage Shed Procedures 12

Weather 12

Common Sense 13

Little League Claim Form 15

Little League Claim Form Instructions 17

Medical Release Form 19

Injury Tracking Report 20

Volunteer Application Form 21

Little League National Facility Survey – Page 1 21

Little League National Facility Survey – Page 1 22

Little League National Facility Survey – Page 2 23

Little League National Facility Survey – Page 3 24

Little League National Facility Survey – Page 4 25

Little League National Facility Survey – Field Dimension Data – Page 5 26

Mission Statement

Merrimac Little League continually strives to provide the best baseball experience for all players at all levels. We seek to go above and beyond the expectations of all those we serve.

Introduction

In accordance with National Little League regulations Merrimac Little League must comply with thirteen safety requirements. These thirteen requirements are outlined in this manual. This manual is to be used as a reference to assist managers and coaches on the rules and regulations of the Merrimac Little League. The safety of the players is our number one priority. Always use common sense and report all incidents, accidents and safety infractions to the Safety Officer as soon as possible.

Requirement 1 – Responsibility of Merrimac Little League to National LL Headquarters

The Board of Directors of Merrimac Little League shall have an active MLL Safety Officer on file with Little League Headquarters, Williamsport, PA for the 2010 season.

President

2011 MLL President: Paul Paquette (978) 346-4024

The role of the President is defined in detail in the National LL requirements document.

MLL Safety Officer

2011 Safety Officer: Jon Gore (978) 346-0451

The main responsibility of the MLL Safety Officer is to develop and implement the League’s safety program.

The MLL Safety Officer’s responsibilities also include, but are not limited to, the following:

▪ Publish and distribute annual Safety Manual

▪ Assist parents and individuals with insurance claims

▪ Keep the Incident/Injury Tracking report Log

▪ Ensure each team receives First-Aid Kit at the beginning of the season

▪ Install First-Aid Kits in concession stand and re-stock the kits as needed

▪ Schedule First-Aid training classes for all managers and coaches

▪ Bring recommendations for safety related baseball property signs to the Board of Directors for approval

▪ Make spot checks at practices and games to make sure all managers have First-Aid Kits and Safety Manuals

Requirement 2 – Publishing of Safety Manual

The rules and requirements outlined in this Safety Manual are to be followed by all Board of Director members, Managers, Coaches, and Volunteers at all levels. A copy of this manual shall be distributed to all the Board of Director members, Managers, Coaches, and Volunteers at the Tee Ball, A, AA, AAA, and Major League levels. Copies of this manual shall be kept in the concession stand. One copy shall also be distributed to the District 15 Safety Officer.

Requirement 3 – Merrimac Little League and Emergency Phone Numbers

NOTE: There are no public telephones located at the MLL facility. Dialing 911 from a cell phone will direct you to the State Police, who will then transfer the call to Merrimac Police. For immediate Emergency response please dial 978-346-8211.

Merrimac Police/Fire/EMS: 978-346-8211

Merrimac Little League Phone Numbers

President: Paul Paquette 978-394-2456

Vice President: Mike Deziel 978-346-4024

Safety Officer: Jon Gore 978-346-0451

Requirement 4 – Volunteers

In accordance with National Little League policy, all potential volunteers must fill out the Volunteer Application Form (see addendum). This form is available from the League President, Secretary, or League Information Officer. Any person who is volunteering to manage or coach during practices and/or games, or volunteer at the MLL facility in any way, must complete this form and submit it to the League President. Background checks are mandatory and are handled by the President and MLL CORI Committee Directors.

Requirement 5 – Training

The Board of Directors of Merrimac Little League shall conduct annual Coaching Training sessions prior to the start of the season. Managers must attend at least one training session along with an online Double Goal Coach program. Assistant Coaches are highly encouraged to attend training efforts but they are not mandatory. The Online Double Goal Coach program is mandatory for all Assistant Coaches for the 2010 Season. This year we all interested Managers to the April 3, 2011 Big Al Coaching Clinic in Beverly Massachusetts. We were also able to send Managers and Coaches to 2 Coaching Clinics held at Extra Innings in Salisbury Ma, February 16th and March 3rd 2011.

The Board of Directors of Merrimac Little League suggest to all first-time Managers and Coaches to read books or view video on Little League Coaching Tips. There are also several websites that provide valuable information for the first time Managers and coaches. See below for a listing:









Managers and Coaches:

The Manager is a person appointed by the President of MLL to be responsible for the team’s actions on the field, and to represent the team in communications with the umpire and the opposing team.

▪ The Manager shall always be responsible for the team’s conduct, observance of the official rules and deference to the umpires.

▪ The Manager is also responsible for the safety of his players. He/She is also ultimately responsible for the actions of designated coaches.

▪ If a Manager leaves the field, that Manager shall designate a Coach as a substitute and such Substitute Manager shall have the duties, rights and responsibilities of the Manager.

Requirement 6 – First-Aid Training

The MLL Safety Officer is responsible for coordinating First-Aid Training for all Managers, Coaches, and Volunteers of the Merrimac Little League. Mandatory First-Aid Training will be scheduled prior to the start of the baseball season. Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) will be present to assist MLL personnel. We will be conducting our annual training session on or before April 14th 2011 @ 6pm at the Sweetsir School Cafe, Merrimac Ma.

Requirement 7 – Field and Game Safety

All umpires, managers, coaches are responsible for checking the field safety conditions before each game. Personnel shall inspect the entire playing area including all fences and dugouts. Player’s equipment shall also be inspected for acceptable condition. First-Aid Kit inspection should be performed prior to any game or practice. If additional supplies are required contact the Safety Officer immediately.

Requirement 8 – Facility Survey- Plans for future needs

The Board of Directors of Merrimac Little League shall make all necessary improvements to existing fields, fencing, and structures at the current facility to maintain a safe environment and best meet the needs of all players at all levels. Efforts shall also be made to make additional enhancements to the facilities.

Requirement 9 – Concession Stand Safety Requirements

Concession Stand Manager(s):

The MLL Concession Stand Manager (VP of Food & Beverage) is responsible to ensure the Concession Stand Volunteers are trained in the safety procedures as set forth in this manual. All Concession Stand Supervisors were required to attend an update to the Safe-Serv Certification Program. The date of this class was January 30th 2011.

Concession Stand Safety:

People working in the concession stands will be trained in safe food preparation. Training will cover safe use of equipment & proper hygiene. This training will be provided by the Concession Stand Manager. The Safety Officer will conduct safety assessments of the stand during the season.

▪ Cooking equipment will be inspected periodically and repaired or replaced if need be.

▪ Food not purchased by MLL to sell in its Concession Stand will not be cooked, prepared, or sold in the concession stand.

▪ Cleaning chemicals must be stored in a locked container.

▪ A certified Fire Extinguisher must be placed in plain sight at all times.

▪ All Concession Stand workers are to be instructed on the use of fire extinguishers.

▪ A fully stocked First-Aid Kit will be placed in the Concession Stand.

▪ The Concession Stand main entrance door will not be locked from the outside or blocked while people are inside.

Requirement 10 – Inspection and replacement of Baseball Equipment

Equipment Manager:

The Equipment Manager is an MLL Board Member (VP of Purchasing) responsible for purchasing and distributing equipment to the individual teams. The Equipment Manager is responsible to get damaged equipment repaired or replaced as reported. This replacement will happen in a timely manner. The Equipment Manager will also exchange equipment if it doesn’t fit properly.

Equipment:

It is the Team Manager’s responsibility to maintain the equipment. Team Managers should inspect equipment before each game and each practice. The MLL Equipment Manager will promptly replace damaged and ill fitting equipment. Furthermore, some players like to bring their own gear. This equipment can only be used if it meets the requirements as outlined in this Safety Manual and the Official Little League Rule Book. Team Managers should inspect all player equipment prior to any practice or game. First-Aid Kits shall be turned in at the end of the season. Each team shall at all times have six (6) protective helmets in the dugout which must meet NOCSAE specifications and standards. These helmets will be provided by MLL. If players decide to use their own helmets, they must meet NOCSAE specifications and standards as well as standards set forth by the MLL BOD. This year the MLL Board of Directors has voted to make safety cages on all helmets MANDATORY for all batters and base runners in all divisions of play.

Manager’s please ensure that the equipment issued to you is appropriate for the age and size of the players on your team. If it is not, request immediately by notifying the MLL Equipment Manager.

Make sure helmets fit!

Replace questionable equipment immediately by notifying the MLL Equipment Manager. Make sure that players RESPECT the equipment that is issued.

Requirement 11 – Incident/Injury Reporting Procedure

When an injury or incident occurs within the confines of the Merrimac Little League facility, an Incident/Injury Tracking Report must be completed. This report must be completed within 24 hours of the occurrence and must be submitted to the Safety Officer no more than 48 hours from occurrence. An example of an Incident/Injury Tracking Report is included in this manual. Copies of the report are available from the Safety Officer or can be found in the concession stand.

Within 48 hours of receiving the incident report, the Safety Officer will contact the injured party or the party’s parents. In the event that the injured party required other medical treatment, (i.e. Emergency Room visit, doctor’s visit, etc.) the Safety Officer will advise the parent or guardian of the Merrimac Little League’s insurance coverage and the provisions for submitting any claims. Claims must be filed with the MLL Safety Officer. He/She forwards them to Pullen Insurance Services, Inc. 2560 River Park Plaza, Suite 300 Fort Worth Texas 76116. Claim officers can be contacted at (817) 738-6100 or info@. Contact the MLL Safety Officer for more information.

What to report:

An incident that causes any player, manager, coach, umpire or volunteer to receive medical treatment and/or first aid must be reported to the MLL Safety Officer. This includes even passive treatments such as the evaluation and diagnosis of the extent of the injury.

When to report:

All such incidents described above must be reported to the MLL Safety Officer within 24 hours of the incident. The MLL Safety Officer, Jon Gore, can be reached at the following:

Jon Gore

Home: 978-346-0451

Cell: 978-852-4691

Email: JonGore@

Address: PO Box 146 Merrimac, Ma 01860

The MLL Safety Officer’s contact information will be posted inside the concession stand.

Important Do’s and Don’ts for Manager’s and Coaches

Do

▪ Reassure and aid children who are injured

▪ 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

▪ Assist those who require medical attention

▪ Call parent or guardian if an emergency arises

▪ Have players Medical Release Forms with you at all games and practices

▪ Have a Cellular phone available at your game or practice

Don’t

▪ Administer any medications

▪ Provide any food or beverages (other than water)

▪ 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 Safety Officer immediately

Requirement 12 – First Aid Requirements

First Aid Kits will be furnished to each team at the beginning of the season. The First Aid Kit will become part of the Team’s equipment package and shall be taken to all practices, batting cage practices, games, and any other Merrimac Little League event where children’s safety is at risk.

To replenish materials in the Team First Aid Kit, the Manager, designated Coaches, or the appointed Team Safety Officer must contact the MLL Safety Officer.

First Aid Kits and this Safety Manual must be turned in at the end of the season along with your equipment package. The First Aid Kit will come in a plastic white and red box and include the following items:

• Instant Ice Packs

• Plastic Bags for Ice

• Antiseptic Wipes

• Large Bandages 2” X 4”

• Large Non-stick Bandages

• Band-Aids 1” X 3”

• Cloth Athletic Tape

• Roll of Gauze

• Pair of Latex Gloves

• Sterile Gauze Pads

• Plastic Kit

If you are missing any of the above items, contact the MLL Safety Officer immediately.

Additional First Aid Kits will be available in the concession stand.

Materials from these additional kits may not be used to replenish materials in the Team’s Kit but only used in emergency situations.

Requirement 13 – Enforcement of Little League Rules and Regulations

The Board of Directors of Merrimac Little League has mandated the following Code of Conduct.

Merrimac Little League Code of Conduct:

No Board Member, Manager, Coach, Player or Spectator shall:

• Lay a hand upon, push, shove, strike or threaten to strike an official

• Be verbally or physically abusive toward any official for any real or imaginary belief of a wrong decision or judgment.

• Show objectionable demonstration of dissent at an official’s decision by throwing of gloves, helmets, hats, bats, balls or any other forceful unsportsmanlike action.

• Use unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of a game against the body of an opposing player.

• Use profane, obscene or vulgar language in any manner at any time.

• Appear on the field of play, stands or anywhere on the MLL complex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at any time.

• Gamble upon any play or outcome of any game with anyone at any time.

• Use or smoke tobacco products while in the stands or on the playing field or in any dugout at any time. Smoking will only be permitted in designated areas which will be 20 feet from any spectator stands or dugouts.

• Discuss publicly with spectators in a derogatory or abusive manner any play, decision or a personal opinion on any players during the game.

• As a Manager or Coach – mingle or fraternize with spectators during the course of the game.

• Speak disrespectfully to any manager, coach, official or representative of the league.

• Tamper or manipulate any league rosters, schedules, draft positions or selections, official score books, rankings, financial records or procedures.

• Challenge an umpire’s authority. The umpire shall have the authority and discretion during a game to penalize the offender according to the infraction up to and including removal from the game.

All Managers and Coaches are required to sign off that they have received a copy of the Coaches Code of Conduct. The Board of Directors will review any and all infractions of the MLL Code of Conduct. Depending on the seriousness or frequency, the board may assess additional disciplinary action up to and including expulsion form the league.

MLL Safety Code

The Board of Directors of Merrimac Little League has mandated the following Safety Code. All Managers and Coaches should read this Safety Code and then read it to the players on their team.

• Responsibility for Safety procedures should be that of all adult members of Merrimac Little League.

• Arrangements should be made in advance of all games and practices for emergency medical services.

• Managers and/or Coaches shall not leave the facility without first ensuring that all players have been accounted for and have been provided transportation to their residence.

• Managers, Coaches and Umpires should have training in First Aid. First Aid Kits are issued to each Team Manager and are located at the concession stand.

• No games or practices should be held when weather or field conditions are unacceptable, 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-ups drills Players should be spaced so that no one is endangered by wild throws or missed catches.

• All pre-game warm-ups 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.)

• Equipment should be inspected regularly for the condition of the equipment as well as for proper fit.

• Batter 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”.

• Players 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.

• On-deck batters are not permitted.

MLL Safety Standards

• Speed Limit 5 mph in parking lots

• Watching for small children around parked cars

• No Alcohol or Tobacco products are allowed in any parking lot or field

• No playing in parking lots at any time

• No Profanity

• No throwing rocks

• No horse play on the field of play

• No climbing fences

• Swinging of hard bats and use of hard baseballs shall be contained to the players on the field during game times

• Only a player on the field and at bat may swing a bat

• Observe all posted signs

• Players and spectators should be alert at all times for foul balls and errant throws

• During game, players must remain in the dugout area in an orderly fashion at all times

• After each game, each team must clean up trash in dugout and around stands

• All gates to the field must remain closed at all times. After players have entered or left the playing field, gates should be closed and secured.

Never hesitate to report any present or potential safety hazard to the MLL Safety Officer immediately.

Additional Requirements/Procedures

Concession Stand Policy

• Adult supervision must be in effect at all times.

• Only adults are allowed to operate or be near the grill.

• Outdoor grills will be placed in an area away from spectators.

• All volunteers will wash their hands on a regular basis. (Hand Sanitizer available)

• Un-wrapped food must be handled with paper towels or plastic wrap.

• No glass containers of any type will be sold at the concession stand.

• Everything must be cleaned up and put away at the end of each shift.

• A complete first aid kit will be kept in the concession stand.

• A list of emergency phone numbers will be posted in the concession stand.

• The Merrimac Board of Health Certificate will be posted at all times.

Storage Shed Procedures

The following applies to any individual who has been issued a key by Merrimac Little League to use the storage shed.

• All individuals with keys to the Merrimac Little League equipment shed 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 please locate and read the written operating procedures for that equipment.

• All chemicals or organic materials stored in Merrimac Little League shed 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 unsecured chemicals or organic materials within the shed should be cleaned up and disposed properly as soon as possible to prevent accidental poisoning.

Weather

Rain:

If it begins to rain:

1. Evaluate the strength of the rain. Is it light drizzle or is it pouring?

2. Determine the direction the storm is moving.

3. Evaluate the playing field as it becomes more and more saturated.

4. Suspend practice or game if the playing conditions become unsafe – use common sense. If playing a game, consult with the other Manager and the Umpire to formulate the best decision for all parties.

Lightning:

Lightning is unpredictable. Therefore, a Manager, Coach or Umpire who feels threatened by an approaching storm, should stop playing and get to safety. Once the leading edge of a thunderstorm approaches you are at immediate risk due to the possibility of lightning strikes coming from a storm cloud, and encouraged to take immediate shelter. The following steps should be taken:

1. Suspend all games and practices immediately

2. Stay away from metal including fences and bleachers

3. Do not hold metal bats

4. Get players to walk, not run, to their parent’s or designated driver’s cars

5. Close all windows

6. Wait for Manager or Coach decision on whether or not to continue the game or practice

*Guidelines for Game Officials and Game Management to Use Regarding Lightning

1. National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL) staff strongly recommends that all individuals should have left the game site and reached a safe structure or location by the time the person monitoring the weather obtains a flash-to-bang (lightning to thunder) count of 30 seconds (equivalent to lightning being six miles away). This recommendation was developed as a practical way to make a judgment in situations where other resources such as technology and instrumentation are not available. In addition, a smaller, but still real, risk exists with the presence of lightning at greater distances. Unfortunately, current science can not predict where within the radius the next strike will occur.

2. The existence of blue sky and the absence of rain are not protection from lightning. Lightning can, and does, strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain shaft. It does not have to be raining for lightning to strike.

3. When considering resumption of a game, NSSL staff recommends that everyone ideally should wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder before returning to the field of activity.

4. If available, electronic detection devices should be used as additional tools to determine the severity of the weather. However, such devices should not be used as the sole source when considering terminating play.

(*Information taken from the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook and NCAA Championships Severe Weather Policy)

Do not leave the facility unless instructed by Team Manager or Coach.

Common Sense

• Playing safely boils down to using common sense.

• Remember, safety is everyone’s job. Be proactive in reporting any safety issues or hazardous conditions to the Safety Officer or MLL Board member immediately.

• Prevention is the key to keeping accidents to a minimum.

• Do not 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.

• Check equipment often.

Have a safe and enjoyable season!

ADDENDUM

I. Insurance Claim Form

II. Medical Release Form

III. Injury Tracking Form

IV. Little League Volunteer Application

V. Little League National Facility Survey

Insurance Claim Form – Page 1

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Insurance Claim Form – Page 2

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Insurance Claim Form – Page 3

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Medical Release Form

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Injury Tracking Report

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Volunteer Application Form

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Little League National Facility Survey – Page 1

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Little League National Facility Survey – Page 2

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Little League National Facility Survey – Page 3

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Little League National Facility Survey – Page 4

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LL National Facility Survey, Field Dimension Data – Page 5

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LL National Facility Survey, Field Dimension Data – Page 6

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