TPLL is committed to providing a safe environment for all players. While Little League Baseball is considered a safe sport, there are risks involved. We are committed to working with you, the kids, and our coaches to make the experience safe and fun.
General safety:
- Safety program: Little League Baseball, in connection with other organizations, produced an in-depth league safety program: A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP). For more information on the ASAP program, visit the site here
- Weather: be aware of threatening weather. Practices and games should be stopped immediately at the first sign of lightning and shelter should be sought immediately. Your child’s coach should contact you via phone regarding the postponement or cancellation of games. When necessary, the league or umpire will cancel a game prior to its completion
- Equipment: ensure you are using the equipment appropriate for your child’s age and league. See Little League Baseball guidelines here
- Stranger interactions: teach children the dangers of talking to and accepting anything from strangers, including when someone may offer to play “catch” with them or to give them a ride home after practice/games. Make sure that at least one adult remains until all children have been picked up from practices and games. Do not put the names of players on uniforms or openly on equipment so that strangers can pretend they from being able to convince children that they know them
Injury prevention and treatment:
- Concussion: one risk associated with youth sports is concussion. To help ensure the health and safety of young athletes, the CDC developed the HEADS UP Concussion in Youth Sports initiative to offer information about concussions to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports. You can review more information here
- Safety on/around fields: make sure that children do not climb on fences surrounding the playing fields. Check playing fields before games and practices for holes, large rocks or sticks, and anything else that may cause interference for players
- Hydration: make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids not only while playing, but also throughout the day before practices and games
- Transportation: enforce bike helmet laws if children are riding to/from playing facilities. Be sure that you have enough seatbelts for everyone in the vehicle when you are transporting players
- Small injuries: always check with your healthcare provider. For small injuries, you can usually treat minor injuries with RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation
- Coaches will help prevent injuries by:
- Ensuring all team equipment has been inspected by a Little League official to ensure that it is functioning properly
- Warming up and stretching players before practices and games
- Watching for signs of heat exhaustion when playing in extreme heat
- Scheduling multiple drink breaks during practices and games
Numbers to call in an emergency:
- Emergency 911; if using cell phone in Marin County: 415-472-0911
- Police (Non Emergency): 415-789-2801
- Fire (Non Emergency): 415-435-7200