Safety

Safety Principles

Northwest Washington Little League (NWLL) embraces the fundamental goal of creating a safe environment for all participants. It is the collective responsibility of all (players, parents, coaches, umpires, league officials, and spectators) to follow safe practices which help to create this environment. All should be committed safety principles like those below.

Individual Player Preparation

Physical conditioning
Appropriate nutrition and hydration prior to games and practices
Safe stretching and warm-up
Appropriate fatigue management (For all players, not just the pitchers and catcher)
Rigorous maintenance and use of team and player's equipment

Environment Management

Field Inspection (check prior to each game or practice)
- Spectator area
- Player benches and dugout area
- Infield conditions
- Outfield conditions
Weather Considerations
Please see rules for specific roles and responsibilities with regards to suspending games or practices.
- Rain
  Light rain that does not create an unsafe environment may not cause to stop a game or practice. Heavy rain that leads to puddling or soaking wet field conditions may cause stoppage of a game or practice. Use good judgment in determining if conditions have become unsafe. If a game or practice is stopped remain with players until they have been picked-up. If it has been raining prior to a game or practice session, carefully inspect the fields for safety prior to beginning any activity.
- Lightning
  If a game or practice is in progress and there is thunder or lightning, with or without rain, the game or practice should be halted and players removed from the field (see rules). Keep everyone involved away from metal objects. Avoid open fields and trees. Make sure that everyone remains in as safe a place as possible.
- High Winds
  In the event of high (approximately 25 mph and above) winds, dust particles could obstruct a player's ability to focus on the game. The game may be resumed once the wind velocity reduces or the wind stops altogether.
- Very Hot Days
  On exceedingly hot days, it is strongly recommended that the benches and dugouts be covered overhead to provide shade and comfort to the players. Also please make sure that there is sufficient amount of water or electrolyte rich liquid for drinking. Encourage players to apply a sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an accident the team's coach shall remain calm and tend to the injured players with the parents, if present. It is only natural for the other members of the team to run to the injured player. In order to administer proper care to the injured player, instruct all other players to go back to their respective positions or to the team bench.

For minor injuries, use a first aid kit as needed to apply an ice pack or support bandages. If blood is present, wear barrier gloves to protect yourself and the injured players. Use soap and water or an antiseptic wipe to clean the wound and apply light pressure to stop bleeding. Use a suitable sterile bandage with or without antiseptic ointment to cover the injured area.

If an injury is determined to be significant, professional medical attention should be sought. If appropriate, call 911. Stay with the injured player and provide comfort until medical attention arrives. Keep the player calm and as comfortable as possible. Avoid moving the player in any way unless remaining where you are presents a greater danger.

When calling 911 be prepared to give your name, your location and a brief description of the emergency. Listen carefully to the operator's requests or questions. Once finished with the phone call, get in position or designate others to an appropriate location to meet and direct emergency personnel and vehicles to the injured player.

Notify parents at soon as possible upon an injury. Coaches should keep a list of player’s emergency contacts with them at all practices and games.

Inform the League President within 24 hours of any serious injury after the player has gotten treatment.

It shall be the coach's responsibility to determine if any player shall continue to participate in practice or a game.

Safe Child Hand-Off

Coaches use best judgment to insure that players have a safe method to come to and leave from practices and games. NWLL activities begin and end with the trips to and from the field. Never leave players unattended after practice or games or any other activities.

More Information

Additional safety information is available from Little League's Safety Program.