|
|
 |
With the 2009 season fast approaching there is much perperation going on behind the scenes.
But most importantly, our number one concern is for the safety and well being of the children of our program. So before any drafts take place or any practices, we are addressing this all important issue.
In 2006, we made a decision as a league to incorporate AED's into our program. Since that time, we have enhanced that program from year to year.
For this season, we now feel that we have the most comprehensive AED program of any youth program on Long Island.
Following the 2008 season, we identified some possible problems for the 10 AED units we have, such as storage, training and deployment of these potential life saving units.
Prior to the 2009 season, we made available to Managers and Coaches, on a voluntary basis, AED/CPR/First Aid Training at our expense. Additionally, for many of the fields, we had managers pick up and return them prior to and following their games to a storage area, while others had them on site.
We are now pleased to say that for this season we have made it Mandatory for each Manager to receive a certification course which is valid for 2 years. Additionally, assistant coaches have the option of attending this same training and many are taking advantage of it. The Managers of our 98 spring teams will not be able to take part in a draft or follow through with his/her selection without this certification.
To date, all of our managers have received a 2 year certification course and we now have over 130 trained responders in our program, that the MCLL has paid for.
In addition to the training, this year we are placing 9 additional backstop storage containers at area fields. These containers will be locked, but each and every manager will have a master key to access each and every container should the need arise at a ballfield. In addition to housing an AED, they will also house First Aid Kits, Ice Packs and needed field equipment.
We now have an AED available at each and every field the MCLL has a permit for. While sonme fields have a single unit dedicated to that field, other units may cover more than one field if they are in close proximity of each other. Each and every managers is aware of the unit that covers their field.
The aforementioned training of the Managers and the purchase of the Storage containers is being absorbed by the league from our general fund. OOver the past 3 seasons, the MCLL has spent over $35,000.00 in the training, purchasing of storage containers and the purchase of the AED's.
We hope that this comprehensive program that we have in place, offers you peace of mind of knowing that should the need arise, there are trained responders on every field and an AED at every field utilized by the Massapequa Coast Little League.
Please take the time to thank your manager for his efforts in making our AED program one that others can use as a model.
| |
|
