2024

SAFETY PLAN

 

PREPARED BY: RACHAEL THOMAS

2024 SAFETY OFFICER

(607) 206-8350

Welcome:

To all coaches and volunteers, the Susquehanna Area Little League would like to thank you for your continued dedication to youth sports in the Susquehanna area.  We would like each of you to take a moment to review this year's safety plan.  Due to the ongoing pandemic, we have included a section at the end of our plan dedicated to our Corona Virus (Covid-19) safety precautions and mitigation efforts. This plan has been implemented by the Board of Directors of the Susquehanna Area Little League and should be kept with you at all times as a reference.  The objective of this is to make everyone more aware of the safety procedures of the Susquehanna Area Little League.  Any questions regarding this plan can be forwarded to Rachael Thomas, Safety Manager. 

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful 2023 season. 

 

Role of the Susquehanna Area Little League Safety Manager

The safety manager is an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Susquehanna Area Little League.  This person acts as the main contact for all safety issues and is responsible to review, change and communicate the leagues' safety plan this year.  The plan is presented to the Board of directors each year for approval and is on file with the Little League Baseball Headquarters.  The safety manager for the 2023 season is Rachael Thomas

 

 

2021 Susquehanna Area Little League Board of Directors

 

Emergency Numbers

In the event of an emergency situation the coach or volunteer should CALL 911.  Calling 911 will dispatch Fire and EMS as well as the local police department.  Please state the nature of the emergency, the dispatcher will send appropriate personnel.  In the event of an emergency on the playing field, the area should be cleared of nonessential personnel and each team will report to their dugouts.  No play will take place during this period. 

 

Website

For the 2023 season the Susquehanna Area Little league will be operating a Facebook Page with all pertinent league information on it.  Go to Facebook and search for Susquehanna Area Little League.  In addition, we will be operating our website: Leaguelinup.com/Susquehanna.  Coaches, volunteers and parents are encouraged to visit the pages often for league news and schedules.  Also, important phone numbers and field locations have been posted for reference. 

 

 

General Code of Conduct

The Safety Manager of the Susquehanna Area Little League, in accordance with Little League, has implemented the following "General Code of  Conduct."  This should be followed at all times during practices and games. 

• Observe all posted signs at the Little League field.

• Watch for children and pedestrians while driving.

• No alcohol is permitted.

• No tobacco products are permitted.

• No profanity is permitted.

• Spectators should be notified of possible foul balls and errant throws.

• After each game, teams are required to clean their dugouts.

• Only players, managers, and volunteers are allowed in the dugouts.

• Players are to remain in the dugout during the game. 

• Do not climb on fences or equipment.

Parents Code Conduct

Susquehanna Area Little League welcomes all family and friends to come and enjoy every game.  We simply ask that you follow these few guidelines to set a positive example for the players. 

• Do not criticize the umpires and always treat them with respect.

• Do not criticize the opposing team, its players, coaches or fans. 

• Remember that coaches and other league officials are volunteers.

• Do not be a "Grand Stand Manager."

 

Players Code of Conduct

The following are guidelines that will make the game more enjoyable for each player.

• Any player using foul or abusive language or gestures to any other player, coach, or umpire can be ejected from the game.

• Fighting is an automatic ejection from the game. 

• Players will not taunt, yell at, or in any way try to distract the players on the opposite team.

• Players will shake hands with the opposing team after each game.

Player's Bill of Rights

The Susquehanna Area Little League will provide the opportunity for our children to participate at their own developmental level in order to help them to develop physically, psychologically, and socially.  Most importantly we want our children to have fun playing sports.  Below you will find the "Bill of Rights for Young Athletes."

• The right to participate in sports.

• The right to participate at a level commensurate with each child's maturity and ability.

• The right to have qualified leadership.

• The right to play as a child not as an adult.

• The right to participate in a safe and healthy environment. 

• The right to equal opportunity to strive for success. 

• The right to be treated with dignity.

• The right to have fun in sports.

 

Safety Code

• All managers are to have a current copy of the little league rule book.

• All volunteers are required to have a background check completed.

• Managers, coaches, and umpires should have training in First-Aid.  First-Aid kits are issued to each team manager.

• No games or practices should be held when weather or field conditions are bad, particularly with lightning.  If lightning is in the area teams must wait 30 minutes before returning to the field. 

• Play areas 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 by his or her team's manager and coaches. 

• During practice and games, all players should be alert and watching the batter on each pitch. 

• During warm-up 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, swinging bats, etc.)

• Equipment should be inspected regularly for condition and proper fit.

• Batters must wear a Little League approved protective helmet during batting practice and game.

• The catcher must wear a 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 players to wear protective cups and supporters for practices and games. 

• Except when a runner is returning to 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. 

• Players must not wear watches, rings, pins or metallic items during games or practices. 

• On deck batters are not permitted. 

• No player or umpire will be permitted to participate in any game if wearing a cast. Any person wearing a cast must stay in the dugout for the duration of the game.

 

 

First Aid Kits

Each team will be provided with a First- Aid kit.  Each team’s manager is responsible for the First-Aid kit. Each First- Aid kit will contain the following items:

• Scissors(1)

• Tweezers(1)

• 2" ace bandage (2)

• 4" conforming gauze bandage (2)

• 2" tape (1)

• Eye pads (2)

• Non-stack pads (10)

• Triangular bandage with safety pins(1)

• 2x4 bandage (5)

• 1x3 bandage (10)

• Instant cold pack (4)

• Instant hot pack (1)

• 4x4 gauze (25)

• BZK antiseptic towelette (12)

• Latex gloves (6)

• Triple antibiotic ointment(5)

There will also be one kit available in each of the equipment sheds as well as one case of instant cold packs.  When items need to be restocked, the manager should contact the safety manager as soon as possible. 

Medical Release Forms

It is the policy of the Susquehanna Area Little League to have a medical release form on file for each player.  It is important to have past and present medical history on each and every player.  This will help managers and coaches deal with any situations that may arise during the season.  If the parent or guardians are not present in the event of an emergency this release will give the coach or volunteer necessary life saving information. 

Equipment Checks

All manager coaches and players should inspect all playing equipment regularly and report any defects in the equipment to the Equipment manager as soon as possible, for the safety of all players. 

Manager and coaches should inspect equipment:

• Prior to and following each game.

• All bats must have hand grips intact.

• Inspect catchers equipment for fabric tears and intact helmets, as well as all straps for elasticity and proper fit.

Player's inspection of equipment:

• Any player finding a problem with their equipment should report it to their coach as soon as possible. 

• Players are encouraged to use the following equipment that is not provided by the league.  These include athletic supporter and protective cups and mouth guards.

Pre Game and Post Game Field Checklist

Before all practices and games at the Susquehanna Area Little League field, it will be the responsibility of the home team manager to ensure the field is safe for play.   In each field equipment shed there will be hung a copy of the "Hey Coach" poster. 

The home field coach will check the following pre game:

• Make sure the field is in playable condition; free of runoff , water and foreign objects.

• Foul lines are to be marked.

• Batters boxes are to be marked.

• Pitchers’ mounds must be free of holes.

• Bases must be placed and holes free of water.

• Infield must be raked and baselines even.

Concession Stand Safety 

The concession stands at Susquehanna Area Little League games are run by the league. The league will ensure there is a food safety and hand washing poster placed at each concession stand, if more than one.  A copy of this form is attached to this safety plan. 

 

Emergency Incidents

A copy of the Little League claims form instructions as well as insurance claim forms are attached to this safety plan. 

After each incident parents or guardians should be notified as soon as possible.  Generally a parent or guardian is on the scene but when that is not the case the manager should have contact numbers and get in contact with parents.  Each manager should be supplied with medical release forms for each player. 

If anyone is transported from an event the following information should be obtained:

• Persons name

• Injury sustained

• If police involved, describe the nature of the incident

• Where patient was transported to

• Agency doing the transporting 

Baseball Pitching Regulations

1. Any player on a regular season team may pitch. (NOTE: There is no limit to the number of pitchers a team may use in a game)

2. A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. Junior, Senior and Big League Divisions only: A pitcher remaining in the game but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game. 

3. The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game in another position:

1. League Age 17-18 --  105 pitches per day

2. 13-16 -- 95 pitches per day

3. 11-12 -- 85 pitches per day

4. 9-10 -- 75 pitches per day

5. 7-8 -- 50 pitches per day 

Exception:  If any pitcher reaches the limit imposed in Regulation VI(c) for his/her league age while facing a batter the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs:

1. That batter reaches a base

2. That batter is put out

3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning.

Note 1:  A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. 

• Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:

1. If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.

2. If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

3. If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed. 

4. If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed. 

5. If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar days of rest must be observed. 

• Pitchers league age 15-18 must adhere to the following rest requirements:

1. If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.

2. If a player pitches 61-75 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed. 

3. If a player pitches 46-60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed. 

4. If a player pitches 31-45 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed. 

5. If a player pitches 1-30 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar days of rest is required.

• Each league must designate the scorekeeper or another game official as the official pitch count recorder. 

• The pitch counter recorder must provide the current pitch count for any pitcher when requested by either manager or any umpire.  However, the manager is responsible for knowing when his/her pitcher must be removed. 

• The official pitch count recorder should inform the umpire-in-chief when a pitcher has delivered his/her maximum limit of pitches for the game, as noted in Regulation VI(c).  The umpire-in-chief will inform the pitcher's manager that the pitcher must be removed in accordance with Regulation VI(c).  However, the failure by the pitch count recorder to notify the umpire-in-chief, and/or the failure of the umpire-in-chief to notify the manager, does not relieve the manager of his/her responsibility to remove a pitcher when that pitcher is no longer eligible. 

• Violation of any section of this regulation can result in protest of the game when it occurs.  Protest shall be made in accordance with the Playing Rule 4.19

• A player who has attained the league age of twelve (12) is not eligible to pitch in the Minor League (see regulation V-selection of players)

• A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day. (Exception: In the Big League Division a player may be used as a pitcher in up to two games a day).

Notes

1. The withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher after that pitcher announced, or after a warm-up pitch is delivered, but before that player has pitched a ball to a batter, shall not be considered a violation.  Little league officials are urged to take precautions to prevent protest.  When a protest situation is imminent, the potential offender should be notified immediately. 

2. Pitches delivered in games declared "Regulation Tie Games" or "Suspended Games" shall be charged against pitcher's eligibility. 

3. In suspended games resumed on another day, the pitchers of record at the time the game was halted may continue to pitch to the extent of their eligibility for that day, provided said pitcher has observed the required days of rest. 

Example 1:

A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended.  The game resumes on the following Thursday.  The pitcher is not eligible to pitch in the resumption of the games because he/she has not observed the required days of rest. 

Example 2:

A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended.  The game resumes on Saturday.  The pitcher is eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches in the resumption of the game because he/she has observed the required days of rest. 

Example 3:

A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended.  The game resumes two weeks later.  The pitcher is eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches in the resumption of the game provided he/she is eligible based on his/her pitching record during the previous four days. 

Note:  The use of this regulation negates the concept of the "calendar week" with regard to pitching eligibility.

Break Away Base Procedure

In accordance with new Little League rules and in an effort to reduce the risk of injury, anchored or permanently fixed base use is not allowed.  For all games and practices, 

only break-away or throw-down bases must be used.  All facilities have been updated to use break away bases.  It is the responsibility of the manager and coaches to insure this rule is adhered too. 

Training for Coaches and Manager

It is the policy of the Susquehanna Area Little League that prior to the start of the season at least one coach or manager from each team will attend fundamentals training.  For the 2021 season we will be teaming up with Susquehanna baseball team coaches for a fundamental training.  The dates for this year's program will be announced.  It is again required that 1 coach or manager from each team attends and it is highly recommended that all coaches attend. 

Accident Reporting and Tracking

• Accident forms are available from the Safety Manager and should be kept in all First- Aid kits

• Accident forms should be filled out for each injury and returned to the Safety Manager with 24-48 hours. 

• Near Misses incidents that result in no injury but had potential for injury should be reported to the Safety Manager and tracked.  This is done so future incidents can be prevented. 

 

Covid-19: Corona Virus Mitigation

 

Overview

 

This plan is designed to create a safe environment for players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and members of their household or immediate family while they are participating in youth baseball and softball activities with the Susquehanna Area Little League Organization.

Universal Guidelines

 

All persons associated with the Susquehanna Area Little League (coaches, players, volunteers, umpires, spectators) must abide by these universal guidelines while at our facilities:

 

• If you or a member of your household are sick (fever of 100.4 or higher, coughing, chest pain, and/or shortness of breath), DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICES, GAMES, OR OTHER LEAUGE EVENTS. Please stay home.

 

• If you or a member of your household becomes sick or begins experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and you or a member of your household attended practice, games, 

or another league event within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, please notify Susquehanna Area Little League’s safety officer. The Safety Officer will follow our protocol to provide further direction.

• If a player or a player's household member tests positive for COVID-19, they are to immediately disclose this information to the League's Safety Officer, Stephanie MacDonald at (607) 221-6501. The Safety Officer will follow our protocol and notify others who may have been exposed or are required to quarantine. 

• If a player or household member is tested for COVID-19; a negative test result is required in order to return to play.

• Social distancing will be practiced (minimum of 6 feet distance) when outside at all times when not around your immediate family or other household members. When unable to socially distance, a well-secured mask that covers the mouth and nose is recommnded (PPE).

• Frequently wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, gate latches, handles,

etc.)

• No spitting, eating of sunflower seeds, or chewing of gum on the premises.

• When parking on the premises, please use best efforts to park with one parking place in between another vehicle. If parking spaces are limited and distance is not available, please allow each car/family time to get out and move 6ft away before the other vehicle occupants exit. Masks covering the mouth and nose shall be worn when exiting and entering vehicles if unable to maintain social distance. 

 

Coach/Volunteer Guidelines

Coaches, managers, and other assistants follow these guidelines:

 

• Disinfect multi-used items (bats, helmets) if players do not have their own.

• Minimize number of coaches and assistants for games/practices.

• Clean/disinfect team equipment.

• Coaches should wear a face shield or mask every time they are in the dugout.

• Shared equipment will be sanitized immediately between touches by a coach or other assigned volunteer.

Player Guidelines

Players are to follow these guidelines at all times:

 

• It is recommended that when not in the field, players should wear PPE if not able to socially distance.

• It is recommended that players should wear a mask or face shield anytime they are in the dugout. When in the field of play, wearing PPE is optional.

• Use or touch only their own equipment.

• If they do not have their own equipment, use team’s which will be cleaned between uses. Shared equipment will be sanitized immediately between touches of players by a designated person assigned to each team.

• Bring their own water bottle that is labeled and do not share.

• Follow dugout guidelines.

 

Umpire Guidelines

Umpires are to follow these guidelines at all times:

 

• Wear PPE if unable to keep social distanced.

• Base umpires will keep distance in set-up positions.

• Pre-game player’s equipment check is visual only.

 

Game Guidelines

Pregame, in-game, and post-game guidelines to be followed at all times:

 

• Game field must be exited completely and cleaned by previous teams before new teams enter the field and dugouts.

• Socially Distanced pre-game meeting at the plate with umpires and coaches.

• Between innings warm-ups must use same ball.

• Foul balls will be retrieved by players only, not spectators, not coaches, not umpires.  If touched by another, the ball will be disinfected before being reintroduced.

• No physical contact celebrations between players (i.e. high fives, fist bumps, etc).

• End of game - line-up out front of dugouts and tip hats in good sportsmanship on 1st base foul line and 3rd base foul line.

 

Family Member Guidelines

Household and immediate family members are to follow these guidelines at all times:

 

• Household or immediate family only (parents, guardians, brothers, sisters) within the same 6ft space.

• Bring their own seats and sit along the outfield fence or in their cars.

• Do not retrieve foul balls.

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Guidelines

Guide to equipment use at all times:

 

• Players are not to share their equipment.

• Players who need equipment, will use team’s equipment.

• If team equipment is used, it must be disinfected after each use.

• Equipment bags are to be placed outside of dugout separated from each other.

• Players must bring their own beverages.

 

 

Dugout Guidelines

Guide to dugout use at all times:

 

• It is recommended that players wear PPE anytime they are in the dugout.

• No seeds, gum, or spitting.

Any player in violation will be asked to leave the game.

Concession Stand Guidelines

Guide to the concession stand at all times:

 

• Patrons will be spaced 6 feet apart with clear markings for their standing in line to order and for pick-up.

• All food will be made “to go.”

• It is recommended that all concession stand workers wear PPE.

• Concession stand workers will wipe and disinfect common touch areas frequently.

• Hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray and wipes will be available upon request.

 

Concession Stand Clean-up:

 

• Workers will wipe down equipment.

• Workers will sweep the floors.

• Workers will disinfect common touch areas.

• Garbage will be thrown out in waste bin.

 

 

 

 

 

Restroom Guidelines

Guide to restroom use at all times:

 

• One occupant at a time.

• It is recommended that any person in line for the restroom will maintain social distancing and wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth (PPE).

• Hands will be washed before exiting.

 

Thank you for taking the time to review the Susquehanna Area Little League 2023 Safety Plan. The Board of Directors wishes every one the best for the upcoming season.  Please take a minute to review all the forms that are attached to this plan as they will answer most questions you may have during the season. 

Any additional questions or comments on the 2023 Safety Plan please contact Rachael Thomas at (607) 206-8350.

 

Thank you and have a Wonderful Season!