Kittatinny  

LITTLE LEAGUE

ID# 02302007

2020

SAFETY MANUAL

A SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAM

SPONSORED BY:

LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL

FOR COACHES, MANAGERS, PARENTS, BOARD MEMBERS, VOLUNTEER’S, PLAYERS and SPECTATORS

Submitted by James Weston

2020 Safety Officer of Kittatinny Little League

Kittatinny Little League

Safety Officer: James Weston on file with Little League Headquarters.

Table of Contents

ASAP, A Safety Awareness Program, was introduced to Little League in 1995 in an attempt to prevent injuries, rather than reacting to them.  This is their mission statement: 

* To create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for kids and all participants of Kittatinny Little League Baseball.  

Kittatinny Little League has assigned James Weston to be the Safety Officer for the 2020 baseball season.

All board members and coaches will receive an electronic and hard copy of this manual.  Coaches are encouraged to share this manual with the players and their parents. As well as valuable safety information, this manual includes general Kittatinny Little League information concerning the operation of this league as well as all Little League Baseball. Coaches, parents and players should use this manual to clarify any questions which might exist regarding what the league regards as issues which arise from year to year.  This safety manual will be posted at every concession stand, shed, batting cage and at all telephone locations, as well as on our web site.  In addition to being posted, each coach will have in their possession a copy of emergency numbers and a list of emergency procedures.

Kittatinny Little League

 2019 Board Members

Executive Board: 

President Carrie Weeks 973-713-2232

Vice President Adam Dennis 973-670-2018

Player Agent R.C. McClain 862-268-3305

Treasurer David Gramp 908-202-1812

Secretary Theresa Prtorich 973-600-6805

Safety Officer James Weston 973-945-6146

Committee Representative’s:

Chief Umpire Kyle Slack 973-222-6811

Co-Equipment Coord.          Robert Mack                            

Co-Equipment Coord.            Joe Zweig       

Swartswood Concessions      Julie Strong 973-903-7245

Hampton Concessions           Tracey Coombs

***** Emergency Numbers: *****

*** For all Emergencies DIAL  9-1-1 ***

New Jersey State Police 973-383-1515

Newton Medical Center Emergency 973-383-2121

Stillwater Rescue Squad 973-383-9900

Fredon Fire & Rescue 973-383-9424

Stillwater Fire Department 973-383-1329

Hampton Fire & Rescue 973-940-7322

Blue Ridge Rescue Squad 973-948-4828

JCP&L to report outages 1-888-544-4877

***** Emergency Procedures: *****

1) First Dial 911

2) Give Dispatcher the necessary information.  

Answer any questions he or she might ask.

Most dispatchers will ask:

-The exact location or address of the emergency?

Our address is:

(Will insert specific field name and address on this line)

Cross streets are:

(Will insert specific info for each field on this line)

-The telephone number from which the call is being made?

-The callers name?

-What happened - i.e., baseball related, bicycle, fire etc.?

-How many people are involved?

-The condition of the injured person - i.e., unconscious, chest pain or severe bleeding?

                  -What help is being given (first aid, CPR, etc.)?

3) Do Not hang up until the dispatcher hangs up.

The dispatcher may be able to tell you how to best care for the victim.

4) Continue to care for the victim until professional help arrives.

5) Appoint someone to go the street and look for the ambulance or fire engine and flag them down if necessary.  This saves valuable time.  Remember, every minute counts.

***** BACKGROUND CHECKS: ***** 

The backbone of Little League Baseball is the adult volunteer. One million strong, it is this corps of dedicated people who coach the teams, umpire the games, work in the concession stands, serve on the local board of directors, and serve on the district level. These people, who live in every U.S. state and 103 other countries, make Little League the largest and most respected youth sports organization on Earth.

However, we know that the greatest treasure we have is children. As adults, we must ensure that these young people are able to grow up happy, healthy and above all safe. Whether they are our children, or the children of others, each of us has a responsibility to protect them. They are our future, and an endless source of joy.

Like many national youth organizations, Little League Baseball seeks to attract the most qualified volunteers to administer our program at the local level. At the same time, we must be aware that this could make us a target for child abusers.

The Little League Child Protection Program, in place since 1997, has sought to educate children and volunteers in ways to prevent child abusers from becoming involved in the local league. Background checks for the 2020 season are being conducted by Kittatinny Little League for all volunteers of the Kittatinny Little League, starting in March. All board members, managers, coaches, concessions volunteers, assistant coaches and anyone who has regular access or contact with players or teams will be checked.  A new Volunteer Application form will be filled out by all volunteers for every season.

The purpose of these background checks is, first and foremost, to protect the children.

Excerpt from a letter by Stephen D. Keener, President and CEO of Little League Baseball.

During the 2002 season, we established a background check policy. All coaches, managers, board members and volunteers are required to complete the Little League Volunteer Application, this is required by Little League Organization. A record of all applications was established and maintained by the Kittatinny Little League. For the 2020 season, in addition to the Little League Volunteer Application, the Little League Organization has mandated that the league must conduct a background check on all people involved with the league, except the players. No person shall participate in any manner whose background check reveals a conviction for any crime involving or against a minor or if they are deemed unfit to work with minors by the Board of Directors.

Continuing this season, Kittatinny Little League is registered with the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office to receive information regarding sex offenders under Megan's Law.

***** FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING/FIRST AID: *****

Many times injuries occur because of improper mechanics. For the 2020 season, all Kittatinny Little League coaches will be required to complete the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) online coach training program and players will be participating in a training session in an effort to enhance our knowledge of fundamental baseball and minimize our participants injuries.

The NAYS Coach training program features two components: Coaching Youth Sports and a sport-specific training. The Coaching Youth Sports portion covers topics coaches of all sports need to know, such as working with parents; motivating kids; building confidence; instilling good sportsmanship; safety; and nutrition and hydration; among many other areas.

In the sport-specific training coaches learn how to teach the basic skills and fundamentals of the particular sport they are coaching, as well as effective drills to use during their practices.

A sports safety course will be held prior to the start of the season, hosted by Joe Allison at Drayer Physical Therapy in Sparta, NJ for all coaches and volunteers.  The PREPARE course created by the National Center for Sports Safety is education on preparing for the unexpected, environmental concerns and hydration, emergency recognition, medical considerations and pre-existing conditions, principles of first aid, head neck and facial injuries, and injury preventions including overuse injuries and overtraining.   

Kittatinny  Little League recognizes that our most common injury encountered (and probably all of Little League Baseball) is pulled muscles. These days coaches and players all maintain busy schedules. Often we all have limited time to practice due to our limited time and field availability. Because of this, we follow a warmup and cool down regiment before and after our practices.

***** INJURY POLICY: *****

All coaches will have in their possession during games and practice a medical release form for each player. The medical release form will include the following information on each player: physician and phone number, emergency contacts and phone number, allergies, medications, and a waiver for emergency treatment.  It is highly recommended to each family that they write in each player's hat an emergency contact number.  All coaches will have in their possession during the games and practice a fully stocked first aid kit.  In addition, each field will also have a fully stocked first aid kit.

Kittatinny Little League tries to ensure safety wherever we can.  Two of our fields now have a safety top for the fences.  Every male player is expected to wear a protective cup.

All coaches will have in their possession (AIT) Accident Injury Tracking Reports, which will be completed by the coach and or parent subsequent to all injuries regardless of the nature. This includes the players, and/or spectator, directly related to and during the game or practice. The AIT Report will be submitted to the Kittatinny Little league President.  If the injury results in a claim against the Kittatinny  Little League, the AIT Report will be forwarded to Little League Headquarters in Williamsport, PA.

This information is valuable to determine any problem areas and how, if so, we can reduce our injuries in the future.

What to report:

Any incident that causes any player, coach, umpire or any other volunteer to receive medical attention, treatment or first aid must be reported.

When to report:

All reported incidents should be reported to the Safety Officer who will notify the President within 24 hours of its occurrence.

Safety Officer James Weston 973-945-6146

President Carrie Weeks 973-713-2232

How to report:

Please report the incident in person or over the phone and be prepared to provide the following information:

• Name and phone number of involved parties.

• Date, time and location of the incident.

• A detailed description of the incident

• An estimate to the extent of any injuries.

• Name and phone number of person reporting the incident.

League Responsibilities

Within 48 hours of receiving the incident report, the president and/or safety officer, will check on the status of the injured party, verify the information and determine if any additional medical treatment was required. If additional medical treatment was required the president will advise and assist the parent or guardian of the Kittatinny Little league insurance coverage and establish a claim.

***** FIELD INSPECTIONS  *****

ANNUAL FACILITY SURVEY

Prior to the beginning of each season, the Little League Baseball National Facility Survey will be completed by the Safety Officer.  This survey can assist in finding areas of focus for the safety plan by identifying facility concerns before the beginning of the season.

BEFORE GAMES AND PRACTICES

The home team coach will be responsible for preparing the field before games and practices.

The home team coach will also be responsible for conducting a safety inspection of the field prior to  game time and correcting any potentially hazardous field conditions. Any divots around home plate, pitcher’s mound or in the baseline will be filled in. 

All breakaway bases will be placed in proper manner to break away when needed. All protected/padded fence tops will be inspected for sharp objects or missing padding.  The coach will examine the outfield for any foreign material posing a hazard (rocks, glass, holes, etc.).  Before the game begins, both coaches will meet with the umpire, where all ground rules will be discussed with the umpire, and any existing problems with the field will be addressed at this  time. 

***** UMPIRES: ***** 

Umpiring is a difficult position to play during a baseball game. Please understand that our umpires are doing their best to make every decision properly, somewhere between 100 and 200 calls are made in each game. Please respect our umpires and understand their most difficult task during each game. We are not always going to be happy or agree with their calls during the game, but regardless, they are fulfilling a most significant position. Without them, we do not play the game. Through the years we have had many young umpires move through our ranks and there is no doubt, they have all done their best. Please take the opportunity to thank them after each game. I am sure that would make a lasting impression.

• Prior to the start of the season, Kyle Slack, our Chief Umpire, will be hosting an umpire clinic for all prospective Kittatinny little league umpires. The Chief Umpire will be reviewing with our umpires all aspects and fundamentals of umpiring including safety of umpires as well as players.

***** EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS: *****

• Before pre-season practice begins, the equipment coordinator and safety officer shall review and check all related baseball equipment.

• Before each game or practice, all equipment will be checked for any damage. All equipment and baseballs shall be Little League approved. In addition to being checked for damage, catchers gear must include full shin guards, chest protector that covers the groin area, a throat guard must be attached to the face mask. *

• Make sure the younger teams have reduced impact balls.

• Any damaged equipment will NOT be utilized in a game or practice and reported immediately for replacement to the President of Kittatinny Little League

For this reason make every attempt to inspect your equipment before each game day.

***** CONCESSION SAFETY: *****

Concession Tips

These tips will be posted in all of our concession stands.

Tips necessary to remain germ free and concessions working properly. Frequent hand washing and sanitizing prior to the use of disposable gloves is a must. Food needs to be above 165 degrees to kill all bacteria. Avoid contact with raw meat. Touching food with hands transfers germs. Protect food from insects and dispose of waste food in proper receptacles. Foods needed to be kept cool must be stored immediately below 41 degrees. Good Health and personal Hygiene are first priority when choosing a representative to operate the concession area. 

Hands that touch money shall not touch food. Have a representative handle the payment while another is in charge of food services. 

Our Concession Stand should be our pride and an extension of our home. Keep areas clean and germ free, show people we provide a quality service found in many food eateries. 

***** PLAYER ROSTER AND COACH DATA: *****

Kittatinny Little League is required to submit League player registration data or player roster data and coach and manager data to the Little League Data Center at www.LittleLeague.org/.  This is a mandatory requirement for an approved ASAP plan each season.  Date of birth of each player and parent’s contact info will be stored in the database.  Little League will now have the ability to better connect with volunteers and Little League families. It will also allow us to distribute timely information and announcements to all local league officials and parents during the current season of play. Volunteers will receive valuable tips and tools via specific newsletters and other resources provided by Little League International. Parents will also have the ability to opt in to receive a special newsletter designed just for parents. It is our hope that this information will help families enhance their Little League experience.  Privacy Policy information can be found on www.littleleague.org/privacypolicy. 

***** Kittatinny Little League Enforces all Rules: *****

1. All coaches and managers will receive a copy of the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League Baseball as well as the District 20 Interleague Rules.  In addition, anyone can access all of the playing rules through the Little League website, www.littleleague.org.  

1. The adherence to the official rules and regulations is the responsibility of all coaches and managers involved in the game.   In addition, the playing and safety rules will be enforced routinely by the Kittatinny Little League Board of Directors during the games and practices throughout the season.

1. All league rules will be established in accordance with the current revision of the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League Baseball, (www.littleleague.org).  Kittatinny Little League will exercise its discretion only in the areas in which it is permitted by the Official Playing Rules.

1. The responsibility for the adherence to Kittatinny Little League Safety Rules is that of the coaches, managers and parents.

1. Games and practices will be held only when weather and field conditions are safe, and when lighting is adequate.

1. During the games and practices, all equipment should be stored out of the way, in an orderly fashion.

1. Only players and coaches are permitted on the field and the bench during games and practices.

1. Headfirst sliding is only permitted when a runner is returning to a base.

1. All jewelry must be removed prior to play or practice.

1. On deck batters are not permitted.

1. During games and practices, players should remain alert at all times.

1. All players in a position of batter or runner must wear safe and approved helmets, during batting and live running practices.

1. All players are encouraged to wear mouth guards and a protective cup.

1. During the game, on the field, only a player wearing full equipment can warm up the pitcher, off the field, the player must minimally have a cup, helmet and face mask. 

1. Coaches will remind players about parking lot safety when walking or riding bikes.  Parents will be reminded to drive slowly.

1. Parents, coaches and volunteers will all be reminded that they are role models for our children and should act in accordance with the Code of Conduct signs that are posted at each field.  The children are reminded they are representing our towns and need to behave in a very sportsmanlike manner.  Everyone is reminded to be alert and use common sense at all times.

***** USEFUL INFORMATION: *****

The Board of Directors recognizes that not everyone is familiar with the standard operating procedures of Little League Baseball. It is not uncommon to hear parents with the same questions every year. Although the Board of Directors welcomes any questions or suggestions concerning the league operation, we feel that some of the more common questions can be answered here.

***** What level of baseball will my child play on? *****

As a standard, the age group and level of baseball is as follows:

1. Little league age is defined per the table below

Note: This age chart is for BASEBALL DIVISIONS ONLY, and only for 2020.

Exceptions to the standard are as follows:

1. At the tryout, an 8 year old can tryout for the Minor level, it is the discretion of any minor coach to draft an 8 year old to his team pending approval of the President and or Board of the KLL.

2. Minor level baseball is composed of players ages 8-10 years old. 

3. The Kittatinny Little League makes every effort to have all 12 year old players drafted into the Major level, however, each team is limited to 12-13 players. If there are 3 teams the max number of 12 year old will be 36, all others will remain in the Minor Pool.

4. A 10 year old player wishing to be drafted into the Major level must be requested by parents to tryout for the team, can not be opposed by Minor or Major coaches for the advancement and will NOT be eligible for the Major Tournament team when formed.  He will play the tournaments as a 10 year old.

***** What is a tryout and who should attend… *****

At the tryout, the players are given an opportunity to field ground balls, catch fly balls, throw, hit and run. All coaches take this opportunity to have an equal look at each player's abilities. All players at all levels should attend tryouts. Once a player is drafted to a Major or Junior team, they will remain on that team for two years, until advancing to the next level.

***** What is a Draft and how does it work… *****

     Following the tryout, the Major level draft is first. If a team has less returning players than the others, the team with less, picks players until amounts are even. Each team then picks players one at a time, until all teams have twelve players. Any 11 year old not selected will return to the Minor Pool. No more than seven 12 year olds will be selected by any one team.

1. The minor level draft follows the Major level. All coaches pick numbers from a hat (1 through 6) depending on the number of teams. Coach #1 chooses first, coach #2 chooses next and so on, to coach #6 who will choose #6 and #7 players then are drafted in reverse order.  All players from the pool will be drafted. 

2. The Junior draft is similar to the Major draft, where players from the previous year remain on the team and the now 13 year old are drafted to existing teams. 

3. Coach pitch (7-8) and Tee ball (5-6) are both restricted by their age. Coaches informally pick players to fill their rosters. At this level we encourage coaches to keep players with friends, carpools or requests. It is the start of a fun time and we feel a familiar face helps training.

ALL COACHES ARE GIVEN AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THE TRYOUT TO SEE EACH PLAYER AND DRAFT ALL PLAYERS. 

UNDERSTAND THE COACHES PICK THE TEAMS.

***** How are the ALL STAR teams picked… *****

The All-Star selection is made by a group effort of recommendations from all the managers involved. If a tryout is necessary it will be done. From the list of 12-14 players, a Manager is then selected by the President and or Board vote if needed. The Manager will then select his two coaches. 

The parents should please understand that the coaches have the opportunity to see the players all season in action. In many ways, that is better than a tryout and a better indicator of the ability of the player.

Remember, throughout all of this, what we do as a League is all for the players, and what we accomplish will only matter if it is a great experience for the short time they are in our care.

On behalf of the Kittatinny Little League Board of Directors, thank you.

Carrie Weeks, President

Kittatinny Little League

PO Box 109
Stillwater, NJ  07875