Add Content...

First Aid

Training

1.     Abernathy Little League provides first aid training when available, as outlined in this manual for managers and coaches. Training will be held yearly at the Abernathy ISD Big Room. If available, CPR/AED training will also be offered.

2.     Attendance by at least one manager or coach from each team is MANDATORY.

First Aid Kits

1.     Basic first aid kits have been purchased and distributed to every team.

2.     First aid kits must be on hand for all practices and games.

3.     It is particularly important that team managers comply with this requirement when conducting practices at sites other than Abernathy Little League sites.

4.     Additional first aid supplies are available inside the concession stand.

5.     The league maintains a large supply of chemical ice packs in the concession stand.

6.     Team managers should never begin practice without at least two ice packs on hand.

 

First Aid Tips

FOR MINOR CUTS/ABRASIONS:

1.     Place clean absorbent bandage over wound and apply light pressure to control bleeding.

2.     Clean with warm, soapy water. If water is not available, use antiseptic wipe from first aid kit.

3.     Apply antibiotic ointment and a clean dry bandage.

4.     Make sure that the injured person has current tetanus vaccination (10 yrs. for minor wounds.

For Bee Stings:

Difficulty breathing and swallowing, swelling of the tongue, dizziness and fainting are all signs of a severe allergic reaction – call 911 immediately if these symptoms occur.

 

If no allergic reaction:

1.     Remove the stinger by pulling it straight out with clean tweezers.

2.     Apply ice pack for 20 minutes.

3.     Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching.

 

FOR MINOR SPRAINS AND CONTUSTIONS, FOLLOW THE R.I.C.E FORMULA:

 

Rest: Do not allow player to return to activity unless he/she can do so without noticeable pain or favoring the injured area

Ice: Ice the injured area for 20 min.

Compression: Apply light compression to reduce swelling and internal bleeding. Wrap the area with an elastic bandage. (May wrap over ice pack.)

Elevation:     Elevate area above the heart to minimize pooling of blood

 

 

Accident / Incident Reporting Procedures

What to report:

 

1.     Report ANY accident / incident that requires first aid or professional medical treatment, whether rendered on or offsite, to the Safety Officer.

2.     Report “near misses” to assist the A.L.L. Board in identifying potential areas of concern to avoid any future injuries.

3.     For injuries to players, the team manager is responsible for filing the report.

4.     For injuries to volunteers or spectators, any league official who renders assistance should file the report.

 

How and when to report:

 

1.     Complete the Accident / Incident Report Form located in Appendix B of this Safety Plan.

2.     All sections of the form should be completed.

3.     In the event of an emergency, ensure that the contact information is completed prior to placing it in the Safety Mailbox concession stand.

4.     Incidents should be reported to the Safety Officer as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours after they occur.

 

Incident follow-up by the Safety Officer

1.     Within 48 hours of receiving an incident report, the Safety Officer will contact the injured party or his/her parents to:

·       Check on the status of the injured party

·       Verify the information received in the incident report

·       Obtain supplemental information as necessary

 

2.     If the injured party requires professional medical treatment, advise the parent of Abernathy Little League’s insurance coverage and the procedures for submitting claims.  The Safety Officer will make periodic follow-up calls, as necessary, until the incident can be considered closed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECK

           

1.         All Abernathy Little League volunteers whose duties include working with or supervising the activities of children must complete the volunteer application form shown in Appendix D.

2.         That form, along with a photocopy of a valid driver’s license, must be provided to the

President.

3.         The President will complete a national criminal and sex offender background check for each volunteer.

4.         Any person who has been convicted of any sex crime or appears on any list of sex offenders WILL be prohibited from serving in any volunteer capacity with the league. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.

5.         Any person who refuses to submit a complete volunteer form for any reason WILL also be prohibited from volunteering.

6.         Volunteers who must undergo background checks include:

a)     ALL members of the Board of Directors

b)     Managers/ Assistant Coaches

c)     Team parents (Any parent assisting with practices must submit a request to the Board     President via Volunteer Application as well as a copy of their Driver’s License for identification BEFORE providing service to the team or A.L.L.)

d)     Umpires

e)     Hired Workers

 

7.     Other volunteers (including concessions stand workers, and field maintenance personnel) will be required to submit the volunteer application.

8.     The A.L.L. Board of Directors reserves the right to request a completed application and to run a background check on any volunteer.

9.     The A.L.L. President will provide a complete list of managers and coaches in their league with verification that background checks have been completed.

10.  Until the President certifies that a background check has been completed for a given volunteer, that person may not serve as a manager, coach, or volunteer helper in any A.L.L.  practice or game. There are no exceptions to this rule.

11.       A.L.L. reserves the right to prohibit volunteer service for other offenses identified in the background check that the Board of Directors feels poses potential risk or harm to the players, other coaches, or spectators of A.L.L.

12. Volunteer forms and results of background checks will be retained for the year by the A.L.L.     President.

 

 

 

 

Training

 

Baseball Fundamentals

 

1.     Teaching proper baseball skills and techniques to young players enhances their enjoyment of the game while promoting player safety. Toward that goal, Abernathy Little League provides mandatory training for all coaches and managers.

Training will cover all aspects of conducting effective practices which includes hitting, sliding, fielding, pitching, proper stretching, and warm-up. All coaches and managers are encouraged to attend this excellent clinic.

 

2.     Training will take place yearly at the Abernathy Elementary Big Room.

 

3.     Attendance by at least one manager or coach for each team in MANDATORY.

 

4.     Each manager or coach must attend this training course at least once every 3 years.

 

5.     The President will also prepare and distribute coaching manuals that are geared toward each age group. The manuals will outline appropriate training goals and techniques. Coaching manuals will be distributed prior to the start of spring practices.

 

Umpires

 

 

1.     All umpires are required to use the following safety

equipment:

a)     Chest protectors.

b)     Shin guards.

c)     Masks.

d)     Protective cup for male umpires.

 

2. Umpires provide their own equipment.

3. Introductory and Safety training will be provided at a date and time to be announced by the Director of Umpires yearly.

4. Any incidents (ejections, etc.) occurring that required umpire intervention should be reported to the appropriate League President.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment

 

1.     The league’s equipment manager will inspect all helmets, catcher’s gear, and bats prior to the start of the season.

 

2.     Managers and/or coaches should inspect equipment prior to each game using the Safety Checklist in Appendix C.

 

3.     Never allow a player to use defective or ill-fitting equipment

 

4.     Repair damaged equipment if possible.

 

5.     If you are not able to complete the repair, return the equipment to the Baseball/Softball Coordinator for repair or replacement by placing it in the Concessions Stand and notifying the Coordinator using the contact information in the Safety Plan.

 

6.     Damaged equipment that cannot be repaired (e.g., cracked helmets or bats) WILL be immediately removed from service and, if possible, physically destroyed to prevent their subsequent reuse by others.

 

7.     All destroyed equipment will be identified by the Coordinator and reported to the Board of Directors.

 

 

Facility Survey

1.    The league’s President will inspect all facilities once a year prior to the start of the season and will complete the Annual Little League Facility Survey and submit it along with the Safety plan for approval.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managers and Coaches

 

Always have a cell phone available during games and practices.

Managers and coaches are the individuals primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of the players. The following procedures should be practiced until they become a routine part of your practice and game day activities.

 

1. Game and Practice Activities

 

a.      Prior to each game or practice, the manager or coach is responsible for walking the field looking for unsafe conditions. A Safety Checklist must be completed by the Division Coordinator monthly, and placed in the concession stand, and is included in Appendix C of this Safety Plan.

This might include broken glass or other foreign objects, holes in the ground, damaged fences, etc. Necessary repairs should be completed before allowing a game or practice to begin. If repairs are not possible prior to a scheduled game, that game must be postponed, and the Safety Officer (see Appendix A) notified immediately. All dirt surfaces should be reasonably smooth and free of holes or other conditions likely to cause “bad hops.” If necessary, rake or drag the dirt to level the surface. (This should have been done after the preceding game.)

 

b.     Do not allow players to throw baseballs or swing bats in any off-the-field locations that could endanger other players or spectators.

Such warm-ups, when necessary, should be conducted away from pedestrian and spectator areas. Be especially aware of the potential consequences of an overthrown ball.

 

c.      Inspect equipment for signs of damage that would make it unsafe.

Each team should have at least 4 helmets of various sizes on hand. Inspect the helmets for cracks or inadequate padding. Unsafe helmets should be destroyed. Notify the equipment manager so that replacements may be obtained as necessary.

 

d.     Ensure that catcher’s equipment is in good condition and that ALL male catchers are wearing protective athletic cups.

The Catcher’s mask must include a dangling throat protector. Ensure that the catcher wears the mask during pre-game batting practice and when warming up pitchers, as well as during the game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

e.      Include at least 10 minutes of progressive warm-up time prior to each practice or game.

Players arriving late should be required to warm up properly before participating in practice or game activities. Suggested warm-up activities include light jogging followed by light throwing at progressively greater distances.

 

f.      Ensure that a first-aid kit and a list of emergency telephone numbers for each player are on hand.

A.L.L. recommends that a complete list of emergency contact telephone numbers be stored in each manager and coach’s cell phone for the duration of the season.

 

g.     Keep players well hydrated.

Especially in hot weather, give the players frequent “water breaks” during practices. During games encourage players to drink plenty of fluids while in the dugout during the offensive half of the inning. Fluid intake should be limited to water or sports drinks for proper hydration. Food is not allowed in the dugout. Bubble gum and Sunflower seeds are allowed.

 

h.     After the game, the home team must drag and rake all infield dirt areas.

Both teams must clean all trash from their dugout/bench area. Please refer to the appropriate rules section of your Coaching Manual for specific post-game duties.

 

2. Bat Safety

a)     Abernathy Little League regulations prohibit practice swings by “on-deck” batters in all divisions with the exception for Juniors-level baseball and softball divisions. This includes all practices and games. Managers and umpires must strictly enforce this requirement. This prohibition includes the fenced-in areas adjacent to the dugouts where bats, helmets, and other equipment are typically stored.

 

b)     Only bats approved by Little League International may be used. If you would like

to know if a bat is approved, please check online at www.littleleague.org 

 

c)     When not in use, bats belong in the bat rack or other designated storage area.

 

d)     Bats should not be allowed loose in the dugout while a game is in progress.

 

e)     Please refer to your Coaching Manual regarding who should be in the dugout area during games and practices. Any other individuals must stay in the spectator area.

 

f)      At no time should bats ever be swung in any area other than the playing field, batting cage, or other area set up by and directly supervised by a manager or coach for instructional purposes (e.g., batting tee or “soft toss” station).

 

 

 

 

3. Batting Cages

 

a.      Only managers, coaches or other responsible adults designated by the manager may pitch batting practice in the batting cages.

 

b.     All batters must wear helmets.

 

c.      Only one player may be in the batting cage at a time (except when picking up balls).

 

d.     Do not allow anyone to “hang on” to the fence such that fingers could be injured by a batted ball.

 

e.      No horseplay of any kind should be tolerated when using the batting cages.

 

f.      Those using the cages must ensure the gate is closed and latched when in use and upon leaving.

 

4. Pitching Machines

 

a.      Under no circumstances can anyone other than a manager or coach who has been trained operate pitching machines.

 

b.     Deliver at least 5 pitches with the machine to verify proper alignment prior to allowing players to bat.

 

5. Lightning Safety

 

a.      No practice or game should begin if lightning “bolts” can be seen or if thunder is plainly heard.

 

b.     Once the game is underway, responsibility for suspending play rests with the umpire-in-chief.

 

c.      Both managers must remain acutely aware of an approaching storm and should notify the umpire immediately if lightning is seen or thunder is heard.

 

d.     If lightning is seen or heard, suspend activities immediately and direct all players to seek a safe shelter.

 

e.      When in doubt as to whether conditions are safe, the game should be suspended, and the field and dugout areas should be cleared of all players and volunteers

 

f.      Play may not resume until at least 20 minutes after lightning was last seen or thunder was last heard.

 

g.     Since permanent shelter space is limited at the A.L.L. complexes, everyone should take shelter in a hard-top vehicle with the windows up.

 

h.   No one should remain in the dugouts or any open area.

i.    Lightning is highly unpredictable and can spread rapidly.

j.    If you are within 10 miles of lightning, you are in danger.

k.   Ten miles is about the distance at which thunder can be heard under most atmospheric conditions.

 

l.    If you hear thunder, you must suspend play.

 

m.  Unusual atmospheric conditions can reduce the distance that thunder is heard to as little as 4 miles.

 

n.   The absence of thunder cannot guarantee your safety.

 

o.   If there are other signs (e.g., rapidly darkening sky and strong wind gusts) that a thunderstorm has approached within 10 miles, you should suspend play.

 

p.   All lightning produces thunder.

 

q.   Lightning can be seen over much greater distances than thunder is heard.

 

r.    So-called “heat lightning” (non-distinct flashes near the horizon that are not accompanied by any audible thunder) is simply lightning striking at a sufficient distance that the distinctive lightning bolt cannot be seen, and no accompanying thunder is heard.

 

s.   This indicates that a thunderstorm is active in the region and should promote increased vigilance for signs that the storm is approaching. However, it does not indicate that the storm is close enough to pose an immediate threat. Distant “heat lightning” alone, in the absence of other signs that the storm has approached within 10 miles, should not result in an immediate suspension of play.

 

 

All other Weather-Related issues are covered under District 38 Weather Information provided in the Appendix (F).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lightning Fact Sheet

 

Important Facts

·       All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous.

·       Lightning often strikes outside the area of heavy rain and may strike as far as 10 miles from any rainfall. It is important to seek shelter well before the storm is upon you.

·       If you hear thunder, you are in danger. Anytime thunder is heard, the thunderstorm is close enough to pose an immediate lightning threat.

 

What To Do in Case of Lightning:

 

·       If thunder is heard or lightning bolts are seen, suspend all activities immediately.

·       Avoid open areas. Stay away from trees, towers, and utility poles.

·       Stay away from metal bleachers, backstops, and fences. Lightning can travel long distances through metal.

·       Do not allow players to remain in the dugouts or any open area. Players, volunteers, and spectators should be directed to seek shelter in hard-topped vehicles with windows rolled up. Activities should not resume until at least 20 minutes after lightning was last seen or thunder was last heard.

 

 

What To Do If Lightning Strikes Someone:

 

·       Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge. They are safe to touch. Move the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Lightning can and does strike twice in the same spot.

·       Call 911 immediately.

·       Give first aid. Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause of death in most lightning fatalities. If the victim is not breathing or does not have a pulse, an appropriately trained person should begin CPR until an ambulance arrives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covid and/or Illness Protocol

 

In the event of a positive COVID test amongst players, coaches, managers, umpires, or any volunteers during the season, A.L.L. advises the individual(s) not to interact with the TEAM and follow up-to-date CDC Guidelines and Recommendations until the proper time and/or illness abates.

It is A.L.L.’s recommendation to all players, parents, coaches, managers, and volunteers to use common-sense judgement and familiarize themselves with the most up-to-date CDC Guidelines and Recommendations via cdc.gov.

 

 

 

CONCESSION STAND SAFETY

 

1. General Concession Stand Safety

 

a.      The concessions stand supervisor on duty should familiarize all volunteers / employees with the location and operation of the fire extinguisher.

b.     The concession stand supervisor is to be trained in safe food handling and/or preparation and procedures.

c.      Children under the age of 16 are not permitted in areas around the grill or fryer when they are in operation or in a warm-up or cool-down mode.

d.     Children under the age of 10 should not be in any area of the concessions stand. Concessions stand volunteers / employees should make other arrangements for supervising their children.

e.      A first-aid kit and ice packs are available in the concessions stand at all times.

 

2. Cooks

 

a.      Wash hands before touching food or food containers.

b.     Do not take more meat out of the freezer than what will be cooked within 15 minutes.

c.      Cook all hamburgers to well done.

d.     Be careful when putting food into the fryer. Splashed or splattered grease can cause serious burns.

e.      Cooks should wear a clean, white apron.

f.      Make sure the fryer, grill, and coffee pot are turned off before closing the concessions stand.

3. At Closing

a.      Clean counter tops with antibacterial cleanser.

b.     Clean all cooking utensils in hot soapy water and place in rack to air dry.

c.      Discard any leftover cooked food in a sealed bag.

d.     Empty trashcans to the outside dumpster and place clean bags in all cans.

 

4. Counter Workers

 

a.      Wash hands before beginning work. Dry hands with paper towels, not dishtowels.

b.     Clean up spills, as they occur to prevent accidents. Re-wash hands after using any cleaning product.

c.      Place all trash in the trashcans. Do not allow clutter to build up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COACH AND VOLUNTEER TRAININGS

 

Abuse Awareness (See Appendix G for a detailed description)

 

Little League Baseball and Softball have always strived to create a safe and healthy environment for all Little Leaguers and their families. There are certain requirements from the SafeSport Act that Little League International and all local little league programs must adhere to.

 

-        Reporting of Sexual Abuse involving a minor to the proper authorities

 

-        All volunteers of a local league are now mandated reporters and could face criminal charges if the league chooses to ignore, or not report to the proper authorities, any witnessed act of child abuse, including sexual abuse, within 24 hours.

 

 

-        Local leagues must be aware of the proper procedures to report sexual abuse in their state. Please reference LittleLeague.org/ChildAbuse

 

-        Leagues must adopt a policy that prohibits retaliation on “good faith” reports of child abuse

 

-        Leagues must adopt a policy that limits one-one-one contact with minors

 

Abernathy Little League Coaches and Volunteers are required to complete the Abuse Awareness training provided by USA Baseball and SafeSport. Upon completion, the coach and/or volunteer will send a certificate of completion to Abernathy Little League via email.

 

Little League Diamond Leader

 

All volunteer coaches, including Managers and Assistants, will complete the Diamond Leader training provided by Little League International. The Little League Diamond Leader Training Program focuses on ensuring children have a positive, well-rounded experience on and off the field.

 

While this training is mandatory for all tournament Managers and Assistant coaches, Abernathy Little League will require all regular and tournament season coaches, both Managers and Assistant Coaches to complete before the start of the season.

 

Upon completion, the coach and/or volunteer will send a certificate of completion to Abernathy Little League via email.

 

NOTE: All Coaches and Volunteers must complete and send both Abuse Awareness and Diamond Leader certifications before joining a team for any activity Little League related.

 

Appendix A

 

 

 

NAME	POSITION	PHONE	EMAIL
Kelsey Maxwell	PRESIDENT	806-281-8869	[email protected]
Chance Rocha	EVP/SAFETY	806-789-9341	[email protected]
Taber Black	SECRETARY	806-445-4209	[email protected]
Lacey Leon	TREASURER	214-641-4957	[email protected]
Allison Maxwell	PLAYER AGENT	806-281-7786	[email protected]
Shelby Vinson	LEAGUE INFO/MARKETING	806-220-6660	[email protected]
JP Montgomery	UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF	806-441-1060	[email protected]
Ty Horsford	MODIFIED T-BALL COORDINATOR	806-773-4658	[email protected]
Matt Midgett	BASEBALL COORDINATOR	806-781-7634	[email protected]
Austin Fullingim	FIELDS & MAINTENACE	806-543-4646	[email protected]
Kristin Mullins	CONCESSIONS COORDINATOR	806-773-2191	[email protected]
Brett Mullins	SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR	806-252-6625	[email protected]
Kristi Thompson	FUNDRAISING/EVENTS	806-241-6189	[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix B

Appendix C

 

Facility and Field Inspection Checklist

 

Facility Name______________________________________

 

Inspector __________________________________________

 

Date _____________________ Time____________________

• Holes, damage, rough or uneven spots
• Slippery Areas, long grass
• Glass, rocks and other debris & foreign objects
• Damage to screens, fences edges or sharp fencing
• Unsafe conditions around backstop, pitcher’s mound
• Warning Track condition
• Dugouts condition before and after games
• Make sure telephones are available
• Areas around Bleachers free of debris
• General Garbage clean-up
• Who’s in charge of emptying garbage cans
• Conditions of restrooms and restroom supplies
• Concession Stand inspection

 

NOTES/HAZARDS:

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

Signature: ______________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix E

 

 

Appendix F