Keeping kids safe should be the No. 1 priority for all involved in Little League baseball. Understanding the basics of Little League safety can help prevent injuries and other accidents.
Safety Equipment
Investing in standard safety equipment is a must for any Little League baseball team or organization. Each team should have enough batting helmets for all players on the team. These helmets should fit the players' heads snugly so they don't slip off as the player runs the bases. Catchers need to be properly equipped with adequate head and body gear. Breakaway bases are another smart idea for Little League safety. As the name implies, these bases break away upon impact from a sliding player to help prevent injuries such as sprained and broken ankles or legs from the impact of a hard slide.
Lightning
The summer months can bring severe weather, and that spells danger for Little League baseball games. Between the chain link fences often used for Little League fields to the metal bats used by players during the game, baseball games can attract lightning strikes. The safest rule of thumb for lightning is if you hear thunder, it's time to find shelter. Suspend or postpone the game if necessary, even if it means you'll have to pack up your team and play a different day.
Safe Playing Practices
Being properly equipped is just one half of the safety equation in Little League baseball. You also have to spend adequate time teaching your players proper playing techniques that will help keep them safe. Perhaps nowhere is this more important than when teaching the slide. Teach players to keep their cleats down when sliding to help prevent injuring the defensive player making a play on the slide. Teach proper sliding techniques that will help players avoid injuries while sliding. Also teach players where to properly stand when they're on deck and how to pay attention to the ball at all times so as to not be caught unaware from a line drive or foul ball.
Injury Prevention
Avoiding common injuries -- especially in pitchers -- is another important aspect of Little League safety. You might see professional pitchers go deep into the baseball game, throwing more than 100 pitches. But kids' arms aren't accustomed to that kind of stress. Follow your league's rules for the number of pitches a player can throw per game and per season.
Member Comments