Floral Park Little League has prepared this plan in attempt to cover all related procedures on all the facets of safety; this manual is then distributed to all Managers and Coaches and made available to anyone who would like a copy. This plan takes into consideration any accidents from the previous year from the incident reports, the board tries to implement whatever would be necessary to prevent that same type of injury in the future. This safety Plan is also reviewed By the District Administrator.

The purpose and scope of this publication are to make the volunteer members of the Floral Park Little League; firstly understand that, safety is an ongoing concern. The only way we can protect our players and adult members is to be ever vigilant in the pursuit of a safe atmosphere to enjoy the game of baseball with our children.

The second lesson in this publication is the understanding that a complete team effort is necessary to implement the safety program that we have dedicated much time in formulating.

The Floral Park Little League has afforded the boys and girls of our community the opportunity to play baseball and softball since 1953. Over the years many people have generously volunteered their time to allow the League to introduce baseball and the traits of character, courage, and loyalty to thousands of children.

Today the Floral Park Little League continues the long-standing tradition of affording the children the opportunity to play baseball. With over 1000 players, the League is a cornerstone of development for the children of the community. Parades, tournaments, playoffs, and championships all add to the excitement of Little League baseball.

Little League Baseball, Incorporated is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest of those who will participate in Little League Baseball." Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage and loyalty, the Little League Baseball and Softball program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes.

The 2003 season was the first season of mandatory background checking. Floral Park Little League, always paid close attention to this, but in 2003 we implemented the use of the official adult membership application and performed a background check on all individuals wishing to participate. A new application must be completed yearly and a background search will be done a yearly basis.

NOTE: Floral Park Little League plays on fields that are under the control of the village and are maintained by its Parks Department.

• Complete and submit a completed Little League Facility survey.
• Keep grass trimmed and warning track raked
• Use break-away bases on all fields.
• Maintain all padding on top fence rail
• Make sure all chemicals used on grass are non toxic
• Proper clay mixture for infield use keeping clay loose and soft by constant maintenance and moisture.
• Keep pitchers mound and home plate free of holes.
• Inspection of fields by Umpires daily and managers prior to games .
• Maintain a supply of tools and equipment to keep field and clubhouse in proper repair and clean. Replace or repair broken or defective equipment immediately.
• The area outside the fence must be kept free of garbage and debris. Teams at the end of games are responsible to clean up trash generated by that game so it does not build up.
• Keep all fences in good repair and on inspection list to prevent:

• Injury to players due to broken or loose fence wires
• Unauthorized persons from entering
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• Garbage containers must be emptied daily
• Rest rooms kept clean and free of excess water
• No running through clubhouse
• No bikes, roller blades in park
• No ball playing or warming players in spectator area
• No swinging bats anywhere but at home plate

• All electrical outlets GFCI protected
• All outside faucets or hose type faucets must be backflow protected.
• All fences are grounded
• All permanent bleachers are grounded

• Keep Field lighting properly maintained:

• Properly adjusted
• Lenses clean
• Aging bulbs replaced on a regular basis to insure peak performance.
• Check with light meter, prior to and throughout the season.
• Have circuit breakers, grounding and wiring checked annually.
• Keep a supply of extra bulbs in inventory, for speedy replacement of bad bulbs.
• Yearly lighting audit
• Be sure managers and coaches get a copy of safety manual yearly.
• Complete a facility survey yearly.
• Post the names and phone numbers of league officials and emergency numbers.

It is also the leagues responsibility to insure all Little League rules are closely adhered to in regards to all aspects of the game, equipment and safety practices.

The only way this can be accomplished is by training all managers, coaches and umpires so they are all aware of the rules and the interpretations of the rules.

Also with parent orientation yearly and team meetings to let parents know what they should expect from the League and what the league expects from them.

A firm stance on conduct must be maintained at all times for all, you will find FPLL policies on conduct and there will never be any exceptions to these policies or their penalties.

NOTE: Floral Park Recreation Center has a privately run Concession Stand. Under a Village Contract the vendor is obligated to meet the following requirements.

• Concession stand must be kept clean and neat constantly; wet slippery floors will undoubtedly cause accidents.
• Staff must be properly trained in the use of all equipment and report faulty or defective equipment immediately.
• All refrigerators maintain a temperature 40 degrees all freezers must maintain a temperature of -10 or below
• Domestic hot water must be kept at a temperature to guarantee proper sanitation of utensils and regulated to a temperature not to exceed 110 degrees in hand washing areas to avoid a scalding hazard.
• Properly charged and rated fire extinguishers on site at all times.
• Floor must be kept clean and grease free to avoid slipping hazard.
• All soda equipment secured for safety.
• Pest control prevention on a regular basis.
• Regular inspections of facility by league and Board of Health
• Any or all spray type bottles SHALL be clearly marked with the contents.
• League provided First Aid Kit Mounted in Concession Stand.
• Copy of 2009 Safety Plan Provided and available for viewing at Concession Stand

First Aid Kits are provided to each team bag with an outline of Little League First Aid Skills Sheet attached for quick reference. Bags are inspected and resupplied with any needed First Aid Supplies on an annual basis. Additional supplies are available in the league equipment locker.

• Guarantee all teams have been provided with proper safety equipment for their team, including a properly stocked first aid kit.
• Keep a large inventory of all equipment on hand to replace defective or worn equipment.
• Coaches must be trained to pay close attention to:

• Proper fit and adjustment condition
• Procedure to replace defective equipment

• Through training coaches, umpires and league officials must be made aware of and enforce all safety regulations in the Little League Rules and the common sense rules a few examples follow:

• Cup for male catchers
• Dangling throat protector
• Proper helmets
• No Jewelry (except medical alerts)
• Extended chest protector

Paying close attention to these types of details could certainly circumvent an accident.

• Managers and coaches must know that any equipment purchased by parents must be inspected by a league official to assure compliance
• A definite plan for replacement of equipment so faulty equipment is expeditiously replaced.

A mandatory Managers/Coaches Clinic is held prior to the season start of the season.

This was held on March 13 th of this year. (2009)

All aspects of Safety related to The Floral Park Little league are covered.

All Board Members are in compliance with all these items as they are in attendance at all training sessions when available.

This training in essence makes every coach on every team a safety officer all coaches are required to be aware of safety issues and take care of it if they can or report it to the League immediately if they are not able to take care of the problem.

All are made aware that this training (First Aid) is mandatory every 3 years. At least one Mgr. or Coach will receive training each year.

Safety issues and fundamental training as well as practice organization, First Aid is discussed with many different types of presentations at each clinic.

This was offered on March 13 th of this year. (2009)

•  It is the intent for each Manager/coach to be aware of the following:

•  Possible injuries caused by overuse, stress or fatigue

•  Methods of detection for lay people to recognize these type of injuries

•  Simple tests to aide in decision of removing a player from a game or practice after a minor injury.

•  Identify baseball type injuries how they happen and first aid until help arrives.

•  Instruction on baseball fundamentals: warm – up , drills, hitting, base running etc.

•  Instruct new coaches on the proper coaching techniques.

•  Safety lecture comprised of the following issues:

•  Field inspection prior to and during game

•  Proper equipment, fit and replacement policy

•  Proper procedure during an emergency, keep people away make decision to call or not call an ambulance, if in doubt call

•  Quality practice time without horseplay, disciplined teams perform safer and have more fun.

•  Dismissing players never to strangers or leave them alone waiting, if you have a doubt bring player to clubhouse and we will take care of it.

• Follow all Little League rules and safety rules the league sets forth. These rules are almost always concerning issues of safety.
• Keep an accurate count on pitches thrown in the game. Strongly discourage the use of breaking pitches.
• Always walk the field prior to any game or practice looking for any debris, foreign objects, or any other hazard.
• Keep team disciplined and organized
• Keep equipment clean and maintained
• Report all accidents immediately to the league on the accident /incident form supplied.
• Make sure you always have available to you ice, first aid kit and communications if emergency help is necessary.

• Pay attention to weather conditions if there is ever a doubt regarding safety the game must be called immediately do not ever risk it. If you stop the game due to lightning do not resume unless it has been 30 minutes since the last bolt.

• Make parents aware of all safety measures we take to give their child a safe environment to play in.
• Every coach's major responsibility is to the player, providing that player with a pleasant and safe Little League experience.
• Attend fundamental training is required for Coach or Manager
• Attend first aid training as outlined in requirement #6 in Safety Plan
• Note: Clinics were held on Consecutive Fridays during month of March of 2009 to meet requirement #5 and #6 in Safety Plan

• Encourage your child to behave and practice.
• Let coach know what practice you give to your child, if you had him throw you 50 pitches prior to a game or practice inform the coach so he's aware.
• If your child is injured don't try to keep him in if he can't participate
• Any injury that needs medical attention requires a written note from the doctor releasing the player to return to play.
• Do not interfere with coaching staff during games or practice, as this will distract the staff, if you have questions wait till after game or practice when that person is free.

Dedicated to Injury Prevention

• Responsibility for Safety procedures should be that of an adult member of Floral Park Little League.
• Arrangements should be made in advance of all games and practices for emergency medical services Managers, coaches, and umpires should have training in first-aid. First-aid kits are available at the facility to each team manager and are located at concession stand, Shelter House and Pool Building .
• A.E.D. (Automatic External Defrillator) is located one each in the Shelter House and the Pool Building . (516 326-6334) Park employees are trained in their use.
• No games or practices should be held when weather or field conditions are not good, particularly when lighting is inadequate.
• Play area 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 or the team's manager and coaches.
• Procedure should be established for retrieving foul balls batted out of playing area.
• 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, pepper, swinging bats, etc.)
• Equipment should be inspected regularly for the condition of the equipment as well as for proper fit.
• Batters must wear Little League approved protective helmets during batting practice and games.
• Catcher must wear 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 male players to wear protective cups and supporters for practices and games.
• Except when runner is returning to a base, headfirst 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
• Parents of players who wear glasses should be encouraged to provide "safety glasses"
• Player must not wear watches, rings, pins or metallic items during games and practices.
• The Catcher must wear catcher's helmet and mask with a throat guard in warming up pitchers. This applies between innings and in the bull-pen during a game and also during practices
• Managers and Coaches shall not warm up pitchers before or during a game.
• On-deck batters are not permitted (except in Juniors Division).

See a need to add to the safety code?

Contact: any League Board member.

Do...

• Reassure and aid children who are injured, frightened, or lost
• Provide, or assist in obtaining, medical attention for those who require it.
• Know your limitations.
• Carry your first-aid kit to all games and practices
• Assist those who require medical attention - and when administering aid, remember to:

• LOOK for signs of injury (Blood, Black-and-blue deformity of joint etc.).
• LISTEN to the injured describe what happened and what hurts if conscious. Before questioning, you may have to calm and soothe an excited child.
• FEEL gently and carefully the injured area for signs of swelling, or grating of broken bone.
• Make arrangements to have a cellular phone available when your game or practice is at a facility that does not have any public phones.

Don't...

Don't provide care above your level of training.

• Administer any medications
• Provide any food or beverages (other than water)
• Hesitate in giving aid when needed
• Be afraid to ask for help if you're not sure of the proper procedures (i.e., CPR, etc.)
• Transport injured individuals except in extreme emergencies
• Leave an unattended child at a practice or game
• Hesitate to report any present or potential safety hazard to the Safety Officer immediately.

• Speed Limit 5 mph in roadways and parking lots while attending any Floral Park Little League function. Watch for small children around parked cars.
• No Alcohol allowed in any parking lot, field, or common areas within the Floral Park Recreation Center .
• No Playing in parking lots at any time.
• No Playing on and around lawn equipment.
• Use Crosswalks when crossing roadways. Always be alert for traffic.
• No Profanity please.
• No Swinging Bats or throwing baseballs at any time within the walkways and common areas of a Floral Park Recreation Center .
• No throwing balls against dugouts or against backstop. Catchers must be used for all batting practice sessions.
• No throwing rocks.
• No horseplay in walkways at any time.
• No climbing fences.
• No pets are permitted at Floral Park Little League games or practices.
• Only a player on the field and at bat, may swing a bat.
• Observe all posted sign s. Players and spectators should be Alert at all times for Foul Balls and Errant Throws.
• During game, players must remain in the dugout area in an orderly fashion at all times.
• After each game, each team must clean up trash in dugout and around stands.

Failure to comply with the above may result in expulsion from the Floral Park Recreation Center .

1. Bleeding must be stopped, the open wound covered, and the uniform changed if there is blood on it before the athlete may continue.

2. Routinely a use glove to prevent mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is anticipated (provided in first-aid kit).

3. Immediately wash hands and other skin surface if contaminated with blood.

4. Clean all blood contaminated surfaces and equipment.

5. Managers, coaches, and volunteers with open wounds should refrain from all direct contact until the condition is resolved.

6. Follow accepted guidelines in the immediate control of bleeding and disposal when handling bloody dressings, mouth guards and other articles containing body fluids.

7. Each team equipment bag will contain an additional uniform to be used as a replacement so as the player may change into in event their uniform becomes in contact with blood. A plastic bag will be provided to minimize contact with bloodborne pathogen.

What to report - An incident that causes any player, manager, coach, umpire, or volunteer to receive medical treatment and/or first aid must be reported to the Safety Officer. This includes even passive treatments such as the evaluation and diagnosis of the extent of the injury or periods of rest.

When to report - All such incidents described above must be reported to the Safety Officer within 48 hours of the incident. The Safety Officer for 2009 is Joe Pelletiere, can be reached at 516 328-0637.

How to make the report - reporting incidents can come in a variety of forms. Most typically, they are telephone conversation s. At a minimum, the following information must be provided:

• The name and phone number of the individual involved
• The date, time, and location of the incident
• As detailed a description of the incident as possible
• The preliminary estimation of the extent of any injuries
• The name and phone number of the person reporting the incident.

Director of Safety's Responsibilities - Within 48 hours of receiving the incident report, the Director of Safety will contact the injured party or the party's parents and

1. Verify the information received;
2. Obtain any other information deemed necessary;
3. Check on the status of the injured party
4. In the event that the injured party required other medical treatment (i.e., Emergency Room visit, doctor's visit, etc.) will advise the parent or guardian of the Floral Park Little League's insurance coverage's and the provisions for submitting any claims. If the extent of the injuries are more than minor in nature, the Safety Officer shall periodically call the injured party to (1) check on the status of any injuries, and (2) to check if any other assistance is necessary in areas such as submission of insurance forms, etc. until such time as the incident is considered "close" (i.e., no further claims are expected and/or the individual is participating in the league again).

The preceding pages have outlined a league safety plan that will be vigorously enforced and maintained. This plan along with a detailed Facility survey is submitted to Little League Baseball as well for their approval as an adequate program to protect the players, staff and spectators.

Note: As well as in this publication all contact information of the Board Members are posted on the bulletin boards in the Shelter House and any numbers you may need are also listed.

Copies of this plan are posted, published and distributed to all volunteers as required by Little League