Is Your Child's Baseball Field Safe?
by Larry Redwine

Members of the Southwest Ohio League put together a checklist (below) on safety and emergency procedures to promote the safety of players, spectators, and coaches. The list also promotes a healthy attitude toward the game of baseball. Yet, it isn't intended to be comprehensive, because the organization encourages coaches to think about safety measures on their own to add to the list.

PRE-SEASON FACILITIES CHECK

1. Encourage facility owners to post signs warning people of the inherent risks of attending any sporting event.
2. Point out to owners areas where fencing is needed, or any existing fencing that needs repair, such as the backstop or overthrow areas in front of benches or dugouts. Also identify any benches or that may be too close to the field to be safe.
3. Examine both the infield and outfield to ensure there are no holes that can cause injury. Also, warning tracks should be well maintained.
4. Dugout areas should be free of broken glass, metal, and wasps.

EQUIPMENT SAFETY

1. All equipment, such as L-screens and sock-nets, should be examined for safety before the start of the season and periodically thereafter.
2. Helmets should be NOCSAE approved and free from cracks or damage that can decrease their effectiveness. A spot check of helsmets should be made daily, and a system of inspecting should be established.
3. Catchers' equipment should be examined for defects before the season and routinely throughout the season. Catchers' masks must have throat protectors.
4. Players' gloves should be examined before and during the season.

GAME & PRACTICE SAFETY

1. On-deck areas or circles should be far enough away from the batter's box so that ample reaction time is afforded players in on-deck areas when batted balls and players chasing balls come their way. The on-deck hitter also should be far enough away from the dugout that he will not be distracted from paying attention to the game. Plus, he should not pose a safety threat to other players in the area while swinging the bat.
2. Players should frequently be instructed to check around them before swinging the bat and to be alert when in areas where someon else might be swinging a bat.
3. During batting practice, no player should hit without a helmet.
4. Keep all non-essential equipment away from areas of play.
5. Whether in the bullpen or on the field, catchers should be in full gear when catching a pitcher. (Or, they should wear a face mask.)
6. All players should wear athletic supporters and cups. Base coaches are also encouraged to wear a cup - and to stand no closer to the plate than the coaches' box. He should also face the infield.
7. Guards should be posted to protect bullpen personnel. And spectators who gather behind the bullpen catcher should be moved from the area.
8. Develop a plan that will enable you to prevent or treat heat-related ailments.
9. Always carry a well-stocked first-aid kit to all team functions.
10. Always have a cooler of water and ice available.
11. Assign first-aid duties to the person most qualified.
12. Protect pitchers and catchers from overheating.
13. When a player says he's hurt, believe him.
14. Players should not routinely coach a base. When they do in cases out of necessity, they should always wear a helmet.

EMERGENCY & ESCAPE PLAN

1. Assign someone to direct emergency medical personnel during an emergency.
2. Ensure that all players and coaches know their emergency assignments.
3. Have an emergency plan for severe weather, such as tornadoes, heavy rain, and lightning.
4. Each player should always carry a medical release.
5. Use rubber gloves when trating an open wound.
6. Employ high school federation policies when a player is bleeding.