Safety Manual

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Cherry Hill American Little League
Safety Manual
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Table of Contents

• I. Mission Statement
• II. Purpose
• III. Goal
• IV. Safety Training
• V. Safety Code For Little League 
• VI. Emergency Safety Plan
• VII. CHALL Board
• VIII. Snack Bar Safety
• IX. Coaches Pledge
• X. Players Pledge 
• XI. Player's rights
• XII. Parents
• XIII. League Rules
• XIV. Forms

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I. Mission Statement (Safety is everyone's
Responsibility)

• I will teach all children to play fair and do
  their best I will positively support all
  managers, coaches and players I will respect the
  decisions of the umpires I will praise a good
  effort despite the outcome of the game (The
  Little League Parent/Volunteer Pledge)

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II. Purpose

• This manual has been established to provide all
  CHALL volunteers/parents with basic safety
  information and guidelines to conduct safe games
  and practices free of recognized hazards. We have
  been provided with the opportunity to help teach,
  the children of our community to learn the game
  of baseball in a safe and friendly environment.

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III. Goal

• This manual has been established to provide all
  CHALL volunteers/parents with basic safety
  information and guidelines to conduct safe games
  and practices free of recognized hazards. We have
  been provided with the opportunity to help teach,
  the children of our community to learn the game
  of baseball in a safe and friendly environment.

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IV. Safety Training

• All Managers/Coaches and field assistance are
  required to attend the three hour Rutgers Sports
  Awareness For Educating Today's Youth
  (S.A.F.E.T.Y.) clinic. This training must be
  provided by a certified clinician trained by the
  Youth Sports Research Council Rutgers University.

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Sports Awareness for Educating Today's Youth
S.A.F.E.T.Y.

• On May 12, 1986, New Jersey became the first
  state in the nation to pass legislation which
  protects volunteer athletic coaches, managers,
  and officials from lawsuits. Commonly referred to
  as the "Little League Law" (2A62A-6 et. seq.),
  this legislation extends partial civil immunity
  to volunteers who have attended a "safety
  orientation and training skills program.
• Since 1986, the Youth Sports Research Council, in
  cooperation with the New Jersey Recreation and
  Park Association (NJRPA) has trained more than
  140,000 volunteer coaches in New Jersey

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S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Objectives

• In accordance with the stipulations in the Little
  League Law, the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic
• helps coaches minimize the risk of injury to
  young athletes
• provides information about fundamental coaching
  concepts which enhances volunteer coaches'
  effectiveness
• protects volunteer coaches from civil lawsuits

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S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Topics

• The curriculum for the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y.
  Clinic is based upon the Minimum Standards for
  Volunteer Coaches' Safety Orientation and
  Training Skills Programs (N.J.A.C. 552).
• The topics include
• Legal Aspects of Coaching
• Psychological Aspects of Coaching
• General Coaching Concepts
• Training and Conditioning Athletes
• Medical/First Aid Aspects of Coaching

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S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Highlights

• Individuals attending the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y.
  Clinic receive
• Way to Go, Coach! (pp. 200) custom edition text
• The Coaches' Reference Manual (3rd edition)
• The Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Certification
  Card
• The Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Patch
• Permanent registration with YSRC (.3 CEU)

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V. Safety Code for Little League

• Responsibility for safety procedures should be
  that of an adult member of the local league.
  Arrangements should be made in advance of all
  games and practices for emergency medical
  services.
• Managers, coaches and umpires should have some
  training in first-aid. First-Aid Kit should be
  available at the field.
• No games or practice should be held when weather
  or field conditions are not good, particularly
  when lighting is inadequate.

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SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE

• Play area should be inspected frequently for
  holes, damage, glass and other foreign objects.
• Dugouts and bat racks should be positioned behind
  screens.
• Only players, managers, coaches and umpires are
  permitted on the playing field during play and
  practice sessions.
• Responsibility for keeping bats and loose
  equipment off the field of play should be that of
  a regular player assigned for this purpose.

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SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE

• Procedure should be established for retrieving
  foul balls batted out of the playing area.
• During practice sessions 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 errant balls.

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SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE

• Equipment should be inspected regularly. Make
  sure it fits properly.
• Pitching machines, if used, must be in good
  working order (including extension cords,
  outlets, etc.) and must be operated only by adult
  managers and coaches.

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SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE

• Batters must wear protective NOCSAE helmets
  during practice, as well as during games.
• Catchers must wear catcher's helmet (with face
  mask and throat guard), chest protector and shin
  guards.
• Male catchers must wear long-model chest
  protector (divisions below Junior/Senior/Big
  League), protective supporter and cup at all
  times.

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SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE

• Except when runner is returning to a base, head
  first slides are not permitted. This rule applies
  to Little League (Majors)/Minor and Tee Ball
  During sliding practice bases should not be
  strapped down.
• 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'

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SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE

• Regulations prohibit on-deck batters. This means
  no player should handle a bat, even while in an
  enclosure, until it is his/her time at bat. This
  rule applies to Little League (Majors)/Minor and
  Tee Ball
• Players who are ejected, ill or injured should
  remain under supervision until released to the
  parent or guardian.

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SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE

• Players must not wear watches, rings, pins,
  jewelry or other metallic items.
• Catchers must wear catcher's helmet, face mask
  and throat guard in warming up pitchers. This
  applies between innings and in bull pen practice,
  
• Skull caps are not permitted. Batting/catcher's
  helmets should not be painted unless approved by
  the manufacturer.

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VI. Emergency Safety Plan

• 1. Each team will be issued a first aid kit.
• 2. Emergency phone numbers A. Police 856665120
  0
• B. Fire 8566621111
• C. Team roster with parent emergency contact
•  information
• 3. Location CHALL Complex
•  Oakdale Road at Ashbrook Road 
• Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Practice location
• 4. Designate one parent or coach to call for 
• assistance in the event of an emergency
• 5. Assign one parent or coach to stay
  with the injured player.
• 6. One person "ONLY" to speak with emergency perso
  nnel.
• 7. One coach assigned to watch the rest of the 
• players in a safe location.
• 8. Manager to complete the required injury form, 
• forward completed form to the safety director

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VI. Board
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VIII Coaches

• What is expected of a coach in CHALL?
• The following excerpt is taken from the Little
  League Baseball Operating Manual. It is the
  criteria that Little League Baseball Inc.
  recommends that local leagues consider, while
  selecting managers and coaches.
• "The Little League Manager must be a leader. All
  managers must recognize that they hold a position
  of trust and responsibility in a program that
  deals with a sensitive and formative period of a
  youngsters development. It is required that the
  manager have understanding, patience and the
  managers must realize that they are helping to
  shape the physical, mental and emotional
  development of young people.
• The Little League Manager must be something more
  than a coach. Knowledge of the game is essential,
  but it is not the only badge of a Little League
  coach or manager.
• While an adult with training and background in
  the game is desirable in a candidate for manager
  or coach, league screening committees should look
  for other important qualities.

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Coaches

• The late Dr. Arthur A. Esslinger, who was Dean of
  the School of Health and Physical Education,
  University of Oregon, and a member of the Board
  of Directors of Little League Baseball, is the
  author of an outstanding article, "Little
  League's Greatest Challenge." Copies are
  available to local leagues, as are copies of an
  outline on Adult Leadership Training.
• According to Dr. Esslinger, the heart of Little
  League is what happens between the manager and
  player.
• It is the manager more than any other individual
  who controls the situation in which the players
  may be benefited. Improving the level of
  leadership in this vital area must be a
  continuing effort.
• Youngsters of Little League are strongly
  influenced by adults whose ideals and aspirations
  are similar to their own. The manager and player
  share a common interest in the game, a desire to
  excel, and determination to win. Youngsters often
  idolize their managers, not because the adult is
  the most successful coach or mentor, but because
  the manager is a source of inspiration.
• Managers must be adults who are sensitive to the
  mental and physical limitations of children of
  Little League age and who recognize that the game
  is a vehicle of training and enjoyment, not and
  end in itself. It has been stated many times that
  the program of Little League can only be as good
  as the quality of leadership in the managing
  personnel. New leagues particularly, should make
  a determined effort to enlist the best adults in
  the community to serve as managers."

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Coaches

• In keeping with the philosophy described in the
  previous pages, Cherry Hill American Little
  League has established the following minimum
  requirements to be considered as a manager for
  one of our teams.
• Agree to abide by the league objectives and
  manager responsibilities as detailed in the
  coach's contract.
• Attend or arrange to have your coach or another
  team parent attend managers meetings throughout
  the pre-season and regular season.
• Attend and assist with tryouts.
• Hold a minimum of two 90 minute practices each
  week prior to the start of the regular season.
  Once regular season games have begun, each team
  is expected to hold at least one practice per
  week unless 3 games are scheduled that week or
  tournament team practices have begun.
• Maintain equipment and return in good condition.
• Distribution and collection of team uniforms.
• Distribution of league literature and notices.

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Coaches

• Attend Opening Day and closing day ceremonies.
• Participate whenever possible in league
  sponsored events
• Select a team parent and work closely with
  him/her to ensure that the fund raiser and other
  team functions are successful.
• Conduct a team meeting at or prior to first team
  practice so that all league parents are informed
  as to the rules and expectations of them and
  their children. This meeting can also be used to
  solicit volunteers to help coach, umpire, keep
  score, etc. Each coach will read the annual
  letter from the president at this meeting.
• Help to prepare and groom fields before each game
  and police the field after the game to ensure
  that equipment and litter are put away.
• Keep an accurate scorebook (except tee ball) with
  special attention paid to pitching record.
• Insure that all children meet play requirements
  as outlined in Little League rules.
• Complete injury reports and turn in to the safety
  officer or league official..

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Coaches

• Even though fan harassment isn't really the
  manager's responsibility, the enforcement of this
  ticklish problem involves the manager. If a fan
  (usually a parent or grandparent) harasses the
  umpire, players, etc. unduly, and it happens to
  be a fan (parent) from your team, the enforcement
  procedure will be as follows The Umpire will
  take that Manager to the respective fan. The fan
  will be advised that they have sixty seconds from
  that point to refrain from the harassment, or
  they will be asked to leave the park. If they do
  not leave, their child will be removed from the
  game. If the parent persists at that point, the
  game will be forfeited to the opposing team. The
  Umpire-in-Chief and respective Player Agent and
  Vice-President of Operations must be notified
  prior to any ongoing disciplinary actions taken
  against a player.

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Coaches

• Complaint Policy
• Every Little League coach knows that complaints
  will come. No matter how many hours you put in,
  you won't be able to satisfy all of the people
  all of the time.
• The Cherry Hill American  Little League supports
  you as a coach as long as you operate within the
  bounds of your signed coach's contract. Coaches
  routinely operating outside of these guidelines,
  dependant on the seriousness of the
  circumstances, will
• Be made aware of any verbal or written complaints
  for feedback and input
• Be asked to take steps to address any identified
  problems
• May be put on official probation
• Behavior found to be abusive physically or
  verbally to any player or league official shall
  be grounds for immediate termination with a 2/3
  vote of a quorum at a board meeting.
• Coaches should keep in mind that it is rare not
  to receive negative feedback at some point from a
  parent who disagrees with coaching style, the
  playing time of their child or even the position
  their child should play. Board members will
  encourage parents with those types of complaints
  to address coaches directly.
• Umpires, opposing coaches and spectators may be
  interviewed regarding issues of unsportsmanlike
  conduct, treatment  of players, etc...

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Coaches

• Know the rules
• Each coach in the Cherry Hill American Little
  League will be issued a rule book. It is the
  manager's responsibility to know the rules and
  abide by them. Games are won and lost each year
  by rulings which come straight out of the Little
  League rulebook. The more experienced managers
  have learned their lessons in previous years -
  some the hard way.
• New managers are encouraged to study their rule
  books and pay special attention to Rules
  regarding pitching eligibility. Trust us, it will
  come up. What constitutes a complete game
• Minimum play requirements - especially in the
  case of shortened games by weather or the mercy
  rule. Each child MUST play EVERY child a minimum
  of 1 time at bat and six defensive outs
  (excepting injury). If it looks like your game
  will be shortened it is your responsibility to
  get your players in. Failure to do so means they
  start the next game, finish their required
  playing time and then get an additional 1 time at
  bat and six defensive outs.
• EXAMPLE Nine year old Johnny's coach has
  not entered him into the game. He is playing for
  the home team. In the bottom of the fourth
  inning, Johnny's team rallies and leads the other
  team by ten runs. The game is over and Johnny
  hasn't played.(Or, a thunder clap ends the game
  with the home team ahead after 3 and a half
  innings) In the next game, Johnny must START and
  complete 1 time at bat and play in the field for
  six outs to meet his requirements from the
  previous game. He then gets and additional 1 time
  at bat and six more defensive out of playing time
  in that same game. That is the reason most
  experienced coaches sub in their less experienced
  players in the second or third inning. Coaches
  should try to pay attention to the other team's
  roster to make sure all players are played the
  minimum. If they are not, it should be brought to
  the umpire's attention before leaving the field.
  Managers must pay attention to when subs enter
  and leave games to be sure minimum play rules are
  adhered to.
• Substitution rules
• Visits to the pitcher

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Coaches

• Manager and Coach Behavior
• If each of us has wholeheartedly adhered to our
  objective of sportsmanship, we of course,
  wouldn't have to be concerned about our behavior.
  However, as the season wears on, our temperaments
  wear thin and as a result, we need to have some
  guidelines.

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Coaches

• Cursing and Swearing
• Cursing and swearing cannot be tolerated. We can
  adequately express ourselves without using
  "expletives" to make a point. Profanity is
  usually a sign of ignorance that we do not want
  to pass on.
• Smoking/Alcoholic Beverages
• Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly
  prohibited on Little League grounds - including
  parking lots and stands. Obviously, the more
  positive examples that we can make for the
  players, the better influence are. If you notice
  fans who are violating this rule, please inform
  them, in a courteous manner, of our policy and
  ask them to please abide.
• Game Behavior
• Once the game starts, the umpire is in charge and
  it is our responsibility to exhibit proper
  behavior as well as giving the players positive
  reinforcement. Always ask the umpire for a time
  out before entering the playing field. Once
  permission has been granted, you may then talk to
  your player, umpire, etc.  

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Coaches Pledge

• By accepting my appointment as a manager or coach
  for the upcoming season, I certify that I have
  read, understood and agreed to the following
  terms and/or conditions
• I will abide by try out and drafting procedures
  adopted by the League.
• I will schedule and hold a team meeting with the
  players and parents prior to the start of regular
  season games.
• I will ensure that my team is well represented
  and fulfills its obligations regarding field
  maintenance prior to the start of the game and
  throughout the season.
• I will maintain an adequate level of first aid
  training.
• I will try to umpire a minimum of one game per
  week in levels or divisions of play other than
  that which I am coaching or managing. I will
  attend umpire training sessions and playing rules
  clinics as specified by the League.
• I will become knowledgeable of, teach, and abide
  by the OFFICIAL REGULATIONS AND PLAYING RULES.
• I will support the League's special policies..

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Coaches Pledge

• I understand that un-sportsmanlike conduct
  including foul and/or abusive language will not
  be tolerated at any time. If such behavior
  occurs, I acknowledge that I will be suspended
  for a minimum of one game and undergo a hearing
  to determine if additional penalty is warranted.
• I understand that physical abuse of and/or any
  alteration with any player, parent, and/or any
  spectator will result in automatic dismissal from
  the League
• I will abide by the Safety Code for Little League
  at all times.
• I have read the League's Safety Program and agree
  to carry out my responsibilities as defined
  therein.

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Coaches Pledge

• I understand that my appointment as a Coach or
  Manager is solely at the pleasure of the League
  President. I also understand that my appointment
  does not extend beyond the current year. The
  League President is responsible for all Coaches
  and Mangers to the Board.
• I will not unilaterally appoint others to be
  assistant coaches. I understand that only the
  League President can make such appointments.
• I will ensure that only players and adults on the
  team roster occupy the dugout during games.
• I understand that the time for drinking any
  beverage other than water or Gatorade is not
  during the game. I will not allow any food or
  beverage except for water or Gatorade in the
  dugout. I will not allow any member of the team
  to leave the field of play for purposes of
  obtaining food, candy, or soda pop or anything of
  this nature.
• I will check the playing field for safety hazards
  prior to each game.
• I agree, accept and pledge to you.... these
  terms.
• The CHERRY HILL AMERICAN Little League Baseball
  Coach's

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Players Code

• Each player has a personal responsibility in
  being on the team. Responsibility starts with the
  knowledge of when practices and games are
  scheduled. If a player doesn't know when a game
  or practice is he should call the coach.
• If a player cannot attend a practice, he should
  notify his manager or coach. Players will make
  their commitment to their team a top priority and
  will work to make every game and practice.
• If a player cannot attend a game, the player
  should notify his manager as soon as possible.
• Attendance at practice should be punctual.
• Arrival at games should be scheduled 30 minutes
  before the game or the time designated by the
  coach or manager.
• Each player is responsible for the proper care of
  the Little League equipment. Throwing helmets,
  bats, masks, etc. will first be warned by the
  umpires. The second violation will result in the
  ejection of that player from the game. Any player
  knowingly damaging Little League equipment will
  be required to a hearing by the Board.
• Players are expected to treat all teammates,
  opponents and officials with respect and show
  good sportsmanship.

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Players Bill of Rights

• Right to participate in sports.
• Right to participate at a level commensurate with
  each child's maturity and ability .
• Right to play as a child and not as an adult.
• Right of children to share in the leadership and
  decision-making of their sport participation.
• Right to participate in safe and health
  environments.
• Right to proper preparation for participation in
  sports.
• Right to an equal opportunity to strive for
  success.
• Right to be treated with dignity.
• Right to have fun in sports.

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Parents

• As you watch parents, coaches, and athletes
  interact to become teams most of these
  interactions are positive. But occasionally you
  will notice areas in which parents can really
  help to make the athletic experience a positive
  learning experience for their kids.  To make
  sports more fun for your children, more enjoyable
  for you, and a heck of a lot easier on those
  people who volunteer their time and skills - read
  the following.
• Work with your child. There really is little more
  satisfying than going out at least a few evenings
  a week and watching your child play ball. This
  gives quality time, and helps your child improve
  his/her skills.
• The better your child can play the more the more
  she/he will enjoy the Little League
  experience!).  Some day, your child will look
  back on the summer evenings spent playing catch
  with mom and dad.
• Get involved in your local League. Little League
  is run on a volunteer basis, and they can use all
  the help they can get. Anything you can do to
  pitch in will make the League run more smoothly,
  and will help all the kids, from helping out at
  tryouts, to scorekeeping or field preparation, to
  umpiring. If your child sees that Little League
  is that important to you, he/she will learn that
  it is important to the kids, too. Helping out by
  field prep, scorekeeping, and umpiring in
  addition to making it a satisfying experience for
  the parent, I was able to teach my son some of
  the things that others (umpires!) look for in a
  game. And, the Leagues provide all of the
  training anyone needs. Some people worry that
  they are not qualified--I say if you make a
  mistake, you can offer to give back the money you
  earned that day (remember--it's volunteer
  work!!).  Besides, even coaches and players make
  mistakes...the point is to learn and to have fun,
  and to teach kids that you care!!!

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Parents

• Different coaches have different philosophies.
  Some believe in having players play all
  positions, some want players to become good at
  one. Some coaches place more emphasis on winning
  (and I can tell you, from experience, that
  players have more fun when they are winning). It
  is IMPORTANT to remember that your child's coach
  is not being paid, he is working for the love of
  the game and the kids. Let him be the coach!
  Don't argue and criticize if you think your child
  is being treated unfairly (as parents, it is
  natural to be very protective, but most coaches
  aren't discriminating). If you think there is a
  problem, discuss it with the coach AWAY from the
  ball field chances are that you will see his
  point of view. The important thing is not to make
  an issue in front of the players along with
  baseball, they are learning to work as a team and
  to respect authority and experience...work not to
  ruin this teaching.
• For heaven's sake, show up for the games AND the
  practices. In today's busy world it is sometimes
  hard to juggle schedules, but this is your child!
  I cannot begin to tell stories of kids I've seen
  who never tried to excel at Little League, and
  invariably these kids were dropped off at
  practices and picked up afterwards, without the
  parent(s) ever watching a single practice. It's
  only a couple of times a week, a couple of months
  out of the year! The most irritating are the
  parents who don't ever watch practice (and,
  therefore, never understand the coaches
  philosophy), but will question (yell!) at a
  coaches decision during the game. Most people
  wouldn't dare to not show up for work and still
  tell the boss what's wrong with the company, but
  they will turn around and do just that with their
  child's' coach.

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Parents

• Respect the rules! This is what the kids should
  be learning. If you don't agree with an umpires
  call, keep it to yourself. If there is a team
  rule that bothers you, well, its their team...not
  yours. If you think there is a serious problem,
  take it up with the coach or a League official on
  your own time, not your child's'. Rule of thumb
  during practice or games, don't speak unless
  spoken to (except, of course, to cheer on ALL the
  kids).
• Don't create pressure. Just about every father
  dreams of his son becoming a major league star,
  but they are only children. Don't expect more
  than they can deliver. Give positive
  encouragement, and be there when they need you.
  Besides, often a child in early years will lack
  certain skills, and blossom later on. Don't fight
  nature, or the kids.
• Ice Cream!!! No one likes to lose, but the nature
  of a team sport is that one team will always
  lose. Teach your child that he/she didn't lose,
  the team lost. And they lost to a team that just
  happened to play better that day. There is always
  next time, and the important thing is to learn
  from the defeats. Its okay to analyze why someone
  lost, and how they can do better next time. It's
  never okay to place blame! Then, go out and have
  an ice cream cone.
• Have Fun!!!!! Little League should be a positive
  experience for everyone kids, coaches, support
  staff, and parents. Winning is nice, but losing
  is inevitable. Being a star is fun, but being a
  bench player is just as important. Take the
  opportunity to enjoy your child's' childhood, and
  to teach some important life lessons!!

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Parents

• (This suggestion is from a Mom) Although baseball
  is considered a 'non-contact' sport, there are
  occasions when players collide, or non-contact
  injuries occur. We are all concerned about our
  children's safety, but if your child suffers an
  injury, remember kids are able to sustain a lot
  more than adults and, coaches are trained in
  dealing with injuries. Let the coach handle the
  situation...he doesn't need a panicked parent to
  deal with.
• I can't stress this enough VOLUNTEER...they need
  you. One of the biggest irritants I see is those
  who will not give their time, but are quick to
  criticize. If you can't be part of the solution,
  don't be part of the problem. If you think that
  something needs to be changed, get involved so
  that you can change it.
• (This suggestions is from a manager) One of the
  most frustrating things for a manager is to have
  a parent come up after the season and say,"great
  season, but you kept doing something that
  bothered me..." A manager/coach cannot change
  problems if they don't know the problems exist.
  Most managers/coaches welcome input.     

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AAA Rules

• On all Saturday games, except the last scheduled
  game of the day, no inning may start if more than
  1 hour and 40 minutes has gone by since the start
  of the game.  The home plate umpire will be the
  sole judge of determining whether or not to start
  a new inning. On weeknight games, the start of
  the last inning in a game shall be determined by
  the home plate umpire based on the remaining
  daylight when playing on the Minor League Field
  and no game shall end later than 10 p.m. when
  playing under the lights.
• Little League games are six innings. Tie games
  will continue into extra innings only for the
  playoffs. Regular season games will end in a tie.
• All teams make the playoffs. Regular season
  standings will be based on total number of points
  earned. Two points will be awarded for a win and
  one point for a tie. With regard to missing
  umpiring assignments for your team, after the
  first time your team misses an umpiring
  assignment, you will receive a warning. For each
  umpiring assignment missed thereafter, one point
  will be deducted from your teams standings
  (regardless of whether or not you actually
  received the warning for missing the first time).
  The winning manager of each game must either
  contact the Minor League Director  with the game
  results or write them down on the appropriate
  calendar for your level of play, which will be
  left at the back door of the snack bar as has
  been the custom in the past.
• When conditions such as thunder and/or lightning
  exist, all players must be removed from the
  field.
• The home plate umpire shall be the sole judge of
  the need to call a game or to declare a forfeit.
  (weather, darkness, etc.)

40
AAA Rules

• Any game that lasts three and one-half innings
  and is called due to rain, darkness, or lack of
  eligible players, will be considered an official
  game. Four innings apply if the home team is
  behind in score.
• A defensive team shall consist of 9 players. All
  team players present at a game must participate
  as followsA) Defensively - at least every
  other inning, regardless of length of game.B)
  Offensively - all players must take their turn in
  the batting order.Note In an abbreviated game,
  this rule may not be applicable. Should the
  opposing team initiate a protest, the Minor
  League Director will investigate to determine if
  every effort was made to have all the players
  play defensively as prescribed above. A team may
  start or play a game with a minimum of 8 players.
• A player that has attained league age twelve (12)
  is not eligible to be a pitcher. Twelve year olds
  may catch a maximum of three (3) innings per
  game. If you have three 12 year olds, they can
  catch one inning each, for a total of 3 innings.
• If a player pitches in three or less innings, he
  must have one calendar day of rest. If a player
  pitches in four or more innings, he must have
  three calendar days of rest. A pitcher may pitch
  all six innings of a game. The maximum number of
  innings any pitcher may pitch in a calendar week
  (Sunday to Saturday) is six (6). Delivery of a
  single pitch constitutes having pitched an
  inning.

41
AAA Rules

• A player once removed as a pitcher may not pitch
  again in the same game. He may, however, continue
  to play in the field at any other position.
• Intentional walks will not be allowed.
• The batter is out on a called 3rd strike whether
  or not the ball is caught by the catcher.
• All male players should wear a supporter during
  practice and games. ALL MALE CATCHERS MUST WEAR A
  PROTECTIVE CUP AND A SUPPORTER DURING PRACTICE
  AND GAMES.
• Catchers and all other players must wear a
  protective mask when warming up a pitcher. This
  includes warming up a pitcher on the sideline.
• With two out and the offensive teams catcher on
  base, a runner must be substituted for the
  catcher. This will help to speed up the game. The
  courtesy runner shall be the last person who
  batted and did not reach base. 

42
AAA Rules

• No jewelry of any type is permitted, except
  jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a
  specific medical condition.
• At no time during the game is any coach permitted
  to cross the foul line to talk to a player on the
  field. If such discussion is needed, the player
  must come to the foul line to talk to the coach.
  Exception Injured player.
• Only two conferences with the same pitcher is
  permitted per inning. The third conference will
  mean the automatic removal of that pitcher.
• Infield fly rule will be enforced.
• Maximum five runs per inning however if a ball
  is hit over the fence for a homerun, then all
  runs will count. In the last inning the number of
  runs will vary - maximum once around the batting
  order. If the teams do not have the same amount
  of players, the number of batters who bat per
  team during the bat around inning shall be
  determined by the team with the least amount of
  players. Example Team A has 14 players and Team
  B has 12 players. Then, both teams would only bat
  12 batters. 

43
AAA Rules

• A ball that is batted and hits home plate and
  then goes fair is a fair ball.
• Each manager should take note of the time at the
  start of the game and record it in their score
  book. Please announce to the home plate umpire
  the starting time. This will end some confusion
  as to when the game may end.
• The home team is responsible for getting the
  field ready before the start of the game and the
  visitors are responsible for the cleanup.
  However, it is important that we all work
  together in this to keep up with the beauty of
  our fields. Also, the trash cans must be emptied
  and each dugout must be totally cleared of trash
  after each game.
• Rainouts Coaches should communicate using the
  phone list when determining if conditions are
  suitable for playing. Managers and coaches are
  responsible for making the fields ready for play
  (regardless of your time slot). All makeup's
  should be played the very next open date.

44
AAA Rules

• Sliding into first base from home plate shall be
  allowed as it is at any other base provided the
  slide is feet first. Players must slide into all
  bases feet first if a play is being made on them.
  The umpire must call the runner out if he
  determines that a play was being made and the
  runner failed to slide or attempt to avoid being
  put out by the fielder. Head-first sliding is not
  permitted except when returning to a base.
• There shall be no eating of food in any of the
  dugouts.
• The visiting team shall be responsible for
  keeping score on the scoreboard. NO children
  shall be permitted to touch the score boxes. If
  an adult is not available, please do not use the
  score boxes.
• Stealing of bases is permitted.
• Bunting is permitted.

45
AA Rules

• The AAA Rules will apply to AA with the following
  exceptions
• Runners may no longer advance once the pitcher is
  in possession of the ball and is on the pitchers
  mound.
• A runner may not score due to a walk. If bases
  are loaded and the batter receives ball four,
  then a coach for the batting team shall pitch to
  the batter with starting with a new count.

46
A Rules

• The rules for AAA apply with the following
  exceptions
• Eligible players shall be of league age 7or 8. A
  6 or 9 years and older may be permitted to play
  only with the prior approval of the Player Agent.
• No stealing or bunting shall be permitted
• A defensive team shall consist of 10 players with
  the extra player positioned as a fourth
  outfielder. Outfielders may only field a ball in
  the infield if it is a pop up. All rostered
  players who are on a team and who are present at
  a game must participate as followsA)
  Defensively-at least every other inning,
  regardless of length of game.B) Offensively-all
  players must take their turn in the batting order
  

47
A Rules

• All games will be machine pitch only. There are
  no walks. Three strikes constitute an out. Under
  agreement of both managers a struggling player
  may be awarded an extra strike.
• Each player will receive a maximum of 8 pitches
  unless the last pitch is fouled off in which case
  the at bat will extended
• Players fielding the pitchers position must be
  positioned no closer than the pitching rubber.
• The Infield Fly Rule shall not be applied and/or
  enforced at the A level
• Runners may no longer advance once the pitcher is
  in possession of the ball and is around the
  pitchers mound.

48
T-Ball Rules

• This league is instructional in nature and
  therefore there
• are no division standings in T-Ball. All children
  participating
• in the league receive a participation trophy. We
  do not
• keep score during the games. The number of runs a
  team
• has scored in a given inning is tracked.
• The game is played either 5 innings or 90 minutes
  per game. There is a maximum of 5 runs per inning
  per team, including the last inning. (Time limit
  of one hour and 30 minutes per game.)
• There are no forfeits. Play the game with as many
  players as you can field . Use players from the
  opposing team if necessary.
• Games are not played during thunder or lightning,
  nor in very wet conditions. The managers are
  responsible for determining the conditions of the
  field and then relaying the information to the
  members of the teams
• Safety equipment Pitchers are required to wear a
  helmet in the field. A safety vest is available
  for those who wish to use it. All batters must
  wear a helmet while batting and while on base.
  The catcher is required to wear a chest
  protector, helmet, shin guards, and a cup.

49
T-Ball Rules

• The pitcher must stand on top of or on either
  side of the rubber on the pitchers mound until
  the ball is hit.
• Fielders, including the pitcher, have the option
  of throwing the ball or making the play
  themselves at a particular base. Please encourage
  the fielders to throw whenever possible. It will
  not be a learning experience otherwise.
• There are no overthrows to a base. A runner may
  not advance due to a throwing error.
• On a ball hit into the outfield, once the ball
  reaches the infield, the ball is dead and the
  runners may not advance. If a runner is more than
  halfway to the next base, then and only then will
  the runner be awarded the next base.

50
T-Ball Rules

• The fielders consist of 11 players pitcher,
  catcher, first, second, third, shortstop, short
  center and 4 outfielders. The short centerfielder
  shall be positioned where the infield dirt meets
  the outfield grass just behind second base . The
  infielders may not be positioned closer then five
  feet from their normal position until the ball is
  hit.
• The batting order remains the same throughout the
  game regardless of who is in the field.
• The players will be hitting off the tee during
  the first part of the season until around the
  first week in May. After the first week in May,
  The tee is replaced with the coaches pitching to
  the kids or a pitching machine.
• When the coaches begin pitching, after any batter
  reaches 5 strikes, the batter must then hit off
  the tee. This will keep up the pace of the game.

51
T-Ball Rules

• There shall be a chalk line in the shape of an
  arc placed from the first base foul line to the
  third base foul line approximately 10 feet from
  home plate (the "Arc"). Any ball that is hit must
  go beyond the Arc to be considered in fair
  territory. For any hit ball that does not go
  beyond the Arc, that shall be considered a foul
  ball.
• A coach is permitted on the field to guide the
  fielders but may not touch the ball while in
  play. Offensively, a coach may be positioned near
  first and third bases (in foul ground) to help
  instruct the runners. A coach may also stand by
  the batter for instruction.
• Jewelry is not permitted to be worn on the field,
  except jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a
  specific medical condition.

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