Player Safety
Always keep a vigilant eye out for player safety
- With kids, there's always something to look out for. Here are a few proactive steps you can take.
| Check player equipment | Prior to game start, check batting helmets and catchers' gear for defects. The catchers' mask/helmet must have a throat dangler and a short or long model chest protector is required. Male catchers are required to wear athletic cups. |
| Limit kids with bats |
Each League will have rules regarding when players may hold and swing bats. Examples: don't allow players to hold bats in the dugout; Limit practice swings to just one batter during pitcher warm-ups. |
| Require an adult in the dugout at all times | If a team has only two adults (e.g. a manager and coach), have a player base coach while on offense to allow for an adult in the dugout. |
| Ensure helmets are worn during play | All offensive players on the field must wear a helmet. Example: if a player is acting as a base coach or is leaving the playing field after an out. |
| Protect warm-up catchers | Any players that warm-up pitchers or play the catching position during pre-game field practice when a bat is nearby must wear a catcher's mask/helmet. |
| Signal when "plate ready" | Make sure that the batter and catcher are set before allowing a pitch. Raise your hand with a "traffic cop stop signal" to tell the pitcher to wait. Use another gesture for confirming when the plate is ready. |
| Direct batters to a distance when tending to the plate area | When you call time to tend to something at or near the plate, direct the batter to leave the batter's box and wait at a distance. For example, when you need to brush the plate or help a catcher with his gear. A batter might take a practice swing when you or your catcher are most vulnerable. |
| Don't go too far inside on your strike zone | It's much safer and just as effective to expand your strike zone to the outside or vertically. |
| Watch for bad weather | Wet fields, thunder / lightening, darkness - you have the authority to temporarily stop or cancel a game if the field becomes unsafe to play on. |
Site Glossary
Definitions from the Little League Rule Book and terms used on this site.
LL101 Site Glossary Version 5.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [607.9 KB]
Definitions from the Little League Rule Book and terms used on this site.
LL101 Site Glossary Version 5.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [607.9 KB]
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