AGSA Safety Plan

(The safety plan is also available for download here)

Mission Statement

AGSA is a Non-profit Organization Run By Volunteers whose mission is to provide an opportunity for our community’s children to learn the game
of Softball in a safe and friendly environment.

Safety Program Mission

The mission of our safety program for 2007 is to maintain a high degree of safety awareness to ensure our league is safe for the players. In addition, AGSA would like to highlight what is expected from the Coaches, Players, and Parents.

AGSA Policy

One of the reasons for AGSAs’ wide acceptance and phenomenal growth is that it fills an important need in our free society. As our program expands, it takes, more and more, a major part in the development of young people. It instills confidence and an understanding of fair play and the rights of other people.

Many of the younger children who develop slower than others are given an opportunity not only to develop their playing skill but to learn what competition and sportsmanship are all about. All who take part in the program are encouraged to develop a high moral code along with their improvement in physical skills and coordination. These high aims of AGSA are more for the benefit of the great majority of children rather than the few who would otherwise come to the top in any competitive athletic endeavor.

Four “E’s” of Safety

EDUCATION refers to the important matter of including suitable safety precautions in instructions, training, communications, drill work and follow-up.

EQUIPMENT applies to the safe upkeep and use of physical property, fields, personal protective equipment, bleachers, bats, balls, etc.

ENTHUSIASM is the key to selling this important ingredient called safety, which can prevent painful and disabling accidents.

ENFORCEMENT should be applied more as an incentive for skillful ball playing rather than as disciplinary action. Far better results can be obtained by praise and recognition than by forcing players into line. Tactful guidance must be backed by firmness and justly used discipline.

Defining Terms

ACCIDENT is a sudden, undesirable and unplanned occurrence often resulting in bodily injury, disability and/or property damage.

ACCIDENT CAUSE is an unsafe condition, situation or act that may result directly in or contribute to the occurrence of an accident.

CORRECTIVE ACTION is the positive steps or measures taken to eliminate, or at least minimize, an accident cause.

HAZARD refers to a condition or a situation that could cause an accident.

INJURY is the physical harm or damage often resulting from an accident.

INSURANCE CLAIM refers to the right of a parent, as in the case of accident insurance to have eligible medical expenses resulting from an accidental injury connected with a game or scheduled practice paid by the appropriate insurance company

TYPE OF ACCIDENT is a phrase used to describe an unintentional, sudden incident that can be identified so effective counter measures may be taken. Examples are: struck by, tripped, fell, collision with, caught between, etc.

AN UNSAFE ACT refers to unintentional human failure or lack of skill that can lead to an accident. It is one of the two general accident causes, the other being an unsafe condition.

AN UNSAFE CONDITION is an abnormal or faulty situation or condition which may cause an accident. Its presence, particularly when an unsafe act is committed, may result in an accident. It is a recognized that the area personnel and facilities available for the operation of AGSA will dictate the structure of an effective safety program. These safety guidelines are presented as a goal toward which the adults who administer a league can work. The effectiveness of their efforts to prevent accidents will be measured more by their sincerity of purpose than by the amount of money and preponderance of volunteer effort at their disposal.

First Aid

First aid is an important part of any safety program. Like insurance coverage, it is a form of protection that must be available in case of an emergency involving any injury.

Definition
First aid is the immediate, necessary, temporary, emergency care given for injuries. 

First Aid Equipment
Each coach will have a first aid kit with them at each practice and game a copy of each player’s medical release form which contains with emergency phone numbers, doctor and hospital information.

Notification of Family
It is extremely important that, as soon as provision has been made for the care of injured or ill people who require outside treatment their family be notified as soon as possible.

Follow-Up on First Aid Cases
1. A thorough investigation will be made to find the cause(s) of an accident and action started to prevent reoccurrence.
2. An insurance claim should be filed when outside medical attention is required. Do not wait for medical bills to arrive. They can be submitted as they become available.  They must be identified by including the person’s name, league name and number, date of injury, and city and state of residence. Bills should be itemized to show dates and type of treatments.
3. Any player under the care of a doctor is required to bring a note from the doctor to the manager releasing the player to play ball before being allowed to return to the lineup.

League Safety Code

The Board of Directors of AGSA has mandated the following Safety Code. All managers and coaches will read this Safety Code and then read it to the players on their team.

  • Responsibility for safety procedures belongs to every adult member of AGSA.
  • Each player, manager, designated coach, and umpire shall use proper reasoning and care to prevent injury to him/herself and to others.
  • Only league approved managers and/or coaches are allowed to practice teams.
  • Only league-approved mangers and/or coaches will supervise batting Cages.
  • Arrangement should be made in advance of all games and practices for emergency medical services.
  • First-aid kits are issued to each team manager during the pre-season.
  • No games or practices will be held when weather or field conditions are poor, particularly when lighting is inadequate.
  • Play area will be inspected before games and practices for holes, damage, stones, glass and other foreign objects.
  • 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.
  • All catchers must wear a mask, “dangling” type throat protector and catcher’s helmet during practice, pitcher warm-up, and games.
    • Note: Skullcaps are not permitted.
  • Shoes with metal spikes or cleats are not permitted.
  • Players will not wear earrings, watches, rings, pins, jewelry or other metallic items during practices or games. (Exception: Jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a specific condition is permissible and this must be taped in place.)
  • No food or drink, at any time, in the dugouts. (Exception: bottled water, Gatorade and water from drinking fountains)
  • Catchers may not catch, whether warming up a pitcher, in practices, or games without wearing full catcher’s gear.
  • Managers will never leave an unattended child at a practice or game.
  •  Never hesitate to report any present or potential safety hazard to the Safety Officer immediately.
  • Make arrangements to have a cellular phone available when a game or practice is at a facility that does not have public phones.
  • No alcohol or drugs ALLOWED AT ANY OF OUR FACILITIES OR FIELDS, any time.
  • No medication will be taken at the facility unless administered directly by the child’s parent. This includes aspirin and Tylenol.
  •  No playing in the parking lots at any time.
  • NO SMOKING ALLOWED AT ANY OF OUR FACILITIES OR FIELDS.
  • No swinging bats or throwing baseballs at any time within the walkways and common areas of the complex.
  • No throwing rocks.
  • No climbing fences.
  • Players and spectators should be alert at all times for foul balls and errant throws.
  • Bicycle helmets must be worn at all times when riding bicycles on the premises as well as to and from the premises.
  • Use crosswalks when crossing roadways. Always be alert for traffic.
  • No one is allowed on the complex with open wounds at any time. Wounds should be treated and properly bandaged.
  • There is no running allowed in the bleachers.

Responsibilities

 The President:

The President of our league is responsible for ensuring that the policies and regulations of the League’s Safety Officer are carried out by the entire membership to the best of his abilities.

Safety Officer:

The main responsibility of the Safety Officer is to develop and implement the League’s safety program. The Safety Officer is the link between the Board of Directors of AGSA and its managers, coaches, umpires, players, spectators, and any other third parties on the complex in regards to safety matters, rules and regulations.

The Safety Officer’s responsibilities include:

  • Assisting parents and individuals with insurance claims and will act as the liaison between the insurance company and the parents and individuals.
  • Explaining insurance benefits to claimants and assisting them with filing the correct paperwork.
  • Keeping the First Aid Log. This log will list where accidents and injuries are occurring, to whom, in which age group, at what times, under what supervision.
  • Correlating and summarizing the data in the First-Aid Log to determine proper accident prevention in the future.
  • Insuring that each team receives its Safety Manual and its First-Aid Kit at the beginning of the season.
  • Checking fields with the Field Managers and listing areas needing attention.
  • Acting immediately in resolving unsafe or hazardous conditions once a situation has been brought to his/her attention.
  • Making spot checks at practices and games to make sure all managers have their First-Aid Kits and Safety Manuals.
  • Tracking all injuries and near misses in order to identify injury trends.
  • Making sure that safety is a monthly Board Meeting topic, and allowing experienced people to share ideas on improving safety.

Managers:

Season Play:
Managers will:

  • Work closely with Safety Officer to make sure equipment is in first-rate working order.
  • Make sure that telephone access is available at all activities including practices. It is suggested that a cellular phone always be on hand.
  • Not expect more from their players than what the players are capable of.
  • Teach the fundamentals of the game to players.
  • Catching fly balls
  • Sliding correctly
  • Proper fielding of ground balls
  • Simple pitching motion for balance
  •  Be open to ideas, suggestions or help.
  • Enforce that prevention is the key to reducing accidents to a minimum.
  • Have players wear sliding pads.
  • Always have First-Aid Kit and Safety Manual on hand.
  • Use common sense.

Pre-Game and Practice:
Managers will:

  • Make sure that players are healthy, rested and alert.
  • Make sure that players returning from being injured have a medical release form signed by their doctor. Otherwise, they can’t play.
  • Make sure players are wearing the proper uniform.
  • Make sure that the equipment is in good working order and is safe.
  • Agree with the opposing manager on the fitness of the playing field. In the event that the two managers cannot agree, a duly delegated representative shall make the determination.

During the Game
Managers will:

  • Make sure that players carry all gloves and other equipment off the field and to the dugout when their team is up at bat.
  • No equipment shall be left lying on the field, either in fair or foul territory.
  • Keep players alert.
  • Maintain discipline at all times.
  • Be organized.
  • Keep players and substitutes sitting on the team’s bench or in the dugout unless participating in the game or preparing to enter the game.
  • Make sure catchers are wearing the proper equipment.
  • Encourage everyone to think Safety First.
  •  No player should handle a bat in the dugouts at any time.
  • Keep players off fences.
  • Get players to drink often so they do not dehydrate.
  • Not play children that are ill or injured.
  • Attend to children that become injured in a game.
  • Not lose focus by engaging in conversation with parents and passerby’s.

Post Game:
Managers will:

  • Not leave the field until every team member has been picked up by a known family member or designated driver.
  • Notify parents if their child has been injured no matter how small or insignificant the injury is. There are no exceptions to this rule. This protects you and AGSA.
  • Discuss any safety problems with the Safety Officer that occurred before, during or after the game.
  • If there was an injury, make sure an accident report was filled out and given to the League Safety Officer.
  • Return the field to its pre-game condition, per League policy.

If a manager knowingly disregards safety, he or she will come before the League’s Board of Directors to explain his or her conduct.

Umpires:

Pre Game
Before a game starts, the umpire shall:

  • Check equipment in dugouts of both teams, equipment that does not meet specifications must be removed from the game.
  • Make sure catchers are wearing helmets when warming up pitchers.
  • Make sure that bats have grips.
  • Make sure there are foam inserts in helmets.
  • Inspect helmets for cracks.
  • Walk the field for hazards and obstructions (e.g. rocks and glass).
  • Check players to see if they are wearing jewelry.
  • Check players to see if they are wearing metal cleats.
  • Make sure that all playing lines are marked with non-caustic lime, chalk or other white material easily distinguishable from the ground or grass.
  • Secure official AGSA balls for play from home team.

During the Game:
During the game the umpire shall:

  • Govern the game as mandated by ASA rules and regulations.
  • Check softballs for discoloration and nicks and declare a ball unfit for use if it exhibits these traits.
  • Act as the sole judge as to whether and when play shall be suspended or terminated during a game because of unsuitable weather conditions or the unfit condition of the playing field; as to whether and when play shall be resumed after such suspension; and as to whether and when a game shall be terminated after such suspension.
  • Act as the sole judge as to whether and when play shall be suspended or terminated during a game because of low visibility due to atmospheric conditions or darkness.
  • Enforce the rule that no spectators shall be allowed on the field during the game.
  • Make sure catchers are wearing the proper equipment.
  • Continue to monitor the field for safety and playability.
  • Make the calls loud and clear, signaling each call properly.
  • Make sure players and spectators keep their fingers out of the fencing.

Post Game:
After a game, the umpire shall:

  • Check with the managers of both teams regarding safety violations.
  • Report any unsafe situations to the League Safety Officer by telephone and in writing.

Equipment Officer:

The League Equipment Officer is responsible to get damaged equipment repaired or replaced as reported. This replacement will happen in a timely manner. The Equipment Manager will also exchange equipment if it doesn’t fit properly.

Accident Reporting Procedure

What to report -

An incident that causes any player, manager, coach, umpires, or volunteers to receive medical treatment and/or first aid must be reported to the League’s Safety Officer. This includes even passive treatments such as the evaluation and diagnosis of the extent of the injury.

When to report -

All such incidents described above must be reported to the League’s Safety Officer within 24 hours of the incident.

The League’s Safety Officer, Dottie Nordin, can be reached at the following:
Phone:  (510) 814-0826     Email:  dottie_n@hotmail.com

How to make a report -

Reporting incidents can come in a variety of forms. Most typically, they are telephone conversations. At a minimum, the following information must be provided:

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

The Manager will fill out the Incident/Injury Tracking and submit it to the League’s Safety Officer within 24 hours of the incident.  Accidents occurring outside the team (i.e., spectator injuries, and third party injuries) shall be handled directly by the League’s Safety Officer.

League Safety Officer’s Responsibilities -

Within 24 hours of receiving the Accident Investigation Form, the League’s Safety Officer 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; and
  4. In the event that the injured party required other medical treatment (i.e., Emergency Room visit, doctor’s visit, et.) will advise the parent or guardian of AGSA insurance coverage and the provision for submitting any claims.

If the extent the injuries are more than minor in nature, the League’s Safety Officer shall:

  • Periodically call the injured party to check on the status of any injuries, and
  • Check if any other assistance is necessary in areas such as submission of insurance forms, etc., until such time as the incident is considered “closed” (i.e., no further claims are expected and/or the individual is participating in the League again).
  • Review and complete where necessary the Incident/Injury Tracking form and route to the appropriate officials.

Equipment

The Equipment Officer is an elected Board Member and is responsible for purchasing and distributing equipment to the individual teams. This equipment is checked and tested when it is issued but it is the Manager’s responsibility to maintain it. Managers should inspect equipment before each game and each practice.

The Equipment Officer will promptly replace damaged and ill fitting equipment.
Furthermore, kids like to bring their own gear. This equipment can only be used if it meets the requirements as outlined in this Safety Manual.

At the end of the season, all equipment must be returned to the Equipment Officer. First-Aid kits and Safety Manuals must be turned in with the equipment.

Use of a helmet by the batter and all base runners is mandatory.

Use of a helmet by a player/base coach is mandatory.

Use of a helmet by an adult base coach is optional.

Make sure helmets fit.

All catchers must wear chest protectors with neck collar, throat guard, shin guards and catcher’s helmet, all of which must meet AGSA specifications and standards.

All catchers must wear a mask, “dangling” type throat protector and catcher’s helmet during practice, pitcher warm-up, and games. NOTE: Skullcaps are not permitted.

If the gripping tape on a bat becomes unraveled, the bat must not be used until it is repaired.

Bats with dents, or that are fractured in any way, must be discarded.

Only Official ASA balls will be used during practices and games.

No wood bats at any time.

Make sure that the equipment issued to you is appropriate for the age and size of the kids on your team. If it is not, get replacements from the Equipment Officer.

Pitchers can not wear multi-colored gloves.

Replace questionable equipment immediately by notifying the Equipment Officer.

Weather

Most of our days in the Bay Area are warm and sunny but there are those days when the weather turns bad and creates unsafe weather conditions.

Rain:
If it begins to rain:

  1. Evaluate the strength of the rain. Is it a light drizzle or is it pouring?
  2. Determine the direction the storm is moving.
  3. Evaluate the playing field as it becomes more and more saturated.
  4. Stop practice if the playing conditions become unsafe -- use common sense. If playing a game, consult with the other manager and the umpire to formulate a decision.

Lightning:
The average lightning stroke is 5-6 miles long with up to 30 million volts at 100,000 amps flow in less than a tenth of a second. The average thunderstorm is 6-10 miles wide and moves at a rate of 25 miles per hour.  

Once the leading edge of a thunderstorm approaches to within 10 miles, you are at immediate risk due to the possibility of lightning strokes coming from the storm’s overhanging anvil cloud. This fact is the reason that many lightning deaths and injuries occur with clear skies overhead.

On average, the thunder from a lightning stroke can only be heard over a distance of 3-4 miles, depending on terrain, humidity and background noise around you. By the time you can hear the thunder, the storm has already approached to within 3-4 miles!

The sudden cold wind that many people use to gauge the approach of a thunderstorm is the result of down drafts and usually extends less than 3 miles from the storm’s leading edge. By the time you feel the wind; the storm can be less than 3 miles away!

If you can HEAR, SEE OR FEEL a THUNDERSTORM:

  • Suspend all games and practices immediately.
  • Stay away from metal including fencing and bleachers.
  • Do not hold metal bats.
  • Get players to walk, not run to their parent’s or designated driver’s cars and wait for your decision on whether or not to continue the game or practice.

Hot Weather:
One thing we do get once in a while is hot weather. Precautions must be taken in order to make sure the players on your team do not dehydrate or hyperventilate.

  • Suggest players take drinks of water when coming on and going off the field between innings. If a player looks distressed while standing in the hot sun, substitute that player and get him/her into the shade of the dugout A.S.A.P.
  • If a player should collapse as a result of heat exhaustion, call 9-1-1immediately.
    Get the player to drink water and use the instant ice bags supplied in your First-Aid Kit to cool him/her down until the emergency medical team arrives. (See section on Hydration)

Ultra-Violet Ray Exposure:
This kind of exposure increases an athlete’s risk of developing a specific type of skin cancer known as melanoma.

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that children receive 80% of their lifetime sun exposure by the time that they are 18 years old.

Therefore, the League recommends the use of sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 as a means of protection from damaging ultra-violet light.

Evacuation Plan

Severe storms, lightning, earthquakes and fire are all possible in Northern California. For this reason, the League must have an evacuation plan.

  • At that time all players will return to the dugout and wait for their parents to come and get them.
  • If a player’s parent is not attending the game, the Manager will take responsibility for evacuating that child.
  • Once parents have obtained their children, they will proceed to their cars in a calm and orderly manner
  • Drivers will then proceed slowly and cautiously out of the parking lots, observing the 5 MPH speed limit.
  • Once outside the parking lots, drivers will observe the posted speed limits.

GENERAL FACILITY

  • All bleachers will have safety rails.
  • The dugouts will be clean and free of debris at all time.
  • Dugouts and bleachers will be free of protruding nails and wood slivers.
  • Hazardous Areas are marked
  • Home plate, batter’s box, bases and the area around the pitcher’s mound will be checked periodically for tripping and stumbling hazards.
  • Materials used to mark the field will consist of a non-irritating white pigment (no lime).
  • Chain-link fences will be checked regularly for holes, sharp edges, and loose edges and will be repaired or replaced accordingly.
  • After all games, Managers will volunteer parents to pick up trash and other materials that could lead to accidents at the field and surrounding areas

CHILD ABUSE

Volunteers

Volunteers are the greatest resource AGSA has in aiding children’s development into leaders of tomorrow. But some potential volunteers may be attracted to AGSA to be near children for abusive reasons. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America defines child sexual abuse as “the exploitation of a child by an older child, teen or adult for the personal gratification of the abusive individual.” So abusing a child can take many forms, from touching to non-touching offenses. Child victims are usually made to feel as if they have brought the abuse upon themselves; they are made to feel guilty. For this reason, sexual abuse victims seldom disclose the victimization.

Consider this:
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America contend that for every child abuse case reported, ten more go unreported. Children need to understand that it is never their fault, and both children and adults need to know what they can do to keep it from happening. Anyone can be an abuser and it could happen anywhere. By educating parents, volunteers and children, you can help reduce the risk it will happen.

Like all safety issues, prevention is the key. AGSA has a three-step plan for selecting caring, competent and safe volunteers.

Application: To include residence information, employment history and three personal references from non-relatives. All potential volunteers must fill out the application that clearly asks for information about prior criminal convictions. The form also points out that all positions are conditional based on the information received back from a background check.

Interview: Make all applicants aware of the policy that no known child-sex offender will be given access to children AGSA Program.

Reference Checks: Make sure the information given by the applicant is corroborated by references.

Reporting

In the unfortunate case that child sexual abuse is suspected, you should immediately contact AGSA’s  President, or a Board Member if the President is not available, to report the abuse. The League along with district administrators will contact the proper law enforcement agencies.

Investigation
The League will appoint an individual with significant professional background to receive and act on abuse allegations. These individuals will act in a confidential manner, and serve as the League’s liaison with the local law enforcement community. AGSA volunteers should not attempt to investigate suspected abuse on their own.

Suspending/Termination
When an allegation of abuse is made against an AGSA volunteer, it is our duty to protect the children from any possible further abuse by keeping the alleged abuser away from children in the program. If the allegations are substantiated, the next step is clear -- assuring that the individual will not have any further contact with the children in the League.

Immunity from Liability

According to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, “Concern is often expressed over the potential for criminal or civil liability if a report of abuse is subsequently found to be unsubstantiated.” However, we want adults and Little Leaguers to understand that they shouldn’t be afraid to come forward in these cases, even if it isn’t required and even if there is a possibility of being wrong. All states provide immunity from liability to those who report suspected child abuse in “good faith.” At the same time, there are also rules in place to protect adults who prove to have been inappropriately accused.

Make Our Position Clear
Make adults and kids aware that AGSA will not tolerate child abuse, in any form.

The Buddy System
It is an old maxim, but it is true: There is safety in numbers. Encourage kids to move about in a group of two or more children of similar age, whether an adult is present or not. This includes travel, leaving the field, or using the restroom areas. It is far more difficult to victimize a child if they are not alone.

Access
Controlling access to areas where children are present -- such as the dugout or restrooms -- protects them from harm by outsiders. It’s not easy to control the access of large outdoor facilities, but visitors could be directed to a central point within the facility. Individuals should not be allowed to wander through the area without the knowledge of the Managers, Coaches, Board Directors or any other Volunteer.

Toilet Facilities
Generally speaking, kids are capable of using toilet facilities on their own, so there should be no need for an adult to accompany a child into rest room areas. There can sometimes be special circumstances under which a child requires assistance to toilet facilities, for instance 6U age group, but there should still be adequate privacy for that child. Again, we can utilize the “buddy system” here.

Transportation

Before any manager or designated coach can transport any child, other than his/her own, anywhere, he or she must:

  • Have a valid California Driver’s License.
  • Not carry more children in their vehicle than they have seat belts for.
  • When transporting a child who ages are 5 & 6 that they placed within the CA approved child seat.
  • Make sure that the vehicle is in good running order and that it would pass a CHP vehicle safety inspection if spontaneously given.
  • Not drive in a careless or reckless manner.
  • Not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
  • Obey all traffic laws and speed limits at all times.
  • Never transport a child without returning him/her to the point of origin.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL

Giving First-Aid

What is First-Aid?
First-Aid means exactly what the term implies -- it is the first care given to a victim. It is usually performed by the first person on the scene and continued until professional medical help arrives.
At no time should anyone administering First-Aid go beyond his or her capabilities.

Know your limits!
The average response time on 9-1-1calls is 5-7 minutes. En-route Paramedics are in constant communication with the local hospital at all time preparing them for whatever emergency action might need to be taken. You cannot do this. Therefore, do not attempt to transport a victim to a hospital.
Perform whatever First Aid you can and wait for the paramedics to arrive.

First Aid-Kits
First Aid Kits will be furnished to each team at the beginning of the season. The League’s Safety Officer’s name and phone number are taped on the inside lid of all First-Aid Kits. Keep at least two quarters inside the First-Aid Kit for emergency telephone calls. The First Aid Kit will become part
of the Team’s equipment package and shall be taken to all practices, batting cage practices, games (whether season or post-season) and any other AGSA event where children’s safety is
at risk.

To replenish materials in the Team First Aid Kit please check the First Aid container in the Storage Shed at Krusi. There will be extra ice packs, band-aids, gloves, antiseptic wipes etc. If you need something that is not there please contact the Safety Officer.

First Aid Kits and this Safety Manual must be turned in at the end of the season along with your equipment package.

 

Good Samaritan Laws

There are laws to protect you when you help someone in an emergency situation. The “Good Samaritan Laws” give legal protection to people who provide emergency care to ill or injured persons. When citizens respond to an emergency and act as a reasonable and prudent person would under the same conditions, Good Samaritan immunity generally prevails. This legal immunity protects you, as a rescuer, from being sued and found financially responsible for the victim’s injury. For example, a reasonable and prudent person would –

  • Move a victim only if the victim’s life was endangered.
  • Ask a conscious victim for permission before giving care.
  • Check the victim for life-threatening emergencies before providing further care.
  • Summon professional help to the scene by calling 9-1-1.
  • Continue to provide care until more highly trained personnel arrive.

Good Samaritan laws were developed to encourage people to help others in emergency situations.

They require that the “Good Samaritan” use common sense and a reasonable level of skill, not to exceed the scope of the individual’s training in emergency situations. They assume each person would do his or her best to save a life or prevent further injury. People are rarely sued for helping in an emergency. However, the existence of Good Samaritan laws does not mean that someone cannot sue. In rare cases, courts have ruled that these laws do not apply in cases when an individual rescuer’s response was grossly or willfully negligent or reckless or when the rescuer abandoned the victim after initiating care.

Permission to Give Care
 If the victim is conscious, you must have his/her permission before giving first-aid. To get permission you must tell the victim who you are, how much training you have, and how you plan to help. Only then can a conscious victim give you permission to give care. Do not give care to a conscious victim who refuses your offer to give care. If the conscious victim is an infant or child, permission to give care should be obtained from a supervising adult when one is available. If the condition is serious, permission is implied if a supervising adult is not present.

Permission is also implied if a victim is unconscious or unable to respond. This means that you can assume that, if the person could respond, he or she would agree to care.


Treatment At Site -
Do . . .

  • Access the injury. If the victim is conscious, find out what happened, where it hurts, watch for shock.
  • Know your limitations.
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately if person is unconscious or seriously injured.
  • Look for signs of injury (blood, black-and-blue, deformity of joint etc.)
  • Listen to the injured player 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.
  • Talk to your team afterwards about the situation if it involves them. Often players are upset and worried when another player is injured. They need to feel safe and understand why the injury occurred.

Don’t . . .

  • 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 Procedure, (i.e., CPR, etc.)
  • Transport injured individual except in extreme emergencies.

9-1-1 EMERGENCY NUMBER

The most important help that you can provide to a victim who is seriously injured is to call for professional medical help. Make the call quickly, preferably from a cell phone near the injured person. If this is not possible, send someone else to make the call from a nearby telephone. Be sure that you or another caller follows these four steps.

  1. First Dial 9-1-1.
  2. Give the dispatcher the necessary information. Answer any questions that he or she might ask. Most dispatchers will ask:
  3. The exact location or address of the emergency. Include the name of the city or town, nearby intersections, landmarks, etc.
  4. The telephone number from which the call is being made.
  5. The caller’s name.
  6. What happened - for example, a baseball related injury, bicycle accident, fire, fall, etc.
  7. How many people are involved?
  8. The condition of the injured person - for example, unconsciousness, chest pains, or severe bleeding.
  9. What help (first aid) is being given.
  10. Do not hang up until the dispatcher hangs up. The EMS dispatcher may be able to tell you how to best care for the victim.
  11. Continue to care for the victim till professional help arrives.
  12. Appoint somebody to go to the street and look for the ambulance and fire engine and flag them down if necessary. This saves valuable time. Remember, every minute counts.

When to call -

If the injured person is unconscious, call 9-1-1immediately. Sometimes a conscious victim will tell you not to call an ambulance, and you may not be sure what to do. Call 9-1-1anyway and request paramedics if the victim -

  • Is or becomes unconscious.
  • Has trouble breathing or is breathing in a strange way.
  • Has chest pain or pressure.
  • Is bleeding severely.
  • Has pressure or pain in the abdomen that does not go away.
  • Is their vomiting or passing blood?
  • Have seizures, a severe headache, or slurred speech.
  • Appears to have been poisoned.
  • Have injuries to the head, neck or back.
  • Have possible broken bones?

If you have any doubt at all, call 9-1-1- and requests paramedics.

Also Call 9-1-1 for any of these situations:

  • Fire or explosion
  • Downed electrical wires
  • Swiftly moving or rapidly rising water
  • Presence of poisonous gas
  • Vehicle Collisions
  • Vehicle/Bicycle Collisions
  • Victims who cannot be moved easily

Checking the Victim

Conscious Victims:
If the victim is conscious, ask what happened. Look for other life-threatening conditions and conditions that need care or might become life threatening. The victim may be able to tell you what happened and how he or she feels. This information helps determine what care may be needed.

This check has two steps:

  • Talk to the victim and to any people standing by who saw the accident take place.
  • Check the victim from head to toe, so you do not overlook any problems.
  • Do not ask the victim to move, and do not move the victim yourself.
  • Examine the scalp, face, ears, nose, and mouth.
  • ]Look for cuts, bruises, bumps, or depressions.
  • Watch for changes in consciousness.
  • Notice if the victim is drowsy, not alert, or confused.
  • Look for changes in the victim’s breathing. A healthy person breathes regularly, quietly, and easily. Breathing that is not normal includes noisy breathing such as gasping for air; making rasping, gurgling, or whistling sounds; breathing unusually fast or slow; and breathing that is painful.
  • Notice how the skin looks and feels. Note if the skin is reddish, bluish, pale or gray.
  • Feel with the back of your hand on the forehead to see if the skin feels unusually damp, dry, cool, or hot.
  • Ask the victim again about the areas that hurt.
  • Ask the victim to move each part of the body that doesn’t hurt.
  • Check the shoulders by asking the victim to shrug them.
  • Check the chest and abdomen by asking the victim to take a deep breath.
  • Ask the victim if he or she can move the fingers, hands, and arms.
  • Check the hips and legs in the same way.
  • Watch the victim’s face for signs of pain and listen for sounds of pain such as gasps, moans or cries.
  • Look for odd bumps or depressions.
  • Think of how the body usually looks. If you are not sure if something is out of shape, check it against the other side of the body.
  • Look for a medical alert tag on the victim’s wrist or neck. A tag will give you medical information about the victim; care to give for that problem, and who to call for help.
  • When you have finished checking, if the victim can move his or her body without any pain and there are no other signs of injury, have the victim rest sitting up.
  • When the victim feels ready, help him or her stand up.

Unconscious Victims

If the victim does not respond to you in any way, assume the victim is unconscious. Call 9-1-1 and report the emergency immediately.

Checking An Unconscious Victim:

  • Tap and shout to see if the person responds. If no response -
  • Look, listen and feel for breathing for about 5 seconds.
  • If there is no response, position victim on back, while supporting head and neck.
  • Tilt head back, lift chin and pinch nose shut. (See breathing section to follow)
  • Look, listen, and feel for breathing for about 5 seconds.
  • If the victim is not breathing, give 2 slow breaths into the victim’s mouth.
  • Check pulse for 5 to 10 seconds.
  • Check for severe bleeding.

Conditioning and Stretching

Conditioning is an intricate part of accident prevention. Extensive studies on the effect of conditioning, commonly known as “warm-up,” have demonstrated that:

  • The stretching and contracting of muscles just before an athletic activity improves general control of movements, coordination and alertness.
  • Such drills also help develop the strength and stamina needed by the average youngster to compete with minimum accident exposure.

The purpose of stretching is to increase flexibility within the various muscle groups and prevent tearing from overexertion.

Stretching should never be done forcefully, but rather in a gradual manner to encourage looseness and flexibility.

Hints on Stretching

  • Stretch necks, backs, arms, thighs, legs and calves.
  • Don’t ask the child to stretch more that he or she is capable of.
  • Hold the stretch for at least 10 seconds.
  • Don’t allow bouncing while stretching. This tears down the muscle rather than stretching it.
  • Have one of the players lead the stretching exercises.

Hints on Calisthenics

  • Repetitions of at least 10.
  • Have kids synchronize their movements.
  • Vary upper body with lower body.
  • Keep the pace up for a good cardio-vascular workout.\