Interbay Little League Safety Plan

Important Numbers: Police/Fire/Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency Police: 813.276.3200

League Numbers:

Safety Code

1. Shared Responsibility

   • Every adult member of the league is responsible for upholding safety procedures.

2. Preventing Injury

   • All players, managers, coaches, and umpires must use proper judgment and care to avoid injuring themselves or others.

3. Weather and Field Conditions

   • No games or practices should be held in unsafe conditions (e.g., poor weather, lightning, hazardous field).

4. Field Inspections

   • Frequently check play areas for holes, damage, glass, or other foreign objects.

5. Dugout Safety

   • Dugouts and bat racks should be positioned behind protective screens.

6. Authorized Personnel

   • Only players, managers, coaches, and umpires are permitted on the playing field during play and practice.

7. Foul Balls

   • Foul balls batted out of play must be returned to the dugout or given to the umpire.

8. Alertness

   • Players must be alert and watch the batter on each pitch during practices and games.

9. Warm-Up Drills

   • Space players out to avoid errant throws.

10. Equipment Inspections

    • Equipment should be checked regularly to ensure proper fit and condition.

11. Pitching Machines

    • Must be in good working order and operated only by adult managers or coaches.

12. Protective Helmets

    • Batters must wear NOCSAE-approved helmets during practice and games.

13. Catchers’ Gear

    • Catchers must wear a helmet with face mask and throat guard, chest protector, and shin guards.
    • Male catchers must also wear a protective cup.

14. Softball Face Masks

    • All softball players must wear fielding face masks during practices and games.

15. Sliding Regulations

    • In Majors, Minors, and Tee Ball, head-first slides are prohibited except when returning to a base.
    • Bases should not be strapped down during sliding practice, and helmets must be worn.

16. Horseplay Prohibited

    • No horseplay is allowed at any time on the playing field.

17. Safety Glasses

    • Parents are encouraged to provide safety glasses for players who wear corrective eyewear.

18. No Jewelry

    • Players must not wear watches, rings, pins, jewelry, or hard decorative items.

19. Bullpen & Warming Up

    • Catchers must wear a catcher’s helmet, face mask, and throat guard when warming up pitchers.
    • Skull caps are not permitted.

20. Batting/Catchers’ Helmet Painting

    • Helmets should not be painted unless approved by the manufacturer.

21. On-Deck Batters

    • For Majors, Minors, and Tee Ball, on-deck batters are not allowed. No player may handle a bat until it is his or her turn at bat.

22. Field Gates

    • All field gates must remain closed and secured when not in use.

23. Player Supervision

    • Ejected, ill, or injured players must remain under supervision until a parent or guardian arrives.
    • Managers remain at the field until all players have been picked up.

24. One-on-One Contact

    • Managers and coaches should avoid being alone with a player in any private setting. Stay within observable distance of another adult.

25. Reporting Hazards

    • Immediately report any safety hazards to the Safety Officer.

First Aid

1. First Aid Kits

   • Each manager will receive a first aid kit at the start of the season. Kits must be available at practices and games.
   • Additional kits with cold packs are located in each field’s dugout closet.

2. Ice Availability

   • Ice is available in the concession stand and softball clubhouse.

3. Kit Contents

   • First aid kits should include basic supplies, cold packs, and accident/incident report forms.

Accident and Incident Reporting

• All accidents and incidents must be reported to the League President and Safety Officer within 24 hours.
• Reporting forms are provided in the Safety Manual and on the league website.

Batting Cages

1. Protective Helmets

   • Helmets must be worn at all times.

2. Authorized Use

   • Batting cages are for Little League use only.

3. Footwear & Conduct

   • No metal spikes.
   • No horseplay.

Board Member on Duty

• Each game day, a designated Board Member will be on duty at the park or available by phone.
• This individual will wear a badge and be prepared to address any situations that arise.

Severe Weather

1. Lightning Detection and Monitoring

   • The designated Board Member on Duty (BMOD) will monitor lightning conditions using the WeatherBug App or a similar lightning-detection app.

2. Clear the Field

   • If lightning is detected within 6 miles of the park, the BMOD will sound two air horn blasts.
   • Players, coaches, and spectators must immediately seek shelter (e.g., in vehicles, buildings, or other safe areas).

3. Resuming Play

   • After lightning is beyond 6 miles for at least 30 minutes, the BMOD will signal it is safe to return to play with two air horn blasts.

4. Safety First

   • Always prioritize safety when deciding whether to delay, resume, or cancel activities due to severe weather

Abuse Awareness and Reporting

1. Zero-Tolerance Culture

   • No form of misconduct or abuse (mental, physical, emotional, or sexual) is tolerated between players, coaches, parents, spectators, volunteers, or anyone else.

2. Mandatory Reporting

   • All volunteers must report any suspected child abuse to the proper authorities within 24 hours.
   • This includes sexual abuse involving a minor.

3. How to Report

   • Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 or online at https://reportabuse.myflfamilies.com/s/.
   • Reports can be anonymous.
   • Additional resources: Little League’s child protection program.

4. Retaliation

   • The league prohibits retaliation against any “good faith” reporter of child abuse.

Concession Stand Procedures

1. Hand Washing

   • Signs will be posted reminding volunteers and staff to wash hands.

2. First Aid & Emergency Numbers

   • Signage will indicate locations of first aid kits.
   • A list of important phone numbers, including board members, will be posted.

3. Ice for Injuries

   • Maintain 3–5 bags of ice in the freezer.

4. Safe Handling

   • Operating procedures for safe handling of food and equipment will be posted.

5. Seasonal Inspection

   • The League Safety Officer meets with the Concession Manager at the start of each season to confirm compliance with these guidelines.

Field and Equipment

1. Regular Inspections

   • Managers must regularly inspect equipment for damage or wear and replace as needed.

2. Field Walk-Throughs

   • Before games and practices, managers should check the field for hazards and report issues to the League President.

3. Storage Closet Equipment

   • All equipment in the storage closet is inspected at the beginning of each season.