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Safety

Injuries are the Only Thing that can Make the Game Insignificant

Injuries are the Only Thing that can Make the Game Insignificant

Injuries are the Only Thing that can Make the Game Insignificant

• Baseball and softball are fun for all ages, but injuries are unfortunately common. Kids are playing more, practicing more, and often playing year-round. In America, over 110,000 children are treated each year in emergency rooms for baseball-related injuries, usually related to being hit by a ball (46%) or bat (25%). Many more injuries go unreported since most injured players are treated on the field or at home without going to the emergency room. 

Injury Research

COVID-19 Return to Play Guide

Injuries are the Only Thing that can Make the Game Insignificant

Injuries are the Only Thing that can Make the Game Insignificant

Practicing 6-Feet Social Distancing is Key
COVID-19 Guidelines

GENERAL SAFETY

Injuries are the Only Thing that can Make the Game Insignificant

BAT SAFETY

• The leading causes of injury are being struck by batted balls, thrown and pitched balls, and getting hit by tossed or swung bats. Most of these injuries occur due to lack of skills, emotions, and ineffective coaching.  


• Proper training and being more prepared can help reduce the likelihood of injury and help everyone enjoy our national pastime. 

General Injury Prevention

BAT SAFETY

BAT SAFETY

BAT SAFETY

Bat with Safer Baseball Safety Target Symbol Decal

 Always handle a bat safely. 

More on Bat Safety

HELMET SAFETY

BAT SAFETY

AVOID GETTING HIT

Baseball Helmet

  Wear the right Helmet. Consider Accessories. 

More on Helmet Safety

AVOID GETTING HIT

BAT SAFETY

AVOID GETTING HIT

Batter facing pitcher

Avoid Getting Hit By a Pitch or Batted Ball 

More on Wild Pitches and Batted Balls

WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR

BALL SAFETY

BALL SAFETY

Protective gear to help you enjoy the sport.

Check out lots of new protection options.

Information on Protective Gear

BALL SAFETY

BALL SAFETY

BALL SAFETY

Baseball

 Always control your throws. 

More on Ball Safety

PITCHING SAFETY

BALL SAFETY

PITCHING & CATCHING

Pitcher winding up.

Pitching in the zone

More on Pitching Safety

PITCHING & CATCHING

PITCHING & CATCHING

PITCHING & CATCHING

Catcher receiving the pitch.

Be cautious when combining the activities.

Information on Pitching and Catching

FIELD SAFETY

PITCHING & CATCHING

ADDITIONAL SAFETY

Baseball Field and L Screen

Inspect and maintain fields properly to protect all participants. 

Field Inspections and Maintenance

ADDITIONAL SAFETY

PITCHING & CATCHING

ADDITIONAL SAFETY

• The leading causes of injury are being struck by batted balls, thrown and pitched balls, and getting hit by tossed or swung bats. Most of these injuries occur due to lack of skills, emotions, and ineffective coaching.  


• Proper training and being more prepared can help reduce the likelihood of injury and help everyone enjoy our national pastime. 

Additional Safety Concerns

Bat Safety

Always Control Your Bat

Make Sure Your Bat Conforms to League Rules

Make Sure Your Bat Conforms to League Rules

• Handling Bats: When not swung, bats should only be held by the barrel to “control the danger” and maintain the most control. Bats should be held vertically to avoid swaying and potentially striking others. Coaches, parents, and team leaders should follow this practice 100% of the time to act as role models. 


• Dugouts: If your league doesn't use designated warmup areas, the only player that should hold a bat while in the dugout is the on deck batter. If your league permits warmup areas, the in-the-hole batter should be the only one handling a bat prior to exiting the dugout for the on deck warmup area. No other player should handle a bat until they are ready to bat – and then only vertically by the barrel until clear of the dugout. The team should set whether the in-the-hole hitter or bench coach is responsible for retrieving bats used by previous hitters to get them back to the dugout.


• Bat Storage: Bats should be removed from gear bags and stored in one location (e.g., rack) for easy access and safe handling. Even during practices, try to keep them in one area so players (and coaches) don’t trip over them in the grass and possibly twist their ankle or get injured falling.


• Avoid senseless injuries by not tossing or holding a bat incorrectly:

  • Bats should never be thrown for any reason: Everyone should resist the urge to casually toss a bat for any reason. Catchers should resist the urge to toss opponent's bats towards their dugout after a hitter leaves the batter’s box. Let each team handle their own bats. 
  • Special care should be given when light fades at dusk, long practices or games come to an end, and folks are heading home. Collecting equipment for the gear bag or making sure everyone has their bat should be done safely.
  • Excited hitters need to control their emotions and drop bats safely. Use the link below to see how Safer Baseball's Rubber and Banner Mats train hitters to control their bat.

Hitters Safely handling bats

Make Sure Your Bat Conforms to League Rules

Make Sure Your Bat Conforms to League Rules

Make Sure Your Bat Conforms to League Rules

Baseball Bat with Safer Baseball Safety Target Symbol Decal

• Leagues and tournaments can have different batting regulations so make sure you are using the correct bat standard for your league play. Some leagues even require wood bats. Little League Baseball adheres to the new USABat standard:

On January 1, 2018, USA Baseball implemented the USABat Standard for non-wood youth baseball bats. Under USABat, approved bats that feature the USA Baseball mark are performance tested and required to perform at a wood-like standard.


Many Travel leagues still permit USSSA Bats. Many Travel leagues also prohibit use of USSSA Bats used during the regular season and on grass and dirt fields when playing on artificial turf or synthetic fields due to the faster playing surface. 


• Always check with your team manager regarding approved bats based on the bat itself and the playing surface. 

  • USA Baseball USABat Youth Standard Approved Bat List 
  • USA Baseball USABat Youth Standard Decertified Bats 

Check out Safer Baseball Bat Decals

Helmet Safety

Wear a helmet whenever exiting the dugout with a bat.

Wear a helmet whenever exiting the dugout with a bat.

Wear a helmet whenever exiting the dugout with a bat.

• Helmet should:

  • Fit well and be appropriately certified for use. 
  • Not wobble or be too loose. Do the shake test. 
  • Be worn consistently, correctly, and be well maintained. 


• Finding the right helmet: CDCSAFE (Size, Ask, Fit, and Evaluate) Get a Heads Up on Helmets HEADS UP video 


• Specific Fact Sheets on Concussion page, but two key items:   

   1) A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body.   

   2) Any concussion signs or symptoms (See specific symptoms video):

  • Assess the player, then assess them again later.
  • Athlete is supervised for at least one or two hours.
  • Talk to the player's parents about watching for symptoms. 
  • If the signs or symptoms get worse, you need to consider it a medical emergency - Call 911.

   3) HEADS UP Four-Step Action Plan    

   4) Always Remember: When in doubt, Sit them out. 


• Wearing the right helmet: CDC GET A HEADS UP ON Batter’s Helmet Safety PDF


• Detailed on-the-field head injury response section coming soon.

Equipment Inspection and Helmet Accessories

Wear a helmet whenever exiting the dugout with a bat.

Wear a helmet whenever exiting the dugout with a bat.

Video above was made prior to implementation of the 2018 USABat Standard.


• Accessories: 

  • It is common these days to see youth players wearing a batting helmet with a chin guard extension "C-flap" for more protection. Many MLB players are now wearing chin guard extensions (kids think it’s cool matching MLB players). More wire face guards, polycarbonate shields, and sports goggles with protective lenses like the ones in softball are being used. Some recreational baseball leagues require them while on the field. Pittsburgh Pirate Dave Parker was the first hitter to wear a face mask, but many different items are now worn. 
  • Ordinary glasses are no substitute for protective eyewear and offer no protection against eye injuries.  
  • Batters, pitchers, and other infielders should consider wearing mouth guards to reduce the number and severity of dental injuries – especially those wearing braces.  
  • Keep Cool: Hydration is not the only factor. On hot and humid days one silent danger is raising body temperatures. Kneeling during breaks in play, taking hats off on the field during action breaks, and in the dugout (take fielding and batting gloves off too), and staying in the shade when possible are all helpful to lowering body temperatures.  

Check out Safer Baseball Helmet Decals

Avoid Getting Hit By a Pitch or Batted Ball

Avoiding Wild Pitches

More Protection From Batted Balls

More Discussion Needed

Batter Safety

• More focus on teaching batter safety. Younger players learn skills better when some of the fear factor is removed. As batters begin facing live pitching, build their confidence and address their concerns over getting hit. The goal is to protect them while not having them fear the batter’s box. First “walk the pitch” to home plate to show batters the inside pitch path. Then lightly throw tennis, whiffle, or softer “safety” balls at players from different distances to practice the turn and bend method. Use an L screen in front of them while you pitch a baseball directly at them, so they turn and bend correctly while the ball hits the screen. This improves reaction time and muscle memory. Repeat drills as often as appropriate.


• Harmful Instinct. Telling kids, “the best way to overcome fear is to face it” is true. But the best technique to decrease injury severity when getting hit by a pitch is to turn away. To avoid getting hit, the youngest players often reach their forward hand out to try and knock a pitch down. In doing so, they can instill a habit of not properly turning away and instead towards the incoming danger. This exposes their front side (chest, face, arms, wrists, hands, groin, knees) to the pitch. This danger obviously increases as they get older and pitches come in faster.

Never turn towards a pitch that may hit you.

 

 • “Turn and Bend”. Teach players to turn their upper body away from the inside wild pitch. To help protect their face, they should raise their front shoulder, push chin towards chest and pull front elbow in to protect ribs, and bend down while moving the bat towards the ground. This creates a less vulnerable target (back of the arm, shoulder, back and buttocks) with more meat and fat to absorb the hit. It will sting, but better than getting hit in areas with smaller bones that can result in serious injury. Drop the bat towards the ground to decrease the chance the bat hits the ball which leads to a foul tip and strike (in counts with less than two strikes).  


More Discussion Needed

More Protection From Batted Balls

More Discussion Needed

The game continues to evolve with better pitching and hitting at younger ages, especially as kids seem to get bigger at younger ages these days. Some travel league players also play in recreational leagues creating skills and performance gaps in players. Make time for discussion with parents and players about ways to increase safety from wild pitches and batted balls.


• Age appropriate pitching. Teaching how to turn away from inside pitches may not be enough. Some competitive pitchers, without their manager's knowledge, are adding movement pitches to their repertoire that older brothers or personal trainers teach them. Throughout the season, managers should reinforce league rules about appropriate pitches. 


• Face guards, shields, masks, cap liners, and mouth guards for batters and infielders: Facial injuries can be devastating. Batting helmets, gloves, sliding pants, shin guards, and other protective gear have become commonplace. Elbow pads, forearm sleeves, and leg guards are used more these days. Any sport where the chance of injury is high, should have players wearing proper protection suitable to their level of play. Injuries to the mouth, teeth and eyes can cause expensive and life altering problems - financially and emotionally. Facial features (eyes, nose, sinus, mouth) and the brain are fragile. Concussion, broken nose, knocked out or chipped teeth, cuts, bruises, and abrasions, as well as the shock, pain, recovery, and emotional toll from injuries are a shocking and avoidable aspect of today’s game. 


• Why let a wild pitch or screaming come backer change a child’s future? Injuries will increase along with skills. Good hitters, and especially those playing year-round with personal hitting instructors, are taught to hit the ball aggressively back up the middle. Pitchers getting increased coaching year-round are throwing harder and better at unsuspecting normal recreational leaguers. There are many reasons why players should play in both travel and recreation leagues. But as this continues to increase, league organizations need to discuss increased safety training, defensive skills, and wearable safety equipment.  


Parents have the ultimate say on their child wearing additional protective equipment. 

More Protection From Batted Balls

More Protection From Batted Balls

More Protection From Batted Balls

Pitcher Safety

• Increased Concern for Pitchers: The most serious injuries result from batted balls hit back at the pitcher but other infielders are at risk too. Pitchers should get more fielding practice including handling come backers so they can be more equipped to move fast, spear line drives, and avoid being hit (catching or deflecting the ball with their glove). Increasing pitcher fielding drills will help cut down on injuries from balls hit hard back at the pitcher. 


• Catcher helmets improved significantly  with hockey style helmets, adjustable jaw pads, improved throat protectors, moisture and impact absorbent shells, cool mesh liners, extra holes for ventilation, etc. There are a lot of new options for pitchers and infielders to choose. 


• Pitcher and infielder specific equipment: The “C-Flap” is becoming more common for batters. The face mask (although a shock for old-schoolers, as well as bump caps, liners, shells, padded headbands, and other headgear all add safety and have minimal if any affect on performance) will see even more use in the field - especially for more vulnerable pitchers. Some leagues have mandated more protection (mouth guards and face shields/masks) for infielders. It won’t be surprising to see even more youth baseball leagues follow girl’s softball with mandatory face protection requirements for infielders. 


• Pitching Machines. Some leagues utilize these at lower levels thinking it makes the game safer by controlling pitches, diminishes fear of being hit by a pitched ball, improves player confidence, avoids injury to pitchers during practice and games, and creates more action at the plate and in the field. 


• Baserunners are often focused on basepaths and fielders, not the hitter. One way to be in the best position is always touch or lead off a base with your left foot. Sounds simple, but many players don’t always do this and are therefore not in the best position to see or react to a hit ball or the play overall.

Concussion Safety Videos & Fact Sheets

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Videos to learn more about brain injury basics:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Videos to learn more about brain injury basics:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Videos to learn more about brain injury basics:

X-ray of Brain Right Side of Head and Jaw

• What Is A Concussion?

• Concussion Animation

• Concussion Signs & Symptoms

• Responding to a Concussion

• Concussion Danger Signs

• Recovery from a Concussion

• Returning to School

• Returning to Sports

• Brain Injury Prevention

• MLB Eric Byrnes Protecting Young Athletes PSA

Source: Centers for Disease Control HEADS Up to Youth Sports

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) HEADS UP Fact & Information Sheets:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Videos to learn more about brain injury basics:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Videos to learn more about brain injury basics:

X-ray of jaw and teeth

Safer Baseball Customized Forms Will be Uploaded SOON

• HEADS UP Concussion Action Plan

• Concussion Fact Sheet for Coaches

• Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents

• Parent & Athlete Concussion Information Sheet

• Concussion Fact Sheet for Middle School Athletes

• Concussion Fact Sheet for High School Athletes

• Concussion Fact Sheet for School Professionals

• Concussion Facts & Fill in Contact Numbers

Source: Centers for Disease Control HEADS Up to Youth Sports 

Wearable Gear Safety Practices

Wearing the Right Gear Helps Prevent Injuries

Wearing the Right Gear Helps Prevent Injuries

Wearing the Right Gear Helps Prevent Injuries

• Batting helmets must be worn whenever a player is at bat, waiting to bat, or running the bases. Helmets should cover both ears and can have chin extension or face mask (shield) attachments to provide extra protection. 


• Batters can also choose to wear additional elbow, foot, ankle, shin protection, mouthguards, batting gloves, and sliding pants. 


• Whether it's in a game, in the bullpen, or during warm-ups, catchers should always wear a helmet with a face mask, throat guard, full-length chest protector, catcher’s mitt, and shin guards. Developing a consistent throwing hand placement while receiving the ball from the pitcher is also key to reducing hand injuries.


• Make sure to always wear your uniform correctly with appropriate gear including proper cleats and protective equipment (elbow guards, helmet extenders, sliding shorts, etc.) if desired. 


• Athletic cups (for males) are mandatory. Getting them used to wearing them while they are young makes it easier. You don't want to tell them they should have been wearing one...after an unfortunate incident. 


• Care for league issued equipment (bats, catcher’s gear) and tell coaches if equipment is damaged or needs to be replaced. 


• Youth baseball shoes should have molded plastic cleats for grass and dirt fields. Turf or fitness shoes can be worn on synthetic fields. Metal spikes are only for older players since they can cause injury and wear down all surfaces – especially synthetic fields.



Be Ready for Action and Be Team Focused

Wearing the Right Gear Helps Prevent Injuries

Wearing the Right Gear Helps Prevent Injuries

Wearable safety gear

• Be ready for action. Don’t always be the last one out of the dugout. Have your glove, hat, and sunglasses (if necessary) to take the field; and helmet, batting gloves, and protective equipment if your up to bat soon. After the third out, don’t mosey in or out of the dugout. Hustle – especially if your coach likes to have between inning pep talks.


• Stay on the field or in the dugout. Unless requested by a coach, don’t stray from the dugout or visit family and friends or encourage them to enter the dugout during practices or games. If you need to use the bathroom facilities or leave for any other reason, make sure your coach knows before you depart the dugout.


Wearing a glove that fits improves performance and safety. Wearing Uncle John's larger glove can cause issues: too heavy to control or see around, possibly cause imbalanced throws, and decrease enjoyment.  

Choose & Break In the Right Glove

Ball Safety

Always Control Your Throw

Safety Baseballs and Safer Baseball Ball Stamps

Safety Baseballs and Safer Baseball Ball Stamps

Players can easily harm others by not controlling their throws. There are several key steps to increase ball safety:


• Control Your Throws: Never throw a ball without the receiver looking at you. Look first to make sure your teammate is looking at you, then throw.


• Stay in line during warmup toss: One of the easiest ways to hit a teammate with a ball is not following simple safety practices during warmup toss sessions.

  • Start warmups by tossing at an easy distance (i.e., 15 – 20 feet). After a few minutes warming up and then 5 or 10 catches in a row (make it a competition), move all players back 10 yards at the same time and repeat.  
  • Avoid hitting each other by working as a group and staying in line with a safe amount of space between teammates on both sides to help everyone avoid errant throws.  
  • If you miss a throw, make sure you look and don’t cross into balls tossed near you while retrieving the ball. Don’t throw from where you retrieve the ball. Return to your original position before resuming warm-up toss.  
  • No showboating which can lead to senseless injuries, lost play time, and hurt feelings. 


• Integrate ball throwing safety into between inning warmups:

  • Only pitcher, 1ST baseman and center fielder should take a ball out to the field. Often a bench player will warmup toss with the outfielder closest to their dugout. 
  • All balls should be safely returned through the baseman (1ST or 3RD) closest to the team's dugout to minimize criss-crossing throws over other infielders and wild throws hitting coaches and opposing players.
  • Coaches should be mindful of errant throws during warmups sailing into the dugout or hitting them as they walk to 1ST and 3RD coaching stations. Travel league coaches who often sit outside the dugout have to be more aware.

Players Safely Throwing Balls

Safety Baseballs and Safer Baseball Ball Stamps

Safety Baseballs and Safer Baseball Ball Stamps

Safety Baseballs and Safer Baseball Ball Stamps

Baseball with Safer Baseball Safety Target Symbol

• Safety Baseballs. Many variations on balls for youth baseball. Some are referred to as Reduced Injury Factor (RIF) balls. Safety balls are softer than regular baseballs, can have raised seams making the ball easier to grip, and should be used for practices and games at lower levels (Tee Ball and Single A) and strongly considered for higher levels.


• National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment: Standard no. ND027 has three types of ball (Low, Medium, and High) designated for children with the lowest, moderate and advanced skill levels. Leagues determine the balls best suited for their organization.


• USABat Approved Tee Ball List


• Parents should consider using safety balls at home, especially with younger siblings around, since they can help reduce injury severity and as an added bonus - less damage to property.


Safer Baseball Safety Target Symbol Stamps serve as an external cue  reminding players to handle balls safely. Always control your throw.

Check out Safer Baseball Ball Stamps
AMSI Youth Pitching Guidelines

Pitch Limit Examples

Avoid Pitching Too Much

Arm protection is even more critical these days with elbow and shoulder injuries on the rise in youth baseball. As children progress into upper level sports and competition they are evaluated and trained by higher quality coaches and often tailored with customized training programs. It's the 18 and under participation where parents really need to be engaged to help monitor safety and best practices to help coaches and leagues protect young athletes. 


Safer Baseball is reaching out to experts advocating varied approaches based on science and experience to help monitor this key topic. Guidelines are age specific. But as all coaches and parents know, age doesn’t determine physical maturity. Use your best judgement to protect all athletes. In fact, USA Baseball's Pitch Smart campaign guidelines call for 4 days of rest for 17-18 year-olds when pitching 81+ pitches. These pitcher and catcher specific sections are just a small collection of what we are reviewing to help you consider while pursuing the #1 priority for all – protecting youth athletes.


• Pitching too much can lead to serious injuries. Follow league rules for the maximum: number of throws per game (week, season, and year) is most important. Innings per week and the associated days of rest are also key. Batters faced and game performance are metrics coaches use to evaluate the mental load on athletes. Pitchers should take at least 3 months off per year from overhead sports (i.e., sports that involve a lot of overhead arm movements, like baseball or volleyball). If any player, especially pitchers and catchers, feels pain in their throwing arm, they should not be allowed to pitch or catch until the pain goes away.


• Coaches and pitchers need to be on the same page on types of pitches. Coaches should ensure young pitchers are focused on developing proper mechanics by focusing exclusively on the four-seam fastball. When appropriate they will eventually learn the two-seam change-of pace (change-up) before learning to throw different types of breaking pitches (curveballs or sliders). Coaches must guard against pitchers learning two-seam and braking pitches on their own and “sneaking” them into their routines. Trust goes both ways. Competitive pitchers may learn unapproved pitches that may risk shoulder and elbow pain if thrown incorrectly and lead to more wild pitches and struck batters. Pitchers and coaches need to discuss approved pitches and when (usually teenage years due to bone maturity) and how to learn and throw them in competition properly to protect all participants. Catchers who recognize unusual movement on pitches need to talk to the pitcher and coach about possibly unapproved pitches since protecting athletes is priority #1. 


• Some coaches and private trainers believe the issue is more about proper coaching, physical maturity based on the individual athlete, and potential benefit of properly learning different pitches at earlier ages. As pitchers learn new pitches, poor mechanics may do more harm than number of pitches. Many parents realize children have difficulty following simple instructions so relying on a child to remember how to protect their arm properly while throwing a new pitch at younger ages is a discussion coaches must have with parents. Safer Baseball urges caution and encourages more discussion on this topic. 


• More detailed information below from ASMI, Little League, and USA Baseball/MLB's Pitch Smart Campaign.

Pitch Smart Campaign

Many organizations follow and support the efforts of Major League Baseball and USA Baseball's Pitch Smart campaign. 

The USA Baseball/MLB Pitch Smart website notes, “Each organization -- whether it be a league, travel team, showcase or tournament -- should establish rules to ensure that players must follow the guidelines while playing in that league. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the parent and the athlete to ensure that the player follows the guidelines for his age group over the course of a year -- given that he will oftentimes play in multiple leagues with different affiliations covering different times of the year.“   

More on Pitch Smart

Pitcher Catcher Combination

Pitching and Catching Can Lead To Overuse Injuries

Pitching and Catching Can Lead To Overuse Injuries

Pitching and Catching Can Lead To Overuse Injuries

Pitching and Catching can lead to injuries

Pitching and Catching: Few keep track of catcher throws and that should change. Safer Baseball wants to start a new safety monitoring trend. If your catcher also pitches, start tracking the number of throws back to the pitcher and bases and consider switching to a different position if necessary. Some leagues monitor catcher innings but tracking number of throws (including throws to bases) is more accurate. The pitching chart above limits 9/10-year-olds to 75 pitches a day (Little League guidelines) and 50 pitches a day (ASMI guidelines). Whichever guidelines your league uses, if the pitcher gets close to the maximum, or pitches multiple innings, it’s not smart to then have them switch to catching for the next two innings. Better to space out activities by giving their arm a break with some time at another position. Safer Baseball is developing recommendations in this area. Practice caution and protect youth arms by minimizing overall throws as much as possible and prioritize rest during a game, week, and season.


As stated below by the ASMI, the pitcher-catcher combination needs to be avoided in the same game. Knowing many pitchers do catch, coaches need to consider ASMI’s recommendation, limit the combination as much as possible, and most importantly strictly monitor combined activities and certainly follow league and organizational rules.   

  • Review Little League rules on pitcher-catcher combinations. In general, There is no limit to the number of pitchers a team may use in a game. Exception: Any player who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.


Key considerations: 

  • Pitch counts matter for both positions. Innings extended with a lot of pitches, have both the pitcher and catcher throwing more so closely monitor the activity of each role.  
  • Keep combined activities in a game to a minimum and separate the roles with at least one inning at a different position (e.g. outfield to take a break from constant throwing and give arm muscles and ligaments a break.  
  • Over specialization can also lead to injury. Allow young players to play all over the infield and outfield to protect knees and arms from too much catching and pitching and produce overall athletes. A burning desire to work behind home plate may morph into a love for diving after balls in the outfield. Let them find their passion!



Preventing Pitcher Injuries

Pitching and Catching Can Lead To Overuse Injuries

Pitching and Catching Can Lead To Overuse Injuries

Pitching too much can lead to injuries

American Sports Medicine Institute Position Statement for Adolescent Baseball Pitchers (Updated April 2013)

With the rise in elbow and shoulder injuries in adolescent baseball pitchers, the adult community needs to take steps to prevent these injuries. Research points to overuse as the principle risk factor. Poor pitching mechanics also contribute to injury risk. Another suggested risk factor is poor physical fitness.


Throwing curveballs has been suggested as a risk factor, but the existing research does not support this concern. However, an adolescent pitcher may not have enough physical development, neuromuscular control, and proper coaching instruction to throw a curveball with good mechanics. Throwing curveballs too early may be counter-productive, leading to arm fatigue as well as limiting the youth's ability to master fastball mechanics.

  • Watch and respond to signs of fatigue (such as decreased ball velocity, decreased accuracy, upright trunk during pitching, dropped elbow during pitching, or increased time between pitches). If an adolescent pitcher complains of fatigue or looks fatigued, let him rest from pitching and other throwing. 
  • No overhead throwing of any kind for at least 2-3 months per year (4 months is preferred). No competitive baseball pitching for at least 4 months per year. 
  • Do not pitch more than 100 innings in games in any calendar year. 
  • Follow limits for pitch counts and days rest. 
  • Avoid pitching on multiple teams with overlapping seasons. 
  • Learn good throwing mechanics as soon as possible. The first steps should be to learn, in order: 1) basic throwing, 2) fastball pitching, 3) change-up pitching. 
  • Avoid using radar guns. 
  • A pitcher should not also be a catcher for his team. The pitcher-catcher combination results in many throws and may increase the risk of injury. 
  • If a pitcher complains of pain in his elbow or shoulder, discontinue pitching until evaluated by a sports medicine physician. Inspire adolescent pitchers to have fun playing baseball and other sports. Participation and enjoyment of various physical activities will increase the player's athleticism and interest in sports.  

Protective Equipment for Catchers

Pitchers and Catchers Playing on Multiple Teams

Pitchers and Catchers Playing on Multiple Teams

Catcher's gear

Additional protective equipment (forearm sleeves, wrist and thumb guards, and knee savers) for catchers. A thumb guard can help mitigate impact from getting bent back in the glove and help prevent or recover from thumb sprains. Knee savers, designed to provide support and comfort and reduce stress on knee joint cartilage while squatting, help catchers pop up quicker and save the legs during long innings and hot days.


Catcher's gear that fits. Due to budget constraints, recreational leagues often only provide one set of catcher's gear. Delays caused by clips coming undone or awkward movements by your child while catching are easy identifiers of too large or small catcher's gear. If your child is larger or smaller than peers, try to find additional options to increase your aspiring catcher's safety, confidence, performance, and enjoyment of the position.

Pitchers and Catchers Playing on Multiple Teams

Pitchers and Catchers Playing on Multiple Teams

Pitchers and Catchers Playing on Multiple Teams

Catching during an evening game

Players on recreation and travel leagues, as well as end of season select or all-star teams, need to tell each manager about their pitch counts. Catcher throws (and innings) are key too since they put additional stress on the arm. Managers should be aware of their pitchers and catcher’s activities (at least 24 hours prior to their next game or practice) so they can plan properly. Since managers on these various teams often have little or no contact, parents need to log pitch counts (and catcher throws) and ensure each coach is fully aware of their child’s arm activity. Independent travel tournaments often have no or different pitch limit rules (i.e., inning, not pitch restrictions) and rest periods. To avoid the risk of an overuse injury to their elbow or shoulder, and reinforce the importance of coach-player communication, parents need to assertively monitor pitch counts, catcher throws (and innings) and days of rest while participating at these events.  

Field Inspection

Field Inspection is Key to Protecting All Participants

Good Field Maintenance is Key to a Successful Season

Field Inspection is Key to Protecting All Participants

League practices and games should only be conducted on league approved fields or indoor facilities (some leagues partner with local gyms and indoor training facilities – e.g., batting cages). Are your fields reserved only for league use during the season or do others share the fields? How is priority determined (by permit)? If so, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of a field permit in a coach’s binder in case there are others trying to use the field during a scheduled practice.  Parents, friends, and siblings should remain off the field unless requested or permitted by a coach. Practice and game times are limited. It is key to help coaches and players make the best use of the allotted time.


General Field Inspection Practices

- Theory: Every field is pristine and fully inspected by a coach and umpire. 

- Practice: Coaches and umpires often arrive just before scheduled time. 

- Solution: Have a league approved plan to be as prepared as possible. 


• Of course it would be best to walk the entire field carefully and use the tips below. An option is to assign a parent to jog the field and scan dugouts and spectator areas. Use warm-ups to have coaches and players look for anything out of the ordinary.

• Look for low spots, metal, glass, rocks, fence issues, other sharp objects. 

• Make sure the field has no holes or divots that a player can step in and be injured. If holes exist, fill them with sand to get you through the game until a proper patch or small piece of sod can be used. 

• Check field irrigation heads to ensure risers have been retracted inside their housing and coverings are installed to help prevent twisted or broken ankles.

• Inspect all boundary areas inside the fence to make sure there are no rakes, drags, or mowing equipment left on the field. Tree limbs hanging over a fence and power lines should also be considered.

• Inspect all dugouts and spectator areas for anything out of the ordinary.

• Players and spectators chasing foul balls outside of the fence area can also get injured. Are there items to address for these individuals?

• As a cautionary red flag, spray field paint in the area for items that can’t be handled prior to the game and notify all umpires and coaches. 

Inspect All Areas to Identify Any Safety Issues

Good Field Maintenance is Key to a Successful Season

Field Inspection is Key to Protecting All Participants

Inspect Fences, Dugouts, and Spectator Stands

Specific Field Inspection Practices

  • Make sure 1ST, 2ND, and 3RD bases will disengage their anchor according to league rules. Breakaway safety bases must be properly installed to protect players.
  • Inspect all bases for moisture that could cause slip and trip issues. 
  • Check bases, paths, mound, home plate circle, etc., have been raked properly and there are no excessive grooves, dips, or large stones that might lead to an injury.
  • Examine the backstop and fencing for any unusual wear or protruding fence or restraining material that may cause an injury to a player chasing a foul ball.
  • Ensure all dugout and other field gates are in place and functioning properly and can be closed during play.


As soon as the practice or game concludes, report any safety hazards or unusual items to your field coordinator.


• No Smoking: Fields designated “Tobacco Free Environments,” means no smoking or other tobacco use is allowed at or around fields during practices or games.



Article below from the Ultimate Baseball Field Renovation Guide website shows how not maintaining fields can lead to many problems.

Don't Let Your Fields Deteriorate

Good Field Maintenance is Key to a Successful Season

Good Field Maintenance is Key to a Successful Season

Good Field Maintenance is Key to a Successful Season

Field Maintenance: An entire site could be dedicated to this topic. Therefore, here are some links from great resources on the topic your can utilize:


• Beacon Athletics 

  • How to Water Baseball Baselines 
  • Game Day Field Prep (video  above)
  • Ballfield Tools and Articles


• Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply

  • Baseball Infield Skin And Lip Maintenance 


• Ohio State University Baseball Field Management certificate course:

  • Dragging and Raking Instructional Video


• Baseball Field Restoration:

  • From Sandlot To Dream Field from Ventrac by Venture Products 
  • Baseball Infield Renovation by DuraEdge Products  

 

• Coast to coast tips from local leagues applicable to many fields: 

- Laguna Youth Baseball, Elk Grove, CA:

  • Painting Batters Boxes & Foul Lines

- City of Plymouth Parks and Recreation, Plymouth, MN

  • Field Maintenance & Avoiding Too Wet Fields

- HogboodBaseball, Woodstock, NY:

  • Baseball Field Maintenance
  • Pitching Mound & Cover   


Each league must determine its own practices and properly train volunteers with helpful tips and practices with the added cautionary note – First Do No Harm - by not following league guidelines. 




COVID-19 Return To Play Guidelines

Help Prevent COVID-19 Field Closures

Return To Play PPE and Contact Guidelines

Return To Play Umpire and Field Specifics

COVID-19 County Park Sign

We learned a lot in 2020 as we did our best to react to a pandemic that limited our activities and heightened our fears. Hopefully, your league worked through the challenges to get kids and volunteers on the ballfield. We have now entered a phase of mitigation knowing that by working together we can continue enjoying America's pastime


One key to success was to allow everyone to voice their concerns and participate in the proposed solutions. Now that most leagues had 2020 to work through their specific challenges, best practices can be utilized going forward to continue playing baseball. 


Anyone at risk for severe illness or with a serious underlying medical or respiratory condition should only attend practices or games with permission from a medical professional. 


Guidelines: Follow State, Center for Disease Control (CDC), county, and league guidance for your location-specific designated phase of COVID-19.


COVID-19 Coordination: Each league should create a COVID Committee so interested parents and league representatives can work together to create a workable plan. Each team should appoint a COVID coach/parent to coordinate COVID policies and share best practices.


COVID-19 Waiver: Coaches, players, and parents must sign a waiver before participating in league activities.


Self-Monitoring: While day-of-event screenings may no longer be required, parents, players, coaches, and family members should still monitor their temperature (with thermometers if necessary) to screen themselves before attending any team activity. If daily screening is required, fill out a monitoring document to turn into the COVID coach/parent (electronic reporting recommended) before or upon arrival.


Symptoms Restriction & Quarantine: Anyone exhibiting or exposed to persons with COVID-19 symptoms should not attend any team activities. Parents must report to their manager if anyone in their family tests positive for COVID. COVID coach must report any COVID-19 positive player or spectator to their team, opposing team, and league COVID coordinator.



Return To Play Umpire and Field Specifics

Return To Play PPE and Contact Guidelines

Return To Play Umpire and Field Specifics

County Park Field Closure Sign

Umpires:  

  • One of the biggest challenges last year was having umpires stand behind the pitcher rather than behind the plate. In fact, we learned a new term - the COVID Strike - for the unusual amount of higher strikes called with the challenge of judging them from 50 feet away. While leagues and umpires can continue to use their discretion to call balls and strikes from behind the pitcher, rather than the catcher, doing so may continue to frustrate players and spectators.
  • Except during tournament and playoff play, umpires should try and limit touching baseballs or softballs. Teams should handle their own baseballs or softballs whenever practical. 


Snacks and Drinks:  

  • If permitted, concession stands or food sales should follow best practices. 
  • No shared team drinks, food, or containers. Everyone should bring their own – preferably labeled. 
  • Sunflower seeds, nuts, gum, etc., should not be allowed in the dugout or on the field. 
  • All should refrain from spitting. 


Restrooms and Port-a-Johns: 

  • Many already have a Top 10 list of procedures to follow when utilizing these. COVID-19 obviously adds an entirely new layer of caution. 
  • Most leagues rely on county/city fields so coordination of increased cleaning of facilities needs to occur. 


Unprecedented Times: Everyone needs to understand these changes were originally more restrictive and they have been loosened in 2021 with additional experience and information. We all need to follow the league-specific guidelines and most important be patient to help all volunteers coordinate safe play for our children and all involved. 

Return To Play PPE and Contact Guidelines

Return To Play PPE and Contact Guidelines

Return To Play PPE and Contact Guidelines

Youth League Socially Distancing Team Outside the Dugout

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • While masks/face coverings (gaitors) may no longer be required for outdoor league activities, players and volunteers are welcome to wear a mask when on or off the field.  
  • Players should not wear protective medical gloves on the field during gameplay or practice.
  • Face coverings should not be placed on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • Face coverings (mask or gaiter) are meant to protect others in case you are infected. If you choose not to wear a face covering, cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. Use the inside of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue.
  • All must respect the personal decision of players, volunteers, and spectators wearing masks - especially since most aren't aware of the individual health and/or COVID incidents many have experienced relative to friends and family.


 Baseballs & Softballs: 

  • Each team supplies their own balls from the dugout while their team is in the field. Essentially, the defense provides balls.  
  • Teams should separate infield and outfield warm-up balls from game balls and maintain separate containers for clean and dirty balls. 
  • Should be rotated at least every two innings, wiped down before they are thrown back into play. After outs, the ball should go right back to the pitcher (limit throwing it around).
  • Foul balls retrieved by the defensive team, not spectators. 


Limit Contact: 

  • Volunteers should be drawn from the same household as players as much as possible.
  • Limit equipment sharing: helmet, glove, bat, sunglasses, etc.
  • No handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, or hugs, etc.
  • Instead of postgame handshakes, consider lining up outside the dugout and tipping caps to the opposing team.


Every organization should have its own guidelines. 2020 advice:

  • Little League Return to Play Checklist 
  • Little League COVID-19 policies

General Injury Prevention

Baseball Safety Essentials

Baseball Safety Essentials

Baseball Safety Essentials

Baseball Safety Essentials

• Does your league have an ASAP (A Safety Awareness Plan) that Little League wisely introduced in 1995 and other leagues have modeled. If not, why not?


• Review your league’s safety plan with your child, fellow parents, and coaches.


• Ask your coach about your team’s plan for emergencies. Most league coaches are volunteers. If you or another parent is medically trained, let the coach know you might be a go-to source in case an injury occurs. 

  • Are ice/emergency cold packs available at each practice and game? 
  • How far is the closest hospital or urgent care center? 
  • Does your team use a Web App to coordinate communications? If so, is there a page dedicated to safety and a link to SaferBaseball.com?
  • Do all parents have a team roster with contact information to increase communication during emergencies?


• Whole section on Treating Sports Injuries will be completed soon. Please hit the link below for helpful information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Treating Sports Injuries with Ice & Heat

Injury Prevention Practices

Baseball Safety Essentials

Baseball Safety Essentials

• Players should always:

  • Arrive on time or early to properly warm up and stretch before practices and games. 
  • Use proper technique, especially when throwing, fielding, avoiding collisions, running the bases, and sliding. 
  • If injured or feel pain, tell your coach and parent immediately. If your playing in multiple leagues (recreational, travel, or school teams) and sports make sure every coach is aware of any pain or injury. 
  • Hydrate: Drink fluids 30 minutes before, every 15-20 minutes during, and after practices/games – especially on hot, sunny, and humid days.  
  • Let your coach know if someone is not following team safety procedures. 


• Parents should always:

  • Discuss their child’s athletic participation with their pediatrician. 
  • Ensure their child’s off-season activities relax arms and focus on core strength and conditioning.  
  • Feel free to discuss injury prevention with their child’s coach and fellow team parents. 
  • Let your coach know if someone (players or spectators) is not following team safety procedures.
  • Add a soft ice pack (flexible for a specific injury rather than just the hard plastic ones that are more common these days) to their family cooler just in case the team's emergency cold packs aren't functioning properly. There are also soft vinyl reusable gel ice and heat options with Velcro that help isolate a specific area (e.g., an 8- to 10-inch wrap that can be used to surround and steady a hand, elbow, or knee. 
  • Make sure the ice treatment is on the applicable area. The first 15-30 minutes are critical. Excited and shocked players may not be best to rely on for identifying and keeping the ice treatment on the right spot. Make sure you are treating the correct area and for the right amount of time.

Additional Safety Concerns

Prioritize Safety, Good Behavior, and Best Practices to Keep Kids on the Field

Prioritize Safety, Good Behavior, and Best Practices to Keep Kids on the Field

Prioritize Safety, Good Behavior, and Best Practices to Keep Kids on the Field

• Identifying and Preventing Abuse: It’s far from a new problem, but responsible organizations are taking huge steps to protect children from predators. USA Baseball has taken a lead role and is doing to great job of making baseball a safe environment for kids across the country by providing free access to dedicated programs. USA Baseball’s SafeSport program provides a free Online Parent Toolkit to give you the necessary information for your young athlete and help understand and how to respond to signs of abuse. Parents can even access age specific online training at no cost. Simply create an account and you’ll be able to access the training. In late 2018, USA Baseball launched Pure Baseball as its zero-tolerance campaign for any type of abuse within the sport of baseball. Visit PureBaseball.org to learn more about how your league volunteers can be screened and trained and how a national registry of ineligible participants (offenders) has been created to track offenders.


• Social Media & Privacy: One of the greatest hazards of youth today are the electronic devices that can instantly promote and permanently impact/scar a child based on online harassment or broadcasting an embarrassing moment in their young lives. Baseball is a team sport made up of individual performance. Errors and mistakes are part of the game. Posting video of a missed grounder, tripping over a base, striking out at a critical juncture of the game may be innocuous to most people but emotionally scarring for others. Please be cautious and strongly consider how you might feel if the video or image you are posting to social media sites featured you (or your child) instead.


• Undue Pressure on Players: Especially for young players and any new entrants to the game. Baseball and softball are sports, but they are just games to raise the spirits and joy of all participants. 

  • Competitive aspects increase as players rise through the ranks. But if a child is pressured to play or ridiculed based on their performance, the most likely outcome is they will quit. One wonderful aspect of coaching is seeing the light come on or a significant increase in performance by players who were originally slow to grasp the skills or strategies. There are few rewards greater in coaching than seeing a child realize a love for and dedication to baseball once they “get it.” Make sure to prioritize enjoyment and participation to help your child determine their own desire for and success in the game. 
  • Cheering and supporting your player are key to team spirit. But are you the only parent shouting at your child on each strike at the plate, wild pitch on the mound, or missed grounder or fly in the field? Is your child looking at you or their coach for direction after they Tomahawk swing or are swinging too early or late. Calm your child at the plate by knowing when he hears your voice it’s to celebrate a great performance, not to point out a brief challenge. 
  • Let their coach be the one who provides in-game instruction and ways to help the team. You will have plenty of time on the drive home or over dinner to let your child describe what happened and how you can help. We’re all sure you wouldn’t want your child pointing out how you forgot to use your turn signal or missed a turn while you were late and nervously driving to the game during rush hour traffic. 

Help Prevent Field Closures

Prioritize Safety, Good Behavior, and Best Practices to Keep Kids on the Field

Prioritize Safety, Good Behavior, and Best Practices to Keep Kids on the Field

County Park Field Closure Sign

• Correctly Sized Gear: Sports participation today requires investment in proper equipment, footwear, and? Often, players have the wrong size equipment because it is available, a handy down from a sibling or neighbor, belonged to a favorite relative, players get used to a glove or bat and don’t want to change, child is growing rapidly, or the item can be too expensive for the parent to replace. Your child’s ability to play the game correctly due to too small or too large a glove, bat, catcher’s gear, cleats, etc. is also key. In fact, many experts attribute poor throwing habits and even arm injuries to young players using gloves that are too large. Try flipping a pancake while holding a bowling ball in the other hand…For both safety and performance, try to ensure your child uses correctly sized equipment and accessories. 


• Emergency Injury Treatment: Unfortunately, injuries do occur on the field of play. It’s not an if, but when and how severe, an injury. Coaches are required to have ice packs and First-Aid kits at all practices and games. Seeking evaluation and treatment by a medical professional is always the best choice, but what is your plan in the first 15 minutes? Safer Baseball highly recommends assigning a team parent, hopefully medically trained, to act as a lead when injuries do occur. Coaches are asked to be many things but having a parent (and a backup if possible since parents don’t attend every practice and game) who is medically trained and can fully dedicate all attention to the injured player is beneficial to all. 


• STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention) Sports Injuries provides information on injuries that are common to multiple sports. Check out their very helpful Sports Specific and Injury Specific Tip Sheets. Consider printing out some of the items and including them in your Team Binder that includes the mandatory player Medical Release forms and kept on hand at all practices and games.


• Double Wide First Base: Will youth baseball mandate the double wide first base used in softball? Decreasing the chance of collision (1st baseman and batter running to the base) is the primary benefit. Another factor is making the throw slightly easier for the other infielders (increasing their confidence) and making it easier for the 1st baseman to catch the ball cleaner with the likelihood of less contact with the baserunner.

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