/ San Benito Babe Ruth
Hollister, CA 95023
(831)664-8567

LEAGUE

SAFETY

MANUAL

2016-2017

LEAGUE OBJECTIVE

SECTION 1

The objective of the Local League shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens.

SECTION 2

To achieve this objective, the Local League will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of San Benito Babe Ruth Baseball, Incorporated. All Directors, Officers and Members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of prime importance. In accordance with Section 501-(c)-(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, the Local League shall operate exclusively as a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball and softball games. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

Dear Managers, Coaches, Players, and Parents:

Welcome to another fun and exciting season of San Benito Babe Ruth Baseball! The Board of Directors would like to improve safety for everyone involved with our baseball program and so has directed the League Safety Officer to develop a safety program with the intent of preventing injuries and raising everyone’s awareness toward improving safety. This manual is designed to give all of us access to a common reference for the many things involved in an effective safety program. There are sections on injury prevention and first aid, as well as other useful information. Please use it to educate yourself and others of the many benefits of playing injury free!

Very truly yours,

Greg Lopez

President League Safety Officer

San Benito Babe Ruth CONTACT INFORMATION

2016 - 2017 Board Members

President / Greg Lopez / 831-902-7383 /
Vice President / Scott Freund / 408-857-5671 /
Secretary / Monica Sims / 831-524-5503 /
Treasurer / Letty Penzo / 831-537-7626 /
League Information Officer / Adam Russell / 831-776-9536 /
Safety / Wade Skardoutos / 831-673-3085 /
Equipment / Jared Penzo / 831-537-7627 /
Fundraising / Bill Diekmann / 408-817-0297 /
Player Agent - / Shawn Penzo / 831-902-7652 /
Player Agent – Assistant / Michelle Cordova / 831-902-7282 /
Facilities / Grounds / John Ashford / 831-801-0304 /
Sponsorship / Micheal Annotti / 831-245-8482 /
Chief Umpire / Scott Ito
Member @ Large / Dara Tobias / 831-801-1346 /
MAL Vet Liasion / David Lopez / 831-537-3588 /
Member @ Large

Safety Manual and First Aid Kits

Each team will be issued a Safety Manual a First Aid Kit will be on site in dug out at the beginning of the season. The manager or the team must have this first aid kit on hand during all practices and games. First aid kits are on the field at all times. Safety Manual in plain sight at all times. The Safety Manual will include emergency phone numbers and services phone numbers for all Board Directors, the San Benito Babe Ruth Code of Conduct, and some basic injury prevention and first aid information

Volunteer Application Form Each volunteer who provides regular services to San Benito Babe Ruth and/or have repetitive access to or contact with players or teams will have to complete a 2016 Volunteer Application Form as well as provide a government issued photo identification card for ID verification. Each applicant will be checked against National Sex Offender Registries as well criminal files. San Benito Babe Ruth also requires each Board Member, Team Manager and Team Coaches also be fingerprinted and Live Scanned by the County Office of Education.

CODE OF CONDUCT

San Benito Babe Ruth strives to provide a fun, healthful, and enriching program for our players. Our league relies on our parents to support this philosophy, and we ask all parents to be a model of good sportsmanship. We encourage you to come out and enjoy the games, and support every member of your team, as well as applauding great plays by your opponents! Shouting or yelling from players, managers, coaches or spectators must only be of a positive nature to encourage teams and players.

Foul, abusive, degrading or threatening language or action is not appropriate at any youth sporting activity and will not be tolerated. Anyone making remarks or actions which are or could be interpreted as such, shall be warned for the first offense and removed from the playing fields and spectator areas for repeated offenses. Umpires have complete jurisdiction on the playing field. Board members have overall jurisdiction at the ballpark.

Parent Responsibilities:

  1. Let your child choose to play baseball. Support that choice by ensuring that your child attends practices and games. Explain that they have a commitment to the team, and it’s not fair to teammates when a player is repeatedly absent. If you must miss a game or practice, call the manager or coach PRIOR to the absence.
  2. Encourage participation, but don’t pressure your child, especially to perform.
  3. Understand what your child wants from participation in Babe Ruth. Help your child set realistic goals about his or her performance and provide a supportive atmosphere for achieving these goals.
  4. Keep winning in perspective by remembering Athletes First, Winning Second. Instill this perspective in your child.
  5. Help your child understand the experiences associated with competitive sports so he or she can learn the valuable lessons sports can teach.
  6. Discipline your child when he or she misbehaves, breaks the rules, or is uncooperative or uncontrollable.
  7. Turn your child over to the coach at practices and games, and avoid meddling. Remember that when parents “coach from the sidelines”, it can create confusion and stress for your child. If you want to assist with the team, or have a concern, please talk to the manager privately, and avoid confrontation in front of your child. Set a good example by showing respect for your coaches, even when you may not agree with their game strategy.
  8. Help us keep our park clean and safe. Throw away your trash, and remind your children to do the same.
  9. Volunteer!!! -SBBR is an entirely volunteer organization. Your willingness to exchange time and effort for your child’s benefit and enjoyment is very important to the functioning of the league. Cheering your child from the stands is one important way to be involved, but we invite you to do even more by volunteering to help run our program. League operations including equipment, uniforms, trophies, and maintenance cost approximately twice our registration fees. Please help with our fund-raisers, so that we can keep registration low.
  10. Communicate with the board of directors. If you have concerns regarding circumstances at the park, please find a board member, or call one when you get home. If your player has a serious problem or injury, please contact your player agent. ( Player Agent – Ast. Player Agent ) You can also leave a message on the hotline, , and we will return your call.

INJURY PREVENTION

Conditioning & Stretching

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

  1. The stretching and contracting of muscles just before an athletic activity improves general control of movements, coordination and alertness.
  2. 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 / Hints on Calisthenics

1. Stretch necks, backs, arms, thighs, legs and calves.

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1. Repetitions of at least 10.

2. Don’t ask the child to stretch more than he or she is capable of.

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2. Have kids synchronize their movements.

3. Hold the stretch for at least 10 seconds.

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3. Vary upper body with lower body.

4. Don’t allow bouncing while stretching. This tears down the muscle rather than stretching it.

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4. Keep the pace up for a good cardiovascular workout.

5. Have one of the players lead the stretching exercises.

Hydration

Good nutrition is important for children. Sometimes, the most important nutrient children need is water – especially when they are physically active. When children are physically active, their muscles generate heat thereby increasing their body temperature. As their body temperature rises, their cooling mechanism - sweat – kicks in. When sweat evaporates, the body is cooled. Unfortunately, children get hotter than adults during physical activity and their body’s cooling mechanism is not as efficient as adults. If fluids aren’t replaced, children can become overheated. Therefore, children must be encouraged to drink fluids even when they don’t feel thirsty. Managers and coaches should schedule drink breaks every 15 to 30 minutes during practices on hot days, and should encourage players to drink between every inning. During any activity water is an excellent fluid to keep the body well hydrated. It’s economical too! Offering flavored fluids like sport drinks or fruit juice can help encourage children to drink. Sports drinks should contain between 6 and 8 percent carbohydrates (15 to 18 grams of carbohydrates per cup) or less. If the carbohydrate levels are higher, the sports drink should be diluted with water. Fruit juice should also be diluted (1 cup juice to 1 cup water). Beverages high in carbohydrates like undiluted fruit juice may cause stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea when the child becomes active. Caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee, and colas) should be avoided because they are diuretics and can dehydrate the body further. Avoid carbonated drinks, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and may decrease fluid volume.

SAFETY TIPS FOR MANAGERS

San Benito Babe Ruth Safety Officer will email and or post tips for keeping the people (players, volunteers, coaches, etc.) in our league safe.

RULES SPECIFIC TO San Benito Babe Ruth

San Benito Babe Ruth requires that all managers and coaches attend our annual Safety & Rules clinic. Everyone in attendance is required to sign-in with the Board Member at the door. This year our Safety & Rules clinic will be held on ______. We will be speaking about emergency first aid procedures, proper warm-up technique and ways to avoid common elbow and shoulder injury. Also, a veteran League umpire will be going over game rules.

  1. No catching, pepper, or ball playing except within the confines of a field fence.
  2. There is no smoking in the field area. The smoking area is the parking lot.
  3. Board members who open the fields for play should walk the fields to check for hazards (rocks, glass, holes, etc.). Team coaches for the upcoming game are encouraged to perform a pre-game walk-through of the fields and dugouts to check for hazards. Report any hazards identified to the lead umpire or on-duty board member.
  4. Managers or coaches should regularly inspect equipment to ensure its usability. Destroy damaged equipment and contact the League Equipment Manager for replacements.
  5. Most League rules have some basis in safety. They must be followed to prevent injuries to our kids.
  6. Follow all rules as provided in the San Benito Babe Ruth bylaws at all times.
  7. All League Rules as stated in International Rules Handbook” must be followed.
WEATHER

Hot Weather

One thing we do get in Hollister is hot weather. Precautions must be taken in order to make sure the players on your team do not dehydrateor 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 immediately. If a player should collapse as a result of heat exhaustion, call 9-1-1 immediately. 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.

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. Stop practice if the playing conditions become unsafe—use common sense.
  4. If playing a game, consult with the other manager and the umpire to formulate a decision.

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

Lightning

The average lightning strike 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:

  1. Suspend all games and practices immediately.
  2. Stay away from metal including fencing and bleachers.
  3. Do not hold metal bats.
  1. 4. 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.
FUNDAMENTAL TRAINING

San Benito Babe Ruth requires that all managers or at least one participant from each team attend our annual Coaches Clinic on ______. Everyone in attendance is required to sign-in with the Board Member on duty. This year the Coaches Clinic ______location TBD. Veteran coaches from our league will instruct this clini

Pitching Regulations

On behalf of Babe Ruth League, Inc., we want to thank you for the extra efforts you put forth in helping make 2016 a successful and enjoyable season for our participants.

The International Board of Directors has approved the following rule changes beginning with the 2017 season. These changes will be reflected in the 2017 Babe Ruth League, Inc. Rules and Regulations.

BABE RUTH LEAGUE TOURNAMENT PITCHING REGULATIONS

Cal Ripken Baseball, Babe Ruth 13-15 Baseball, and Babe Ruth 16-18 Baseball - Tournament Pitching Rules These pitch count limitations will apply to all tournament games played in District, Area, State, Regional and World Series competition and will completely replace Tournament Regulation Rule 11.05, Paragraph 4 (innings pitch). For the local league season, leagues are still permitted to use pitching limitations as defined in Rule 0.06 and under Local League Options – Pitch Count.

As you may be aware, USA Baseball and MLB team up to help young players reduce arm injuries by providing a comprehensive resource for safe pitching practices. Baseball is a safe game to play at all ages, but research has shown that pitching too much — particularly at a young age — can increase a pitcher's risk of injury. In addition, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced that States must implement pitch counts limits for high school pitchers.

Babe Ruth League has historically implemented safety innovations over the years to ensure our participants are provided with a safe, healthy, educational and enjoyable environment in which to enjoy the game of baseball. As we continue to work to keep the game safe and enjoyable for all participants, we feel that protecting youth pitchers’ arms is extremely important. Therefore, we are mandating the following pitcher restrictions and pitcher rest requirements for tournament competition. These requirements are designed to minimize and (or) prevent serious arm injuries to youth players.

There are no limitations on the number of innings a pitcher may pitch in a tournament (bracket or pool play) game subject to the following pitch count limitations: TOURNAMENT PITCHING REST REQUIREMENTS
AGE / DAILY MAX (PITCHES IN GAME/DAY) / REST PERIOD
0 Days / 1 Day / 2 Days
7-8 / 50 / 1-20 / 21-35 / 36+
9-10 / 75 / 1-40 / 41-65 / 66+
11-12 / 85 / 1-40 / 41-65 / 66+
13-15 / 95 / 1-45 / 46-75 / 76+
16-18 / 105 / 1-45 / 46-75 / 76+

Pitch Count Clarification