Little League began in 1939 with three teams and has grown into the world's largest organized youth sports program with nearly 200,000 teams across 50 US states and over 80 countries. There are several age divisions for baseball and softball that serve children ages 4 to 18. Safety is a top priority, with rules around equipment, field conditions, weather delays, injury reporting, background checks for coaches, and prohibiting one-on-one contact to prevent abuse. Extensive emergency plans are in place to ensure quick response in the event of any medical issues.

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Introduction
According to Little Leagues website, “From those humble beginnings,
Little League Baseball has become the world’s largest organized youth sports
program. In the space of just six decades, Little League grew from three teams to
nearly 200,000 teams, in all 50 U.S. states and more than 80
countries.”(HISTORY OF LITTLE LEAGUE) The baseball division consists of
Tee-Ball, Minor League baseball division (ages 7-11), 9-10 year old baseball
division, Little League Baseball Major division (ages 10-12), Intermediate (50/70)
Baseball division (ages 11-13), Junior League baseball division (ages 12-14),
Senior League baseball division (ages 13-16), and the Big League baseball
division (ages 15-18). (DIVISIONS OF PLAY)
Typical risks include a batter getting hit by a pitch, or even the pitcher
getting hit by a line drive. Both of these are the most common type of risk, but
there are a few more. People who are watching the games are to sit behind
home plate, and also are known to stand on the side next to left and right field.
Due to this common choice, the spectators are to be aware at all times incase a
foul ball is to occur. According to an online pediatrics journal, “The term “Little
League elbow” refers to medial elbow pain attributable to throwing by skeletally
immature athletes. Pitchers are most likely to be affected by this condition, but it
can occur in other positions associated with frequent and forceful throwing.”(Risk
of Injury From Baseball and Softball in Children) In order to protect the pitchers
arm, there is a limit of how many pitches may be thrown. Most leagues

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recommend no more than 200 pitches per week, or 90 pitches per outing, but it
depends on the age of the individual. (Risk of Injury From Baseball and Softball
in Children) There has always been a concern for baseball players who slide
headfirst. According to the pediatrics online journal, “The avoidance of head-first
sliding and the use of softer balls should be considered. For children younger
than 10 years, there have been anecdotal reports of rare but serious cervical
spine injuries occurring when a player slides head-first, hitting an opponent with
the top of the helmet.” (Risk of Injury From Baseball and Softball in Children)
According to the same article, “This injury is similar to that caused by spearing
(using the head as the lead object) in football. Such sliding should be banned for
players younger than 10 years.” (Risk of Injury From Baseball and Softball in
Children)
Safety Risks
According to the Little League website, their mission statement is “Little
League Baseball, Incorporated is a non-profit organization whose mission is to
"promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest
of those who will participate in Little League Baseball and Softball." (THE
MISSION OF LITTLE LEAGUE)
The following equipment is what’s needed to play baseball: baseball bat,
proper fitted glove, batting helmet, cup for protection, baseball cleats, sliding
pants, and baseball pants. All of the equipment listed above may be purchased
at any local sporting goods store. Regular safety check that commonly occurs
are maintaining the field and making sure the turf is properly cut. Also, making

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sure the field is not too wet has always been a priority. If there were rain in the
forecast coaches have to keep the parents up to date and check the field on a
practice or game day so they can ensure its safe enough to use. According to
Little League.org, lightning safety is a priority. In this article, it says, “When the
thunder that Little Leaguers hear is not the roar of the crowd, it is time to get
inside, because lightning may be close behind. That’s why the NOAA National
Weather Service is teaming up with Little League Baseball and Softball to
provide valuable life-saving information regarding the dangers of lightning.”
(Lightning Safety, 2015) The league requires background checks to be
completed by every coaching instructor and those who assist the coach for
practices and games. Coaches are not permitted to go through training for the
skills that are found within the sport, but have to be aware of the safety
precautions that must be expressed in any given emergency. An accident
notification form, which is provided in step 4, allows doctors and any emergency
service official to be given accurate information.
Special Risks
There are many injuries that can occur while playing little league. On the
Little League website, there are many helpful forms to view about safety. The
Play It Safe form is available to view online and gives a better understanding and
appreciation of making Little League a safe activity. The website doesn’t list the
possible injuries that may occur, but the following injuries can possibly happen at
a moments notice. Head injuries may occur any moment due to the batter,
pitcher or any other defenders being hit by the ball. Participants have the

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possibility to get into a collision, which can cause a head, arm, leg, neck, or back
injury. It’s important to note that equipment is to be used to help prevent the
injury, but it doesn’t guarantee participants are immune to getting injured.
Incident/ Accident Reporting
It’s important to know that the required protective equipment to play does
not prevent all injuries players may receive while participating in baseball/softball.
(Little League) There is an accidental claim form to fill out incase an injury were
to occur. According to the claim form, “If injuries occur, initially it is necessary to
determine whether claimant’s parents/guardians or the claimant has other
insurance such as group, employer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, etc., which pays
benefits. (This information should be obtained at the time of registration prior to
tryouts.) If such coverage is provided, the claim must be filed first with the
primary company under which the parent/guardian or claimant is insured.” (Little
League) Below is an accident notification form that shows what the parents, if the
claimant is under 19 years of age, have to fill out.

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Emergency Action Plan
The next four images represent an emergency plan for Hometown Little
League. This plan provides a lists of emergency numbers, emergency
procedures, and also a site map incase anyone would require the location of first
aid, field emergency, restrooms, exits, and concessions.

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Travel Policy
The travel policy is not only written for those who play travel ball, but for all
participants. There has to be a waiver fill out if someone who isn’t their parent or
guardian provides a participant with transportation to and from games/practices.
The waiver may be filled out at any time during or before the season, but must be
completed before the child receives transportation from someone who isn’t his or
her legal guardian. Coaches are required to stay alert and be sure their
participants receive a ride from their parent/legal guardian. These rules and
regulations are set for the safety of the participants. This waiver is to be filled out
to prevent a possible lawsuit being filed against the person transporting the
participant.
Instruction and Supervision
There must be a few rules and guidelines set in place before anyone is
given the authority to instruct and supervise the children of Little League. All
coaches and assistants to the coach must go through a background check before
being able to instruct his or her participants. Before leading the first practice,
instructors are given a set of rules and regulation to ensure their participants are
provided with a safe environment. The supervisor is the league-leading official
who is responsible for observing and evaluating instructors and participants
during league events. Supervisors will be making appearances to random events
to observe and ensure all precautions are being met. This includes making sure
all safety regulations are being met. Also, supervisors are to make evaluations of
all instructors. These evaluations are a recording from the observations

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supervisors make as he or she visits the event sites. The evaluations are kept as
a record incase an incident involving the instructor were to occur. At the end of
each regular season, the supervisors tell the instructors if they are allowed to
return next season as a coach. There is a level of fairness included and teams
are selected by a lottery. For example, think of how the NBA, MLB, and NFL
select their draft picks. This keeps teams from being unbalanced because the
best players are more than likely to be selected right away. There are multiple
rounds in the draft, and teams select one player per round. Lastly, it is important
for training programs to be approved by the supervisor. Training programs can
be too tough for a certain age group, so supervisors must be able to determine
whether it’s safe or unsafe. This is to ensure the safety of all participants while at
practice and during a game. Performing a training program that is considered
unsafe may result in an injury.
METHODS TO REDUCE ABUSE AND MOLESTATION
CLAIMS
There are rules and guidelines to follow incase there were to be any form
of abuse towards the children. According to Little Leagues online website, “For
more than a decade, Little League has led the way among youth sports
organizations in assisting local leagues to keep child sex offenders out of the
program.” (LITTLE LEAGUE GUIDELINES ON REPORTING ABUSE) Every little
league baseball program performs mandatory background checks on the adults
who participate. This includes coaches, umpires, and the adults who run the
program. According to A Parent’s Guide to the Little League Child Protection

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Program, “Generally, a person involved in a local Little League program should
not put himself or herself in a one-on-one situation involving a child who is not
their own.” (LITTLE LEAGUE GUIDELINES ON REPORTING ABUSE) A good
tip is for the parent/guardian to stay and watch the practice is he or she is at least
a little uncomfortable with leaving their child with the coach. It’s important to
notice if anything is bothering your child. According to A Parent’s Guide to the
Little League Child Protection Program, “Some of these symptoms may be
present in a child who has been or is being sexually abused, when such
symptoms are not otherwise explainable: sudden mood swings, excessive crying,
withdrawal, nightmares, bed-wetting, rebellious behavior, fear of particular people
or places, infantile behavior, aggressive behavior, and physical signs such as
pain, itch, bleeding, fluid or rawness in private areas.” (LITTLE LEAGUE
GUIDELINES ON REPORTING ABUSE)
EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES
Those who are active Little League baseball are not paid employees, but
are considered volunteers. All coaching staff and parent volunteers are not paid,
but coaches are recommended to know at least some knowledge about baseball.
All coaches are required to pass a background check in order to participate.
Those who wish to be a coach must also complete a coaching certification.
Umpires must also go through a background check to ensure the safety of the
children and spectators. Those who wish to become an umpire must first be
certified, and are also given the rules and regulations incase any speculations
occur during games. Lastly, umpires are paid individuals who receive a stipend

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per game. The image below shows what the Little League Volunteer Application
form looks like. Volunteers are able to sign up as a League Official, Coach,
Umpire, Field Maintenance, Manager, Scorekeeper, and Concession Stand.
LOCAL LEAGUE USE ONLY:
Background check completed by league offic
e
r ________________________________
on ____________________________________________________________________
System)s) used for background check (minimum of one must be checked):
Sex Offender Registry Criminal History Records *First Advantage
*Please be advised that if you use Firs t Advantage and there is a name match in the few states
where only name match searches can be performed you should notify volunteers that they will
receive a letter directly from LexisNexis in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Ac t c ontaining
informatio
n
regar di ng al l the crimi nal rec ords associated with the name, which may not necessarily
be the league volunteer.
Only attach to this application c opies of background check
reports that reveal conviction s of thi s appl ic ation .
Littl
e
League ®
Volunteer Application - 2016
Do not use forms from past years. Use extra paper to complete if addition al space is r equired.
Please list three references, at least one of which has knowledge of your partici pa tion as a
volunteer in a youth program:
Name/Phone
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
IF YOU LIVE IN A STATE THAT REQUIRES A SEPARATE BACKGROUND CHECK BY LAW, PLEASE ATTACH A COPY
OF THAT STATE’S BACKGROUND CHECK. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STATE LAWS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
http
:
//w ww.little l eague. or g/learn/programs/childprotection / state-laws-bg-checks.htm
AS A CONDITION OF VOLUNTEERING, I give permission for the Little League or ganization t o conduct background
check(s) on me now and as long as I continu e t o be active with the organization , wh i ch ma y include a review of sex
offender registries (some of which contain name only searches which may result in a report being generated that
may or may not be me), child abuse and criminal history records. I understand that, if appointed, my position is
conditio
n
al upon the league receiving no inappropriate information on m y background. I hereby release and agree
to hold harmless from liability the local Little League, Li ttleLeague Basebal l , Inc orporated, the office r s, employees
and volunteers thereof, or any other person or organization tha t may provide such information . I al so under stand
that, regardless of previous appointments, Little League is not obl ig ated to appoint me to a volunteer position . If
appointed, I understand that, prior to the expiration of m y term, I am subject to suspension by the President and
removal by the Board of Directors for violation of Li ttleLeague pol i cies or pri nci ples.
Applicant Signature _______________________________________Date _________
If Minor/Parent Signature___________________________________Date __________
Applicant Name(please print or type) _______________________________________
NOTE: The local Little League and Li ttleLeague Bas ebal l , Inc orporated will not discriminate against any
person on the basis of race, creed, color, nation al or igi n, ma r it al status, gender, sexual orientation or
disability.
A COPY OF VALID GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO IDENTIFICATION MUST BE
ATTACHED TO COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION.
Name__________________________________ Date ___________________
Address ________________________________________________________
City ____________________________ State _________Zip _____________
Social Security # (mandatory with First Advantage or upon request) _______________
Cell Phone Business Phone
Home Phone: _____________ E-mail Address:
Date of Birth ____________________________________________________
Occupation _____________________________________________________
Employer_______________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________
Special professional training, skills, hobbies: ___________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Community affili a tion s (Cl ub s, Service Organization s, e tc.):
_______________________________________________________________
Previous volunteer experience (including baseball/softba l l and y ear):
_______________________________________________________________
Do you have children in the program? Yes No If yes, list full name and
what level? _____________________________________________________
Special Certif
i
c
ation (CPR, Me di c al, etc.):______________________________
Do you have a valid driver’s license: Yes No
Driver’s License#: ________________________________State ___________
Have you ever been convicted of or plead guilty to any crime(s) involving or against
a minor?: Yes No
If yes, describe each in full:_________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Are there any criminal charges pending against you regarding any crime(s) involving
or against a minor? Yes No If yes, describe each in full:______________
__________________________________________________________________
Have you ever been refused partic
i
pa tion in an y other youth programs? Yes No
If yes, explain: ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
In which of the following would you like to partici pa te? (Check one or more.)
League Offic
i
al Coach Umpire Field Maintenance
Manager Scorekeeper Concession Stand Other

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Participant Agreement Form and/or Parent Guardian
Waiver
Little League
Parent #1
Name
Phone
Email
( ) ( )
Occupation
Volunteer?Volunteer?
Parent #2
Name
Phone
Email
Occupation
Player Registration Form
Birth Certificate
Medical Release Form
Level Assigned
Proof of Residency
Waiver needed?
Team Name
Emergency contact
Insurance carrier
Medical Information
Relationship to player
Policy
Phone
League Use Only
Signature Date
1. I/We, the parents/guardians of the above-named candidate for a position on a Little League team,
hereby give my/our approval to participate in any and all Little League activities, including transportation to
and from the activities.
2. I/We know that participation in baseball or softball may result in serious injuries and protective
equipment does not prevent all injuries to players, and do hereby waive, release, absolve, indemnify, and
agree to hold harmless the local Little League, Little League Baseball, Incorporated, the organizers,
sponsors, supervisors, participants, and persons transporting my/our child to and from activities from any
claim arising out of any injury to my/our child whether the result of negligence or for any other cause.
3. I/We agree to return upon request the uniform and other equipment issued to my/our child in as good
conditions as when received except for normal wear and tear.
6. I/We agree to provide proof of legal residence (as defined by Little League Baseball,
Incorporated) and age. I/We understand that our child (candidate) must be eligible under the
residence and age regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, to participate in this
Local League, and that if any controversy arises regarding residence and/or age, the
decision of the Charter Committee in Williamsport shall be final and binding. I/We further
understand that if any participant on a Little League team does not qualify for participation in
the league based on residence (as defined by Little League Baseball, Incorporated) and/or
age, such participant and/or team on which he/she participates be found ineligible, and
forfeit(s) and/or suspension of Tournament privileges may be decreed by action of the
Charter Committee or Tournament Committee.
4. I/We agree that our child (candidate) may be required to try out for a team. If such does not attend at
least 50 percent of the tryouts, local Board-of -Directors' approval is required for such candidate to be
placed on a team.
5. I/We understand that our child (candidate) may be chosen at anytime to play on a Major Division team,
if he or she is of the correct age for such division as determined by the local league and Little League
Baseball. Declining to move up to such Major Division team will result in forfeiture of eligibility for the
Major Division for the current season, and may be subject to further restrictions by the local league.
7. I/We will furnish a certified birth certificate of the above-named candidate to League
Officials.
®
Player name
Address Birthdate
Email
Home phone ( )
Gender
League Age/
Fee
My child will
tryout for:
Baseball
Softball
Age Amount
Rev. 1/03
Address 2
City/State/Zip
If checked, fill out "Volunteer Application" If checked, fill out "Volunteer Application"
Yes No Yes No
Yes No Yes No

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References
ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION FORM. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/asap/Section3-
Commonsense-Safety.pdf
Developing an Emergency Plan. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/asap/Emergency_Plan.pdf
DIVISIONS OF PLAY. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/learn/about/divisions.htm
HISTORY OF LITTLE LEAGUE. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/learn/about/historyandmission.htm
Lightning Safety. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/learn/programs/asap/lightning.htm
Little League. (2015). ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION FORM. Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/Asset161580.aspx
Little League. (2015). Little League® Baseball & Softball CLAIM FORM
INSTRUCTIONS. Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/asap/AccidentClaimFormIn
structions.pdf
LITTLE LEAGUE GUIDELINES ON REPORTING ABUSE. (2015). Retrieved
from
http://www.littleleague.org/learn/rules/positionstatements/LLGuidelinesRep
ortingAbuse.htm

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Little League Volunteer Application. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/VolunteerApplication16.pdf
Player registration form. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/assets/forms_pubs/player_registrationform.pdf
Risk of Injury From Baseball and Softball in Children. (2015). Pediatrics, 107(4).
Retrieved from http://www.littleleague.org/learn/about/divisions.htm
THE MISSION OF LITTLE LEAGUE. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.littleleague.org/learn/about/historyandmission/mission.htm