| Player and coach safety must be the concern of | | | | 3. Maintain a cleared safety zone around the |
| every Little League Baseball Coach. All youth | | | | batter. - No one stands behind or near the batter |
| baseball coaches must establish certain team rules | | | | during batting practice. The area behind the batter |
| to insure the safety of both the players and the | | | | should be kept clear of coaches and players. |
| coaches. There are 5 basic safety rules that help | | | | There is a constant danger of being hit by a ball |
| protect players are coaches. This article outlines | | | | or a swung bat if players and coaches do not |
| each of those 5 safety rules. | | | | maintain a clear safety zone around the batter. |
| 1. Players must have permission to swing a bat. | | | | 4. Batting helmets must be worn at all times |
| The most dangerous action that takes place on a | | | | when batting or running the bases during practice. |
| baseball field is the swing of a bat. Many injuries | | | | - If a coach allows a single player to bat or run |
| occur every year when a player walks into a | | | | the bases when live hitting is be done, that coach |
| swing zone when another player is swinging the | | | | is asking for a liability issue or lawsuit. Player should |
| bat. Players must understand the dangers involved | | | | always wear their batting helmets to prevent |
| if every player can swing a bat any time they | | | | head or face injury from a wild throw or hit ball. |
| want. They must understand that the only time | | | | 5. The floor must be kept clear of balls and bats. - |
| they are allowed to swing a bat is when they are | | | | The floor is the floor of the dugout and the floor |
| on deck, in the batter's box, or participating in a | | | | of the batting box. A coach must take on the |
| drill. At all other times their bat is to be left alone | | | | responsibility of watching for stray balls under the |
| or in their bat bag. | | | | feet of the batter during batting practice. The |
| 2. Have players have eye contact with the coach | | | | walk way to and inside the dugout should be kept |
| before throwing a ball to the coach. Many coaches | | | | neat and clear of bats and balls. This rule is |
| have been hit unexpectedly by a ball thrown by a | | | | enforced to prevent a leg or ankle injury from |
| player throwing a ball back in during batting | | | | occurring should a player step onto a ball or bat. |
| practice. Players must have permission to throw a | | | | If these safety rules are made and followed by |
| ball to a coach and call the number of throws. The | | | | your team, they could prevent an injury or |
| coach should ask the player how many balls he | | | | accident. I hope that you found this article |
| has. The player should say if he gas 3 balls, 2 | | | | informative and helpful. Thanks for taking the time |
| balls, or 1 ball before he throws the ball or balls to | | | | to read it. Good luck to you and your team. |
| the coach. | | | | |