BASEBALL SAFETY MEASURES FOR PRACTICES AND GAMES

1. Gears Guidelines

1.1 Batting
Batting helmets must be worn whenever a player is at bat, waiting to bat, or running the bases. Helmets should always fit properly and be worn correctly. If the helmet has a chin strap, it should be fastened, and if the helmet has an eye shield or other faceguard, this should be in good condition, securely attached to the helmet.

ONLY the bat that provided by the Association can be used in training.

NO batting or throwing outside the field or the designated facilities like batting cages; it is not only the responsibility for coach to enforce this rule, but the players can help by remembering the rule.

Watch out for practice swings
It's common for the player on deck to take some practice swings. Give the player a lot of room and be sure that you take your practice swings in the designated area.


1.2 Catcher
A catcher should always wear a helmet, facemask, throat guard, full-length chest protector, athletic supporter with a cup, shin guards and a catcher's mitt whenever they are catching pitches, whether it's in the game, in the bullpen or during warm-ups.


1.3 Baseball spikes
Baseball spikes should have molded plastic cleats rather than metal ones for the age under 12 players.

No metal cleats outside the field, especially, not allowed on the jogging track.


1.4 Athletic supporter and cup
All players should wear athletic supporters; most, particularly pitchers and infielders, should wear protective cups.


1.5 Additional gears
Some players like includes sliding pants, which are meant to go under baseball pants to protect against scrapes and cuts; batting gloves, which can keep hands from getting sore while hitting; shin and foot guards, which are designed to protect against balls fouled straight down; and mouth guards.


1.6 Tips
Sometimes gloves and gears all look alike, so it's a good idea to label your personal gear, cap and apparel.


2. Before Starting the Game
Ideally, players should get plenty of exercise before the game begins and be in the best shape possible before swinging a bat for the first time. This will not only lower the risk of injury, but it will also make them better ballplayers.

Just as with any other sport, warming up and stretching before a baseball game is very important. However, remember that in baseball, players should pay particular attention to their throwing arm. Most will require plenty of warm-up before they can safely attempt a long, hard throw.

Different players have different preferences when it comes to warming up their arms. Some like to make short throws, while others prefer to start with long, easy tosses. Regardless of how a player chooses to warm up, the idea is to start with soft throws meant to stretch muscles and loosen up joints. As the arm warms up, the intensity of throws should be gradually increased until the player is throwing as he or she would during a game situation.

Make sure that all bats, balls, and other equipment used during warm-ups are safely put away before play begins.


3. During Game Play

3.1 Avoiding collisions
Painful collisions can and do occur in baseball. With attention focused on the ball, it's easy to lose track of where people are. If there's any doubt as to who should field a ball, one player should call for it as loudly as he or she can to let the others know to back away. Players should practice doing this with teammates to get used to listening for each other's voices.

Know your position and call that ball
Fielders have to work together to cover the entire baseball field. Know where your area of responsibility is and be ready to back up the other guy. Calling out "I got it!" will alert other teammates so they stay out of your way, letting you make the catch and avoiding a crash in the field.


3.2 Getting hit with a pitch hurts
Players should know how to safely get out of the way if a pitch is headed toward them. The best way to do this is to duck and turn away from the pitcher, exposing the back and rear end to the pitch instead of the face and midsection.


3.3 Base-running
On the base paths, players should practice running the bases with their heads up, looking out for other players and batted balls. They should also know how to slide correctly. For age 12 and under players should not attempt to slide headfirst, as this can lead to head injuries and facial cuts.

Be a heads-up base runner
Don't look down when you run the bases. Be on the lookout for opposing players, batted balls, and coaches who may be telling you to stop or keep going.


4. Be reminded at any time

4.1 Foul balls — watch out for them!
Be a leader and look out for yourself and your teammates. If a foul ball is headed toward a player or spectator, yell out "Heads up!" Be especially alert if you're warming up a pitcher or throwing on the sidelines, because this is prime territory for a foul ball. Knowing where the ball is at all times not only will keep you safe — it will make you a better ballplayer.


4.2 Never throw bats or helmets
If you make a hit, drop the bat before you start running to first instead of throwing it aside. If you make an out, it's a natural reaction to be upset, but you'll need to control your emotions and put your bat and batting helmet back in their proper places. Throwing them can lead to your teammates getting hurt, and that will make you really upset as well as getting you in trouble. Try to transform your energy into improving your skills.


4.3. Field Safety
i. Always inspect the playing field for holes and debris, especially broken glass.
ii. Keep the gate closed while practicing or ball in play.
iii. All players must remain in the dugout when they are not playing.


4.4 NO Activities under NO officials
Make sure no baseball activities should be started without officials like coach, umpire or officer. In the event someone gets seriously hurt, one of the above officials should be around to take an injured player to the emergency room.

Make sure first aid is readily available. Please keep the venue officer be informed about any emergency call.


4.5. Reporting injury or accident
The duty coach, umpire or officer should give a written report within 24 hours after giving verbally notification to the immediate programme director or support officer.


5. Any insurance coverage ?
Please visit the following website for details,
"Group Personal Accident Insurance"




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References
Gavin, Mary L. MD, Stay Safe: Baseball, KidsHealth, Retrieved January 2014 from
http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/fit/safety_baseball.html