This page addresses some very basic safety issues. Some of the policies outlined are WESAC requirements while others are suggestions. In all cases common sense is the best rule to use or safety. First aid is not specifically discussed here but we would like to find a link to an informative site talking about youth sports injuries.

The nature of the injuries changes as the children move from level to level. This page will discuss the most common preventable injuries starting with the youngest and working up.

At T-Ball and Coach Pitch where a soft ball is used, the most serious injuries come from two sources, both of which are covered by WESAC rules. The action that has broken the most bones over the years is falling off the backstop! It is against WESAC rules to climb on the backstop. If a child, even one that is not playing, starts climbing the backstop, the coach MUST immediately stop the game and let the child climb down. A quick huddle with the parents and child to explain that it is not appropriate is a good idea. If it is a second offense sometime during the SEASON, the player should miss the next time at bat. If a parent discounts the seriousness of the action, the WESAC president will be glad to talk with the clueless parent.

The second most serious injury comes from getting hit with a swung bat. WESAC Rules allow players to swing only in the batter's box and directly behind the backstop under the supervision of an adult. It's a good idea to preach bat safety early and often to the players.

Machine Pitch is a very bad age for backstop climbing. Usually the kids are talented enough to avoid the spontaneous fall, but a foul ball on the fingers will cause a grip to come loose real quick. It's also a bad age for bats swung in the wrong place. The same rules apply at Machine Pitch as they do for T-Ball - No climbing and two places to swing a bat. In addition, the introduction of a hard ball creates injuries. There are lots of bruises on the shins from misplayed balls (good form cuts down on that). The far more serious injuries come from throwing a ball when the receiver is not ready. A good throw can result in a lost tooth or worse. Another problem is the errant throw during warm ups. Make the kids spread way out so that a bad throw will not hit another player or cause the receiver to run in front of another throw. Tell the kids that a good yell to alert an unsuspecting potential victim is a good thing to do. The final type of injury is caused by poor sliding technique into the well secured bases at Kenwood & Bryn Mawr. A late slide with a rigid leg catching the base square can break an ankle, Teach the kids good sliding technique.

At Pee Wee the major problem is errant throws. Runners must wear a helmet while on the bases. Use the same techniques as Machine Pitch for all other aspects of throwing, swinging and sliding. The ondeck batter may take a stance in a normal on deck position (which by Park Board rules is behind the backstop) with the following batter behind the back stop.

At Cub and Midget, the kids are strong enough to have real baseball injuries. These include being hit by a pitch, getting hit by a batted ball or getting into a collision on the bases. It is illegal to make contact with the catcher unless the runner is sliding. Teach the kids how to turn away from a pitched ball and tuck their heads so that they get hit in the back if at all.

There are a few WESAC rules concerning serious injuries. Please make sure that they are followed. the Rules are as follows:
1) If a player is knocked unconscious - even for a moment - you must call for a paramedic even if the parent is present. If no parent is present, the child should be transported to a hospital for observation. If a parent is present, the child can be released to their care after the paramedics have observed the child. By the way, there is no charge to the parent if the child is not transported by the ambulance.
2) If there is a suspected neck injury, do not move the child and call a paramedic. Follow the instructions of the medical professionals.
3) For all injuries, use your best judgement. Under Minnesota law your are required to take appropriate action and you can not be sued if you do your best. If there are parents at the game, it's a good chance that one of them has some medical training of some sort. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
4) Don't let a player pitch with a sore arm, even if he wants to.
5) Report any serious injury (broken bones, lost teeth, getting hit in the head etc.) to the Park Center and make sure they make a report of the incident.
6) Catchers at Pee Wee and older must wear a protective cup. This ia a Park & Rec rule, as well as a good idea.
7) Mouth guards are not required but are strongly suggested for Machine Pitch and older.
8) Batting helmets with face guards are available. Please take at least one. For any soft toss using a hard ball behind the backstop, the batter must wear a helmet with a face guard.

Most teams play the entire season with only minor bumps and bruises. With good planning, preventable accidents can be avoided and baseball injuries can be limited. Please make saftey a prime concern for your team.