HUGUENOT LITTLE LEAGUE SAFETY MANUAL January 2019

League ID#s 03460517 (American) 03460506 (National) 00224022 (Softball)

HUGUENOT LITTLE LEAGUE

SAFETY MANUAL

January 2019

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 2 MISSION STATEMENT: 5 REQUIREMENT 1: SAFETY OFFICER REGISTERED 5 REQUIREMENT 2: DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENT 5 REQUIREMENT 3: EMERGENCY AND KEY OFFICIAL PHONE NUMBERS 5 REQUIREMENT 4: BACKGROUND CHECKS 6 Chesterfield County Requirement: 6 REQUIREMENT 5: FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING 7 REQUIREMENT 6: FIRST AID TRAINING 7 REQUIREMENT 7: REGULAR FIELD INSPECTION 7 REQUIREMENT 8: LITTLE LEAGUE FACILITY SURVEY 7 REQUIREMENT 9: CONCESSION STAND PROCEDURES 7 REQUIREMENT 10: EQUIPMENT INSPECTION 8 REQUIREMENT 11: PROMPT ACCIDENT REPORTING 8 REQUIREMENT 12: FIRST AID KITS 8 REQUIREMENT 13: LITTLE LEAGUE AND HUGUENOT RULES 8 REQUIREMENT 14: ASAP PLAN AND SAFETY PLAN REGISTRATION FORM 9 REQUIREMENT 15: PLAYER REGISTRATION, ROSTER, COACH AND MANAGER 9 REQUIREMENT 16: CONCUSSION POLICY 9 Miscellaneous 10

APPENDIX A: COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PROCEDURE 11

APPENDIX B: HARD COPY PRINT-OUTS 11

APPENDIX C: HUGUENOT BOARD MEMBERS CONTACT INFO (2018) 28

APPENDIX D: FIELD ADDRESSES 33

APPENDIX E: Local League Rules 35 BASEBALL LOCAL LITTLE LEAGUE RULES 35 SOFTBALL ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES AND RULES 40

APPENDIX F: ACCIDENT REPORT FORM 45

APPENDIX G: INSURANCE CLAIM FORM 46

APPENDIX H: WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LITTLE LEAGUE INSURANCE 48

APPENDIX I: CONCUSSION TRAINING FOR COACHES 49

2018 SEASON HUGUENOT LITTLE LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Position Name President Forrest Hulette Executive Vice President Chris Stewart Secretary Erica Faria Treasurer Dale Cone Coaching Coordinator Jeremy Calbreath Safety Officer David Goobic Registration Keith Sprouse Player Agent Adam Kraynak Volunteer Coordinator Vacant Equipment / Uniforms Jason Putney Fundraising / Special Events Fran Absher Marketing Chris Sims Webmaster / Information Officer Adam Kozuch Compliance Officer Vacant Concessions Sharon Cone VP - Softball Katie Bozzo

Director - BB T-Ball / Coach Pitch / Machine Pitch / Challenger Justin Metacarpa

Director - BB Minors / Majors Jason Putney Director - BB Juniors / Seniors / Intermediate Rob McCurry VP - All Stars & Tournaments Chris Hobbs Director - SB Seniors John Swecker Director - SB Machine Pitch / Tee Ball Tanya Shelton Director - SB Majors Andy McNeer Director - SB Minors Chris Sims Fields Chris Shelton Scheduler Rebecca Williams Board Member Christian Craft Board Member Earl Baggett Board Member Julie Mitchell Umpires (Non-Board Member) Erik Thorson

MISSION STATEMENT:

Huguenot Little League’s (HLL) mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment in which to enjoy playing the game of baseball and softball.

REQUIREMENT 1: SAFETY OFFICER REGISTERED

David Goobic, a member of the HLL Board of Directors, is registered with Little League Int'l as the Safety Officer for HLL

REQUIREMENT 2: DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENT

This document will be distributed in hard copy to all HLL Board members and all managers. Managers will be required to bring document to each practice and game with Medical Releases. A copy of this document will be kept in the Huguenot Little League main office (first building on right when entering parking lot) and concession stand. A copy will be provided to District 5. The document will also be posted on www.hllball.org.

REQUIREMENT 3: EMERGENCY AND KEY OFFICIAL PHONE NUMBERS

Important Numbers: Call 911 for any emergency, especially fire or medical

When should you call 911?

9-1-1 is only to be used in emergencies. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire or rescue. 9-1-1 is for emergencies, potential emergencies, or when an emergency is imminent. Ask yourself:

• Is there a danger to life or property? • Is there a serious medical emergency (chest pains, seizures, bleeding, etc?) • Is there any type of fire (building, vehicle, brush, etc?) • Is there any crime in-progress (robbery, burglary, prowler, fights, etc?) • Are there any other life threatening situations (traffic accident with injuries, stuck in high water, etc?) • Is the caller or someone else the victim of a crime?

If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency, you should call 9-1-1.

It is better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 call taker determine if you need emergency assistance.

For Robious Athletic Complex, provide the following address to the dispatcher: Robious Athletic Complex 2801 Robious Crossing Drive Midlothian, VA 23113

For non-emergencies call: Chesterfield Fire Dept: 804-748-1360 (non-emergency) Chesterfield Police: 804-748-1251 (non-emergency)

After dealing with immediate emergency, contact at least one of the following:

Safety Officer: David Goobic 804-248-0858 (cell)

League President: Forrest Hulette 804-517-0618 (cell)

See Appendix D for complete listings of addresses of sites.

Emergency numbers are also posted on-site in the Concession Stand It is also necessary to:

Notify parents immediately if they are not present. If the parents cannot accompany the player to the medical facility, the Board Member on Duty (BMOD), another HLL Board member, the manager or rostered assistant coach must do so. In such cases, the manager must bring the medical release form – this means that the manager must bring all players’ medical release forms to each practice and game.

Notify the league Safety Officer as soon as possible. If he cannot be reached, contact the league President. (Phone numbers found at top of this section).

Complete the Accident Form / Incident Injury Tracking Report (see Appendix F) within 48 hours and provide to the Safety Officer. This applies not only to major incidents but to minor mishaps and even near-misses. (These are tracked as a proactive tool to help prevent future incidents).

These forms are also available at the Robious complex in the Concession Stand and Board room.

Managers should remember to talk with their team members about any incident that occurs. The players may need to be reminded of cautionary measures they should be taking. They also may need comforting if a fellow player has been hurt.

Huguenot Little League carries insurance that serves as a supplement to individual insurance. Claims will be filled out by the Safety Officer. (See Appendix G and H). REMEMBER … Safety is everyone’s responsibility. This includes Board members, managers, coaches, umpires and parents. Prevention is the key. Report all potentially hazardous conditions to the Safety Officer or the Board before an incident occurs. Make sure players are fully and properly equipped at all times.

REQUIREMENT 4: BACKGROUND CHECKS Little League Requirement:

All managers, coaches, assistants and other volunteers having repetitive access to or contact with players will be required to fill out the 2019 Little League Volunteer Application form and submit through JDP. All volunteers are required to submit or present a photo ID. League officials will check name spellings and numbers for accuracy. The Huguenot Little League Board will conduct a background check of all volunteers against the State and National Sex Offender registry using the Little League recommend vendor, JDP. These forms will be retained for the full year of service.

Chesterfield County Requirement: Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors approved the National Background Check for those individuals associated with co sponsored youth leagues (i.e. coaches, board members, etc). All NEW coaches will be required to go through the new background check process which includes fingerprinting. Chesterfield backgound checks are good for a three year period. All approved individuals will be sent a national background check card with an expiration date of 3 years. Current background check cardholders may be selected for random background checks.

Anyone refusing to fill out an Adult Volunteer Application is ineligible to manage, coach, be a board member or other league volunteer. REQUIREMENT 5: FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING HLL is offering a Coach’s Clinic February 7, 2018 to every individual who volunteers to manage or coach a softball or baseball team for the spring 2019 Season. All managers are required to attend the coach's clinic provided by HLL. Assistant coaches may also attend with the manager or in lieu of the manager, for good cause.

Per Little League policy, training qualifies the volunteer for 3 years, but one team representative will still be required to attend training each year.

REQUIREMENT 6: FIRST AID TRAINING

First aid training for all managers, coaches and umpires will be held prior to the clinics referenced in the first paragraph of Requirement 5 above. First Aid training is incorporated in the Coaching Clinic and the Mandatory Coaching Meeting.

Per Little League policy, (i) licensed medical doctors, nurses, physician's’ assistants and EMS personnel are exempt from this session due to their medical training and education and (ii) training qualifies the volunteer for 3 years, but one team representative still required to attend training each year. Managers will be instructed to train any of their coaches unable to attend the session, including those that become coaches after the spring season begins.

REQUIREMENT 7: REGULAR FIELD INSPECTION

The Acting Official Board Member on Duty (BMOD) must begin each day with a review of the grounds and fields at the Robious Athletic Complex. Fields can be inspected in conjunction with managers.

Both managers must inspect the field, including the dugout, prior to each game. Any potential safety hazards should be dealt with prior to the start of the game, even if the game must be delayed. Rocks and debris should be removed. Holes should be repaired (heavy rakes are available in equipment building near the back coach’s parking lot). Any protruding edges on fences should be bent back or covered. All outfield fence tops should be covered with safety cap. Make sure that disengage-able bases are working correctly.

The umpires will also look for field safety issues and will remind the managers to inspect carefully. Any issues found that require longer-term solutions should be brought to the attention of the Safety Officer immediately.

Managers should also: Inspect helmets, bats and catchers gear Make sure a First Aid kit is available. Make sure a working phone is available Make sure the players engage in proper warm-up.

REQUIREMENT 8: LITTLE LEAGUE FACILITY SURVEY This survey has been completed in hard copy and will be sent to District 5 with this manual. Field survey will also be printed and kept on file in the HLL office.

REQUIREMENT 9: CONCESSION STAND PROCEDURES Huguenot Little League has one concession stand, located at its Robious complex. An active concession officer oversees that it is properly managed. Hot dogs and hamburgers are grilled and fried foods are prepared in a self contained fryer. Other foods are heated in a small electric oven (e.g., pizza) or in a microwave. No one under the age of 15 is allowed to work (or even be present in) the concession stand. The concession stand is inspected by Chesterfield County Health Officials.

Menu: The menu consists primarily of candies, sweet beverages, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, french fries, pretzels, nachos, ice cones and pizza. Cooking: All cooked foods are heated to the specific guidelines. Hot dogs and other hot foods are heated to 155° F. Cold Storage: All refrigeration units are kept in proper working order. Temperatures are kept at approximately 39° F. Hand Washing: Hand washing is mandatory as well as wearing of disposable gloves. Handwashing reminder signs are posted in the concession stand. Dish Washing: All dishes, pots, pans and utensils are washed using the four step process. Signs are posted above the sink. Wiping Cloths: All standard issue cloths are sanitized or washed professionally. Insect / Waste control: All foods are properly covered. Pest inspection occurs twice a season. Garbage or trash receptacles are kept w/ tightly fit lids. County Health Inspectors have approved & licensed the concession stand. Food Storage: All food is stored on shelves off the floor according to county guidelines. Cleanliness: Concession stand is cleaned each night after closing. Floors and counters are sanitized. Workers: All concession workers will be trained in the safe use and care of equipment.

REQUIREMENT 10: EQUIPMENT INSPECTION

Managers must make sure players are fully equipped at all times; pay particular attention to catchers and batters. (Bats must be approved for Little League play). Equipment must be inspected regularly (before every game and practice) and properly maintained. Unsafe equipment must be destroyed, not just discarded. Catchers must wear a catcher’s helmet with a dangling throat protector, shin guard, long model chest protector and athletic supporter (with cup) at all times. Female catchers must be equipped with breast protecting chest protectors. REQUIREMENT 11: PROMPT ACCIDENT REPORTING Managers or their coaches must report all accidents or near accidents to the Safety Officer of the HLL Board. This applies not only to major incidents but to minor mishaps and even near-misses. (These are tracked as a proactive tool to help prevent future incidents). Little League ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program) Incident Report forms are available at the Robious complex in the Concession Stand Board room. Complete this form within 48 hours of the incident and provide it to the Safety Officer (can be left in his mailbox in the Boardroom, but notify him by phone to look for it). The Safety Officer will review the form and contact the parents to verify the incident and, where applicable, the extent of the injury. In cases where medical attention was required, the Safety Officer, working with the parents, will fill out the CHARTIS Accident Notification Form, and mail it to Little League International. REQUIREMENT 12: FIRST AID KITS A well-stocked, professional medical kit is kept in the concession stand at the Robious Athletic Complex. First aid supplies are also stored in the HLL Lock Box at the following off site facilities: Bon Air Elementary School and Greenfield Elementary School, Midlothian Managers are required to have a first-aid kit. If Managers are unable to afford to provide such a kit, HLL will provide or reimburse reasonable expenses. REQUIREMENT 13: LITTLE LEAGUE AND HUGUENOT RULES All Little League International and all HLL rules must be adhered to at all times. Many of these rules have a basis in safety. For example, the rule that a base-runner must slide when a close play at the base is possible is meant to prevent injury from collision. All managers will be trained in Little League rules and will be reminded to read the 2018 LL rule book. In particular: - Head first sliding is prohibited (Majors and below), except when returning to a base. - Players must slide on any close play to avoid collision. - Players are encouraged to wear protective cups at all times.

No managers or coaches are allowed to warm up pitchers. Catchers must wear a catcher’s helmet with throat protector whenever warming up a pitcher, whether on the field or in the bullpen. In addition, HLL rules pertaining to safety that have not been covered previously in this document will be provided to all managers & volunteers. These include:

- Games and practices are NOT to be conducted during inclement weather or when playing conditions are not adequate. This includes poor lighting – if players cannot see clearly, play is not permitted. - Only players, managers, coaches and umpires are allowed on the playing field during games and practices. Only scorekeepers are allowed at the scorer’s table. - Managers should be aware of all medical conditions of players, such as allergic reactions, asthma, heart conditions, etc. Managers must carry medical release forms for all players to every practice and game. - Batting helmets with a faceguard are mandatory for all players at the Minors level or below. They are recommended at the Majors level. - No motor vehicles, except official county maintenance / concessions officer vehicles are permitted on the Robious complex. - Skateboards, bicycles and motor scooters are not permitted to be operated on the Robious Complex. - All players and coaches are taught to be alert at all times on the field, game or practice. - All managers and coaches must read and sign the HLL and Chesterfield County Code of Conduct prior to being approved to manage or coach.

REQUIREMENT 14: ASAP PLAN AND SAFETY PLAN REGISTRATION FORM Both ASAP Plan and Safety Plan Registration Form will be submitted to District 5.

REQUIREMENT 15: PLAYER REGISTRATION, ROSTER, COACH AND MANAGER Player registration data or player roster data along with coach and manager data will be submitted via Little League Data Center at www.LittleLeague.org as soon as the information is compiled.

REQUIREMENT 16: CONCUSSION POLICY The following policies and procedures pertain to suspected concussion identification and handling with players participating in HLL programs. HLL adopts the procedures established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) which has provided concussion information for parents, players and volunteers (including coaches, managers, board members, etc.) and is recommended by the Chesterfield County Public Schools and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department.

• The HLL registration form/process for each season requires that the parent or guardian indicate that he/she has read the HLL Concussion Policy. • The document: Concussion Training for Managers, Coaches and Umpires is available on HLL’s website under “HLL Concussion Policy” and as included as Appendix I. • At least once a calendar year, each HLL Board member and team manager must complete one training session from the CDC titled: Heads Up Online Training Course and provide evidence of such training to the applicable VP (for managers) or HLL Safety Officer (for HLL Board members). The link to the online training course is available on the HLL website under “Concussion Policy”. • A player suspected by the manager, coach or BMOD of sustaining a concussion or brain injury in a practice or game shall be removed from the activity at that time. • A player suspected of sustaining a concussion who has been removed from activity may not return to play without a written medical release/clearance form from a licensed health care provider. The clearance form/medical release shall be collected by the manager and provided to the HLL Safety Officer.

REQUIREMENT 17: AED & CPR TRAINING An AED (automated external defibrillator) is located in concession stand at Robious Complex. Last serviced December 2018 (good for 2 years) by: Russ Hummel, President

Biomedical Equipment & Engineering Services Co LLC 3637 Horseshoe Drive Quinton, VA 23141-1525 PH: (804) 932-9830 WWW.BEESCOLLC.COM Huguenot Volunteers are strongly encouraged to have CPR training. Miscellaneous This safety manual is intended as helpful guidance to HLL volunteers, but no warranty of any kind, express or implied, is given as to accuracy or completeness of information or fitness for a particular purpose, nor does HLL assume any responsibility to update this manual other than annually. To the extent of any inconsistency with federal, state or local laws, regulations, ordinances, or other binding rules or provisions ("Laws"), such Laws shall control. This safety manual is to be read in conjunction with the Little League Official Rulebook and HLL White Sheet Rules (collectively, the "Rules"). To the extent of any inconsistency between this manual and the Rules, the Rules shall control. Nothing herein is intended to create a contract between HLL or its Board members with any other party, nor shall it create any private cause of action or any third-party beneficiary rights in any individual or entity. Nothing herein shall constitute a waiver of any right or remedy of HLL or its Board members and volunteers under any applicable insurance policy or Laws (including but not limited to charitable immunity). Baseball & softball are inherently dangerous activities. The waivers, consents, limitations of liability, and releases contained in the HLL player registration form and Volunteer Application are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein

APPENDIX A: COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PROCEDURE

While risk of one athlete infecting another with HIV/AIDS during completion is close to non- existent, there is a remote risk that other blood infections or diseases can be transmitted.

Procedures for reducing the potential for transmissions of infectious agents should include but not be limited to the following:

Bleeding must be stopped, the open wound covered, and if there is any excessive amount of blood on the uniform, it must be changed before the athlete can continue to play.

● Routine use of gloves or other precautions to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is anticipated. ● Immediately wash hands and other skin surfaces if contaminated (in contact) with blood or other bodily fluids. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves. ● Clean all blood contaminated surfaces and equipment with a solution made from a proper dilution of household bleach (Center for Disease Control recommends a solution of 10 parts to 90 parts water) or other disinfectant before competition resumes. ● Practice proper disposal procedures to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments. ● Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmission, to minimize the need for emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices should be available for use. ● Managers and coaches with oozing skin should refrain from all direct athletic care until condition resolves. ● Contaminated towels should be disposed of or disinfected properly. ● Follow acceptable guidelines in the immediate control of bleeding and when handling bloody dressings, mouth guards, and other articles containing bodily fluids.

APPENDIX B: HARD COPY PRINT-OUTS

The following print-outs of Little League Safety Posters are included with the hardcopy version of this document:

1. Keep it Clean Poster 2. Lightning Safety Pamphlet 3. Don't Swing it Poster 4. Wash Your Hands Poster 5. Catcher's Mask Poster 6. Kids Aren't Cargo Poster 7. Asthma Emergency Signs 8. Emergency Treatment of Athletic Dental Injuries 9. When it's Hot, Drink Before You're Thirsty 10. Fight Bac! 11. Fire Extinguisher Use 12. Foul Ball Area 13. Hey Coach 14. Coach, Please Let Players Catch 15. Use Your Head 16. Warm up drills 17. Lightning Safety

APPENDIX C: HUGUENOT BOARD MEMBERS CONTACT INFO (2018)

APPENDIX D: FIELD ADDRESSES

Bon Air Elementary 8701 Polk Street Bon Air, VA 23235

Crestwood Elementary 7600 Whittington Drive Midlothian, VA 23112

A.M. Davis Elementary 415 S. Providence Rd. North Chesterfield, VA 23236

Greenfield Elementary 10751 Savoy Road North Chesterfield, VA 23235

James River High School 3700 James River Road Midlothian, VA 23113

Midlothian High School 401 Charter Colony Parkway Midlothian, VA 23114

Providence Middle 900 Starlight Lane North Chesterfield, VA 23235

Robious Athletic Complex 2801 Robious Crossing Drive Midlothian, VA 23113

Southampton Elementary (City of Richmond) 3333 Cheverly Road Richmond, VA 23225

Tomahawk Creek Middle School 1600 Learning Place Loop Midlothian, VA 23114

Trinity Episcopal School (City of Richmond) 3850 Pittaway Dr. Richmond, VA 23235

APPENDIX E: Local League Rules BASEBALL LOCAL LITTLE LEAGUE RULES

Huguenot Little League, Inc. (HLL) plays under the latest edition of the “Official Regulations, Playing Rules, and Policies” of Little League Baseball Incorporated (Official Rules) for all baseball and softball divisions within HLL. All managers and coaches must be familiar with the Official Rules as well as HLL guidelines.

Section I – General

● HLL is governed by an elected Board of Directors acting under the authority of the Constitution of HLL. ● Divisions, age ranges and team sizes:

League Division Age Target Team Size Traditional T- Ball 4 - 5 8-10 Coach Pitch T-Ball (Advanced) 6 - 7 8-10 Machine Pitch 7 – 8 12 Minor League 9-11 12 Major League 11 – 12 12 Intermediate 50/70 11-13 12-14 Junior League 13 – 14 12 - 15 Senior League 15 – 16 12 - 15

● Score will not be recorded during the Grapefruit season (pre-season games). Grapefruit Season games are pre-season games that have no bearing on the regular season standings. ● Playoff seeding will be determined by the final regular season standings. Standings will be determined by the winning percentage and winning percentage is calculated as the fraction of games or matches a team or individual has won. It is defined as wins divided by the total number of matches played (i.e. wins plus draws plus losses). A draw counts as a ½ win. In the event of a tie, the playoff seeds will be determined by using the following tie-breakers: 1) head to head results, 2) coin flip.

Section II – Green Book Extensions

Baseball – All Divisions

● Huguenot Little League chooses to bat the entire roster in all divisions of play.

● Full metal face guards on batting helmets are recommended for all ages but only required for players in Minors and below.

Traditional T-Ball

● Score will not be kept by either team. There will be no team standings.

● The pitcher must wear a batting helmet with a little league approved facemask.

● All players in attendance will bat each inning, regardless of how many outs are recorded.

● Outs will not be recorded or enforced (players will stay on base regardless of the outcome of the at-bat).

● Every player on the team will play in the field when on defense (no one sits on the bench).

● The last batter of each half inning will be allowed to advance around all 4 bases, regardless of the location of the ball.

● Batters, except the last batter of each half inning, will only advance one base at a time. No doubles, triples, etc.

● Players cannot advance on overthrows.

● Game length is three (3) innings max. Coaches should strive to complete three (3) innings of play in an hour or less.

● No leads, stealing or sliding.

● No player may play in the field without a glove.

● Players will play multiple positions during each game. The exception to this rule is the 1st base position. Coaches st will use their judgment on which player(s) are allowed to play 1 base to create the safest environment possible. ● The ball must travel more than five (5) feet in order to be considered a fair ball. Coaches will use their best judgment when a player is challenged to hit the ball past 5 feet.

● The ball must stay within the foul lines in order to be considered a fair ball. Coaches will use their judgment based on player’s ability.

Coach Pitch or Advanced T-Ball

Coach Pitch (Advanced) T-Ball will follow the above-referenced rules of Traditional T-Ball with the following exceptions:

● Coaches will use a traditional infield that consists of five (5) players.

● Outs will be enforced and players will return to the bench when an out is recorded.

● Players can advance one base only on an overthrow.

● Coaches will pitch to the batter from approximately 36-42 feet. The batter will have 3 attempts to hit the ball before the ball is placed on a TEE. There will be NO strikeouts recorded.

● The Coach that is pitching is encouraged to pitch overhanded and in a kneeling position. Flexibility is allowed for an underhanded throwing motion when necessary.

● The ball is considered a “dead ball” if the batted ball hits the Coach that is pitching. Each runner will advance one (1) base only.

● The ball must travel more than 10 feet in order to be considered a fair ball.

Machine Pitch

● Four (4) outfielders are allowed (total of 10 defensive players).

● All outfielders must be positioned on the outfield grass and must remain on the outfield grass until the batter puts the ball into play.

● Each player present must play, as close to possible, half of their innings in an infield position and the other half of their innings in an outfield position. Catcher is considered an outfield position. No player shall sit out two innings before every player on the team has sat out a minimum of one inning. No player is permitted to sit more than one inning in a row unless injured or ill.

● The pitcher must wear a batting helmet with a Little League approved facemask. Prior to each pitch, the pitcher must be positioned, at a minimum, equal to the front end of the pitching machine and within approximately five (5) feet of the pitching machine. Once the pitch is released from the machine, he/she may move to a position in front of the machine in order to field the ball.

● If a batted ball hits the machine, the ball is considered “dead” and all runners, including the batter, are awarded one base only. If a thrown ball hits the machine, the ball is considered “dead” and all runners are awarded one base only. The base that is awarded is the base the runner was advancing to when the ball was thrown.

● For the Machine Pitch baseball division, the maximum amount of runs allowed in any half inning shall be five (5),

th th excluding the sixth (6 ) inning of play. In the sixth (6 ) inning, the half inning will end when either of the following conditions is met: 1) 3 defensive outs are recorded; 2) the offensive team bats their “Lineup”**. The batting order remains intact.

** In the above statement, the “Lineup” equals the maximum number of batters of the team with the least number of players. Example: Team A has twelve (12) players and Team B has ten (10) players. The “Lineup” will equal ten (10) players or batters.

● Walks are not allowed.

● There is a five (5) pitch limit per batter. If the batter fouls off the 5th pitch, or any subsequent pitch, he/she is allowed to continue the at-bat until the ball is either put into play or a strike (non-contact) is recorded. There is no maximum amount allowed for foul balls.

● Bunting is not allowed. Any bunt attempt will be treated as a strike. A bunt on the 5th pitch, whether foul or fair, will result in the player being called out.

● There is no infield-fly rule.

● Two defensive coaches are allowed to be positioned in the outfield during all games. All other coaches must remain in the dugout.

● Each team must have a Little League Background Check approved machine operator.

● Defensive substitutions are not permitted during an inning unless an injury or illness occurs. However, the coach is allowed to move the players that are on the field to different defensive positions during an inning.

● No new inning shall start after one hour and forty five minutes (1:45) has elapsed. A complete game is four (4) innings or three and one half (3.5) innings if the home team has the lead when the time limit has lapsed.

● Baserunners cannot leave their respective base until the batter makes contact with the pitched ball. If a base runner leaves a base early, he/she will be sent back to that base unless forced forward by a hit. If a base runner leaves early and the ball is put into play by the batter, that baserunner may only advance the number of bases obtained by the batter. A warning will be given when a baserunner leaves the base early. Any subsequent violations will result in the baserunner being called out.

● Thrown bats are prohibited due to safety concerns. A thrown bat will result in a warning to the offending team.

● Overthrow Rule: Runners may advance one base beyond the one to which they were running on an overthrown ball. This includes any play where an infielder has gained possession of a ball received from the outfield and decides to make a throw. The runner may be put out by the defender in this situation. If no attempt is made by the infielder, who has gained possession of the ball from an outfielder, to throw the ball, then the runner will be sent back to the base the runner was on when the infielder gained possession of the ball in the infield. There can only be one overthrow situation per at-bat. Example: Batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop and the shortstop overthrows first base. The batter can advance to second at his own risk. If he is thrown out at second, the out is recorded. On the other hand, if the first baseman overthrows second base, the batter cannot advance to third base since there has already been one overthrow for the at-bat.

● On a batted ball that leaves the infield, runners may advance until the ball is returned to an infielder that is positioned in the infield. The infielder only needs to possess and control the ball to stop the play. At the time that the infielder gains possession of the ball, the runners may continue to advance to the next base provided that they have clearly rounded the previous base. If the infielder who possesses the ball decides to throw the ball to a base, the ball is now considered live and the runners may advance at their own risk. The Overthrow Rule would now be in effect.

● Stealing is not permitted.

● There shall be no “baiting” by runners. “Baiting” is hereby defined as any runner standing or “dancing” off of a base for the purpose of drawing an unnecessary throw from the defense. A base runner, or any other base runners that occupy another base, who has baited the defense will not be allowed to advance on the play beyond the base they have originally reached safely. In this situation, the base runners may still be put out if tagged. Otherwise, they will be sent back to the original base that they occupied prior to the “baiting” offense.

● Catchers may use regular baseball gloves or a catcher’s mitt.

Major / Minor Baseball) ● For the Minor baseball division, the maximum amount of runs allowed in any half inning shall be five (5), th th excluding the sixth (6 ) inning of play. In the sixth (6 ) inning, the half inning will end when either of the following condition s is met: 1) 3 defensive outs are recorded; 2) The offensive team bats their “Lineup”**. The batting order remains intact.

● Slash bunting is prohibited due to safety concerns. A slash bunt is the act of a batter squaring around as if to bunt and then taking a full swing at the pitched ball. In the event a player attempts to slash bunt, the umpires

shall issue a warning for the first violation. The warning shall be issued to both managers and subsequent violation from either team will result in an automatic out.

● Thrown bats are prohibited due to safety concerns. A thrown bat will result in a warning to the offending team.

● Although the 2017 Little League Rules allow automatic intentional walks at the Minor Level and above, there will be no intentional walks in the Minor Division during the regular season. Intentional walks will, however, be permitted in postseason play.

● There will be no dropped 3rd Strikes called in the Minors divisions. A dropped 3rd strike will be recorded as if the ball was caught. A runner is free to advance with less than 2 outs on a dropped 3rd strike.

● In Minors no player shall sit more than 2 innings and may not sit out in two consecutive innings.

INTERMEDIATE 50/70 (11-13) JUNIOR (Ages 13-14) & SENIOR (Ages 14-16)

● At the Intermediate level only there will be ONE BALK WARNING given per pitcher.

SOFTBALL ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES AND RULES

Local Little League Rules

Huguenot Little League, Inc. (HLL) plays under the latest edition of the "Official Regulations and Playing Rules" of Little League, Inc. (Official Rules) for all baseball and softball divisions within HLL. All managers and coaches must be familiar with the Official Rules as well as HLL guidelines.

Section I - General

● HLL is governed by an elected Board of Directors acting under the authority of the Constitution of HLL.

● Divisions, age ranges and team sizes:

Division Age(s) Ideal Team Size T-Ball/Coach Pitch 4-6 10-12 Machine Pitch 7 – 8 12-15 Minor League 9 – 10 12-15 Major League 11 – 12 12-15 Senior League 13 – 16 12-15

● If any preseason scrimmages are played the outcome will not impact league standings.

● Playoff seeding will be determined by the final regular season standings. In the event of a tie, the playoff seeds will be determined using the following tie-breakers: 1) head to head results 2) coin flip.

Section II – Orange Book Extensions

Softball – Applicable to all Age Divisions ● Huguenot Little League chooses to bat the entire roster in all divisions of play.

● Face guards on batting helmets are strongly recommended for Major & Seniors Divisions, but are required for Minor Divisions, and below.

Tee ball / Coach Pitch (Ages 4-6) ● No new inning shall start after 1 hour.

● A half inning shall end when the entire line up has batted one time.

● No outs or runs will be recorded.

● The defense shall field a maximum of twelve (12) players consisting of six (6) infielders and with the remaining players positioned in the outfield.

● Each player must play at least one infield position per game. This shall not include the catcher’s position.

● All outfield players shall be positioned in the outfield grass.

● Players may be substituted freely.

● Pitcher shall be positioned on the pitching rubber, or in the near vicinity of the pitcher’s mound, and must wear a batting helmet or defensive face mask.

● The catcher shall be positioned standing at the backstop and inline with home plate and the pitcher’s mound wearing a batting helmet to protect head from potential thrown bats.

● If the batter has not successfully hit the ball after three pitches from the coach, the batter shall complete their turn at bat by hitting from a tee.

● Balls and strikes will not be called in this division. All batters will continue to bat off the tee until the ball is put in play.

● Runners may only advance one base at a time per at bat. No additional bases on overthrows.

Machine Pitch Softball (Ages 7-8) ● Pitching machine should be set 35 feet from the back tip of the plate to the front of the machine.

● Speed should be set to 30-33 mph [4-2-4 setup]

● An offensive coach shall operate the pitching machine.

● No new inning may start after one hour and twenty minutes.

● Maximum amount of runs per any half inning shall be (5). This includes the last inning of play.

● Both teams bat the final inning regardless of score unless home team is ahead.

● Coaches will not be allowed on the field during a defensive inning once the playoffs begin.

● Managers are required to exchange lineups with written out defensive rotations for 6 innings PRIOR to each game.

● Each player must play as close to possible, half of their innings in the infield and the other half in the outfield. (aim to meet this requirement by the 4th inning). No player can play the infield the entire game.

● No player shall sit out defensively for two (2) consecutive innings.

● No player shall sit out defensively for a second time until all other eligible players have sat out at least one defensive inning.

● The defense shall field a maximum of nine (9) players consisting of six (6) infielders and three (3) outfielders.

● Outfielder must begin the play 5 feet into the grass/outfield.

● The pitcher must wear a batting helmet with a face shield or a defensive face mask.

● Prior to each pitch, the pitcher must be positioned, at a minimum, equal to the front end of the pitching machine and within approximately 5 feet of the pitching machine. Once the pitch is released from the machine, she may move to a position in front of the machine in order to better field the ball.

● The catcher shall wear all little league regulation protective gear (catcher’s glove optional) and be positioned properly behind the plate. All catching helmets must have a throat guard (no exceptions).

● Players may be substituted freely; However, no player may be substituted once an inning has started except for illness or injury.

● There is no infield fly rule in this division.

● No bunting.

● No stealing or leading off. If a runner leaves a base before contact with the bat she will be sent back to that base unless forced forward by a hit. When this occurs the runner will only advance the number of bases obtained by the batter.

● One warning will be given per team when a runner leaves the base before contact with the bat. Any subsequent violation will result in the runner being called out.

● There shall be no “baiting” by runners. “Baiting” is hereby defined as any runner standing or “dancing” off of a base for the purpose of drawing an unnecessary throw from the defense. A base runner, or any other base runners that occupy another base, that has baited the defense will not be allowed to advance on the play beyond the base they have originally reached safely. In this situation, the base runners may still be put out if tagged. Otherwise, they will be sent back to the original base that they occupied prior to the “baiting” offense.

● Batters will be allowed five pitches. The batter must swing on the 5th pitch or they are out. The batter is allowed unlimited foul balls on the 5th pitch.

● Batters will not be walked.

● A batted ball that hits the pitching machine is considered “dead” and all runners, including the batter, are awarded one base only.

● If a batted ball hits the offensive coach working the machine, the play is considered “dead” and the pitch is played over.

● A thrown ball that hits the machine is considered dead and batter/runners are awarded the base they are going to. A thrown ball that hits the offensive coach working the machine is considered a live ball and play continues.

● A thrown bat will result in a warning to that team. One warning will be given per game per team. The next violation will result in the batter being called out. The ball will be dead and all runners must return to their original bases.

● Runners may advance according to the following:

o When the ball is hit in the infield: all runner(s) may advance no more than one base at their own risk. o Advancement of only one base is allowed on overthrows and no additional bases can be taken on subsequent overthrows per that at-bat. o When ball is hit into the outfield , all runner(s) may advance at their own risk until the ball is returned to an infielder that is positioned in the infield (within the base paths). A ball that passes through the infield and makes it to the grass w/o any defensive player touching it will be deemed an outfield hit.

● Any ball that makes it to the outfield via deflection off an infielder will be deemed an infield hit.

● A maximum of 4 adults (three coaches and one manager) are allowed inside the dugout/ playing area to help ensure the safety of the players. All Coaches, and volunteers that are permitted in the dugout or on the field, must be approved by the formal Little League background check process and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreations.

● Two defensive coaches are allowed to be positioned in the outfield during all regular season games. All other coaches must remain in the dugout.

Minor Softball (Ages 9-10)

● No new inning may start after one hour and thirty minutes as long as 4 full innings have been completed.

● Maximum amount of runs per any half inning shall be (5).

● Full final inning must be completed unless home team is ahead after the end of the half inning and time has expired.

● Pitchers are required to wear a defensive face mask. Each team has been issued one in their team bag.

● Teams are required to pitch at least 2 pitchers per game. One of the pitchers SHOULD be a league age 8 or 9 year old to help ensure pitcher development for the next year.

● No player shall sit out defensively for two (2) consecutive innings and all players must play one inning th at an infield position before the 4 inning. ● No player shall sit out defensively for a second time until all other eligible players have sat out at least one defensive inning.

● Players may be substituted freely; however, no player (except for the pitcher) may be substituted once an inning has started except for illness or injury.

● All catching helmets must have a throat guard.

● Batters cannot square up to bunt prior to the pitch then pull back as the pitcher releases ball and proceeds to take a full swing. Batter will be called out. NO SLASH BUNTING!

● A courtesy runner may be used when there are 2 outs, or 4 runs, to run for the player that will be catching in the next inning. The courtesy runner must be the last out recorded (either in the current inning or last inning).

Majors Softball (Ages 11-12)

● No new inning may start after one hour and forty minutes, as long as 4 innings have been completed. ● Maximum amount of runs per any half inning shall be (5) unless the 5th run is scored by the batter hitting an over the fence home run. All runners on base will be allowed to score to end the half inning.

● No player shall sit out defensively for two (2) consecutive innings.

● No player shall sit out defensively for a second time until all other eligible players have sat out at least one defensive inning, excluding the starting pitcher and catcher (variance to rule 3.03).

● Players may be substituted freely; However, no player (except for the pitcher) may be substituted once an inning has started except for illness or injury (variance to rule 3.0).

● All catching helmets must have a throat guard.

● A courtesy runner may be used to run for the pitcher and catcher of record. Runner must be last out recorded (either in current inning or last inning).

Seniors Softball (Ages 13 - 16)

● No new inning may start after two hours as long as five innings have been completed. ● Maximum amount of runs per any half inning shall be (7) unless the 7th run is scored by the batter hitting an over the fence home run. All runners on base will be allowed to score to end the half inning.

● No player shall sit out defensively for two (2) consecutive innings.

● No player shall sit out defensively for a second time until all other eligible players have sat out at least one defensive inning, excluding the starting pitcher and catcher.

● Players may be substituted freely; however, no player (except for the pitcher) may be substituted once an inning has started except for illness or injury.

● All catching helmets must have a throat guard.

APPENDIX F: ACCIDENT REPORT FORM

APPENDIX G: INSURANCE CLAIM FORM

APPENDIX H: WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LITTLE LEAGUE INSURANCE

APPENDIX I: CONCUSSION TRAINING FOR COACHES