BASEBALL/SOFTBALL NOTIFICATION AGREEMENT Softball and baseball are games played on a field with two teams of nine active participants. The offensive team, or the team at bat, is attempting to score runs by hitting a pitched ball with great force, running around three bases and returning to the initial point, home base. The defensive team, or the team that is out in the field, is trying to prevent the offensive team from scoring by fielding the batted ball, often moving at high velocity, and throwing it, at high velocity, toward another player at one of the bases to which the offensive player is running. During this interaction there is some possibility of a catastrophic injury occurring. In baseball, the ball is smaller and harder, so the potential for catastrophic injury as a result of being hit by the ball is greater than in softball. Statistics indicate few catastrophic injuries occur in baseball and softball as compared to some other sports. Even so, athletes and coaches participating in these games should take precautions to prevent such injuries from occurring. Possible catastrophic injuries are: 1. Loss of vision, paralysis or death as a result of being struck in the head by a pitched, batted or thrown ball or by metal cleats. 2. Paralysis, death or other permanent impairment of physical functions resulting from being struck by a bat, or colliding with another player or some part of the structure housing the playing field. Such impacts can result in injury to head, neck, back or specific organ. Minor injuries that can occur are: sprains, strains, contusions, pulled muscles and fractures. Many of the injuries in baseball and softball can be reduced to a minimum by proper conditioning, learning the correct execution of skills and using suitable equipment. BATTING: catastrophic injuries can be head or brain injury, loss of sight and/or organ damage caused by being hit with the ball. All players should be instructed in correct batting techniques. Wearing of batting helmets, being alert and having knowledge of moving away from the pitch will help avoid injuries. BASERUNNING: catastrophic injuries can be head, neck or back injuries as a result of being hit by a thrown ball, falling or collisions with defensive players. Knowledge and application of rules and strategy are needed as well as being alert. Sliding is a part of base running. The most important thing to remember is that once a player decides to slide, he/she should complete the slide. More sprained ankles, broken legs, and other injuries are inflicted by this mental lapse than by any other playing action. FIELDING: catastrophic injuries can be eye, head, neck or organ injuries and can be caused by a collision with another player or some obstacle, or being struck by the ball. Teamwork, “calling for the ball,” alertness and appropriate positioning can help prevent injuries. Collisions can result in broken bones, concussions, coma and even death. The outfield must work as a unit. PITCHING: catastrophic injuries can be head or eye injuries caused by being struck by a thrown ball. This can be prevented by correct pitching technique and development of fielding skills. The pitcher is in a particularly vulnerable position. It is important to be alert and the preparation for fielding a batted ball at the completion of the delivery is vital. Teamwork and communication are important in reducing the possibility of injury as well as producing effective play. Inattentiveness or “not thinking” are significant contributors to injury during play. Players must be prepared for the unexpected or they are likely to respond in an inappropriate manner or fail to respond at all, thus increasing the chance of injury to themselves or to others. It is possible to perfect baseball and softball skills and at the same time to avoid injury. In fact, the possession of skills help to prevent injures. Very seldom do we hear of a player who executes a play properly being injured. An athlete who knows how to throw and uses this knowledge doesn’t pull an arm muscle. The player who knows how to slide and uses this knowledge doesn’t sprain an ankle or strain an elbow. It is important that every player concentrate on the basic fundamentals. This report does not cover all potential injury possibilities while playing baseball and softball, but it is an attempt to make athletes aware that fundamentals, coaching, conditioning and proper equipment are important to their safety. PARTICIPANTS CAN AND MUST HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP REDUCE THE CHANCE OF INJURY. PLAYERS MUST OBEY ALL SAFETY RULES, REPORT ALL PHYSICAL PROBLEMS TO THEIR COACHES, FOLLOW A PROPER CONDITIONING PROGRAM AND INSPECT THEIR EQUIPMENT DAILY. .