Branford Girls Softball
Little League
2025
A Safety Awareness Program
Safety Manual
Version date: March 12, 2025
Table of Contents
Manager/Coach Fundamentals
Player Registration
Volunteer Registration
Medical Release Form
First Aid Fundamentals
Concussion Review
Emergency, District, & Team Contacts & Safety Plan
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Action Plan
Reporting Accidents
Insurance Reporting Forms
Lightning Policy
Facilities Survey
Concession Stands
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2025 Manager Fundamentals
Manager Training
· Fundamentals Training will be held at the BGS LL Coaches Meeting
· One manager or coach must be present and attendance will be recorded.
· Will be held immediately following the BGS Safety Training on Saturday, March 29, 2025 12:00PM at the Joseph Trapasso Community House
Information Managers/Coaches needed at each game
- Roster with phone numbers
- Roster with players with medications & Medical Release Forms
- Equipment bag with First Aid Kit
- Emergency contact listing with phone numbers
Equipment Checkout and Field Inspection
· Each equipment bag is to be checked out and signed for by the manager.
· The manager is responsible for maintaining the equipment.
· Inspection should be done before and after each game.
· Managers, coaches and/or umpires are required to walk fields checking for hazards such as glass, rocks, holes, etc. prior to each game.
· Both managers & the umpire are required to verify the field is safe for play.
What Every Manager Must Know
- Little League will require ALL TEAMS to enforce ALL Little League rules, including - proper equipment for catchers and bases that disengage on all fields. All rules apply to practices, training, games, and any other Little League event.
- All managers should fill out a line-up card listing the following:
- Player’s full name
- Uniform number
- Playing position
- The opposing team should be made aware of all changes during the game.
- Managers or coaches should keep track of the team’s score as well as the opposing team’s score during the game. The score should be confirmed every inning.
- Only the Manager and two (2) Coaches are allowed in the dugout with the team during games. For teams age 8-10, Manager and (3) Coaches. Scorebooks will be in dugout or on Game Changer.
- The use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages in any form is prohibited on the playing field, benches or dugouts. [RULE XIV (e)] This includes practices and games.
- Base coaches are to remain within the coaches boxes at all times, except as provided in Rule 7.11 [RULE 4.05 (3)] which allows for one offensive time out per inning to confer with a batter.
- Defensive coaches shall remain in the dugout area at all times.
- All teams must keep a scorebook showing innings played and innings pitched by all players.
- Every manager should have a rulebook with him at all games.
- Harassment of umpires by players, coaches, managers and fans will not be tolerated. If you have a question, ask for time to confer with the umpire in a dignified manner.
Player Registration
Player registration is to be completed and submitted online through the Sports Connect system.
BGS website: www.BranfordGirlsSoftball.com
Data Registration Requirement
League player registration data and manager/coach registration data will be submitted via the Little League Data Center at www.LittleLeague.org. This is a requirement Annually.
Volunteer Application
· All Managers/Coaches/Volunteers/Board Members must fill out a volunteer application annually.
o Application will be completed and submitted online through the Sports Connect system.
o BGS website: www.BranfordGirlsSoftball.com
· A Nationwide background check must be conducted on all volunteers.
o The Background Check will be facilitated online through the National Little League vendor: JD Palantine (aka JDP).
Medical Release Form
· Each player’s parent/guardian has filled out the following medical release form during the registration process.
· Forms will be stored per the BGS Standard Operating Procedures.
· Copies of these forms are given to the managers of each team and must be present at all games and practices.
First Aid Training
· First Aid Training will be held at the Joseph Trapasso Community House
• Saturday, March 29th at 11:00AM
· At least one coach/manager from each team must be present.
· The BGS league’s Safety Officer should attend if possible.
General First Aid
Bleeding
Heavy bleeding is a medical emergency
Treatment of Bleeding
1. Have someone call 911
2. Keep the victim lying down
3. Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth/gauze pad
4. Hold the pad with a strong bandage with cloth strips, etc.
5. If possible elevate bleeding leg or arm higher than the victim’s heart
6. Once bleeding has been controlled:
a. Keep the victim warm by covering them with a blanket or coat
b. If you suspect the victim to have a neck or spinal cord injury, do not move them.
7. If possible, keep the wound covered and accessible
Burns
· Burns can occur from heat [thermal burns] or chemicals
· The main objective of burns is to prevent shock
· Burn Shock: cold, clammy skin with beads of perspiration on the forehead and palms; pale skin color; a cold feeling or shaking chills; nausea; vomiting; or shallow, rapid breathing.
· All major buns should be seen by a doctor
· Do not apply ointments, sprays, antiseptics, or home remedies such as butter or margarine
Treatment of Burns
1. Cool the burned area quickly with cold water
2. Place a clean cloth over all burns to protect these areas
3. Keep the victim lying down
4. Give NO fluids by mouth
5. Elevate the victim’s legs if possible
6. Call 911
Cuts & Abrasions
The most important part of caring for minor wounds is preventing infection.
Treatment of Cuts & Abrasions
1. Immediately clean the wound with antiseptic cleansing wipe [sting free]. This can be left on the wound.
2. Do not touch the wound with your bare hands or dirty cloths [prevent infections].
3. Hold a sterile pad firmly over the wound until bleeding stops. If bleeding doesn’t stop then apply another sterile pad over it. DO NOT remove the first pad.
4. Bandage the wound with tightly wound triangular or rolled bandage.
5. If bleeding does not stop call 911 or take to the nearest emergency room.
6. For deep or gaping wounds get help immediately.
Fractures
· The main objective is to prevent further injury
· Two types of fractures are
· Closed: Bone is broken but skin has not been punctured
· Open: Bone is broken and skin has been punctured
Treatment of Fractures
1. If fracture is severe call 911 immediately
2. Do not move the victim if not in danger until fracture has been splinted
3. Leave the fracture as you find it. The splints should be placed on that position.
4. Splints should be long enough to extend beyond and above the joints and below the fracture
5. Any firm material can be used for splints [thick magazines, boards, folded newspaper, etc.]
6. Use clothing or other soft materials to help pad and prevent skin injury
7. Fasten the splint with bandages or cloth at a minimum of three sites:
a. Below the joint, below the break
b. Above the joint, above the break
c. Mid break
8. Broken bones in the hand or foot can be immobilized with a pillow or blanket
9. Keep the victim lying down
Shoulder Dislocation
Treatment of Shoulder Dislocation
1. Immobilize the affected arm against the person’s chest with a triangular bandage or sling
2. Have the victim use the other hand to help support the immobilized arm
3. Get medical help as soon as possible
Sprains & Strains
· RICE [Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation]
· Treat the sprain and strain as a fracture if there is any doubt that it is more than a simple sprain or strain.
Treatment of Sprains & Strains
1. Rest the injured area
2. Ice 12 to 20 minutes every few hours for the first few days
3. Wear an elastic wrap for compression to reduce swelling. Do not cut off circulation by wrapping too tightly.
4. Keep elevated above heart to reduce swelling
5. DO NOT APPLY HEAT for the first 24 hours [heat increases swelling]
Nosebleeds
Treatment of Nosebleeds
1. Have the victim sit and lean forward
2. Pinch the soft portion of the nose [below the nasal bone] for ten minutes
3. If bleeding does not stop place a rolled gauze or nose plug in one or both nostrils
4. Apply a cold compress or cold pack to the bridge of the nose
5. If bleeding continues call for medical help or go to your nearest emergency room
Shock
· Cold, clammy skin with beads of perspiration on the forehead and palms; pale skin color; a cold feeling or shaking chills; nausea; vomiting; or shallow rapid breathing
· Accompanies severe injury, illness
Treatment of Shock
1. Call 911
2. Correct the cause of the shock [control bleeding, splint fracture]
3. Keep the victim’s airway open
4. If victim vomits: turn head to the side to prevent choking. If you suspect a neck/spinal injury, keep the body alignment straight.
5. Elevate victim’s legs if confident that there is not a leg fracture or spinal cord injury
6. Keep the head lower than the trunk of the body if possible
7. Keep warm and comfortable
8. Only give fluids if conscious
9. Reassure the victim
Asthma
· SEEK EMERGENCY CARE, particularly if:
· Child’s wheezing or coughing does not improve after taking prescribed medication. [15-20 minutes for most asthma medications]
· Child’s chest or neck is pulling in while struggling to breathe
· Child is having trouble walking or talking
· Child stops playing and cannot start again
· Child’s fingernails and/or lips turn blue or gray
· Skin between child’s ribs sucks in when breathing
Treatment of Asthma
1. Use doctor prescribed medication for victim
2. Asthma is different for every person
3. If you are unsure: Call 911 & parents or guardian
Allergic Reactions
· The look and feel of an allergic reaction depends on the body part involved and the severity of the reaction. Some reactions affect many areas, while others affect just one area. Reactions to the same allergen vary by individual.
· Anaphylaxis is the term for any combination of allergic symptoms that are rapid, or sudden, and potentially life-threatening. Call an ambulance immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis.
· One sign of anaphylaxis is shock. Shock has a very specific meaning in medicine: The organs of the body are not getting enough blood because of dangerously low blood pressure. Shock may lead rapidly to death. The person in shock may be pale or red, sweaty or dry, confused, anxious, or unconscious.
· Breathing may be difficult or noisy, or the person may be unable to breathe.
· Skin: redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives (itchy bumps or welts)
· Lungs: wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath
· Head: swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat; headache
· Nose: stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing
· Eyes: red (bloodshot), itchy, swollen, or watery
· Stomach: pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea
Treatment of Allergic Reactions
1. Use doctor prescribed medication for victim
2. Allergic reactions are different for every person
3. Refer to Player Registration sheet for allergies and Instructions
4. If you are unsure: Call 911 & parents or guardian
2025 Concussion Review
Concussion Training/Awareness
As a reference for the BGS ASAP, The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) have issued guidance related to concussion management.
https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Publications/Concussion-Education-Plan-and-Guidelines-for-Connecticut-Schools
It is impossible to accurately predict how long an individual’s concussion will last. There must be full recovery before an athlete is allowed to resume participating in athletic activity. Connecticut law now requires that no athlete may resume participation until that athlete has received written medical clearance from a licensed health care professional (physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), licensed athletic trainer, trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.
Management of Concussion in Sports
Features of Concussion Frequently Observed
1. Vacant stare
2. Delayed verbal and motor responses [slow to answer questions or follow instructions]
3. Confusion and inability to focus attention
4. Disorientation [walking in the wrong direction, unaware of time, date, place]
5. Slurred or incoherent speech [making disjointed or incomprehensible statements]
6. Gross observable problems with coordination [stumbling, cannot walk a straight line]
7. Emotions out of proportion to circumstances [distraught, crying for no apparent reason]
8. Memory deficits [inability to memorize, recall 3 of 3 words or objects in 5 minutes]
9. Any period of loss of consciousness
Grades of Concussions
| Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 |
| 1. Transient Confusion [Inattention, inability to maintain coherent stream of thought and carry out goal-directed movements] 2. No Loss of Consciousness 3. Concussion Symptoms or mental status abnormalities on examination resolve in less than 15 minutes | 1. Transient Confusion 2. No Loss of Consciousness 3. Concussion symptoms or mental status abnormities [including amnesia] on examination last more than 15 minutes | 1. Any Loss of Consciousness |
Management Recommendations
| Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 |
| 1. Remove from contest 2. Examine immediately and at 5 minute intervals for the development of mental status abnormalities or post-concussive symptoms at rest and with exertion 3. May return to contest if mental status abnormalities or post-concussive symptoms clear within 15 minutes | 1. Remove from contest and disallow return that day 2. Examine on-site frequently for signs of evolving intracranial pathology 3. A trained person should re-examine the athlete the following day 4. A physician should perform a neurological examinations to clear the athlete for return to play after 1 full asymptomatic week at rest and with exertion | 1. Transport the athlete from the field to the nearest ER by ambulance if still unconscious or if worrisome signs are detected 2. A thorough neurological exam should be performed 3. Hospital admission may be required if signs and symptoms are still present |
When to Return to Play
| Grade of Concussion | Return to play only after being asymptomatic with normal neurological assessment at rest and with exercise |
| Grade 1 | 15 Minutes or Less |
| Multiple Grade 1 | 1 week |
| Grade 2 | 1 week |
| Multiple Grade 2 | 2 weeks |
| Grade 3 – Brief loss | 1 week |
| Grade 3 – Prolonged | 2 weeks |
| Multiple Grade 3 | 1 month or longer based on decision of evaluating physician |
Sideline Evaluation
| Mental Status Testing |
| Orientation: | Time, place, person and situation [circumstances of injury) |
| Concentration: | Digits backwards (3-1-7, 4-6-8-2), months of the year in reverse order. |
| Memory: | Names of team in prior contest. Recall 3 word or objects at 0 and 5 minutes. |
| External Provocative Tests | Neurological Tests |
| 40 yard sprint | Strength |
| 5 Push ups | Coordination and Agility |
Any appearance of symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, and blurred or double vision after testing should not return to play.
2025 Emergency and BGS League Contacts
Emergency Phone List
Fire 911
Police 911
Emergency Medical 911
BGS League Contacts:
| BGS President David Falcigno 203-627-1424 [email protected] |
| BGS Vice President Lauren Osgood 315-382-7646 [email protected] |
| Safety Officer Robert DeLucca 203-671-4655 [email protected] |
| Umpire In Chief |
| Information Officer Sean Reilly 203-606-8186 |
| Player Agent Tony Colagiovanni 203-627-8797 |
Emergency Action Plan
In the event that there are no medical professionals present, the manager or coach will assume responsibility.
Procedures to be followed by Designated Individual
1. The designated care provider will remain with the injured athlete at all times. Do not move the athlete if numbness, neck pain, or back pain is present. Do not move an unconscious victim.
2. Have someone [Manager, Coach, Parent] call 911 for you and ask for ambulance
a. Identify person calling and exact location
b. State nature of injury
c. Instruct the emergency vehicle exactly where the victim is and how to reach them
i. Street address
ii. Entry gate
iii. Specific location of baseball field at address
d. Stay on the line until the operator disconnects
e. Return to the injury scene in case other assistance is needed
3. Have someone [manager, coach, parent] meet emergency vehicle at entrance gate
4. Assign someone to control crowd
5. If parent of victim is not present
a. Have someone call the parent using emergency contact information sheet
b. Assign coach/parent to accompany injured athlete to the hospital until parent arrives
6. Contact the appropriate League officials
a. President / Vice President
b. Safety officer
c. Player Agent
Accident Reporting
· Accident forms must be turned in to safety officer within 24-48 hours of the incident
· Accident form can be found on the Little League International website.
Insurance Reporting
· Insurance form and application instructions can be found on the Little League International website.
Lightning Safety
Lightning Facts
· Each year about 400 children and adults in the United States are struck by lightning while working outside, at sporting events, and other outdoor activities
· On average 10% of strike victims die and 70% of survivors suffer serious long-term effects
· Lightning strikes can be as far as 10 miles away from rainfall
· If you hear thunder, lighting is not far behind
· Look for dark clouds and increasing winds.
Safety Rules
· Postpone activity promptly. Don’t wait for rain! Take shelter in a grounded building with water and electricity, or in a car.
· Be at the lowest point. Lightning hits the tallest object.
· Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing wind, which all can be signs of an approaching thunderstorm.
· Listen for the sound of thunder. If you hear thunder, go to the closest safe shelter.
· Avoid metal and stay away from trees.
· Listen to local weather reports.
What to do if someone is struck by lightning
1. Call 911
2. Give first aid. If the person has stopped breathing, have a trained professional administer CPR.
3. People who are struck carry no electrical charge that can shock another person. You can examine an individual without risk.
Principle Lightning Safety Guide
· The LL Rulebook says that when thunder is heard or lightning is seen athletes are not to return to the playing field until the thunder and lightning are absent for 30 minutes
· Use the 30-30 rule. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within 6 miles of you. Seek shelter immediately!
League Lightning Policy Application
1. At the first observation of lightning by any manager, coach, player or spectator, the home team manager will indicate suspension of play. All play on all area diamonds will be immediately suspended for 30 minutes .
2. Managers, coaches and players are to leave the diamond and wait at their cars. Managers, coaches and players are not to leave the field unless released by the home team manager.
3. If lightning is observed again, restart the timing for a new 30 minute period
4. If the suspension period exceeds 30 minutes the game is cancelled or suspended. Umpires, managers, coaches and players are released.
5. If no lightning is observed after the 30-minute suspension period, play will resume.
2025 BGS Facilities Survey
Little League National Facility Survey
The facility Survey has been entered online.
Concession Stand
Not Applicable.