SOUTH HOUSTON LITTLE LEAGUE
2025 ASAP Safety Plan
Safety is A Good Baseball Skill
In 1995, ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program) was introduced to Little League with the goal of re-emphasizing the position of Safety Officer “to create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for kids and all participants of Little League Baseball". The South Houston Little League Safety Manual is offered as a tool to place some important information at manager's and coach's fingertips. The following is information pertaining to coaches, parents, and players with regards to issues of safety. A more complete description may be found in the safety manual.
Safety Code for South Houston Little League
· An adult member of the local league should be responsible for safety procedures.
· Arrangements should be made in advance of all games and practices for emergency medical services.
· Managers, coaches and umpires should have some training in first aid. A First Aid Kit must be available at the field.
· Games and practices should not occur when weather or field conditions are poor, particularly when lighting is insufficient.
· Play areas should be inspected frequently for holes, ants, damage, stones, glass and other foreign objects.
· Dugouts and bat racks should be positioned behind screens or fences.
· Only players, managers, coaches and umpires are permitted on the playing field during play and practice sessions.
· Responsibility for keeping bats and loose equipment for the field of play should be that of a coach, assistant coach or player assigned for this purpose.
· Procedures should be established for retrieving foul balls batted out of the playing area.
· During practice and games, all players should be alert and actively watching the batter on each pitch.
· During warm-up drills, players should be spaced so that no one is endangered by wild throws or missed catches.
· Equipment should be inspected regularly for damage, alterations and proper fit.
· Batters must wear approved protective helmets during batting practice and games.
· The catcher must wear a catcher's helmet, mask, throat protector, long model chest protector, shin guards when playing games, warming up pitchers, between innings and in the bullpen. Male catchers must wear a protective supporter at all times. 
· Except when runner is returning to a base, headfirst slides should be avoided.
· During slide practice, bases should not be strapped down and should be located away from the base anchoring system.
· At no time should "horse play" be permitted on the playing field.
· Parents of players who wear glasses should be encouraged to provide safety glasses.
· Players should not wear watches, rings, pins, other metallic items or jewelry.
Manager's Safety Reminder
Remember, safety is everyone's job. Prevention is the key to reducing accidents to a minimum. Report all hazardous conditions to the Safety Officer or another Board member, immediately. Do not practice or play on a field that is not safe or has unsafe playing equipment. Be sure your players are fully equipped at all times, especially catchers and batters. Check your team's equipment often.
Code of Conduct
The following are some common-sense items that are required of all visitors to the South Houston Little League baseball complex. Please help keep the area safe for all children!
· Speed Limit 5 mph in roadways and parking lots while attending any South Houston Little League function. Watch for small children around parked cars.
· No alcohol allowed in any parking lot, field, or common areas within South Houston Little League complex.
§ No Playing in parking lots at any time.
§ No Playing on and around lawn equipment,
§ Use Cross walks when crossing roadways. Always be alert for traffic.
§ No Profanity please.
§ No Swinging Bats or throwing baseballs at any time within the walkways and common areas of South Houston Little League complex.
· No throwing balls against dugouts or against backstop. Catchers must be used for all batting practice sessions.
· No throwing rocks.
· No horseplay in walkways at any time.
· No climbing fences.
· No pets are permitted at South Houston Little League games or practices.
· Only a player on the field and at bat may swing a bat (Age 4 - 12). Juniors (Age 13) on the field at bat or on deck may swing a bat. Be alert of area around you when swinging bat while in the on deck position.
· Observe all posted signs. Players and spectators should be alert at all times for Foul Balls and Errant Throws.
· During game, players must remain in the dugout area in an orderly fashion at all times. o After each game, each team must clean up trash in dugout and around stands.
· All gates to the field must remain closed at all times. After players have entered or left the playing field, gates should be closed and secured.
· No children under the age of 14 are to be permitted in the Snack Bars.
Please comply with the above items. Willfully failing to comply with the above Code of Conduct may result in expulsion from the South Houston Little League fields and/or complex. Let's keep South Houston Little League baseball fun for everyone!
2025 ASAP Safety Manual
SOUTH HOUSTON LITTLE LEAGUE
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES…………………………………..7
NON-EMERGENCY NUMBERS………………………………...7
EMERGENCY NUMBERS……………………………………….7
FIRST RESPONSE TO INJURIES………………………………..7
POINTS OF CONTACT……………….…………….……...…….7
In the event of a MINOR injury…………………………………...7
In the event of a MAJOR injury…………………………………...7
Choosing a Medical Care Facility…………………………………8
PROVIDING FIRST AID – DO'S AND DON'TS...………………8
ASAP- WHAT IS IT?.......................................................................9
WHAT TO REPORT..…………………………..…………………9
WHEN TO REPORT……………………………………………...9
HOW TO REPORT……………………………………………….9
SAFTY OFFICER RESPONSABLITIES PROCEDURES………9 BACKGROUND CHECK PROCEDURES……………….……10
TRAINING CLINICS…………………………………………...10
FIRST AID TRAINING………………………….……………...10
COACHING CLINICS……………………………..…………...10
WEATHERCONDITIONS…………………..…………………10
LIGHTENING…………………………………………..………11
RAIN/MUD……………………………………..………………11
ASTHMA & RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS……..…………...…11
DRINKING GUIDELINES FOR HOT DAY ACTIVITIES.…...11
BLEEDING/OPEN WOUND RESPONSE PROCEDURES…..12
DON'T SWING IT – BAT SAFETY………………………….12
CATCHER SAFETY …………………………………………12
CONCESSION STAND SAFETY PROCEDURES …………12
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE SHED PROCEDURE….13
Emergency Procedures
Non-Emergency Numbers:
South Houston Police Department (713) 944-1910
South Houston Fire Department (713) 944-1910
Emergency Number: 911
First Response to Injuries
In the event of an accident, the manager or coach shall remain calm and tend to the injured person. You must instruct all players to take a knee and/or return to their respective positions to avoid crowding and to allow for proper care of an injured player.
In the event of a MINOR injury:
Use the first aid kit as needed to apply ice packs or support bandages. When treating an injury, remember: RICE... Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
If blood is present, wear barrier gloves (latex gloves) whenever possible to protect yourself and the injured person. Clean wounds with soap and water or an antiseptic wipe. Apply light pressure 
to stop bleeding. Apply bandages to cover the wound.
If any part of the uniform is soiled with blood, the uniform must be replaced and thoroughly cleaned prior to continued use.
In the event of a MAJOR injury:
If you believe a player has sustained a major injury, you must seek professional medical attention immediately. If appropriate, call 911. Stay with the injured person and provide comfort until medical attention arrives. Keep the person calm and as comfortable as possible. Avoid moving the player in any way unless remaining there would cause greater injury. When calling 911, be prepared to give your name, location and a brief description of the emergency. Listen carefully to the operator’s requests or questions. Once finished with the phone call, get in position or designate others to an appropriate location to meet and direct emergency personnel and vehicles to the injured person.
Choosing a Medical Care Facility:
If a player needs professional medical attention, the manager or coach will:
1. Defer to the emergency personnel that are present and allow them to take over care and transport the injured person to the appropriate facility.
2. Consult with the player's parents (if present) for physician or hospital information and ask if they wish to take their child to the facility of their choice.
3. If no parent of the injured player is present, check the player's medical release information provided to South Houston Little League and retained in the manager's
binder. This MEDICAL RELEASE INFORMATION for every player MUST be with the team at all South Houston Little League events, including games, practices, pictures, team parties, etc. If there is a doctor, medical clinic or hospital listed, provide this information to emergency personnel.
Providing First Aid — Important Do's and Don't
Do reassure and aid children who are injured, frightened or lost.
Do Provide, or assist in obtaining, medical attention for those who require it.
Do Know your limitations.
Do carry your first aid kit to all games and practices.
LOOK for signs of injury (blood, bruises, deformity of limbs, etc).
LISTEN to the injured person describe what happened and what hurts. Before questioning, you may have to calm an anxious child.
Gently and carefully FEEL the injured area for signs of swelling or grating of broken bones. Have your players' Medical Clearance Forms (from registration) with you at all games, practices and team functions. Arrange to have a cellular phone available during ALL games and practices.
Don't administer any medications.
Don’t provide any food or beverage other than water.
Don’t hesitate to administer aid when needed.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are not sure of the proper procedures (such as CPR).
Don’t transport injured individuals except in extreme emergencies.
Don’t EVER leave an unattended child at practice or game.
Don’t hesitate to report any suspected safety hazard to the Safety Officer immediately.
ASAP- What is it?
Little League introduced the Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) in 1995 to underscore the role of the Safety Officer, aiming to educate and inform about ways to ensure a safer environment for all participants of Little League Baseball. The Safety Manual provides important information, for use by managers, coaches and umpires, to support their ability to ensure the safest environment possible for all players.
Safety is Everyone's Responsibility!
To ensure a fun, safe, and positive environment for children, we need help from everyone: board members, managers, coaches, players, parents, volunteers, and spectators. Please read and follow the Code of Conduct and General Safety Code.
Accident Reporting Procedures
What to report:
Report any incident involving a player, manager, coach, umpire, volunteer or spectator that leads to medical treatment and/or first aid to the Safety Officer. This includes passive treatments like injury assessment and rest periods.
When to report:
Report any such incident to the South Houston Little League Safety Officer within 48 hours of the occurrence. You can contact them at the numbers provided above.
How to report:
Person(s) reporting the incident must complete an injury report form and submit it to the Safety Officer. Include the following information:
· Name and telephone number of the individual(s) involved, including the injured party
· Date, time and location of the incident.
· Detailed description of the incident.
· Extent of any injuries.
· Name and telephone number of the person reporting the incident.
Safety Officer's Responsibilities
Follow up with the injured party (or their parent/guardian) within 48 hours to: 
· Verify the information received.
· Obtain any other information deemed necessary.
· Check on the status of the injured party.
· Advise the injured party (or their parent/guardian) of South Houston Little League's insurance coverage and the provisions for submitting any claims in the event the injury required medical treatment (such as an emergency room or doctor's visit). You can obtain claim forms from the Safety Officer.
If an injury is more than minor in nature, the Safety Officer will periodically follow up with the injured party to check on the status of their injury and whether any other assistance is needed, such as submission of insurance forms. Once the individual is participating in the league again, and no other claims are expected, the Safety Officer shall consider the case "closed" and no further follow-up is necessary.
Background Check Procedures
In keeping with Little League's ASAP 15 requirements, all key SHLL volunteers must complete and submit a "Little League Volunteer Application" form.
Each volunteer must provide a copy of a government issued ID card for ID verification.
The SHLL will then conduct background checks on each individual on the Harris County Sex Offender' s internet site to confirm that each volunteer does not have a sexual offender background. Anyone refusing to fill out a volunteer application is ineligible to be a league volunteer.
First Aid Training
Basic first aid training is provided to all managers and coaches. At least one representative from each team must attend annually. Managers, coaches, and umpires must attend a first aid training clinic at least once every 3 years.
Coaching Clinics
South Houston Little League provides clinics designed for Little League managers, coaches, players and umpires. Local baseball experts provide and conduct these clinics. All managers and coaches are required 
to attend these league-coordinated clinics at least once every 3 years. Clinics are designed to help improve the overall coaching for SHLL to help better develop the skills of players. Please bring cleats, glove, bat, notepad, pencil and energy! The clinic will cover offense, defense, pitching and catching. We will cover offensive skills including power-hitting drills and skills, bunting, base running, and sliding. Defensive skills covered will include proper throwing mechanics, ground ball drills, fly ball drills, infield and outfield drills, catching and pitching.
Weather Conditions
Lightning
Stop any game or practice at the first sound of thunder and permanently discontinue any game or practice at the first sign of any lightning. Stay away from metal fencing (including dugouts)! Also, avoid trees, poles and other high objects. Do not hold a metal bat. Walk, do not run, to your car and wait for a decision on whether or not to continue the game or practice.
Heat
Anytime the temperature is above 90 degrees F, provide plenty of water, shade and rest periods during games and practices. Encourage players to drink small amounts frequently. If you observe any player exhibiting signs of heat related illness (cramps, fatigue, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting or headache), you must remove the player from the field immediately, place in shade and hydrate. If symptoms do not improve immediately, seek prompt medical aid.
Rain/Mud
Playing on wet or muddy fields creates an obvious safety hazard for players. The balls become wet and muddy; the pitchers and players cannot control them. Footing is slippery on infields, particularly on the pitching mound and around the bases. Pools of water develop in outfield areas, creating muddy, unstable footing. Further use in this condition causes ruts and holes that are hazardous and place players at much higher risk for injuries. If in doubt whether the fields are in playable condition, verify with the President 
of the League, that fields are suitable for play, and if necessary, reschedule the game or practice.
Safety First!
Do not take chances and risk injury to any player by pushing the envelope regarding field conditions.
Be conservative!
Asthma & Respiratory Problems
Seek Emergency Care If a Child Experiences Any of The Following:
· Child's wheezing or coughing does not improve after taking medicine (15-20 minutes for most asthma medications)
· Child's chest or neck is pulling in while struggling to breathe
· Child has 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
Asthma is different for every person.
If you are at all uncertain of what to do in case of a breathing emergency, do not hesitate to act!
Call 9-1-1 immediately, stay with the child, and then, call the child's parent/guardian!
Drinking Guidelines for Hot Day Activities
Before: Drink 8 oz. before exercise
During: Drink at least 4 oz. every 20 minutes
After: Drink 16 oz. for every pound of weight lost
Dehydration signs: Fatigue, flushed skin, light-headed
What to do: Stop exercising, get out of the sun, drink
Severe signs: Muscle spasms, clumsiness, delirium
Bleeding/Open Wound Response Procedures (Communicable Disease Procedures)
· First, stop the bleeding, and then cover the open wound. If possible, you must use barrier gloves (latex) to prevent mucous membrane exposure if contact with blood or other bodily fluid is anticipated. This protects both the injured and you.
· Gloves can be found in the first aid kit.
· If blood is on the uniform, the player must change before continuing play.
· As soon as you have treated the player, immediately wash hands and other skin 
surfaces if contaminated by blood.
· Clean all blood contaminated surfaces and equipment. Use chlorine bleach or other available antiseptic and properly dispose of towels, sponges and bandages
· IMPORTANT: Managers, coaches and volunteers with open wounds should refrain from all direct contact with players until wounds have completely healed.
· Follow accepted guidelines when handling or disposing of soiled dressings, mouth Guards or other articles that contain body fluids.
Don't Swing It - Bat Safety
Do not allow players to pick up a bat until the player leaves the dugout to approach the plate.
RULE 1.08, Notes
"1. The on-deck position is not permitted in Tee Ball, Minor League or Little League (Majors) Division.
2. Only the first batter of each half-inning will be allowed outside the dugout between the half-innings in Tee Ball, Minor League or Little League (Majors) Division."
REMEMBER: Don't Swing It ...Until You're Up to the Plate!
Catcher Safety
Catchers must wear helmets during warm-ups and infield/outfield practice. RULE 1.17
"...All catchers must wear a mask, 'dangling' type throat protector and catcher's helmet during infield/outfield practice, pitcher warm-up and games."
Concession Stand Safety Procedures
To help minimize the risk of food borne illness, please adhere to the following simple guidelines.
Menu: Keep it simple and keep potentially hazardous foods (meats, eggs, dairy products, fruits and vegetables) stored properly. Avoid using precooked foods, leftovers, or food that was prepared at home. Complete control over your concession stand food, from source to service, is the key to safe, sanitary food service.
Cooking and Storage:
All potentially hazardous food should be kept at 41 degrees F or below (if cold) or 140 degrees F or above (if hot). Most food borne illnesses are traced back to lapses in temperature control. Allowing hazardous food to remain un-refrigerated for too long has been the number ONE cause of foodborne illness.
Keep foods stored off the floor at least six inches.
Keep foods covered to protect them from insects. Do not store pesticides near food.
Thoroughly clean concession area and discard all unusable food after each event.
Hand Washing:
Always wash hands before starting your shift, handling food, after using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing, handling money or touching raw food. Wearing disposable gloves can offer an additional barrier to contamination, but it is no substitute for hand washing! Frequent and thorough hand washing is the first line of defense in preventing food borne illness.
Dishwashing:
Use disposable utensils for food service and never reuse disposable dishware. In instances where cooking utensils are not disposable, wash in hot soapy water, rinse in clean hot water and air dry.
Equipment:
The concession coordinator will regularly inspect all equipment to ensure safe operation. All 
workers should note fire extinguisher location.
Report any equipment malfunction or safety hazard to concession coordinator immediately. Post the name and telephone number of concession coordinator for immediate contact.
Volunteers:
An adult over 18 years of age must be present at all times. All volunteers must be over 14 years old. All concession volunteers to be instructed on proper hand washing, food handling and use of equipment. ONLY healthy workers should be allowed in the concession stand. No one with symptoms of fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, open sores, infected cuts, etc., is allowed in food service area. The use of hair restraints is recommended.
Maintenance and Storage Shed Procedures
The following applies to ail of the storage sheds used by South Houston Little League and apply to anyone who is issued a key and access to all our facilities. All individuals with keys to the South Houston Little League equipment sheds (i.e., Managers, Umpires, etc.) are aware of their responsibilities for the orderly and safe storage of rakes, shovels, bases, etc.
Before you use any machinery located in the shed (i.e., lawn mowers, weed whackers, lights, scoreboards, public address systems, etc.) Please locate and read the written operating procedures for that equipment.
All chemicals or organic materials stored in South Houston Little League sheds shall be properly marked and labeled as to its contents.
All chemicals or organic materials (i.e., lime, fertilizer, etc.) stored within these equipment sheds will be separated from the areas used to store machinery and gardening equipment (i.e., rakes, shovels, etc.) to minimize the risk of puncturing storage containers.
Any witnessed "loose" chemicals or organic materials within these sheds should be cleaned up and disposed of as soon as possible to prevent accidental poisoning.