Safety & More

Safety
While studies show that youth baseball is safe, it is important that you are aware of the risks that may occur both on and off the field.  

Injury Prevention

• Make sure that all team equipment has been inspected by a HAB official to ensure that it is functioning properly.
• Make sure that children do not climb on fences surrounding the playing fields.
• Check playing fields before games and practices for holes, large rocks or sticks, and anything else that may cause interference for players.
• Make sure that players warm up and stretch before practices and games.
• Make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids not only while playing, but also throughout the day before practices and games.
• Treat minor injuries with RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
• Respect warning signs in foul ball areas.
• Enforce bike helmet laws if children are riding to/from playing facilities.
• Be sure that you have enough seatbelts for everyone in the vehicle when you are transporting players.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion when playing in extreme heat.
• Schedule practices before noon or in the evening to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
• Schedule multiple drink breaks during practices and games.

Inclement Weather
Be aware of threatening weather. Practices and games should be stopped immediately at the first sign of lightning and shelter should be sought immediately. 

Your child's coach should contact you regarding the postponement or cancellation of games and practices. Occasionally, the umpire is required to call a game prior to its completion. When this occurs, your child's coach will inform you about make-up dates.

Should you encounter a tornado, seek shelter in a nearby permanent building. If not available, head for a low spot such as a ditch or ravine and cover your head. Do not seek shelter in automobiles or attempt to outrun tornadoes in your vehicle.

Stranger Danger
Teach children the dangers of talking to and accepting anything from strangers. This includes someone who may offer to play "catch" with them or to give them a ride home.

Tell children to report any stranger who approaches them. Make sure that at least one adult remains until all children have been picked up from practices and games.

Give your child a code word to use when you have someone else pick him/her up. This way your child will know not to go with a stranger who does not know your code word.

Do not put the names of players on uniforms or openly on equipment. This will prevent strangers from being able to convince children that they know them.

Cleaning Your Uniform
Most  uniforms are made of cotton and polyester. To remove stains caused by grass or dirt, it is important to wash your uniform as soon as possible. Gently rubbing a mix of cool water and a small amount of liquid or powdered detergent directly onto the stained area before washing will help prevent the stain from setting in.