Below
are some answers to your questions concerning Little League as well
as EGLL safety guidelines. Little League rules are indicated by
parenthesis.
Playing
Conditions:
No
games or practices should be held when weather or field conditions
are unsafe, particularly when lighting is inadequate or when
lightning storms are nearby.
Play
area should be inspected frequently for holes, damage, stones,
glass and other foreign objects. (3.10a, b)
Jewelry:
Players
must not wear watches, rings, pins, earrings, jewelry or other
metallic items (except eyeglasses) during a practice or game.
(1.11j). New earring posts can NOT merely be taped down, but
have to be removed.
Exception:
Jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a specific condition
is permissible if taped down.
Catchers:
Catchers
must wear catcher's facemask and helmet, throat guard, chest
protector and shin guards at all times while acting as catcher
in the crouched position for games, bull-pen warm-ups and practices.
Male catchers must wear a protective supporter and cup. (1.17)
Catchers
must wear a facemask and helmet when warming up pitchers between
innings and for infield practice prior to a game. This applies
even if the catcher is standing. (1.17)
Managers
and coaches are not allowed to warm up the pitcher before the
start of the game. (8.03)
Helmets:
Helmets
must meet NOCSAE specifications and standards. Use of helmet
by the batter, all base runners and base coaches is mandatory.(1.16)
EGLL
has available several shielded helmets, in addition to the standard
helmets, which have steel mesh faceguards on them. It is not
mandatory that a player wear these helmets, but they are available
at each field location.
Batting/catchers
helmets may not be painted unless approved by the manufacturer.
Casts:
Casts
may not be worn during the game.(1.11k)
Only
the manager, coaches and eligible players are allowed in the
dugout and on the playing field. A player with a cast is allowed
in the dugout but not on the field and must be listed as injured
on the teams' lineup.
General:
Shoes
with metal spikes or cleats are not permitted, except in Junior
and Senior Baseball. Shoes with molded cleats are permissible.
(1.11h)
All
male players must wear athletic supporters. (1.17). However,
it is suggested that a protective plastic type (hard)
cup be worn as well for the players' protection.
The
traditional batting donut is not permissible.
Little
League does not allow "on deck" batters in majors
division or below.
Parents
of players who wear glasses should be encouraged to have their
child wear "safety glasses".
The
use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages in any form is prohibited
on the playing field, benches and dugouts.(XIV-e)
Common
sense in regards to safety should prevail in any situation not
covered.
