Beth-Wood Baseball Safety & Emergency Preparedness Policy (2026)

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility—from the board to the bench.”

1. Purpose and Commitment

Beth-Wood Baseball is committed to providing a safe, positive environment for every player, coach, volunteer, and spectator. This policy outlines the procedures, standards, and emergency actions that apply to all Beth-Wood Baseball activities and facilities. Our goal is to ensure preparedness, prevention, and proper response at every event through proactive education, equipment readiness, and consistent communication.

2. Emergency Equipment and First-Aid Readiness

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

AEDs are installed and maintained at the following Beth-Wood Baseball field complexes:
• Acorn Hill Fields – Inside the small shed next to the playground area (off Acorn Hill Road Extension).
• West River Fields – Inside a brown job box chained to the fence between West River Field #1 and Field #3.

Each AED is secured but immediately accessible during all league events.

Procedures & Maintenance:
• AED units are visually checked monthly for green “ready” light, intact pads, and valid expiration dates.
• Batteries and pads are replaced per manufacturer schedule.
• Each spring, Beth-Wood Baseball offers CPR/AED training to coaches, volunteers, and parents to ensure widespread comfort and readiness.
• See Appendix A – ZOLL AED Plus Quick Guide for usage and maintenance reference.

First-Aid Kits

Each team receives a stocked first-aid kit containing gloves, ice packs, bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tape, scissors, and an Injury Response Quick Guide (Appendix B). Coaches are expected to inspect kits monthly and restock supplies as needed.

Emergency Action Plan

Each field complex displays an Emergency Action Sheet listing:
1. Address of the field
2. Instructions for calling 911
3. AED location
4. Nearest safe shelter area

3. Field Safety and Prevention

Pre-Game Safety Checklist

Before every game or practice, coaches will inspect:
• Field surface for holes, debris, or standing water
• Bases (ensuring break-away or securely anchored)
• Fencing, backstops, and dugouts for sharp edges or damage
• Proper condition of all equipment
Unsafe conditions must be reported and corrected before play continues.

Protective Equipment

• Batting helmets certified by NOCSAE are required for all batters, on-deck hitters, and base runners.
  • Catchers must wear full protective gear, including throat guard and protective cup.
  • Bats must meet USA Baseball certification standards only.

Dugout & Bat Safety

• Players remain in the dugout or designated bench area unless batting, on base, or coaching.
  • No swinging bats in or near dugouts.
  • No horseplay or throwing equipment at any time.

4. Weather, Environmental, and Heat Safety

Lightning / Severe Weather

• Suspend play immediately if thunder is heard within 30 seconds of lightning (“30/30 Rule”).
  • Do not resume play until 30 minutes after the last thunder.
  • Safe shelters include fully enclosed vehicles or substantial buildings—never dugouts or metal fences.
  • For detailed information, refer to the NOAA Lightning Safety Guidelines: https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning-safety

Heat and Hydration

• Provide frequent water breaks in hot weather.
  • Encourage players to hydrate before, during, and after activity.
  •If extreme heat or humidity conditions exist, coaches should shorten, modify, or reschedule practices as appropriate.
  • Be alert for heat cramps, exhaustion, or stroke and call 911 for any suspected heat emergency.

Allergies and Insect Stings

• Families should report known allergies at registration.
  • Coaches must know which players carry EpiPens.
  • See Appendix B – Injury Response Guide for bee sting and allergic reaction procedures.

5. Injury Recognition, Response, and Reporting

Immediate Response Steps:
1. Stop play and ensure the area is safe.
2. Evaluate the athlete using the “Listen – Look – Feel – Move” method.
3. Apply PRICES: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Support.
4. Notify parents or guardians immediately.
5. Call 911 for any suspected fracture, dislocation, head/neck injury, or loss of consciousness.
6. Complete an injury report within 48 hours (see Section 8).

Medical Clearance Requirement

Return to Play:
• No player may return until all symptoms have resolved and, if necessary, a written medical clearance is provided.
• For any head injury, medical clearance is mandatory before the player resumes participation.

If a player is referred to a physician for evaluation or treatment of any injury—whether baseball-related or not—that player may not resume participation in practices or games until the league has received written clearance from a licensed medical professional stating the player is fit to return to full baseball activities without restriction. This requirement applies to all injuries including, but not limited to, fractures, sprains, concussions, or other significant medical conditions. This policy protects the player, the team, and the league by ensuring safe return-to-play decisions and reducing liability for coaches and volunteers.

6. Concussion Management (Connecticut General Statutes §21a-432 Compliant)

Definition:
A concussion is a trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness. It can result from a blow to the head or body causing rapid head movement.

Recognition:
Warning signs include headache, dizziness, confusion, balance issues, nausea, blurred vision, or unusual behavior. Refer to Appendix D – Concussion Fact Sheet for the complete checklist.

Response and Removal:
• Coaches must immediately remove any player suspected of a concussion.
• The athlete may not return the same day.
• Parents/guardians must be notified within 24 hours.
• The player must be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional trained in concussion management.

Return-to-Play Progression:
1. Complete rest until symptom-free.
2. Gradual return to light aerobic activity.
3. Progressive increase to sport-specific drills.
4. Non-contact practice.
5. Full medical clearance before unrestricted participation.
If symptoms reappear, the process restarts from Step 1.

7. Training and Education

Beth-Wood Baseball will routinely offer CPR, AED, and First-Aid training to maintain a majority of coaches and managers properly certified.

Additionally:
• Annual preseason meetings will review concussion recognition, field safety, weather protocols, and emergency procedures.
• Volunteers are encouraged to complete online educational modules through recognized youth-sports safety programs.
• Safety information will be distributed electronically each season and reviewed by all coaching staff.

8. Injury Reporting and Safety Communication

All injuries, regardless of severity, must be reported within 48 hours using the Beth-Wood Injury Report Form.

• Injury reports are submitted electronically and routed to league safety personnel for tracking and follow-up.
• Backup paper injury report forms are available in each team’s first-aid kit.
• Unsafe field, equipment, or facility conditions must be reported immediately so corrective action can be taken.

Beth-Wood Baseball is committed to open communication and prompt response to safety concerns to protect players, volunteers, and families.

9. Dugout and Field Access Policy (Games and Practices)

To maintain a safe and controlled environment and to comply with league safety and insurance requirements, access to the playing field and dugout areas is restricted during all Beth-Wood Baseball games, practices, and league-sanctioned activities.

 

Authorized Access

The following individuals are permitted on the field of play or inside dugout areas:

• Rostered players assigned to the team currently using the field
• League-approved coaches, assistants, and volunteers who have completed and are up to date on the league’s required background screening and certification requirements

No other individuals are permitted in these areas.

 

Restricted Access

The following individuals are not permitted on the field or in dugouts at any time:

• Parents or guardians (unless officially approved and rostered as a coach or volunteer)
• Siblings, friends, or non-rostered players
• Spectators or fans of any kind

All spectators must remain behind designated spectator lines, fencing, or in approved viewing areas.

 

Enforcement

• Coaches and umpires are authorized to enforce this policy consistently at all games and practices.
• This policy exists to promote player safety, proper supervision, and compliance with league insurance coverage.

10. Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Safety & Emergency Preparedness Policy is reviewed annually prior to the start of each season to ensure alignment with:
• Updated state regulations and youth-sports safety standards
• Lessons learned from prior seasons
• Recommendations from local emergency and medical professionals

Appendices (Downloadable Resources)

Appendix	Title	Description
A	ZOLL AED Plus Quick Guide	Key usage and maintenance instructions
B	Injury Response Quick Guide	PRICES steps, first-aid basics, and environmental safety tips
C	NOAA Lightning Safety Guidelines	https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning-safety
D	Concussion Fact Sheet & Return-to-Play Form	CDC “Heads Up” materials and CT-compliant medical clearance form
E	Beth-Wood Injury Report Form (Online)	Secure web form for coaches/managers to document injuries

Beth-Wood Baseball Safety Promise:
Our mission is to teach the game the right way—through preparation, respect, and responsibility. Every player deserves a safe environment to learn, compete, and grow. Through this policy, we commit to keeping safety at the heart of Beth-Wood Baseball.