Player Safety Update
from the Santa Cruz Little League Board of Directors

Dear Parents,

The safety of your players is very important to our Little League officials. Your role in player safety is also important. Here are some safety ideas that are available to you and your player.

All players are allowed to wear protective padding or clothing under their uniforms. Chest protectors are more effective if they have a small piece of hard plastic over the sternum area. Catchers may wear additional protection under their uniforms.

If your player has a batting helmet, a cheek guard is recommended. You can buy a cheek guard for about $20. One is called a Markwort C-Flap at www.baseballexp.com, under batting accessories. Some kids like these, some don’t.

Wood bats are not allowed for safety reasons. All bats must display the Bat Performance Factor (BPF) on the bat of 1.15 or less.

Mouth guards are allowed for all players. Pitchers and players with braces should especially consider these. A very good one is the Shock Doctor available at Play it Again Sports for about $17.

Compact helmets are available for pitchers or infielders. The model is CH591 made by All-Star Sporting Goods and can be ordered at Play it Again Sports. Helmets can help some young players develop initial confidence on the mound until they get used to being a pitcher.

Little League Int’l. insurance automatically covers your player for medical and dental injuries in Little League, if not covered by your own insurance or if you don’t have insurance. Ask your manager for the details on this and the accident reporting process.

Any injury to the head should be evaluated by a doctor promptly. Your manager may require a doctor’s OK before allowing your player to return to Little League activities for any injury.