One of the most important Board positions in a local league is the Safety Officer. The Safety Officer has two main functions — education and the development and implementation of a safety plan.
Education
The Safety Officer is responsible for creating awareness and educating the league on the opportunities to provide a safer environment for children and all participants of Little League®.
Programs should be used to educate players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and parents on safety and safety procedures. Coaches clinics that teach first aid, proper use of equipment (i.e. pitching machines), and player safety (i.e. pitching limits) are great ways to educate volunteers in the local league. With proper education, coaches will have the tools they need to keep players healthy and active during the season.
Development and Implementation of Safety Plan
The Safety Officer will prepare a safety plan each year for the league and make sure that the plan is used. A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) will be prepared and submitted to Little League International each year. The Safety Officer needs to make sure that this tool is used within the league to help in establishing plans and procedures in regards to safety.
Promoting compliance of safety procedures is a key component of the Safety Officer’s duties. This is done by establishing and promoting a culture of safety within the league.
Reporting of accidents is a key function here, as it helps Little League International in developing new rules in regards to player safety. The reporting of near misses of accidents is also encouraged, as it will help local leagues identify possible areas of concern to include in future ASAP plans.
Protecting children and everyone in the league is the focus. Through the work of the league Safety Officer, creation of a safe environment for all Little League participants can be established and sustained. In return, this will promote goodwill for families that participate in the local league and the community by keeping it safer for all participants.