Reporting Abuse
Background of Little League’s Child Protection Program
For more than a decade, Little League has led the way among youth sports organizations in assisting local leagues to keep child sex offenders out of the program.
Little League remains the only national youth baseball/softball program to mandate a check of the applicable sex offender registry. Additionally, Little League provides each local Little League with 125 free checks of a national criminal database. More information on that program can be found here: http://www.littleleague.org/learn/programs/childprotection.htm
But background checks themselves can only weed out those who have already been convicted of crimes. That is why Little League also provides advice – based on information from the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children – on identifying a potential child sex offender. For more info, download the Parents Guide to Child Protection (PDF).
Reporting Abuse
We have recently received inquiries concerning steps local league parents and volunteers can take to help keep children safe and, in particular, when and how to report child abuse and neglect. Reporting abuse, under national/federal and/or state or provincial law, can vary from one place to another.
Below is a summary of information available from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) (www.childwelfare.gov), as well as links to state definitions, statutes, and resources. Note, however, that countries and states/provinces frequently amend their laws.
Reporting laws reflect parents’ and volunteers’ paramount obligation to protect children from maltreatment. While the requirements listed below are the legal minimums, we encourage local league personnel to take immediate action if they believe the health or welfare of a child is at stake. If there are questions concerning reporting in your country and state/province, we encourage you to consult with an attorney.
Little League thanks the United States Olympic Committee for assisting us in this regard.
U.S. Federal Law
Federal legislation – the U.S. Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 5106g), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010 – sets minimum standards for defining child abuse and neglect for those States that accept federal funding. Under federal law, the minimum acts or behaviors constituting child abuse and neglect by parents and other caregivers are:
State Law
As noted, whether to report child abuse and neglect under state law depends upon several factors:
What is “child abuse and neglect”? Although federal legislation sets minimum standards for defining child abuse and neglect, the definitions of child abuse and neglect vary by state. It is thus critical that you work with your attorney to determine (1) what law governs your reporting obligations; and (2) what the law was when the alleged child maltreatment occurred.
Who is required to report? Many states identify professionals who are required to report child maltreatment (“mandatory reporters”) – e.g., social workers and teachers. Note, however, that who constitutes a mandatory reporter varies by state. In addition, several states also require any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report, regardless of profession.
Who is permitted to report? Your legal obligations may vary with your ethical obligations. For those states that do not require all persons to report suspected abuse or neglect, any person is permitted to report (“permissive reporters”). Be aware that certain professions also have their own professional codes of conduct that they must follow and that may affect how and when an individual may report.
What is the standard for reporting? The circumstances under which a mandatory reporter is required to report vary by state. The DHHS summarizes two typical reporting standards, for both mandatory and permissive reporters: (1) “the reporter, in his or her official capacity, suspects or has reasons to believe that a child has been abused or neglected”; and (2) the reporter has knowledge of, or observes a child being subjected to, conditions that would reasonably result in harm to the child.” Again, work with your attorney to determine when you are required to or should make a report to a state agency.
Is the communication privileged? Some states identify when a communication is privileged, i.e., there is a right to maintain a confidential communication between a professional and their client or patient. However, this privilege is greatly restricted for mandatory reporters. For instance, states commonly provide that the physician-patient privilege is superseded by the requirement to report child abuse.
Will the report be anonymous? Most states permit anonymous reports.
Will the reporter’s identity be disclosed? If a reporter does disclose his/her identity, many states protect the identity of the reporter from disclosure to the alleged perpetrator. In some cases, however, a reporter’s identity may be released (i.e., by court order or by waiver and/or consent).
We also encourage parents and volunteers to read more about abuse and neglect, familiarize themselves with the resources available to report abuse, and learn about the counseling and referral services that are available.
To read more about mandatory reporting, with a summary of state reporting laws, visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm
For state (toll-free) child abuse reporting numbers, visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?rs_id=5&rate_chno=W-00082
To search the definitions of child maltreatment by state, visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state/
For crisis assistance, counseling, and referral services:
Childhelp is a national organization that provides crisis assistance and other counseling and referral services. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with professional crisis counselors. All calls are anonymous. Contact them at 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453), or visit http://www.childhelp.org/.
For more than a decade, Little League has led the way among youth sports organizations in assisting local leagues to keep child sex offenders out of the program.
Little League remains the only national youth baseball/softball program to mandate a check of the applicable sex offender registry. Additionally, Little League provides each local Little League with 125 free checks of a national criminal database. More information on that program can be found here: http://www.littleleague.org/learn/programs/childprotection.htm
But background checks themselves can only weed out those who have already been convicted of crimes. That is why Little League also provides advice – based on information from the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children – on identifying a potential child sex offender. For more info, download the Parents Guide to Child Protection (PDF).
Reporting Abuse
We have recently received inquiries concerning steps local league parents and volunteers can take to help keep children safe and, in particular, when and how to report child abuse and neglect. Reporting abuse, under national/federal and/or state or provincial law, can vary from one place to another.
Below is a summary of information available from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) (www.childwelfare.gov), as well as links to state definitions, statutes, and resources. Note, however, that countries and states/provinces frequently amend their laws.
Reporting laws reflect parents’ and volunteers’ paramount obligation to protect children from maltreatment. While the requirements listed below are the legal minimums, we encourage local league personnel to take immediate action if they believe the health or welfare of a child is at stake. If there are questions concerning reporting in your country and state/province, we encourage you to consult with an attorney.
Little League thanks the United States Olympic Committee for assisting us in this regard.
U.S. Federal Law
Federal legislation – the U.S. Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 5106g), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010 – sets minimum standards for defining child abuse and neglect for those States that accept federal funding. Under federal law, the minimum acts or behaviors constituting child abuse and neglect by parents and other caregivers are:
- “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation”; or
- “An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”
State Law
As noted, whether to report child abuse and neglect under state law depends upon several factors:
What is “child abuse and neglect”? Although federal legislation sets minimum standards for defining child abuse and neglect, the definitions of child abuse and neglect vary by state. It is thus critical that you work with your attorney to determine (1) what law governs your reporting obligations; and (2) what the law was when the alleged child maltreatment occurred.
Who is required to report? Many states identify professionals who are required to report child maltreatment (“mandatory reporters”) – e.g., social workers and teachers. Note, however, that who constitutes a mandatory reporter varies by state. In addition, several states also require any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report, regardless of profession.
Who is permitted to report? Your legal obligations may vary with your ethical obligations. For those states that do not require all persons to report suspected abuse or neglect, any person is permitted to report (“permissive reporters”). Be aware that certain professions also have their own professional codes of conduct that they must follow and that may affect how and when an individual may report.
What is the standard for reporting? The circumstances under which a mandatory reporter is required to report vary by state. The DHHS summarizes two typical reporting standards, for both mandatory and permissive reporters: (1) “the reporter, in his or her official capacity, suspects or has reasons to believe that a child has been abused or neglected”; and (2) the reporter has knowledge of, or observes a child being subjected to, conditions that would reasonably result in harm to the child.” Again, work with your attorney to determine when you are required to or should make a report to a state agency.
Is the communication privileged? Some states identify when a communication is privileged, i.e., there is a right to maintain a confidential communication between a professional and their client or patient. However, this privilege is greatly restricted for mandatory reporters. For instance, states commonly provide that the physician-patient privilege is superseded by the requirement to report child abuse.
Will the report be anonymous? Most states permit anonymous reports.
Will the reporter’s identity be disclosed? If a reporter does disclose his/her identity, many states protect the identity of the reporter from disclosure to the alleged perpetrator. In some cases, however, a reporter’s identity may be released (i.e., by court order or by waiver and/or consent).
We also encourage parents and volunteers to read more about abuse and neglect, familiarize themselves with the resources available to report abuse, and learn about the counseling and referral services that are available.
To read more about mandatory reporting, with a summary of state reporting laws, visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm
For state (toll-free) child abuse reporting numbers, visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?rs_id=5&rate_chno=W-00082
To search the definitions of child maltreatment by state, visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state/
For crisis assistance, counseling, and referral services:
Childhelp is a national organization that provides crisis assistance and other counseling and referral services. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with professional crisis counselors. All calls are anonymous. Contact them at 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453), or visit http://www.childhelp.org/.
Things You Should Know
Safety
While studies show that Little League Baseball and Softball is safe, it is important that you are aware of the risks that may occur both on and off the field. Little League Baseball and Softball, along with Musco Lighting and AIG Insurance, have produced an in-depth league safety program called "A Safety Awareness Program," or "ASAP." For more information on the ASAP program, click here.
Injury Prevention
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 via phone regarding the postponement or cancellation of games. 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 Little League 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.
While studies show that Little League Baseball and Softball is safe, it is important that you are aware of the risks that may occur both on and off the field. Little League Baseball and Softball, along with Musco Lighting and AIG Insurance, have produced an in-depth league safety program called "A Safety Awareness Program," or "ASAP." For more information on the ASAP program, click here.
Injury Prevention
- Make sure that all team equipment has been inspected by a Little League 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.
- Post 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 via phone regarding the postponement or cancellation of games. 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 Little League 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.
Dugout and On-Deck
1. No on-deck batter (exception: Junior Baseball and Softball)
2. Soft Toss allowed against outfield fence only with using wiffle balls only
3. Weighted bats and/or donuts are not allowed
4. No pepper allowed
5. Helmets are required by all offensive players during that are outside the dugout
6. Batboys and batgirls are not allowed
7. Players, coaches and umpires are the only ones allowed on the field or in the dug-out.
8. Two base coaches are permitted ONLY if there is a coach in the dugout. There must be an adult in the dugout at all times.
9. The manager is the only person that may approach the umpire with a question or comment and only with umpire approval.
10. A manager or coach shall not leave the bench or dugout except to confer with a player and only after receiving permission from the umpire.
11. When warming up pitchers in he bullpen area, there must be a 3rd player present to protect the pitcher and catcher and the player must have a helmet and glove.
12. When warming up pitchers in the bullpen, catchers must wear catchers mask and helmet
13. Only plastic bottles are allowed in the dug out
14. Food is not allowed in the dugout or on the field other than sunflower seeds.
15. No tobacco or alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the park. The park AND school property are smoke-free zones by law.
16. Clean up all trash from the dugouts at the end of the game.
2. Soft Toss allowed against outfield fence only with using wiffle balls only
3. Weighted bats and/or donuts are not allowed
4. No pepper allowed
5. Helmets are required by all offensive players during that are outside the dugout
6. Batboys and batgirls are not allowed
7. Players, coaches and umpires are the only ones allowed on the field or in the dug-out.
8. Two base coaches are permitted ONLY if there is a coach in the dugout. There must be an adult in the dugout at all times.
9. The manager is the only person that may approach the umpire with a question or comment and only with umpire approval.
10. A manager or coach shall not leave the bench or dugout except to confer with a player and only after receiving permission from the umpire.
11. When warming up pitchers in he bullpen area, there must be a 3rd player present to protect the pitcher and catcher and the player must have a helmet and glove.
12. When warming up pitchers in the bullpen, catchers must wear catchers mask and helmet
13. Only plastic bottles are allowed in the dug out
14. Food is not allowed in the dugout or on the field other than sunflower seeds.
15. No tobacco or alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the park. The park AND school property are smoke-free zones by law.
16. Clean up all trash from the dugouts at the end of the game.
Batting Cage Info
GENERAL RULES AND ETIQUETTE
1. Only Jeff/GRC teams may use the batting cages.
2. Please demonstrate good sportsmanship and respectfulness at all times. Use of the cages is a privilege and you are expected to conduct yourself in a first-class manner.
3. Those teams with games have priority over teams not playing. If a team is in the cage and another team needs the cage to practice prior to their game, the other team must surrender the batting cage to that team.
4. Cages are NOT specific to the league field. Meaning, they cage behind the Major Field is not just for major baseball. The cages by the softball field are not just for softball.
5. Please allow time at the end of your batting cage time for clean-up. This includes moving L-screens, collecting baseballs and placing buckets of balls in the pitching machine shed. Ensuring this is completed will allow the next group optimum usage of their time.
SAFETY
1. A coach or an Assistant Coach must directly supervise all cage activity during their teams’ scheduled batting cage time.
2. The operation and the feeding of balls into the pitching machines may only be performed by a Coach, Assistant Coach or a supervising adult that has been familiarized in the use of the pitching machine.
3. No youth are allowed to thow batting practice – NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. Only 1 batter is allowed in the batting cage at a time, except when picking up balls.
5. Batting helmets are mandatory and must be worn by all batters while in the batting cage.
6. An “L-Screen” must be used for live pitching drills.
8. Damage to the batting cage(s) and/or equipment, must be immediately reported to the league president or safety officer.
9. Please exercise extreme caution if using the cages during inclement weather or if inclement weather is imminent – SAFETY FIRST.
1. Only Jeff/GRC teams may use the batting cages.
2. Please demonstrate good sportsmanship and respectfulness at all times. Use of the cages is a privilege and you are expected to conduct yourself in a first-class manner.
3. Those teams with games have priority over teams not playing. If a team is in the cage and another team needs the cage to practice prior to their game, the other team must surrender the batting cage to that team.
4. Cages are NOT specific to the league field. Meaning, they cage behind the Major Field is not just for major baseball. The cages by the softball field are not just for softball.
5. Please allow time at the end of your batting cage time for clean-up. This includes moving L-screens, collecting baseballs and placing buckets of balls in the pitching machine shed. Ensuring this is completed will allow the next group optimum usage of their time.
SAFETY
1. A coach or an Assistant Coach must directly supervise all cage activity during their teams’ scheduled batting cage time.
2. The operation and the feeding of balls into the pitching machines may only be performed by a Coach, Assistant Coach or a supervising adult that has been familiarized in the use of the pitching machine.
3. No youth are allowed to thow batting practice – NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. Only 1 batter is allowed in the batting cage at a time, except when picking up balls.
5. Batting helmets are mandatory and must be worn by all batters while in the batting cage.
6. An “L-Screen” must be used for live pitching drills.
8. Damage to the batting cage(s) and/or equipment, must be immediately reported to the league president or safety officer.
9. Please exercise extreme caution if using the cages during inclement weather or if inclement weather is imminent – SAFETY FIRST.
Pitcher and Cather Rules to Remember
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Sportsmanship
Player Health & Safety
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