Little League Safety Initiatives

Little League has long been the leader in youth sports safety initiatives.  It all starts when a league charters and insures with Little League.  Little League recognizes that even the most vigilant parent or league cannot avoid all injuries.  By insuring through Little League, a league can be assured that their players and volunteers are properly covered and the league has proper Liability Coverage.

Various safety initiatives and rules have been added through the years - all for the purpose of making it Safe for the Kids.

Child Protection Program

As part of the Child Protection Program, all local Little Leagues are required to conduct background checks on managers, coaches, board members and any other persons, volunteers or hired workers, who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with, players or teams.

  • Those persons who require background checks, as mentioned above, must complete the Little League Volunteer Application and submit it to their local league.
  • Background checks are done on an annual basis.
  • Little League requires leagues to search the Department of Justice National Sex Offender Registry as well as a national criminal background check.


These background checks can and should be done through Little League's partnership with JDP. Each league receives 125 free background checks per year through JDP. Additional checks are just $1 each.

Leagues are reminded to check their state or local rules regarding background checks as well.

Local League Background Check Information

JDP Background Check Tool; JDP Portal

JDP End Abuse brochure

View State and Latest Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteer Application

Parents' Guide

Modifications to Little League's Child Protection Law - May 2018

Passage of Senate Bill 534, known as the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, has made it a federal crime to "mind your own business," in matters of child abuse or neglect.

All youth sports volunteers operating in the United States, including Little League volunteers, are obligated to notify authorities of any first-hand accounts of abuse or neglect of a minor. This information has been updated and reflected in Little League's Child Protection Program.

In summary, the new law requires that suspected child abuse must be reported within 24 hours to local law enforcement. If an individual suspects a case of abuse within their league, they should report it to the appropriate child services organization and/or law enforcement as well as their League President and District Administrator. The Little League Guidelines on Reporting Child Abuse are included in the program's Child Protection program.

The following points should also be highlighted to all Little League volunteers:

1.  Federal legislation sets minimum standards to define child abuse and neglect: "(1) 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 (2) an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm." The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 5106g). However, the definition of child abuse and neglect varies by state and we strongly suggest your league consult with an attorney to determine what laws govern your reporting obligations.

2.  Who is required to report suspected abuse? Any adult individual involved in their league. Coaches, managers, board members, concessions workers, field and maintenance workers, umpires, scorekeepers, team-moms, etc.

3.  Any individual who fails to report suspected child abuse may be subject to criminal penalties.

4.  Reporters are immune from liability even when a good faith report of abuse turns out to be unsubstantiated. Little League policy prohibits any kind of retaliation when a good faith report of child abuse is made.

5.  There are training materials provided on the LL website about recognizing signs of abuse and child abuse reporting.

6. Additional Resources:
     • State (toll-free) child abuse reporting numbers
     • Search the definitions of child maltreatment by 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 (800) 4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), or visit ChildHelp.org.

7. Child Protection Program information available on LittleLeague.org:
     • Little League Child Protection Program | PDF Download
     • Little League Player Safety
     • Guidelines to Reporting Abuse
     • State Specific Information on Child Abuse
     • State Background Check Laws
     • SafeSport Parents' Training Resources 05/21/2018

Additional Resource: Download the Stewards of Children® Prevention Toolkit Mobile App and learn about how to protect the children in your life.

ASAP - A Safety Awareness Program

Leagues are strongly encouraged to develop Safety Plans for their leagues which include Manager/Coach Training in baseball/softball fundamentals and Safety/First Aid training. It also includes an annual review of the facilities and equipment.

The Little League ASAP program is a 15-point plan that is developed by the league and updated annually. When the league submits their plan to Little League International annually, they qualify for discounts on their Player Accident Insurance if they use the Little League Insurance.

Safety Plan Registration begins early December through the Data Center

Facility Survey is completed through the Data Center 

Play it Safe booklet

ASAP Awards Overview

Concussion Safety

Little League Regulation III (d) 2 Note 3 states that a player must be removed from a game or practice for the remainder of the day if anyone determines the player may have sustained a possible concussion.

Return to full participation requires:

  • The league's adherence to its state/municipal law
  • An evaluation and a written clearance from a physician or other accredited medical provider
  • Written acknowledgement of the parents


Georgia's 2013 Return to Play Act mandates: At registration for a youth athletic activity, provide to all youth athletes' parents or legal guardian an information sheet that informs them about the nature and risk of concussion and head injury.

CDC Heads Up Concussion Training

CDC Heads Up Parent/Athlete Information Sheet

CDC Heads Up Manager/Coach Clipboard Information Sheet

CDC Heads Up Fact Sheet for Athletes 14-18 years old

CDC Heads Up Fact Sheet for Athletes 11-13 years old

Pitch Count Baseball

Little League Regulation VI - Pitch Count was mandated in 2006. Pitch County applies to Baseball divisions only.

Pitch Count and Days of Rest are important to maintain healthy arms. The following shows the basic pitch count requirements. Little League Rule Books are available through the Little League store.

Pitch Count Basics for Regular Season:

  • 7-8 year olds = max of 50 pitches per day
  • 9-10 year olds = max of 75 pitches per day
  • 11-12 year olds = max of 85 pitches per day
  • 13-16 year olds = max of 95 pitches per day


Days of Rest Basics for Regular Season for 14 year olds and under:

  • 1-20 pitches = 0 calendar day of rest
  • 21-35 pitches = 1 calendar day of rest
  • 36-50 pitches = 2 calendar days of rest
  • 51-65 pitches = 3 calendar days of rest
  • 66 or more pitches = 4 calendar days of rest


Days of Rest Basics for Regular Season for 15 and 16 year olds:

  • 1-30 pitches = 0 calendar day of rest
  • 31-45 pitches = 1 calendar day of rest
  • 46-60 pitches = 2 calendar days of rest
  • 56-75 pitches = 3 calendar days of rest
  • 76 or more pitches = 4 calendar days of rest


Protecting your Childrens' Arms

Little League Leads the Way

Little League Pitch Count Regulation Guide

Bats

Note: Easton Ghost X 30/20 2-5/8 Decertified for Use by USA Baseball.   For the most up-to-date list on any bats no longer approved through the USABat Standard, visit:  USABat.com/Decertified-Bats.

As of January 1, 2018, the new USA Baseball Bat Standard was implemented. USABat Standard bats must be used in the Little League Major Baseball Division and below.  For more information on the USABat standard and a complete list of bats approved through the USABat Standard, visit usabat.com.

Little League Rule 1.10

Tee Ball: Under the USABat standard, certified Tee Ball bats (26" and shorter) will feature the USA Baseball mark and text which reads ONLY FOR USE WITH APPROVED TEE BALLS. All Tee Ball bats must feature the USA Baseball mark and accompanying text. Tee Ball bats that were produced and/or purchased prior to the implementation of the new standard can be certified using an Approved Tee Ball Sticker via the USA Baseball Tee Ball Sticker Program (USABaseballShop.com) beginning September 1, 2017.

 Baseball Bat Chart
Minors & MajorsUSA Baseball marking
2 5/8” barrel maximum
*Approved Tee Ball bats may be used in coach pitch/machine pitch divisions only with the use of approved tee balls. 
Intermediate (50/70) & JuniorUSA Baseball marking or BBCOR marking
2 5/8” barrel maximum
SeniorALL bats must be BBCOR


NOTE: Solid one-piece wood barrel bats do not require a USA Baseball logo.

Breakaway Bases

Little League Rule 1.06

Using bases that "disengage their anchor" have been part of the Little League mandatory safety rules since the 2008 season. Little League implemented the rule after studies showed a dramatic decrease in sliding injuries when breakaway bases were used.

Ball Players Safe! With Breakaway Bases - article

Headfirst Slides

Little League Rule 7.08

Players in the Major Division and below must not slide head first when advancing to a base. 

Throat Guards

Little League Rule 1.17

All catcher's must wear a "dangling" type throat protector on their helmets during both infield/outfield practice, warm-ups and games. This is required even when using a hockey-style mask with a wire extension. The dangling-type throat guard protects the catcher's throat even when he/she lifts the head. 

On-Deck Circle

Little League Rule 1.08

Little League does not allow the "on-deck" position in the Major Division of play and below. This is to eliminate injuries from a batted ball.

Local Sponsors

Georgia Little League

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