1. Playing Rules
  2. Appendices

Appendix B – Safety Code for Little League

Little League® Rulebook

  • Responsibility for safety procedures should be that of an adult member of the local league.
  • Arrangements should be made in advance of all games and practices for emergency medical services.
  • Managers, coaches, and umpires should have some training in first-aid. First-Aid Kit should be available at the field.
  • No games or practice should be held when weather or field conditions are not good, particularly when lighting is inadequate.
  • Play area should be inspected frequently for holes, damage, glass, and other foreign objects.
  • Dugouts and bat racks should be positioned behind screens.
  • Only players, managers, coaches, and umpires are permitted on the playing field during play and practice sessions.
  • Responsibility for keeping bats and loose equipment off the field of play should be that of a regular player assigned for this purpose.
  • Procedure should be established for retrieving foul balls batted out of the playing area.
  • During practice sessions and games, all players should be alert and watching the batter on each pitch.
  • During warm up drills, players should be spaced so that no one is endangered by errant balls.
  • Equipment should be inspected regularly. Make sure it fits properly.
  • Pitching machines, if used, must be in good working order (including extension cords, outlets, etc.) and must be operated only by adult managers and coaches.
  • Batters must wear protective NOCSAE helmets during practice, as well as during games.
  • Catchers must wear catcher’s helmet (with face mask and throat guard), chest protector, and shin guards. Male catchers must wear a protective supporter and cup at all times.
  • Except when runner is returning to a base, head first slides are not permitted. This applies only to Little League (Majors), Minor League, and Tee Ball.
  • During sliding practice bases should not be strapped down.
  • At no time should “horse play” be permitted on the playing field.
  • Parents of players who wear glasses should be encouraged to provide “Safety Glasses.”
  • Players must not wear watches, rings, pins, jewelry, hard cosmetic, or hard decorative items.
  • Catchers must wear catcher’s helmet, face mask, and throat guard in warming up pitchers. This applies between innings and in bullpen practice. Skull caps are not permitted.
  • Batting/catcher’s helmets should not be painted unless approved by the manufacturer.
  • Regulations prohibit on-deck batters. This means no player should handle a bat, even while in an enclosure, until it is his/her time at bat. This applies only to Little League (Majors), Minor League, and Tee Ball.
  • Players who are ejected, ill, or injured should remain under supervision until released to the parent or guardian.