For nearly 30 years, the Little League® A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) has set the standard for safety across local leagues, reducing injuries and strengthening volunteer readiness. Building on that success, Little League International officially launched two new initiatives, Little League SAFE and SAFE to Play, on January 5, 2026.
“The next evolution of our safety efforts, Little League SAFE provides education, tools, and resources to help leagues build and maintain safer programs, while SAFE to Play establishes annual compliance requirements and a recognition structure that measures participation and rewards achievement,” said Joy Reynolds McCoy, Little League Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. “Together, these programs represent the next step in Little League’s ongoing commitment to helping local leagues build safe, positive, and safety-first environments for all players and volunteers.”
Little League SAFE brings together trusted safety resources to help leagues provide a safe, positive, and consistent experience for players, volunteers, and families. Safety is a shared responsibility, and SAFE supports leagues in building a strong, informed approach to safety at every level of the game. Under Little League SAFE, leagues can access a central library of safety resources at LittleLeague.org/SAFE, including the Child Protection Policy, JDP background-check information, and state-specific guidance.
As part of this new initiative, Little League SAFE outlines four core areas of focus for every league, providing a clear framework for building safer, stronger Little League programs:
- Child Protection: Creating safe, respectful environments where players are protected and supported. Clear expectations, education, and engaged volunteers all play an important role in keeping kids safe.
- Physical Safety: Preventing injuries, preparing for emergencies, and maintaining safe playing environments. Proper equipment, safe facilities, and informed volunteers all play an important role in supporting safe play.
- Mental Well-Being: Creating a positive environment where players feel respected, supported, and encouraged.
- Local League Risk Management: Managing risk helps leagues plan ahead, operate responsibly, and respond effectively when unexpected situations arise.
To support these four pillars, several new tools and trainings have been developed to make safety planning easier and more effective for every league:
- SAFE Summary Builder: A guided online tool that replaces manual safety plan uploads. With league input, the Builder automatically generates a customized league SAFE Summary that includes the steps a league is taking to improve safety and essential safety resources. The SAFE Summary can be easily shared with volunteers and parents.
- Free Safety Awareness Training: A new course for all volunteers covering core safety principles, risk management, and best practices.
- Free First Aid Awareness Training: A practical course for all volunteers focused on injury prevention and first aid response.
- Updated Annual Facility Survey: Redesigned for ease of use and fully integrated with each league’s SAFE Summary, the updated version generates a summary report that provides practical feedback and recommended actions to improve field and facility safety.
SAFE to Play is Little League’s annual compliance and recognition program. It sets the standard for how leagues demonstrate safety readiness each season, communicate safety expectations within their community, and qualify for insurance credits and grant opportunities. Thanks to the continued support of partners like AIG and Musco Lighting, participation in SAFE to Play reinforces Little League’s commitment to continuous improvement in every program.
AIG Accident Insurance Credit
To qualify for the annual AIG Accident Insurance Credit, which is equal to 15% of the accident insurance premium purchased through the AIG Accident Insurance Program offered through Little League, leagues must complete both the SAFE Summary Builder and Annual Facility Survey through the Little League Data Center, which establishes baseline participation in the SAFE to Play Program.
Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program
Once the required SAFE Summary and Facility Survey are completed, leagues become eligible to apply for SAFE to Play awards. The Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program provides financial support to help leagues strengthen safety and reduce injury risk within their local programs. Grant funding is made possible through Musco Lighting’s ongoing commitment to safety, preparedness, and player well-being across Little League. In 2026, grant funding may be used to support:
- Facility improvements that enhance safety and playing conditions
- Purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to support emergency preparedness
SAFE to Play grants are intended to support a wide range of leagues, including those demonstrating strong safety practices as well as leagues facing resource-based challenges. NOTE: Completion of additional Training Courses (e.g. Safety Awareness, First Aid Awareness, Diamond Leader) will help increase the eligibility of a league.
SAFE to Play District Incentives, Supported by AIG
District Incentives, supported by AIG, encourage active communication, oversight, and promotion of safety initiatives across all leagues within each district. These incentives recognize district administrators who support local leagues in completing safety requirements and foster a strong culture of safety and accountability throughout the program. A maximum total of $800 in incentives is possible for each district, broken down by three separate achievements.
Additional information about these awards and incentives, as well as the entire Little League SAFE and SAFE to Play initiatives, can be found at LittleLeague.org/SAFE.