Health and Safety are paramount for everyone in Little League® and our entire organization is doing all it can to assist with stemming the tide of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Leagues activities have been disrupted in countless ways, and the suggested May 11 resumption is weeks from now, but being prepared to execute the A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) plan is as important now as it has ever been.
Delaying Little League activity is disappointing but necessary. During this time of social distancing and self-quarantining, we encourage all league safety officers to finalize and submit electronically an ASAP plan for the purpose of being prepared to protect children and league volunteers once this crisis is over.
To accommodate leagues as we face these unusual and difficult circumstances, Little League International has extended the 2020 ASAP incentive deadline for the cash award to May 1, 2020. Local leagues that submit an ASAP plan by May 1, 2020, and are subsequently approved, will receive an award based on their participation in the AIG Accident Insurance Program.
In addition, leagues with an approved ASAP plan will automatically be considered for the 2020 National ASAP Award program. The Early Submission Incentive for Districts has been moved to April 17, so you may be hearing from your District Administrator, asking you to get your plan submitted early, by April 17.
Many leagues have completed their safety plans for the season, and we know that during this time of uncertainty, there are tasks in the 15 requirements that may be causing a delay in you completing your league’s Safety Plan. We are here for you, and there are some suggestions that may help you complete your plan this season, while we’re waiting for our seasons to resume. We encourage leagues to utilize web-based trainings where possible, or schedule trainings for a later date. Facility surveys from previous years can be used for this year’s plan (though we would encourage you to make sure you survey facilities once Little League activity can resume). Remember, players do not need to be assigned to teams for registration data to be submitted to the Data Center and leagues who utilize Sports Connect have their registration data automatically submitted, fulfilling Requirement 14 and Regulation IV (g).
We encourage you to contact us to discuss your own unique circumstances regarding the completion of your ASAP plan. For leagues who have not completed their registrations, or any additional questions, please contact Chris Taddeo (CTaddeo@LittleLeague.org) for additional support.
More updates and information on Little League’s guidance regarding the suspension of play and due to the coronavirus is available at LittleLeague.org.
Thanks for your time and understanding as we work through these trying times. We all hope to be back at the ballfield very soon.
Sincerely,
Karl Eckweiler
Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer