Little League Safe to Play

Compliance and Recognition Program
SAFE to Play Grant Applications Now Open!

What is Little League SAFE to Play?

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.

Participation in SAFE to Play is voluntary but strongly encouraged as part of Little League’s ongoing commitment to player and volunteer safety.

SAFE to Play Leagues ▸ SAFE to Play Districts ▸

NOW OPEN ▸ SAFE to Play Grant Program

The Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program is now open for eligible Little League programs. This initiative provides direct funding to help leagues strengthen safety, improve facilities, and enhance emergency preparedness for players, volunteers, and families.

Leagues that complete the SAFE to Play requirements not only build a stronger, better-prepared program but also unlock eligibility for valuable funding opportunities.

2026 Funding Opportunities

For the 2026 season, SAFE to Play Grant funding may be used to support:

Facility improvements that enhance field and player safety
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to improve emergency response and preparedness

How To Apply

To apply for a SAFE to Play Grant:

Complete the SAFE Summary Builder in the Little League Data Center
Submit the Annual Facility Survey
The grant applications will be emailed to leagues after both steps are completed

Applications are now open for the 2026 season. Leagues are encouraged to complete these steps as soon as possible.

Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2026. Leagues selected for funding will be notified in Fall 2026.

SAFE to Play for Leagues

For leagues, baseline participation in SAFE to Play consists of two required annual actions, both completed through the Little League Data Center.

The SAFE Summary Builder is a guided process in the Little League Data Center that helps leagues organize and confirm their safety information for the season. Instead of uploading a single safety plan document, leagues answer a series of questions across core safety areas. Those responses generate a league-specific SAFE Summary that can be shared with volunteers and parents.

As leagues complete the SAFE Summary Builder, they:

Review safety areas, including child protection, emergency planning, facilities, equipment, training, and accident reporting
Confirm that important safety actions and procedures are in place for the season
Generate a shareable SAFE Summary that combines Little League-provided guidance with league-specific details

The Annual Facility Survey is a streamlined, updated survey that leagues complete each year in the Little League Data Center. It builds on long-standing facility safety practices while making the process easier for leagues.

As part of the Annual Facility Survey, leagues provide information about:

Fields and facilities used by the league
Facility conditions and safety features
Emergency preparedness items, including AED access

Information collected through the Annual Facility Survey helps identify facility-related safety needs, supports planning for improvements, and is incorporated into the league’s SAFE Summary to provide a more complete picture of league safety preparedness.

Award and Grant Opportunities for Leagues

Completion of the SAFE Summary Builder and the Annual Facility Survey establishes eligibility for the following:

The annual AIG Accident Insurance credit, equal to 15% of the accident insurance premium purchased through the AIG Accident Insurance Program offered through Little League.

To qualify for the annual AIG Accident Insurance Credit, leagues must complete the following through the Little League Data Center. Completion of these two steps automatically qualifies leagues for the credit and establishes baseline participation in the SAFE to Play Program.

SAFE Steps: Complete the online process to generate a Safety Readiness Summary.

Annual Facility Survey: Complete and submit the updated survey in the Little League Data Center

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.

Leagues that complete the SAFE Summary Builder and the Annual Facility Survey become eligible to receive a SAFE to Play grant application.

When reviewing SAFE to Play grant applications, Little League considers factors such as:

Completion of the SAFE Summary Builder and the Annual Facility Survey in the Little League Data Center
Completion of required background checks and Abuse Awareness Training for applicable volunteers
Broad participation in additional Little League training courses, including Safety Awareness, First Aid Awareness, Diamond Leader, Prepare, Play, and other role-based trainings
A clear and complete grant application that explains the league’s safety goals, needs, and proposed project
The expected impact of the proposed project on participant and volunteer safety
The league being in good standing with Little League International, with no outstanding compliance or regional concerns

Additional details, timelines, and application instructions are provided as part of the SAFE to Play grant application process.

SAFE to Play for Districts

Little League recognizes the important role districts play in promoting strong, consistent safety practices across local leagues. Through leadership and communication, districts help reinforce shared safety expectations and encourage engagement throughout the season.

Districts help support leagues by:

Helping leagues understand Little League SAFE and SAFE to Play
Encouraging completion of the SAFE Summary Builder and the Annual Facility Survey
Promoting participation in training and education opportunities
Connecting leagues with safety resources, guidance, and support
Being available to address league questions and concerns related to safety
Reinforcing consistent safety practices across the district

AIG District Incentives

SAFE to Play includes district incentives that recognize districts for their leadership in advancing league safety efforts, communication, and training throughout the season. These incentives encourage collaboration, consistency, and shared responsibility for safety across all leagues within a district.

Through SAFE to Play, districts may earn up to $800 annually, awarded across three tiers:

$200 for 90–100% of leagues completing the SAFE Summary Builder and the Annual Facility Survey by May 15
$300 for 100% of leagues completing required background checks and Abuse Awareness Training
$300 for strong district-wide participation in Little League training courses, including Safety Awareness, First Aid Awareness, Diamond Leader, and other role-based trainings