Keeping Youth Baseball Players Safe - A Coaches Guide
As a parent and a youth baseball coach of 5 to 9 year olds, I want to stress the importance of keeping our kids safe off the field. I have seen many crazy things over the years that have jeopardize the safety of youth baseball players. But the scariest situation I have ever witnessed occurred when a player went missing.
It all started when a new youth baseball coach had just completed his first baseball practice of the season. As his team was coming off the field, my team was going on.
The minute their practice was over, the coach picked up the baseball equipment and drove off. What he didn't realize is that one of his players was left all by himself. It just so happens that the child's parents were notorious for dropping off their kid at practice, and then picking them up 30 minutes AFTER practice was completed. This had happened a few times the previous baseball season.
When the boy's mom showed up thirty minutes late, her child was nowhere to be found. She got hysterical, started making completely unfounded accusations, and had to be treated at the scene by EMTs. The police were called and an alert was sounded.
Don't worry, the story has a happy ending.
You see, the player got a ride from another player's dad, who thought he was doing the right thing. (which he was). The parent was smart enough to wait until the boy entered his home. But no one was home so they all waited in front of the house.
To make a long story short, the parent contacted the coach, who then called the mom to let her know her son was safe. A very big lesson was learned by all.
Here are some very important tips to ensure the safety of your youth baseball players after practice and games:
Set Expectations With The Players Parents
In the beginning of the baseball season, set expectations with parents that they must pick up their children on-time after practice and games. If they are delayed, they are to call and let the coach know.
I can't tell you how may times I have had to wait for parents. It is usually only or two parents, but they seem to use the coach as a baby sitter. This shows lack of respect and sets a terrible example to their kids and also can jeopardize the safety of their own children.
One of my players even cried because he thought his mom didn't love him. You see, she would never pick him up on time and she never attended the practices or games.
Always Have The Parents Contact Information
Have all the contact information for each player. That means home phone numbers, cell phone numbers, alternative contacts and full addresses.
Provide the Parents Your Contact Information
Provide your cell phone number and alternative number to all the parents.
Double Check With Parents Of Alternative Plans
Make certain to have the kids call their parents if they are getting a ride home from another parent. Make sure you speak to them directly to confirm.
Don't Release The Players To Anyone Else
Never release the kids to anyone but the parents, without first confirming the situation with them.
Recommend Cell Phones
I strongly recommend that parents provide cell phones to their kids in case of emergency. I understand this is not always financially feasible but sure can instantly clear up any misunderstandings.
Never Leave Practice Until All Players Have Been Picked Up
Please make sure that all the youth baseball players have been picked up by the appropriate adults.
Conclusion
Always go the extra mile to protect your youth baseball players. Even if the parents are absent, you need to be responsible for them - even if it's not technically your job.
God forbid anything ever happened - you'll never be able to forgive yourself.
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