Cooperstown Youth Baseball (CYB) is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all its participants and, to that end, the Board of Directors (Board) has adopted the following plan to guide coaches, players, parents and others as they participate in our program. This plan conforms to the guidelines of the Little League International "ASAP." (A Safety Awareness Program). CYB is a successful program providing meaningful baseball and softball opportunities for approximately 200 - 250 young people annually. We own and maintain one field and a Clubhouse and have the use of two other fields.
Because our program is comparatively small, we are able to maintain a safe environment and safe playing conditions for all involved. We are fortunate to have a large hospital (over 220 physicians) in our small village (pop. 2,200), and enjoy excellent emergency health care. As a closely-knit community, we take pride in our collective sense of responsibility for our youth. Note: In accordance with its eco-friendly philosophy, Cooperstown Youth Baseball posts and maintains this Safety Plan on the organization website, www.cooperstownyouthbaseball.org.

Each league commissioner and head coach is given a copy, and a copy is available in the concession stand of the Clubhouse. A copy is provided to anyone upon request. [back]

Volunteer Screening
All coaches and Board members and other volunteers are required to complete the Little League Volunteer Application form and to undergo thorough background checks, including national and state searches for criminal records, as described by the League Child Protection Program. [back]

Coach Training
Baseball Fundamentals
All coaches are required to attend training sessions on coaching fundamentals and "Dual Goal Coaching" as done by qualified local coaches and as part of the Positive Coaching Alliance program. Training includes age-appropriate approaches to coaching, skills development, good sportsmanship instruction, conditioning and safety lessons. CYB teaches baseball and softball skills with a developmental approach, in concert with our local school, in order to prepare players for the transition to scholastic sports, as well as developing a love and respect for the game.

First Aid and AED
All Board members and head coaches are required to attend first aid and AED (automated electronic defibrillator) training given by qualified personnel. The only coaches who are exempt from this training are those who are trained as part of their job or other volunteer work, such as physicians EMTs, Red Cross workers, and volunteer firefighters. [back]

CYB Policy on Lightning and Unsafe Conditions
CYB follows the New York State Interscholastic Sports rules regarding lightning. In addition, local weather is monitored and games will not be held during conditions of high winds or in the unlikely event of a possible tornado. Coaches and umpires will be informed of these policies, and the following policy is posted in each dugout:
In the event of thunder or lightning. the field will be evacuated and shelter will be found. Thirty minutes must pass from the last clap of thunder or flash of lightning before players may resume use of the field and equipment. The next occurrence begins a new 30-minute cycle. [back]

First Aid Kits/AED/Protective Eyewear
Each team is provided with a basic first aid kit and full kits are kept in the two locations (Beanie Ainslie Field and the Clark Sports Center) where games and practices are held. All coaches are informed of the locations of these kits and signs are posted in the dugouts. Each team is provided with Instant Ice packs and protective gloves as part of the first aid package. A well-marked AED is located in both the Clark Sports Center and the CYB building, which are adjacent to the playing/practice fields. All parents receive a letter from the CYB President each year explaining the risk of eye injury and suggesting options the parents have to provide their children with protective eyewear. [back]

Fields and Grounds Maintenance
CYB maintains a Board position of Field Maintenance Coordinator. This person is responsible to complete the annual Little League Facility Survey, and to see that the field and surrounding areas are safe and in good shape for play. CYB maintains one field of its own and uses two other fields. Our softball program has the use of the Cooperstown Central School softball field, and we aid in its maintenance after the scholastic season is over. We also use a field at the Clark Sports Center, a local health and fitness facility, and the Sports Center staff maintains this field. Each coach is responsible to check the field, dugouts and fences before each practice and game, and umpires are instructed to review safety procedures before each contest. "Hey Coach" posters are displayed in each dugout, and a "Mower Safety" poster is posted in the field equipment shed. Umpire reminder posters are displayed near the entrance to the playing field. Our primary diamond is fenced and locked, and only Board members and coaches have keys to the area. All tools, rakes, shovels, etc., are locked in the field shed and only adults are permitted to rake the field or use the mower. [back]

Equipment and Uniform Maintenance
CYB maintains a Board position of Uniform and Equipment Coordinator, whose job is to oversee every facet of uniform and equipment procurement, distribution and maintenance. This person ensures that all equipment and uniforms are safe and in good condition before being issued at the start of each season, and instructs coaches on proper ways to monitor equipment during the season. Coaches are told to immediately inform him/her when a piece of equipment is damaged or lost, and the director replaces it as soon as possible. CYB also asks its umpires to check helmets, bats and catchers equipment prior to each game. [back]

Reporting and Tracking Injuries
CYB use the ASAP Accident/Injury Tracking Report form to record any accident or injury occurring during practice or competition. Coaches are provided with copies of this form, and copies are available in our clubhouse. [back]

Enforcing the Rules and Supporting Excellence
CYB believes strongly that our children's safety is our first priority. To this end, we have codified this ASAP Safety Plan. We distribute" an annual publication titled, "Touching All the Bases," to parents and coaches outlining our expectations and responsibilities in every area of youth baseball. Our commissioners oversee games and attend select practices to see that our codes of behavior are being followed. Safety warnings and rules are posted prominently in dugouts and umpires are given our guidelines for safe play. Our Board of Directors is committed to providing the highest quality program to all the children of Cooperstown Youth Baseball. [back]

CONCESSION STAND FOOD SAFETY

CYB follows strict guidelines and New York State Health Department rules to ensure concession safety and cleanliness. The Board of Directors posts sets of advisories in the kitchen, bathrooms and clubhouse (See Appendix) and copies are made available to all volunteers. In addition, a Board member is available whenever new volunteers begin working the concession/clubhouse.

• WASH HANDS WITH HOT SOAPY WATER BEFORE HANDLING FOOD.
• WASH CUTTING BOARDS, DISHES, UTENSILS AND COUNTERS WITH HOT SOAPY WATER AFTER PREPARING EACH FOOD ITEM.
• ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION MADE UP OF BLEACH AND WATER AT APPROXIMATELY 1CAPFUL OF BLEACH PER1 GALLON OF WATER.
• A SUPPLYOF DISPOSABLE TOWELS AND HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE.

• USE A CLEAN PLATE FOR COOKED FOODS. NEVER PLACE COOKED FOOD ON A PLATE THAT PREVIOUSLY HELD RAW FOOD.
• ALL FOOD ITEMS SHOULD BE COVERED WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
• STORE FOOD AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO MINIMIZE THE CONTAMINATION OF FOOD AND ALLOW PROPER FLOOR CLEANING.
• WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY!

• WHEN COOKING IN A MICROWAVE OVEN, COVER FOOD, STIR AND ROTATE FOR EVEN COOKING.
• KEEP HOT FOODS HOT, AND COLD FOODS COLD! HOT FOODS MUST BE KEPT AT 140°F OR ABOVE, AND COLD FOODS MUST BE KEPT AT 41°F OR BELOW.
• USE A CLEAN METAL STEMMED THERMOMETER TO MEASURE THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF COOKED FOOD TO MAKE SURE IT IS THOROUGHLY DONE.

• REFRIGERATE FOODS QUICKLY. COLD TEMPERATURES KEEP HARMFUL BACTERIA FROM GROWING AND MULTIPLYING.
• REFRIGERATOR TEMPERATURE MUST BE SET AT 40°F OR LOWER, AND FREEZER AT 0^o OR LOWER. CHECK THESE TEMPERATURES OFTEN.
• THAW FOOD IN THE REFRIGERATOR.
• DIVIDE LARGE AMOUNTS OF FOOD INTO SMALL, SHALLOW CONTAINERS FOR QUICK COOLING.
• DON'T OVER-PACK THE REFRIGERATOR.
• KEEP THE FREEZER AND REFRIGERATOR CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE. THIS KEEPS THE COLD AIR INSIDE. [back]

Cooperstown Youth Baseball thanks you for your support and help in running the Concession Stand. In order for us to maintain the facility properly and be compliant with Health Department Law, we ask you to be aware of several items:

1. No child under 14 is permitted in the kitchen area of the concession stand. This is a Health Department code.
2. Handling of unwrapped food must be done with gloves.
3. Proper clean-up of the kitchen, utensils, and bathrooms is necessary on a daily basis.
4. A fire extinguisher is located inside the kitchen and is clearly identified. Know its location before starting work.

[back]

1. Concessions parents should arrive 30 minutes before game time.
2. Grill should be moved from garage to near concession - 10 feet from the building. Once the grill is on, someone should be present by the grill at all times.
3. Concession workers will wear gloves when handling food.
4. Hamburgers and Hot dogs will be bunned, wrapped in foil, and placed in the oven set to warm.
5. Condiment tables will be set out.
6. Windows should be opened for serving at least 15 minutes before game time.
7. Bathroom closest to the field should be unlocked and checked to ensure that it is properly stocked. The other bathroom will be unlocked only as necessary.

[back]

1. Utensils will be rinsed, washed, sanitized and left on the drying rack.
2. Grill, countertops and table tops will be cleaned with Clorox solution. (cleaning supplies can be found in the cleaning supply cabinet in the store room.)
3. Oven is turned off.
4. Floors are swept and mopped if necessary.
5. Trash receptacles emptied and bags taken to trash by the Trolley barn. Outside receptacles brought into the kitchen.
6. Condiment tables brought into the kitchen.
7. Windows closed and locked.
8. Grill replaced to the garage.
9. Restocking needs accessed and a list left in the cash box.
10. Please restock the coolers.

[back]

1. Toilets will be cleaned with toilet bowl cleaner
2. Sinks and walls will be wiped down with bathroom cleaner solution
3. Trash will be emptied.
4. Toilet paper will be restocked as necessary.
5. Paper towel dispenser will be checked for restocking needs.
6. Floor will be swept and mopped as necessary.
7. Lights will be turned off and door will be locked.

[back]

Log book will be signed to verify:
1. Bathrooms cleaned and locked
2. Kitchen cleaned, doors and windows locked.
3. All lights turned off
4. Cash box left in storage room

[back]

Before each game, please;
>Introduce all coaches and umpires
> Discuss local playing rules
> Emphasize sportsmanship for players, coaches and parents
> Discuss enforcement of pitch count rules
> Clarify umpire's decision to call or postpone game due to weather
> Inspect playing field for safety .
> Get 2 game balls from home team
> Check for jewelry and proper uniforms and equipment

[back]

Emergency Fire/Police/EMT…………………………………… 911
Electric company (National Grid) ……………………800-867-5222
Bassett Hospital ................................................................. 547-3456
Poison Control Center ……………………………….800-222-1222

CYB Board Members
David Borgstrom, President………….. 547-3474 (w); 547-9259 (h)
David Pearlman, Safety Officer…………………………. 547-4186
Tim Haney …………………………… 547-2415 (w); 293-7373 (h)
Mary Bonderoff ………………………………………….547-1072
Mark Davine ........................................................ 518-878-1362 (c)
Jennifer Bowen…………………………547-0252 (w); 547-6065 (h)
Noel Clinton ………………………….434-7294 (w); 547-8118 (h)
Kai Mebust …………………………...547-3474 (w); 547-1418 (h)
Michael Donnelly ............................................................. 547-4430
Bob Hall ……………………………... 965-2444 (w); 544-1088 (h)
Terry Bliss .......................................... 547-4225 (w); 547-5414 (h)
Brad Feik…………………………….. 547-2800 (w); 547-5174 (h)

[back]

In the event of thunder or lightning, the field will be evacuated and shelter will be found. Thirty minutes must pass from the last clap of thunder or flash of lightning before players may resume use of the field and equipment The next occurrence begins a new 30-minute cycle. Adopted 2007

[back]

Wash your hands before you prepare food or as often as needed.
Wash with warm water and soap after you:
• use the toilet, take out trash, eat, smoke or chew gum
• touch uncooked meat. poultry, fish or eggs or other potentially hazardous foods
• interrupt working with food (such as using the phone, opening a door / drawer)
• touch soiled plates, utensils or equipment
• sneeze, cough, or touch your nose, mouth, or any part of your body

Do not touch ready-to-eat foods with your bare hands. Use gloves, tongs, deli tissue or other serving utensils. Remove all jewelry, nail polish or false nails unless you wear gloves.
If you wear gloves:
•Wash your hands before you put on new gloves. Change them when they are torn or soiled

[back]

HAVE YOU:
>Walked field for debris or foreign objects
>Inspected helmets, bats, catchers' gear
>Made sure a First Aid kit is available
>Checked conditions of fences, backstops, bases and warning track
>Made sure a working telephone is available
>Held a warm-up drill

[back]

1. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
2. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. STOP if anyone enters the area.
3. Never carry passengers.
4. Do NOT mow in reverse.
5. ALWAYS look down and behind BEFORE and WHILE backing.
6. Remove rocks, tree limbs, cans, etc. before mowing.
7. Always check the oil in the mowers before use.
8. ONLY adults operate mowers. NO children/others allowed to ride along with operator of riding mowers.
9. Please report damage or trouble with the mowers so they can be repaired.
10. You MUST wear safety glasses when using weed eater.

[back]

1. CALL Check the victim for unresponsiveness. If there is no response, Call 911 and return to the victim. In most locations the emergency dispatcher can assist you with CPR instructions.
2. BLOW Tilt the head back and listen for breathing.  If not breathing normally, pinch nose and cover the mouth with yours and blow until you see the chest rise. Give 2 breaths.  Each breath should take 1 second.
3. PUMP If the victim is still not breathing normally, coughing or moving, begin chest compressions.  Push down on the chest 11/2 to 2 inches 30 times right between the nipples.  Pump at the rate of 100/minute, faster than once per second.
CONTINUE WITH 2 BREATHS AND 30 PUMPS UNTIL HELP ARRIVES NOTE: This ratio is the same for one-person & two-person CPR.  In two-person CPR the person pumping the chest stops while the other gives mouth-to-mouth breathing.