GVLL Safety Information

Safety First

GVLL Concussion Awareness Program Current GVLL Safety Plan (PDF)
CDC Concussion Fact Sheet for Coaches (PDF) CDC Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents (PDF)

Safety FAQs

GVLL Concussion Awareness Program
GVLL has instituted procedures in the event that a child is suspected to have sustained a concussion. All coordinators, coaches, and parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the following 5 steps:

Remove the athlete from play. Look for signs and symptoms of a concussion if the athlete has experienced a bump or blow to the head or body. When in doubt, keep the athlete out of play.
Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion.
Record the following information to help health care professionals assess the athlete after the injury:
- Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body
- Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long
- Any memory loss immediately following the injury
- Any seizures immediately following the injury
- Number of previous concussions (if any)
Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion. Make sure they know that the athlete should be seen by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion.
Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says they are symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in edema (brain swelling), permanent brain damage, and even death.

Safety FAQs

What measures does the League take to ensure player safety?
The League takes player safety very seriously. There is a Safety Coordinator on each team, who has taken a safety training course before the start of the season and who is prepared to administer first aid at games if necessary. In addition, we offer CPR courses and make sure one coach from each team attends. The League follows all LLoA safety regulations, including, but not limited to, supplying proper equipment for catchers and prohibiting on-deck batters. Our rules concerning pitch counts and composite bats are even more stringent than what LLoA requires. We require all players in Majors to wear protective heart guards during games and all boys to wear athletic cups. All GVLL volunteers who coach or otherwise work with children must submit to a background check.

What safety training do the Managers and Coaches get?
All coaches go through a rigorous screening and training regimen, including positive coaching, safety and first aid training, and CPR and AED training. Additionally, all coaches are background screened to ensure the safety of our players.

Do I need to sign a liability waiver
All parents and legal guardians must accept the GVLL Injury Waiver during registration and complete and sign a medical release form before their child can play in GVLL.

What happens if my child gets hurt?
The League makes every effort to prevent injuries. However, we realize that accidents happen, so we make sure each team has a volunteer Safety Coordinator on duty at each game to administer first aid as needed. In the case of more serious injuries, 911 will be called and the information on your medical release form will be used to contact you and to help emergency medical personnel determine the appropriate care to administer to your child.

Does the League have accident insurance?
GVLL’s league accident insurance policy is in compliance with Little League of America requirements. It is a supplemental insurance and a parent should contact his or her manager if they need to file a claim.