The safety of our players, volunteers, and families is Woodlawn Little League's top priority. We follow Little League International's safety guidelines and maintain an active safety program to minimize risks both on and off the field.
Child Protection Program
Little League requires all volunteers who have regular contact with players to complete a background check. This includes coaches, assistant coaches, team parents, board members, and umpires. Background checks are free and completed online through your Sports Connect account during registration.
If you ever have concerns about the safety or well-being of a child, please contact a board member immediately or email [email protected].
Learn more about Little League's Child Protection Program →
Concussion Safety
Concussion awareness is critical for coaches, parents, and players. A concussion is a brain injury that can occur from any bump, blow, or jolt to the head—not just the obvious big hits.
Know the signs: Headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, double vision, sensitivity to light or noise, feeling sluggish or foggy, difficulty concentrating or remembering.
When in doubt, sit them out. Any player suspected of having a concussion should be removed from play immediately and not return until cleared by a healthcare professional.
CDC HEADS UP Concussion Information →
Weather Safety
Lightning
Lightning is one of the most dangerous weather threats during outdoor activities. WLL follows the 30-30 Rule:
- When you see lightning, count to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors immediately.
- After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Seek shelter in a permanent building or a hard-topped vehicle. Avoid open fields, tall isolated trees, and metal bleachers or fences.
Severe Weather
Coaches will contact families if games or practices are postponed or cancelled due to weather. Check Field Status for real-time updates on field conditions.
In the event of a tornado warning, seek shelter in a nearby permanent building. If no building is available, move to a low-lying area such as a ditch and cover your head. Do not attempt to outrun a tornado in your vehicle.
Heat Safety
Virginia summers can be hot and humid. Watch for signs of heat-related illness:
- Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, nausea, fainting
- Heat stroke (emergency): High body temperature (103°F+), hot/red/dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, loss of consciousness — Call 911 immediately
Prevention tips:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just during games
- Take frequent breaks in the shade
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Coaches will schedule additional water breaks during hot weather
- Practices may be shortened or rescheduled during extreme heat
Injury Prevention
- Players should warm up and stretch before all practices and games
- All equipment is inspected by league officials before use
- Playing fields are checked before games for holes, debris, or hazards
- Players should not climb on fences, dugouts, or backstops
- Spectators should be alert for foul balls, especially behind backstops and along baselines
For minor injuries: Use RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Pitch Smart / Arm Safety
Little League has strict pitch count rules to protect young arms. Coaches track pitch counts during all games, and players must observe mandatory rest periods based on the number of pitches thrown.
Parents: If your child also pitches in travel ball or other leagues, please inform your WLL coach so total pitch counts can be monitored.
View Little League Pitch Smart Guidelines →
Stranger Safety
- Teach children not to talk to or accept anything from strangers
- At least one adult will remain at the field until all children have been picked up
- Children should report any stranger who approaches them to a coach or parent immediately
- Consider establishing a family code word for situations when someone else picks up your child
WLL Safety Plan
Download the 2026 Woodlawn Little League Safety Plan
Resources
Questions or Concerns?
Contact our Safety Officer or any board member at [email protected].