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Risk Management Plan 1

Risk Management PlanGreater Cleveland Athletic Association

Cleveland Angels Softball

Allison SmithPRT 406 (001)

September 29th, 2015


Step 1: Introduction

Who are the Cleveland Angels?

The Cleveland Angels softball league is a part of the Greater Cleveland Athletic

Association located in Johnston County, NC. The GCAA, which began in 2005, is a non-profit

organization ran by volunteers who want to provide athletic programming to the county.

The association serves nearly 2,500 youth athletes ranging over six sports. The group is ran

by a 24-member Board of Directors who have been elected and are in charge of running the

organization.

More specifically, the Cleveland Angels is the softball league within the GCAA. The

group is focused on allowing girls to have fun while also learn about the game of softball.

Through this program, they are taught about discipline, good sportsmanship, dedication,

and leadership. The softball league is divided into a fall and spring season, each spanning

roughly two months depending on the number of teams participating.

Type of Play

Since the participation of the Cleveland Angel’s league is high, they are able to

maintain their own league within. If there are at least 4 teams in a division, the teams will

play each other. If in the rare case there is not enough participation, the group will play

teams in Johnston County in areas like Clayton, Garner, Benson, and other surrounding

areas. Games and practices are mainly played on the weekdays, with the occasional game

on weekends due to the field schedule. Before the season starts, teams practice once a

week on a weeknight, but when the season starts that shifts to weekend slots to open up

the fields for games. Games are played twice a week. A season consists of 8-12 games, with

8 being considered a full season. T-ball games have a time limit of one hour, 8U, 10U, and

12U have a one hour and 15 minute limit, and 14U are allowed to play one hour and 30

minutes. After the regular season play, any participant may try out for an all-star team.

There are two types of play in the Cleveland Angels softball league: a recreational

league, and a travel league. Any female meeting the age requirements is allowed to play the

recreational league. Everyone who signs up is placed on a team regardless of skill level.

This league is focused on teaching girls and allowing them to have fun while being active.


There are rules set in place where girls are not allowed to sit the bench for more than 2

consecutive innings. All of these games are played in the local and surrounding areas. On

the other hand, the travel league is more intense and requires more skill. There is a bigger

financial obligation than the $95 recreational fee. Tryouts are held for these teams and not

everyone is guaranteed a spot. Once on the team, there is no promise of playing time. Like

any competitive league, coaches are allowed to play the girls in whom he chooses and who

he thinks will win. Also, these games are played outside of the surrounding area. Overall,

the GCAA is dedicated to the recreational aspect of youth sport, so the travel leagues will

not out-shadow the recreation league.

Age of Participants

The Cleveland Angels softball league is designed so that girls ages 4 to 14 are

allowed to participate. The ages are divided up by T-ball, 8 and under, 10 and under, 12 and

under, and 14 and under. The age group a girl will play in depends on how old she was on

January 1st prior to the season beginning. However, because some girls are able to play at a

higher level, an individual assessment process will take place for any participant wanting

to play in a higher division than her age signifies.

Facilities

As a whole, the GCAA manages 5 soccer fields, 3 baseball fields, 1 softball field, and 1

gym. For the purpose of this plan, I am only going to discuss the softball facilities. Softball

has their own field, and is able to use a baseball field as a second field. The fields are

located on Cleveland Road in Clayton, NC. They

also use a field at West View Elementary School in

Garner, NC. These facilities are managed by GCAA

and require no smoking, no alcohol, no weapons,

no pets, and other general prohibited items at

sporting events. The Association has a long-term

lease on the fields that it manages from Johnston

County. The following image shows the GCAA

complex, with softball using fields 1 and 2.


Risks of Participating in Softball

Though youth softball is not as physically risky as other high-impact sports, there

are still risks that need to be addressed for the safety of the participants. Though softball is

a smaller scale version of baseball, the injury rate is considerably higher. An article posted

in the American Journal of Sports Medicine spoke of how a softball pitcher can pitch

roughly 1200 to 1500 pitches in weekend versus the 150 pitches for a baseball player

(Werner, 2005, p. 553). The windmill pattern of the softball pitching style provides high

force and torque to the elbow and shoulder joint (Werner, 2005, p. 553). Also, unlike

baseball where gravity is helping the pitchers down off the mound, softball pitchers have

more force on their lower extremities because of the flat surface. The article concludes that

softball pitchers should help the issue of high stress on the throwing arm by reducing the

number of pitches thrown (Werner, 2005, pg. 559). Some of the most common softball

injuries, and just like most sports, come through shaking it off and playing through the

pain. An article entitled “Shaking it Off” and “Toughing It Out” says that playing through

pain has become the new sport ethic, and it is important for gaining an athletic identity

(Malcolm, 2006, p. 497). Injuries from softball can come from “taking the hit for the team.”

These injuries can include things such as standing in on the box and getting hit by a pitch to

take a base, or staying in front of a ball on the rocky ground to keep it in the infield.

An article by The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine breaks down the

most common injuries in the sport of softball. The first of these injuries is a contusion, or

more commonly known as a bruise. These injuries of bleeding of the tissue can be caused

by many things such as getting hit with a ball, sliding, or running into an object such as the

fence. The injury can be reduced by safe playing areas and wearing safer gear. The second

form of injury in softball is an abrasion, or a tear in the skin that can come from sliding or

other various situations. After the player is taped up and the bleeding is stopped, they are

allowed to enter back into play. The third injury discussed is muscle pulls and strains,

which come from overstretching of the muscle or a forceful contraction of the muscle. This

can result from throwing, swinging excessively, or stepping on a base the wrong way. The

softball player has to be eased back into playing to prevent further injury. In the more

competitive leagues of softball where girls are playing almost every day, a common injury

is overuse of the throwing arm. This injury in youth sport can come exceptionally


dangerous because it can turn athletes away from the sport. It is important that softball

players stretch, run, and gradually grow in throwing distance every game. Other common

injuries in the sport can include sprains, fractures, hand and finger injuries, facial injuries,

heat exhaustions, and concussions (Walsh, 2015). It is important that coaches and players

know the dangers of softball injuries and what to do if the injuries occur.

Mission

At the Cleveland Angels softball league, we are dedicated to the safety of our

participants and spectators. We are doing everything in our power to provide safe facilities

and a safe environment for our athletes, but injuries are inevitable in the sport of softball. It

is important that all parties involved are taking precaution and following rules to avoid

preventable injuries. Precautions are as followed but not limited to: using proper

equipment, understanding how to avoid injury, and being aware of the surroundings. As an

Association, our mission is that no one receives a physical, mental, or emotional injury that

could have been prevented. We want this environment to be one of safety and a way for

young girls to focus on and learn about the sport of softball.

Step 2: Safety Measures

Personal Protection Apparel and Equipment

Athletes are allowed to wear their own personal protection equipment or use the

GCAA’s equipment. All coaches are required to handle the team’s allotment of equipment,

and ensure they the safety measures are met. The coach will be required to review the

equipment and ensure that it is safe for use.

The following safety equipment is required but not limited to:

Helmets: The National Operating Committee on Standards for athletic

equipment requires that all approved softball helmets have a NOCSAE

seal (shown in the picture to the right). This seal indicates that the helmet

has been properly tested and will protect in any case of getting hit in the

head. Hitting team players should ALWAYS have a helmet on when on the field. The


entire safety standard for helmets can be found at

http://nocsae.org/standards/baseball-softball/

Catcher’s Equipment: A catch should wear the necessary equipment to protect their

self. The equipment is comprised of a helmet, chest pad, and kneepads. The catchers

should ALWAYS have the equipment properly on when catching behind the plate,

regardless of warming up or actual play.

Glove: It is required that all players wear a glove when on the field. The glove will be

used to protect their self when a ball comes in their direction.

Pitcher’s Mask: Any pitcher, or player playing the mound position in t-ball, has the

option of wearing a protective facemask. The t-ball, 8U, and 10U league pitchers are

required to wear facemasks, while it is optional for 12U and 14U. Since facemasks

are sized according to the player, the league will not provide these.

Mouthpieces: Like the pitcher’s mask, a mouthpiece is an optional choice of

protection for 12U and 14U, but it is required that all infield players on t-ball, 8U,

and 10U are wearing a mouthpiece during play. This will help to prevent damages to

the teeth or mouth in the event that a ball takes a bad hop.

Sliders: It is in the best interest of the player if they wear sliding pants and a knee

guard to protect their self from scrapes and bruises. The league, too, will not provide

these.

Facility and Equipment Inspection

As the GCAA, we want to keep our league as safe as possible, and take precautions to

prevent avoidable injuries. Every coach will be trained in safety precautions and will be

expected to carry those to practices, games, and every Cleveland Angels softball league

event between. The coach will have a safety evaluation that he has to complete on a weekly

basis. The league will also have volunteers on a nightly basis that can monitor the field and

ensure that safety precautions are being taken. To ensure safety, every team will be given a

first aid kit that will be used to take care of minor injuries. Every coach will also be given

phone numbers in case of an emergency. He will be provided with instructions on 911 calls,

as well as medical doctor calls.


There will be standards set in place to make sure our facilities are as safe as

possible. We will have groundskeepers that will level out the fields between every game

guaranteeing that is smooth and clear of rocks and sand piles. They will be in charge of

turning on the lights when necessary for safe play. They will also make sure that everyone

makes it in and out of the park in a safe manner. It is important to us that the fields are kept

to a first-class standard and act as a suitable location for Cleveland Angels softball games.

The groundskeeper will complete nightly checklists ensuring that the fields are kept to that

acceptable standard. These checklists will contain items such as:

Make sure that all fields have been properly groomed by dragging the infield

Ensure that the outfield is free of any material that could cause tripping

Make sure that the dugouts are cleaned, and that all trash is removed

Ensure that the areas around the fields are safe and free of tripping material

for spectators

Lock all fields so that no non-personnel can get on them

Step 3: Special Risks

In a sport like softball, the pitcher is at the highest risk for injury. Pitchers stand

roughly 43 feet from home plate, and are in the line to take line drives coming at a much

higher velocity. When an athlete elects to pitch, they should understand that risks of the

position, whether that be through common sense or a warning by the Cleveland Angels

league. In more rare cases, we can expect injuries such as concussions from collisions with

other players, or from being hit in the head with the ball. We will make sure that someone

with a first aid certification is on-site at all times during the play on our fields. These

individuals will be responsible for being present when athletes are on the field, beginning

with practice and warm ups. They will be easily accessible if a situation arises where

medical assistance is needed. These certified individuals will be responsible for getting

someone to call 911 if necessary. In the case that others are present to the scene before the

certified individual, there will be Special Risks instructions placed around the facilities with


instructions on what to do. These papers will contain addresses, phone numbers, how to

direct EMS, and what to do while waiting on further medical care.

If an athlete gets hit in the head with the ball or from a collision with a player or

fence, it is important that the player is instantly pulled out of the game. The certified first

aid individual will complete an analysis to figure assistance is needed. If so, someone is to

sit with the individual for the full duration of waiting on medical attention. They are to

supply a cold rag, and make sure that the athlete is stabilized and not completing too much

physical activity. If an athlete is involved in an injury separate from the head, it is

important to us that the first aid certified individual quickly gets to them and ensures that

no further injury occurs. This can range from a simple scrape to a more serious break or

sprain.

Step 4: Incident Reporting

Once an incident occurs, there will be strict procedures that need to be followed to ensure

that all guests and athletes are kept as safe as possible.

Isolate the incident and/or accident – make sure that it does not cause a chain

reaction.

Get immediate medical help to the injured person. Do not underestimate any injury.

There will be someone medically trained on the property at all times.

Call for help if needed. Call 9-1-1 immediately if there is a medical danger.

In order to decrease commotion, get other athletes, staff, and spectators back to

normal routine of play.

Once all medical aid is provided, fully complete the Incident Report Form.

Discuss the incident causes and what could have prevented it from happening.

File the report based on the status of the individual. These will be discussed

regularly to follow up on the report.


Step 5: Emergency Action Plan

The Greater Cleveland Athletic Association is committed to preventing accidents from

occurring, but we also have a detailed Emergency Action Plan in place in case an emergency

arises. The following scenarios provide instruction that should be closely followed in order

to maintain a calm, organized environment.

If there is a severe weather emergency:

o GCAA has individuals serving as league leaders that have knowledge on

severe weather situations. These leaders will be responsible for monitoring

the weather equipment and making quick decisions to maintain safety for all

individuals. In the case of rain, the Cleveland Angels practices and games will

go on. Only if there is lightning in the surrounding areas or unsafe conditions

will we call off a game. If the field gets to wet for safe play, all individuals will

be asked to seek shelter until the fields can drain. In the case of lightning, all

individuals will be required to go to their car. There will be a 30-minute

delay after the last lightning until the field of play can be resumed. Our

weather experts will have the final call of cancelling/postponing the game

until a later date. In the case of a tornado watch or warning, all participants

will be asked to quickly and calmly leave the facilities until a later date. At

GCAA, we do not want to take chances by leaving our athletes, coaches,

spectators, and others in our facilities during a tornado possibility. Safety is

our biggest concern. Though most teams will not be playing during the

winter, we have strict policies in place for cold weather and snow/sleet/ice.

In order to preserve the health and safety of our athletes and their

equipment, we will not play if temperatures are below 20 degrees

Fahrenheit. Any temperature below is dangerous for athletes and

detrimental to the softball equipment. There will be no events in the case of

snow/sleet/ice. Upon exiting for any weather emergency, we ask that

everyone get to his or her car in the most efficient manner possible, while

maintaining a composed, collected environment.


If there is a report of a missing child:

o We do not want to take the case of a missing child lightly. In the case of a

missing child, we will first place personnel at all entry and exit ways so that

the child cannot sneak out of the facility. We will then start at a central

location (parking area in

the middle) and branch

out in all directions

covering all areas of the

facility calling for the

child over megaphones or

by voice. If the child is not

located in the initial

sweep, we will

immediately call law

enforcement to enlist help

in the search, as well as put out a missing child alert. We will begin

questioning witnesses about what the child looks like, what he or she is

wearing, where was he or she last seen, and other situational questions. If the

child is still not located, we will go to the cameras to see where and when the

child disappeared. We ask that everyone stay calm, which will ultimately help

in the search.

If there is a endangered person on our facilities:

o At GCAA, our goal is to keep everyone safe, including free of any dangerous

individuals who my work their way onto our facilities. If a suspected person

of danger is on the premises, it should be reported immediately to the main

staffing area at the GCAA office building (located in the bottom right corner

of the above photo). The report should completely list out why the person is

suspected as dangerous and what harm that could potentially cause. There

should be a complete description of the dangerous person, what they are

wearing, what weapons are visible, where did they come from, and did they

mention anything that labeled them as dangerous. An emergency, indoor,


holding facility will be at the GCAA office building. All individuals are asked to

quickly move to the holding facility where there will be security at the door

looking for anyone standing out/looking suspicious.

If there is a threat:

o In the case that there is any form of threat, particularly a bomb threat,

we want to keep all of our guests safe. In the case of a threat, we will

evacuate the premises immediately in the quickest manner. All guests

will be asked to stay 50 feet back from the facility in case of any

dangerous material. The league officials will contact Law

Enforcement, and the appropriate assistance will report to the facility

to perform a sweep. If all areas deem clear, guests will be allowed to

reenter to the facility. The origin of the threat will be studied and

investigated, and the proper penalty will take place. Though cases will

be rare, we want to take a threat seriously so that we can keep all

athletes, coaches, spectators, volunteers, and staff free of danger.

Step 6: Travel Policy

Travel Policy for Recreational League

The Greater Cleveland Athletic Association is not financially responsible for covering the

traveling costs for any of their participating teams and/or athletes. Athletes are expected to

receive their own transportation to and from all games and practices. The Cleveland Angels

season consist of 8 games, and roughly 12 practices. After post-season play is calculated in, we

estimate that there are approximately 25 events that athletes will need to have transportation

provided for. We ask that if an athlete chooses to sign up for the Cleveland Angels league, the

proper transportation can be supplied. All of the recreational games and practices are located in

the Cleveland area, primarily at the Clayton facility.

In the case of an athlete being dropped off – she should be dropped off no earlier than 15

minutes prior than the assigned arrival time. For the safety of the athlete and for everyone else

involved, we ask that athletes, regardless of age, are not roaming around the facility before

practice and games begin. At the conclusion of the event, parents/guardians should arrive no later


than 15 minutes after the designated finish time. It is not the responsibility of the coaches or staff

to stay at the facility waiting on an athlete to be picked up – we expect the transportation to be on

time. We also ask that you park and escort your child in to the facility, as well as follow the same

procedure when being picked up. We follow these strict procedures so that we can avoid

emergencies that could have been prevented.

Travel Policy for Competitive/Travel League

The travel league, understandably, requires more dedication to travel and reliance on

transportation. Just like in the Recreational League, the Greater Cleveland Athletic Association as a

whole is not financially responsible for the transporting for the athletes. The athletes, ranging

from age 8 to 18, are responsible for getting to and from every practice and tournament,

regardless of location. Practices will be held in the Cleveland area. The same rules apply to the

travel league as the Recreational league. Athletes should be dropped off and picked up within the

15-minute time frame of the practice or game.

Weekend tournaments and games can range from locations in the Cleveland area, to across

the entire southeast. We estimate that most tournaments will take place within a three-hour range

of the Cleveland area, with most taking place in Raleigh, Charlotte, and other locations in between.

It is the responsibility of the individual teams to make sure everyone has the proper travel and

hotel accommodations, if necessary. GCAA allows that teams to hold fundraisers for their travel

expenses, but the Association, as a whole has no involvement. Teams are encouraged to travel in

caravans and carpool when possible to save financially.

Overall, we anticipate that if parents/guardians are willing to sign their daughter up for the

Cleveland Angels Softball league, they are also willing to travel to and from events with their

athlete. Here at GCAA we encourage parent/guardian involvement, and hope that travel and

transportation is a topic that everyone involved understands. Our facilities provide an adequate

amount of parking spaces that every athlete can be transported individually to and from.

**The Greater Cleveland Athletic Association is not responsible for any incident that occurs on the

way to or from a Cleveland Angels Softball event.


Step 7: Instruction and Supervision

Ongoing observation & Evaluation of Supervisors

As mentioned in other areas of this Risk Management plan, all of our league leaders,

coaches, volunteers, umpires, and any other worker will be under observation at all points

in their position. We will have staff walking around keeping everyone accountable for what

their job is, and that they are doing everything correctly. They will be observed on many

scales, including: how do they act around the athletes, are they effective at what they do,

are they benefiting the program, etc. Everyone in a position of leadership will be required

to complete evaluations at the end of the season answering questions such as: how do they

think the season went, what could they improve on, etc. If those in leadership positions

aren’t observed at a positive level, they will be asked to step down.

Instructional Guidelines

All coaches and umpires will receive instructional guidelines on the rules they should

follow. Coaches will be given rules on how to treat youth athletes, simple medical training,

abuse laws, rules of the game, how to properly play the game, etc. These instructions are to

be closely followed through the season through games and practices to ensure that all are

safe and GCAA is accomplishing their main goal: for athletes to have fun. Umpires will be

given detailed instructions on the game rules and how they should properly call a youth

game.

Supervision Guidelines

All individuals that re in leadership roles will be given supervision guidelines as they are

asked to lead the league through practice and play. They will be informed of their roles,

rules, and how to maintain an overall positive environment. We believe that with the

proper supervision on all operations of the Cleveland Angel’s league, we will be able to

have a successful season. League leaders will be informed on operational things such as:

opening and closing the fields, setting fields up for play, getting everyone in the right spot,

etc.


Training Programs

Like mentioned previously in this Risk Management plan, all individuals in leadership

positions will be required to go through extensive training programs depending on their

role. Coaches will go through training for things such as: general sport training,

injury/medical training, extensive concussion training, abuse awareness training, and

general leadership training. Umpires will be trained on the rules of the game, as well as

how to properly handle the field of play. League leaders will go through leadership training.

Volunteers will go through brief on-campus training upon arriving on their roles. They will

be trained on the different areas of volunteering, general rules of GCAA, and how to behave

as a volunteer in regards to interacting with guests, how to handle situations, and how to

carry themselves as a volunteer.

Matching of Participants

All athletes will be matched based on their age group. They will play in separated leagues

divided into multiple age groups. Umpires, coaches, league leaders, and coaches will be

training depending on the age they are associated with. It is obvious that a coach needs to

treat a 5 year old differently than a 16 year old, and we believe it is our role to distinguish

that. The same goes with all age groups. Umpires need to understand the level of intensity

that they need to call the game. There are things in younger divisions that won’t be strictly

as called as in older ages. For example, the strike zone in younger ages will be bigger than

that of older ages. Volunteers and league leaders also need to be aware of the age groups

they are involved with. It is important that everyone in leadership positions understand the

full extent of their particular age group to make sure the Cleveland Angel’s league runs

smoothly.

Step 8: Methods to Reduce Abuse & Molestation Claims

At Greater Cleveland Athletic Association, we are aware of the extensive adult

interactions our athletes will have with the coaches, support staff, umpires, and various

others. We are dedicated to preventing any case arising of physical, sexual, or verbal abuse.

We expect our adults to treat our athletes with the utmost respect, and to completely


adhere to all rules to make sure that a case, whether intentional or unintentional, does not

occur.

We are doing everything we can to prevent a claim from arising, beginning with

proper training and background checks. We require extensive background checks for all

coaches, umpires, and any other adult that will have a hands-on involvement with the team.

We will immediately prohibit those with backgrounds of abuse and molestation cases from

have any involvement in our league. We believe that there are plenty of qualified

individuals to work with our association that are free of troubled backgrounds. Once an

individual passes the background check and is allowed to work or volunteer for the

Cleveland Angels, they will have to go through thorough training. All coaches, umpires, and

support staff will be required to complete a training entitled “Introductory Safeguarding

Training” sponsored by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The

course will be offered before the season starts and will encompass topics such as: the

categories for abuse, signs and symptoms of abuse, what to do if abuse occurs, how to

create a safe environment for the athlete, and signposts for further information

(Introductory Safeguarding Training). All adults involved in the league will be required to

take a test on this material, as well as review the material before and after every season.

Also, we will hold sessions for the athletes before every season clarifying what is

acceptable and not acceptable when it comes to adult interaction. They need to be aware of

what abuse encompasses so that they can report it if a situation occurs. We feel that in a lot

of cases young athletes do not understand what abuse is, and can in a situation without

even knowing it. We will make sure that they understand what abuse is and whom they can

contact if this situation arises. However, at GCAA, we believe that prevention is the best

method. We want to handle negative situations before they arise.

We do not anticipate that a case will occur, but in the rare chance that it does, we want

to have strict reprimands in place. We have a zero tolerance policy for any form of abuse.

Therefore, no warnings will be given – the individual will immediately be asked to leave. It

is our complete responsibility to keep our athletes safe from any form of abuse. Physical,

Sexual, or Verbal abuse can exist of any of the following, but not limited to:

Requiring an athlete to perform an activity that is harmful to their health


Touching/Hitting/Slapping beyond that of a high-five (should not apply harmful

touch to the athlete, nor touching in a provocative manner

Performing any sexual advances with the athlete – We highly suggest that all adults

avoid physical content past that of a high-five

Yelling at the individual to an extent that it is downgrading (We understand that

coaches sometimes raise their voices at athletes to make a point, but there is a

difference between “That play was stupid” versus “You are stupid”).

Speaking harm to the athlete

Though this list does not fully cover every situation of abuse, we are positive that our

coaches, support staff, volunteers, and umpires are fully aware of the extent.

To help prevent abuse from occurring, we will have a designated volunteer whose sole

responsibility is to watch for abuse. The volunteer will be responsible for reporting to the

head of our association is any situation rises. There will also be anonymous boxes located

around the facilities so that parents, spectators, or anyone else can drop off a claim if they

witness any situation. We want to make sure that every situation is brought to the head of

our association and that no claim goes unnoticed.

Step 9: Employment Guidelines

Employment Process

We take the employment process at the GCAA very importantly, because we believe

that personnel serve as the greatest indicator of the success of our program. If we employ

and attract the right help, we believe we will have a very successful program. The following

is a breakdown of how the employment process works for the Cleveland Angels softball

league

League Leaders (Committee Members):

o A special committee and also participants in our league vote our league

leaders on every year. Though the votes do not 100% determine the

leadership, we do use it as our driving force. The leadership staff over all

of the GCAA has the final say in who leads the Cleveland Angels league.


The 19 members on the Committee have to be fully dedicated to a life in

youth sport focused on the betterment of up and coming athletes. Their

financial payments are determined by competitive rates of other youth

sports leagues. The Committee Members are required to go through

proper leadership training so that they are prepared to lead the other

adult personnel.

Coaches:

o Coaches will be chosen on an as-needed basis. We anticipate turnover to

be very high (i.e.: parent coaches follow their child up in age), but we

want to be dedicated to decreasing that rate. We want to bring in

experienced youth softball coaches that are willing to stay and build up

the program. In the case that we need a coach, we will begin our search

by asking participants for recommendations. We will then branch out to

other area youth leagues in the pursuit of a talented coach. Once the

coach is selected, he/she will go through an intensive background check,

the abuse-prevention training, medical training, and general coaching

training. The coaches need to be aware of all medical possibilities and

sport, and be made aware what to do in the case of an injury or medical

emergency. They will also be briefed with leadership training and how

they can positively impact the athlete’s sport endeavors. Coaches will

complete evaluations at the end of every season. From there, our league

will decide to retain or dismiss the coach. It is important that the coach

shows complete dedication to his/her team, and provides necessary

attention and effort to accomplish the goals of the team.

Umpires:

o Though umpires do not interact extensively with our teams, we believe

that they are an important asset imperative to the success of our

program. We believe that umpires are the ones who decide how the

game is going to be played, and what the overall atmosphere is going to

be like. If umpires are professional and keep control of the athletes,

coaches, and spectators, we believe that we can have a successful league.


Because of this, we have strict guidelines in place for our umpires. In

order to attract the best, all umpires are paid a competitive rate to that

of other youth sport umpires. Two months prior to every season, we will

send out fliers, emails, and other forms of contact to attract umpires. We

will then hire the best, and fully train them based on Cleveland Angels’

rules. They are to be trained in all areas of umpiring for the sport of

softball, as well as particular league differences. The umpires will have

to completely weekly evaluations on their performance to make sure

that they are staying unbiased, fair, and accurate in their play calling.

After every season, we will reevaluate umpires and retain or dismiss as

necessary.

Volunteers:

o In a sport’s league like the Cleveland Angels, volunteers serve as the

main driving force. They will lead us day in and day out from the start of

the day to the very end. Volunteers will be in charge of working the

gates where they will monitor who is coming and out of our facility.

They will assist in field preparation, mainly by dragging fields and

painting lines. Volunteers will also be responsible for keeping control of

our scoreboard and running concessions. Since volunteers will be

working directly around our young athletes, we want to make sure that

they are properly certified to do so. All volunteers will go through an

extensive background check. If there is any history of abuse, physical,

sexual, or verbal, the individual will be asked to not volunteer. We will

recruit volunteers in the local and surrounding area through fliers and

pop-up tents. We will set up at local shopping centers that are highly

trafficked and seek to sign up qualified individuals. In the case that we

run short, we will take to social media After selection, the individuals

will go through basic training where they will learn about the facilities,

about their roles, and minimal medical training such as CPR. All

volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and have weekend availability.

Like other positions, volunteers will be asked to complete evaluations at


the end of the season, where we will make decisions on retaining or

dismissing.

Training Programs

In addition to the employment process and trainings listed above, all workers (league

leaders, coaches, umpires, and volunteers) will be required to go through basic medical

training so that they are aware of what do in an emergency situation. Coaches will have the

most hands-on involvement, so they will partake in the most training. Everyone will learn

basic first aid, CPR training, concussion protocol, and how to fill out an accident report. It is

imperative that our staff, especially coaches, know how to handle injuries as little as

scraped knees to pass outs from being hit in the head. No injury is too small for medical

attention. We want all workers to understand that athletes should sit out after an injury

until the athlete is 100% ready to return to play. We believe that with the training provided

to our staff, all athletes will benefit while playing the sport of softball.

Step 10: Parent/Guardian & Athlete Waiver

Since all of the Cleveland Angels softball athletes are under the age of 18, we require

every athlete’s parent/guardian to fully complete a waiver before the season begins. An

athlete will not be allowed to participate until the waiver has been signed and returned to

the Greater Cleveland Athletic Association. The waiver releases all liability and

assumptions of risk from the GCAA and also addresses behavior responsibilities of the

parent/guardians.

REALEASE & WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, & INDEMNITY AGREEMENT


PARENT/GUARDIAN WAIVER

I, , give my child, , permission to participate in the 2016 season of the Greater Cleveland Athletic Association “Cleveland Angels Softball League”. I, as the parent/guardian of the athlete understand the dangers associated with the sport, and claim that she is in good health and physically able to play the sport. I give my rights to full medical treatment if my child should need it. I understand the full risk of injury in the sport, and I assume full risk for any injury my child receives while playing the sport. I release, discharge, and covenant to not sure Greater Cleveland Athletic Association and their respective coaches, umpires, support staff, volunteers, and others involved if an injury occurs in a game, practice, or on their facilities.

I understand that as I sign my child up to play in the league, I also have responsibilities to adhere to. I will maintain a professional image when on the GCAA facilities, and will represent the Association with the utmost respect. I will respect other athlete, coaches, umpires, support staff, and volunteers. I will treat those around me with respect as I remember that the main goal of the Cleveland Angels is for girls to be active, learn the sport of softball, and most importantly have fun.

I understand the time commitment I am signing my child up to, and I also share in those responsibilities. I will provide transportation to and from games and practices for my athlete, and will financially support this transportation. In the case that I have to leave my child at an event, I will make sure to drop off and pick up within a 15-minute timeframe from the beginning to the end of an event.

I understand my duty to uphold all rules of the GCAA and Cleveland Angels League. I also understand the rules that my child should follow while participating in the league.

__________________________________________ _________________

Printed Name of Participant Date

__________________________________________ _________________

Printed Name of Parent/Guardian Date

__________________________________________ _________________

Signature of Parent Guardian Date

References


Malcolm, N. L. (2006). Shaking It Off" and "Toughing It Out. Journal Of Contemporary

Ethnography, 35(5), 495-525.

Pollack, K. M., Canham-Chervak, M., Gazal-Carvaiho, C., Jones, B. H., & Baker, S. P. (2005).

Interventions to prevent softball related injuries: a review of the literature. Injury

Prevention, 11(5), 277-281. doi:10.1136/ip.2004.007195

Walsh, W. Michael, Robert Burger, James Carpenter, Mary Ireland, and David Martin.

"Prevention and Emergency Management of Youth Baseball and Softball Injuries."

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (2005): 1-37. Web. 27 Sept.

2015.

Werner, S. L., Guido, J. A., McNeice, R. P., Richardson, J. L., Delude, N. A., & Stewart, G. W.

(2005). Biomechanics of Youth Windmill Softball Pitching. American Journal Of

Sports Medicine, 33(4), 552-560. doi:10.1177/0363546504269253

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