Supervision

• On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.

Instructional Considerations

• Appropriate sliding techniques should be taught to minimize the risk of injury.
• There should be no sliding head first into a base other than returning from a leadoff position.
• Student athletes throwing to warm-up should do so away from the playing area and in the same direction.
• Pitchers should be limited to a maximum of 60 pitches per game with no more than two games per day.
• Umpire must wear a mask and chest pad.
• Non-fielding student athletes should stand well back from the batter’s box or behind a screen or fence. (Keep fingers away from the screen.)

Equipment/Facilities

• A NOCSAE approved helmet must be worn by batters, base runners, and the batter on deck.
• Helmets should have ear flaps on both sides.
• Catchers should wear all equipment specified under Softball Canada/Baseball Canada rules.
• Student athletes should wear suitable pelvic area protection.
• Warm-up catcher must wear a mask.
• Long pants and a baseball hat should be worn.
• Aluminum bats with proper grips should be used.
• All equipment should be kept out of the playing area.
• Bases should be secured.
• Diamond should be level and groomed.
• Backstops should be checked for broken wire prior to each game.
• Entrance gates to the playing field should be closed at all times.
• Dugout should be screened to protect student athletes.