Supervision

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

Instructional Considerations

• Umpire should wear a mask and chest pad.
• Student athletes should be taught to lay down or drop the bat after hitting, and to not release it during the follow-through of the swing.
• Non-fielding student athletes should stand well back of the batter’s box or behind a screen or fence. (Keep fingers away from the screen.)
• Batters should be taught to use proper grip (not cross-handed).
• Appropriate sliding techniques should be taught to minimize risk of injury.
• Head first sliding techniques should not be allowed.
• A commit line should be used at home plate.

Equipment/Facilities

• Bats should be free of cracks and have a proper grip.
• Aluminum bats should have adequate grip.
• Backcatcher should be in full protective equipment, including a mask with throat protector, chest and shin protector.
• Catchers should wear all equipment specified under Softball Canada/Baseball Canada rules.
• Age-appropriate regulation softball should be used.
• If using a regulation softball, batters and base runners should wear helmets, and fielders should wear gloves.
• Batter and runners should wear helmet.
• Bases should be properly secured, noting that bases secured into the ground with metal pegs can cause ankle/leg injuries when sliding.
• Double bag should be used at first base.
• Metal and compound cleats must not be worn.
• Molded baseball cleats or running shoes may be worn.