Warning of Inherent Risks

Baseball and softball are reasonably safe activities as long as certain guidelines are followed.  They are basically anaerobic activities that involve short rapid bursts of energy over prolonged periods of time.  In a competitive environment, certain actions can occur very quickly and forcefully.  If you have any physical condition that precludes you from participating effectively in baseball/softball, you should present your coach with a physician's written consent to participate and participate with caution.  By deciding to participate, you are acknowledging that you are physically fit enough to play in a reasonable manner.  Please keep your coach informed about any minor acute or chronic injuries or conditions that you have.  If you do not know the status of your physical condition, you are advised to have a physical examination by a physician.

Although the likelihood is minimized if you participate carefully, there is always the possibility of injury when you place extra demands on the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and other body parts in a competitive situation.  Injuries that can occur in baseball/softball include but are not necessarily limited to the following: blisters, muscle strains, ligament and joint sprains, joint soreness, abrasions, contusions, stress fractures, broken bones, spinal cord injuries involving permanent paralysis, and even death.  Injuries can be sustained from a variety of sources such as but not necessarily limited to the following; being struck by a batted or thrown ball; being struck by a bat; colliding with a teammate, opponent, or other obstacle; contact with a base; and slipping or falling to the ground when running or fielding.  However, if you exercise care for your safety and the safety of your teammates and opponents, the likelihood of such injuries can be greatly reduced.  Be sure to obey consistently the following safety guidelines:

1. Always stretch and warm up appropriately before practices and games.
2. Always stretch and cool down appropriately after practices and games.
3. Never participate in rowdy behavior.
4. Never swing a bat unless you are at the plate, in the on-deck circle, or other appropriate area.
5. Never throw a ball to another player until you have eye contact with that player.
6. Report to your coach all injuries as soon as they occur.
7. Always wear a helmet when batting or running bases.
8. Watch where you are moving to avoid collisions with teammates, opponents, or other obstacles.
9. Demonstrate proper sliding skills to avoid injuries from the sliding into a base or an opponent.
10. "Call the ball" to decrease the likelihood of colliding with a teammate.
11. Be alert when teammates and opponents are batting; stay behind protective screening when appropriate.
12. Follow your coaches' instructions carefully on how to execute baseball/softball skills and procedures.

Do you have any questions?  If so, be sure to ask your coach at any time.

By participating in the Newbury Park PONY Baseball program, you are acknowledging that you have read the preceding warning.  Your participation indicates that you fully know, understand, and appreciate the risks inherent in playing baseball.  You are also acknowledging that you are physically fit to play baseball competitively, and you are voluntarily participating in this program.