SAFETY AT WYB
Safety
When compared to most collision-based sports, Baseball and Softball are relatively safe sports. However, there is always the risk of injury and the WYB has a number of safety rules in place to limit the number of injuries that take place on the ball field. Many injuries can be prevented with the usage of proper field materials and equipment.
Concussion Protocol
Regarding Concussions, The WYB yields to any local, park district, or umpire organization that has a protocol in place. On the ball field, any existing concussion protocols take precedence and must be fully enforced. You can view a copy of the Concussion Protocol from one of our participating communities. The WYB recommends all organizations have a similar concussion protocol in place and both volunteers and umpires are made aware.
Heat Policy
There are times, especially on weekends in the dead of Summer, where it becomes to hot and dangerous to play a Baseball game. In all instances, safety is first and foremost and any local rules from any park districts or youth Baseball organizations take precedence. You can view a copy of the Heat Policy from one of our participating communities at Park Ridge Baseball.
Break Away Bases
The WYB recommends the use of Break Away Bases. Since 2008, Little League Baseball has required the usage of Break Away Bases. Studies have shown that the usage of break-away bases at the collegiate level has resulted in nearly an 80 percent reduction in injuries. Sliding Injuries in College and Professional Baseball
Safety Bases
At the 6-10U levels, the WYB strongly recommends the usage of a safety base. The safety base is the orange base that is attached to first place and extends into foul territory. The purpose of this base is so the base runner can run through, avoiding any collision with the first baseman.
Metal Cleats
All levels - use of Metal Cleats is prohibited. At the 13-18U age groups, Metal Cleats are allowed. However, the league recommends the use of Rubber-cleated shoes.
Pitching Restrictions
WYB uses strict inning restrictions for pitchers, only allowing pitchers up to the 11-12U Division to pitch a maximum of three innings per day. This number increases to four innings per day at the 13-14U age level. Despite the inning requirements, the WYB encourages managers to keep a pitch count for its players. Below is a listing of the Little League rules that limit pitchers per day, along with required days of rest between outings if a certain amount of pitches are thrown.
| Age | Daily Max (Pitches) | Required Rest (Pitches) | Required Rest (Pitches) | Required Rest (Pitches) | Required Rest (Pitches) | Required Rest (Pitches) |
| 0 Days | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | ||
| 6-8U | 50 | 1-20 | 21-35 | 36-50 | N/A | N/A |
| 9-10U | 75 | 1-20 | 21-35 | 36-50 | 51-65 | 66+ |
| 11-12U | 85 | 1-20 | 21-35 | 36-50 | 51-65 | 66+ |
| 13-14U | 95 | 1-20 | 21-35 | 36-50 | 51-65 | 66+ |
| 15-16U | 95 | 1-30 | 31-45 | 46-60 | 61-75 | 76+ |
| 17-18U |
