Libertyville Little League presents safety awareness program

The Libertyville Little League, a member of the Illinois District 13 Little League organization, is committed to the safety of all players and coaches. To further improve the league's existing safety program, the league will begin this year's season with an enhanced player safety and head injury awareness program.

Through the generosity of Dick's Sporting Goods, The Sports Authority and the American Academy of Neurology, the Libertyville Little League will roll out a comprehensive head injury awareness and prevention initiative.

During the past year, Dick's Sporting Goods and The Sports Authority have donated a variety of safety equipment, including 45 new batting helmets, which have been distributed evenly among all of the league's age groups and teams.

To further insure the long-term health and safety of players, the league has also partnered with the American Academy of Neurology to help educate coaches, players and families about the symptoms of sports-related head and neck injuries. The American Academy of Neurology has donated 100 laminated Concussion Quick Check reference sheets that outline the common warning signs of a concussion, and steps for coaches and parents should take in a potential emergency situation.

Finally, in addition to several capital improvements made to the ball fields last year, the league has replaced several batting and mobile safety practice cages at the baseball facilities at Butler Park, located on Park Avenue in Libertyville. These improvements will provide additional on-field protection for players and coaches.

The Libertyville Little League, a non-profit youth sports organization, will continue to work with its corporate and charitable partners to identify even more ways to make the youth baseball program as safe and enjoyable as possible for the entire community.

This spring and summer, more than 650 boys and girls will play organized baseball in the Libertyville Little League. In addition, the league will host several "travel" tournaments, hosting hundreds of children from neighboring communities.

The Libertyville Little League will host its 2014 Opening Day on April 12 at 10 a.m. at Butler Park.