The Small Print of Little League

Regarding the violence that is a “sad fact of life” in Little League baseball (“When Big People Ruin the Little Leaguers’ Fun,” May 8), here is a less well-known fact of life: Little League baseball has thoughtfully shielded the person whose behavior injures a child from any liability for his actions.

Under the guise of a “medical release form” for emergency care, Little League Baseball Inc. required that the child’s parents both become participants in the league by volunteering either their time or a minimum of $250.

The parents are then required to release and indemnify not only the league and the coaches, but every other “participant” and anyone transporting the child to or from any league activities, for any claims of injury to the child, whether from negligence or from any other cause.

Read the small print, parents: According to Little League Baseball, if it’s not covered by insurance, the harm to your child caused by the intentional or negligent behavior of another player, parent or coach is your responsibility.

PAUL SHAPIRO

San Juan Capistrano