MLL Head Lice Control Policy
Please read the attached head lice control policy from Mendham Little League regarding facts & procedures for managing head lice.
Thank you
Head Lice Control Statement from Mendham Little League
Head lice are parasites which infest human hair. These parasites are a social nuisance, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and most medical experts, lice cannot carry or transmit any disease or serious ailment to humans. They also do not manifest into epidemics, but can be passed between people where a few or more can become carriers. The lice cannot fly or jump, but make their way from one person
to another through close human contact. The lice lay eggs (called nits) which attach to the shaft of hair strands. The nits may take between 6-10 days to hatch into actual lice. Some cases cause itchy scalps.
No matter how relatively minor the medical profession may consider lice on the scale of public health issues, it is important to be informed and take reasonable precautions.
The best way to control lice is to avoid close human contact between children. The spread of other public health-related ailments, including viruses, bacterias, etc. will also be better controlled by not hugging, wrestling and engaging in other general close contact.
The sharing of baseball and softball equipment has been discussed as a potential way for transmitting head lice between people. Consider this statement from the Harvard School of Public Health. “Shared helmets and headphones in schools or recreational settings may rarely and transiently harbor an occasional louse or nit; the effort necessary to effectively inspect and clean these devices, however, is not likely warranted.” Brushes and combs are, however, cited by many experts as a more likely method of lice transmission because they may actually move the lice from the afflicted person.
Still, however unlikely transmission of lice from one player to another sharing a helmet, it is important to the Mendham Little League (MLL) that parents, coaches and players are comfortable and feel secure from such ailments.
Therefore, it is MLL policy that:
- All MLL players should wear a baseball cap beneath their helmets. (Some players may want to wear a kerchief or other thin hat instead of a baseball cap for a better fit).
- MLL parents should check their children regularly for lice (you should see your school nurse or your doctor for more information on lice and screening children for infestation).
- Any player with lice will use a separate helmet from the rest of the team, with the manager ensuring the dignity of the player throughout the condition.
- Helmets can be wiped out with a damp towel between players.
- Helmets can either be stored in a sealed plastic bag between practices and games (lice cannot live without a human host) or lightly rinsed out (please do not do both – wet helmets should not be stored in a plastic bag).
- No chemicals or sprays of any kind should be used on any equipment for any reason.
- Parents must notify the team manager if their child has lice.
- Players should never share hats, jackets, etc.
- Helmets, hats, jackets etc. should not be left on top of one another or in close proximity.
- All managers will discuss this lice control statement with all team parents and guardians.
MLL provides NOCSAE approved baseball and softball equipment as required by Little League. If parents purchase helmets or other equipment for their children, it must be NOCSAE approved. All AAA and Majors baseball players must use a NOCSAE approved helmet with a full face cage similar in style to those provided by Mendham Little League. (Please look for the NOCSAE label and leave it affixed to your equipment after purchasing). You may contact the Director of Equipment at info@mendhamlittleleague.org for more information on approved baseball and softball equipment.
If you have questions or concerns regarding lice or any other safety or health issue involving MLL, please email the Director of Safety at info@mendhamlittleleague.org , or contact any team manager or official.
You should also contact your child’s school nurse or your doctor for more information.
Thank you for taking these reasonable precautions on behalf of MLL. 
The Official Website for Mendham Little League
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