You and your family will be traveling. Some of you will travel a great deal. Some of you will split up and Mom will take the ball player to tournaments. For the older players many times they will drive themselves along with team mates. You will find yourself in unfamiliar towns. You will find yourself in neighborhoods a block from the ball field that are crime ridden. I just want to suggest some things that you can do and teach your families that will in many instances reduce dramatically the risk involved.
1- Never pull of the interstate randomly to get gas or food or use the rest room. Pick locations where there are numerous restaurants, gas stations, etc. Choose the one's that are well lit, clean, no loitering, etc. Stay away from State Rest Areas! Especially late at night or early in the morning.
2- When you do this observe. Don't just pull in the first place you see. Observe. Are there people hanging out in the parking lot? Is it well lit? Does it appear safe?
3- Don't park far away from the store. Find a pump close to the front of the store. Park as close to the front of the store as possible. Park around other car's. Observe your surrounding closely.
4- When you exit the car observe. Make eye contact with everyone around you. Keep your keys in your hand. Make it obvious you are aware of your surrounding. Make it obvious you are observing your surroundings. Keep your head up. Don't be fumbling in your purse or looking at your phone with no clue of your surroundings. Keep your pocket book or purse close to your side with your keys in your hand. Head up, observing your surroundings and all those around you.
5- If by chance someone approaches you keep moving. Look them in the eye and continue to move towards your destination. Do not get caught in a situation where it is just you and them. You can be pleasant and direct as you move towards your destination.
6- When you pull up to that motel observe. If you do not feel safe find another place to stay. Do not park in the back away from everyone. You may have to walk farther.
7- Teach your players to avoid confrontation at all cost. Exit the situation as fast as possible. Get in and get out.
8- Just because the ball park is nice does not mean the surrounding area is. Observe. A quick ride from the park to the store can be very dangerous. If you need to go a few blocks farther do it. Observe your surroundings.
9 - There are cities and towns that are very dangerous if you are caught in the wrong areas of those towns. Don't get caught in the wrong areas of those cities and towns. I don't know the city or town? Observe. Ask Law Enforcement about where the best places for you to eat. Ask them if it is a safe place. Enquire and educate yourself. Educate your players and family.
10- It's not being paranoid. It's being smart. You can be prepared and limit your opportunity of being a victim without living in fear. Or being blind to the danger you have put yourself and your family in.
Criminals are looking for victims. They are creatures of opportunity. Criminals are comfortable where crime is frequent. They prey on the unsuspecting. They read body language. They look for opportunity. You can reduce your chances of being a victim. And you can increase your odds of being a victim. Everything you can do to reduce those odds is worth it. Make it part of your life and your routine. Educate your players to be prepared and observant not paranoid. Don't get fooled by appearances or locations. Regardless of where you are or who you are around the rules never change.
I could add many more tips. I am sure others can as well.
