To: Peter Kluszczynski

Re: Insulin Pumps

Cc: ODC

Peter we have no objection to someone having an insulin pump during softball activity. The insulin pump is something that is being used more and more by individuals to control their blood sugars during activity. The new devises are small (size of a pager) and can be hidden in many ways.  If you go online and look at insulin pumps there are many accessories which allow the user to protect the insulin pump from damage and conceal the pump during activity.

Diabetics have many issues they need to be aware of when they are involved in any activity and the use of an insulin pump just adds to the list of issues. The user would be aware of the issues when using an insulin pump. You should know the actual pump is only part of the apparatus. There are other components to make the pump feed the insulin into the body including a tube and a catheter that inserts into the body to allow the delivery of the insulin.

We do feel that individuals who use an insulin pump during a softball activity should make their team and the umpire aware they are wearing the insulin pump.

If you have further concerns we suggest you check with your insurer and see if they have any issues.

Regards

Brian van Os

National Director of Umpires

 

Cc Mark Gough

     ODC