FAQ (Youth)

Everyone who participates in baseball or softball is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment, and has the right to protection from abuse, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity. The British Baseball Federation, the British Softball Federation and BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) are committed to promoting the welfare of all involved in baseball and softball, and leagues, clubs, teams, other affiliated organisations and individuals associated with baseball and softball are expected to follow our standards.

If you are a young person and are worried about your or your friends' safety in your club, first check out the advice and support in the Play Safe, Stay Safe section of our site. This will tell you who you can speak to about it.

If you are an adult with a specific concern about the welfare of a young person or vulnerable adult while they are involved in baseball or softball, your first point of contact should be the club or programme's Welfare Officer. If you can't get in contact with this person, contact BSUK's National Welfare Officer by calling 020 7453 7055 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). You can also read the Safeguarding Complaints Procedure for Baseball and Softball.

Sport can and does have a powerful and positive influence on its participants, especially young people. Not only can it provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement, it can also develop valuable qualities such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. 

Everyone who participates in baseball or softball is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment, and has the right to protection from abuse, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity.

Everyone working in baseball and softball - whether paid or in a voluntary capacity - has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and preventing their abuse. Find out how in the Welfare section.

Every baseball and softball club should have a Club Welfare Officer who leads on ensuring that the club provides a safe environment for participants, especially young people and vulnerable adults. They also act as the contact point for club members with welfare concerns and represent the club if a welfare investigation is carried out by BaseballSoftballUK, the British Baseball and Softball Federations or another safeguarding authority.

You can find out more about what is involved in the Welfare section. 

It is important that Club Welfare Officers read the welfare-related policies and procedures which have been adopted by BaseballSoftballUK, the British Baseball Federation and the British Softball Federation. Leagues, clubs, teams, other affiliated organisations and individuals associated with baseball and softball are expected to follow these standards.