Safeguarding training is vital for baseball and softball club volunteers, so that an environment is created where youth players can enjoy their sporting experience safely. BaseballSoftballUK has a range of safeguarding courses and learning opportunities, from introductory to enhanced training. These enable staff and volunteers in various roles within baseball and softball to increase their knowledge and skills so they can safeguard children effectively.
Considerations when selecting training opportunities:
The training required depends on the the role, as listed in the table below.
Safeguarding Requirements: Who Need What
| Safeguarding Training Level 1 | Safeguarding Training Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| All Coaches | YES | YES (BBF) / Optional (BSF)* |
| Coaches with Youth Players | YES | YES |
| Softball Captains/Team Managers | YES | Optional |
| Softball Captains with Youth Players | YES | YES |
| Umpires | YES | Optional |
| Safeguarding/Welfare Officers | YES | YES |
| Club Officials | YES | Optional |
| National Team Management | YES | YES |
| Federation Officals | YES | YES |
| BSUK Staff | YES | YES |
Level 2 training will become mandatory for all coaches from 2027
Safeguarding Training Courses
BaseballSoftballUK offers two types of safeguarding training:
- Level 1 Training: An online course, which provides Introductory safeguarding training which is suitable for refresher safeguarding training or to provide initial safeguarding training whilst waiting to complete a face-to-face ‘Safe On Base’ course
- Level 2 Training: A baseball/softball-specific 'Safe On Base' course.
If a need for further or specialist training is identified, the BSUK Safeguarding Office can advise
Level 1 Online training
Online training courses are very flexible, allowing the user to complete the course from home at his/her own pace. BaseballSoftballUK recommends online training as an introductory or refresher safeguarding course or for others as an introduction to Safeguarding to be completed before taking the Safe on Base (level 2) virtual training.
BaseballSoftballUK requires that new Safeguarding Officers without any prior training follow up an online course with a face-to-face/virtual/interactive course within one year of appointment.
BSUK recommends High Speed Training’s Safeguarding in Sport (FREE). .
Level 2 Training: Safe On Base course
This is a online face-to-face three-hour course, that take place in the off season between January and April. Details of the courses will be provided on the BSUK Events page and on Sport:80
Whether it is 'Safe On Base' or an alternative, interactive training is important. Interactive training includes face-to-face training and some online learning where interaction between participants and the facilitator is ‘live’. Face-to-face training (virtual or in person) is the most appropriate method as it allows delegates to ask questions of and receive feedback from the trainer, as well as hearing the views of other participants - all within a safe environment facilitated by a qualified safeguarding tutor. It also provides the opportunity to discuss specific safeguarding issues that arise during the training. Interactive training can also involve using a virtual classroom, through webinars, or other similar software (eg Skype or Zoom).
BaseballSoftballUK requires that new Safeguarding Officers without any prior training complete a face-to-face / interactive course within one year of appointment.
Other courses
There are many other safeguarding courses available, run by a variety of different organisations. Unfortunately, there is no professional body regulating these courses so quality can vary significantly. When choosing a course, please ensure that it covers everything you need it to and is approved by the CPSU (Child Protection in Sport Unit).
Other BaseballSoftballUK-approved courses include:
- Sports Coach UK's 'Safeguarding and Protecting Children’ (or 'Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2' for renewal purposes)
- Child protection courses delivered by local Safeguarding Children’s Boards
- Child protection courses delivered by County Sports Partnerships
CPSU Courses
The CPSU/NSPCC have a huge resource section filled with lots of useful information, videos and courses.
- Keeping your child safe in sport – A free e-learning course every parent should take. Access Here
- To access the CPSU Resource Centre click here.
If in doubt about which course to choose, or if you are looking to complete enhanced safeguarding training, please email us here.
Safeguarding Adults
As the criteria for Safeguarding Adults at Risk is very different to Safeguarding Children BSUK recommends all coaches take Safeguarding Adult training and an introduction online course (cost £25 per person) can be obtained here
For Safeguarding officers we recommend this course, Safeguarding Adults in a Sport Setting Club Standards, (cost £10 per person)
.png)
