Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a vital process that protects children and adults from harm, abuse, and neglect. The safety and wellbeing of adults and children in sport is important as it provides a safe space in which to play sport and be active. A key part of safeguarding is spreading the message about keeping participants, especially children, safe and building a culture of always acting in the best interest of all children.

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Sport can 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 lifelong skills and qualities, including [ positive self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. However, these positives can only occur if the sport is in the right hands – under the protection of those who place the welfare of all participants first and adopt practices that support, protect and empower them. 

The reality, however, is that abuse does sometimes take place in sport and in some cases coaches and other trusted adults have been convicted of criminal offences and/or disciplined by the National Governing Body (NGB) of their sport. 

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The British Baseball Federation (BBF), the British Softball Federation (BSF) and BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) are committed to working together and in partnership with all relevant agencies to ensure that all three bodies fulfil the legal and moral obligations to safeguard and promote the welfare of all participants, and specifically young people and adults at risk.