Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a responsibility shared by everyone in the sport of baseball/softball. Following a number of high-profile safeguarding issues in other sports, the British Baseball Federation, working with BaseballSoftballUK and the NSPCC, have decided to enhance safeguarding training requirements for baseball.
From 1 March 2026, the following roles will have new requirements for safeguarding training:
BBF Safeguarding Requirements:
Who Needs What
| Safeguarding Training Level 1 (Online) | Safeguarding Training Level 2 (Safe on Base) | DBS check | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Coaches | YES | YES | YES |
| *Coaches with Youth Players | YES | YES | YES |
| Umpires | YES | OPTIONAL | YES |
| Safeguarding /Welfare Officers | YES | YES | YES |
| Club Officials | YES | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL |
| National Team Management | YES | YES | YES |
| Federation Officials | YES | YES | YES |
We know that these new requirements will take time to implement. While the new requirements will come into effect on 1 March 2026, there will be a grace period for baseball players to get their DBS checks and training.
For participants in the above table, who are currently registered with the BBF, DBS checks must be completed by 31 May 2026, while Level 2 Safeguarding Training – Safe on Base – must be completed by 28 February 2027 – a full calendar year after the new policy comes into place.
Any participants who register after 1 March 2026 will need to obtain their DBS Check within three months of their registration date and have one year from registration to complete Level 2 Safeguarding Training.
Safeguarding Level One courses are free and available by registering at the link below. These courses should be completed within three months of register as a participant on Sport:80
https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/courses/register-interest/safeguarding-in-sport
For more information on how to obtain a DBS and training, please email welfare@bsuk.com to request the necessary forms.
Register Now for Safe on Base
For those needing Level 2 Safeguarding Training, Safe on Base – BSUK’s free online Level 2 Safeguarding Course – is available for registration for 2026, with spots filling up quickly. Registration is done via Sport 80, and details and all dates can be found at this link.
https://www.baseballsoftballuk.com/news/article/2026-safe-on-base-safeguarding-courses-register-now
This course is valid for three years, after which you need to opt for the refresher course available. Details below
https://www.baseballsoftballuk.com/news/article/2026-safe-on-base-safeguarding-courses-register-now
BaseballSoftballUK’s staff is available to help with any questions or issues that may arise during this process. Please get in touch at welfare@bsuk.com.
Thank you for helping to ensure the safety of our sports now, and in the future.
Since August 2021, BaseballSoftballUK has been the lead contact for any Safeguarding issues, including DBS checks, training and support. The organisation’s role is to establish proper safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring that everyone can play the sports safely and free from harm.
If you have any Safeguarding support concerns or questions, please contact BSUK at welfare@bsuk.com or visit: http://www.baseballsoftballuk.com/safeguarding
Addendum
At the Federation’s Annual General Meeting held on 16th November 2025, members approved an addition to safeguarding policies and procedures in British baseball.
From that date and going forward, any safeguarding sanction recommended or implemented by BSUK, as the safeguarding organisation for baseball and softball, will be applied across all aspects of the British baseball community.