Safeguarding

British Softball Federation are rolling out new safeguarding processes for all people in positions of responsibility, at all levels of our sport. Over the last decade, safeguarding expectations across UK sport have moved on a lot; organisations have a duty to demonstrate that people in positions of responsibility are properly checked and trained. This enables us to protect players, volunteers and clubs, making sure everyone can enjoy softball in a safe, well-run environment. It also helps BSF/BSUK meet Sport England compliance requirements and enables us to more quickly and efficiently respond when issues arise.

During 2026, anyone with responsibility for softball players or activities must have the following:

1.  An up-to-date softball DBS check.
   Solent members can get their DBS forms through our Welfare officer Jo Willis. For further advice on completing the form, follow this link.
2.  A softball safeguarding training certificate.
   Level 1 courses are run through High Speed Training. Level 2 courses are run through the BSUK through the Sport:80 platform.
3. A free SPORT:80 profile.
   You can register here.

Although this will require some additional admin initially, it should then be quicker to maintain year-to-year. BSF and BSUK are supporting this by offering free softball DBS checks and free safeguarding courses.

Code of conduct

The Solent Softball League also operates its own Code of Conduct we expect all players, umpires, volunteers, spectators and anybody involved in the sport to follow. You can view this here.
 

Reporting

You can report any concerns, near-misses or accidents and incidents through the BSUK Reporting Tool. For any head related injuries that you suspect could have caused a concussion, please use the NHS advice found here.

Defibrillator

The Solent Softball League has worked with the Swordsands Bowls club to install and defibrillator onto the outside of the bowls club.

There will be annual user sessions to include its use as well as general First Aid. Look out for these sessions on our Facebook Group as well as through your captains. You can also watch the video below from London.