THIS IS A MANDATORY FREE TRAINING
New for 2024: Important Updates to Little League’s Child Protection Program
Learn about two key enhancements to our Child Protection Program to help in our continued evolution and commitment to player safety.
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In 2018, the “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017” became Federal law. The mission of the U.S. Center for Safesport is to make the athlete well-being the centerpiece of our nation’s sports culture. All athletes deserve to participate in sports free from bullying, hazing, sexual misconduct, or any form of emotional or physical abuse. Education and awareness are the most critical components to creating safe and respectful sporting environments, free of abuse and harassment.
SafeSport in Little League®
In 2018, the “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017” became Federal law. The mission of the U.S. Center for Safesport is to make the athlete well-being the centerpiece of our nation’s sports culture. All a
Little League Baseball and Softball have always strived to create a safe and healthy environment for all Little Leaguers and their families. There are certain requirements from the SafeSport Act that Little League International and all local little league programs must adhere to.
- Reporting of Sexual Abuse involving a minor to the proper authorities
- All volunteers of a local league are now mandated reporters and could face criminal charges if the league chooses to ignore, or not report to the proper authorities, any witnessed act of child abuse, including sexual abuse, within 24 hours.
- Local leagues must be aware of the proper procedures to report sexual abuse in their state. Please reference LittleLeague.org/ChildAbuse
- Leagues must adopt a policy that prohibits retaliation on “good faith” reports of child abuse
- Leagues must adopt a policy that limits one-one-one contact with minors
- Leagues are highly encouraged to complete the below Abuse Awareness training provided by USA Baseball and SafeSport
Abuse Awareness Trainings
Hosted by former Major Leaguer, David Ross, the Abuse Awareness for Adults course provides resources to create a positive and safe environment for all athletes, coaches, parents, umpires, and spectators by understanding how to recognize misconduct and abuse of all types. Topics covered include how to identify and report incidents and what abuse awareness policies should be in place. A free USA Baseball account is required to access the courses.