FAQ
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How do players get insured?
Insurance is handled as part of the affiliation process between a club and the relevant national governing body (i.e. The British Softball Federation). It works in a slightly different way depending on whether it's baseball or softball:
Generally, it is softball leagues which affiliate and pay an insurance fee to the British Softball Federation. Going down the chain, clubs pay membership and insurance fees to their league, and players pay membership fees to their club, which includes annual insurance cover. The exceptions are tournament teams which don't play in a league but take part in BSF tournaments through the year. They will affiliate directly with the BSF, sometimes done through a tournament entry fee.
Baseball clubs, on the other hand, affiliate with their governing body directly and pay an insurance fee in the process. Players then obtain insurance through membership with their club.
The BSF require that players be registered with their club on the British Softball websites as a condition of insurance. This is to make sure that we can identify who is insured in the event of a claim. These sites also contain information on the affiliation/payment process.
In some cases, a league or team will obtain insurance through the Federations' development agency, BaseballSoftballUK (e.g. by being a member of the Hit the Pitch programme)
Find out more about insurance.
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Who do I speak to if I’m worried about someone’s welfare?
Everyone who participates in baseball or softball is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment, and has the right to protection from abuse, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity. The British Softball Federation and BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) are committed to promoting the welfare of all involved in baseball and softball, and leagues, clubs, teams, other affiliated organisations and individuals associated with baseball and softball are expected to follow our standards.
If you are a young person and are worried about your or your friends' safety in your club, first check out the advice and support in the Advice for Young People page of the Safeguarding section of our site. This will tell you who you can speak to about it.
If you are an adult with a specific concern about the welfare of a young person or vulnerable adult while they are involved in baseball or softball, your first point of contact should be the club or programme's Safeguarding Officer. If you can't get in contact with this person, contact BSUK's Safeguarding Officer by calling 020 7453 7055 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). You can also find lots of information in the Safeguarding section of our website.
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What is welfare, safeguarding and child protection?
Sport can and does 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 qualities such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork.
Everyone who participates in baseball or softball is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment, and has the right to protection from abuse, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity.
Everyone working in baseball and softball - whether paid or in a voluntary capacity - has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and preventing their abuse. Find out how in the Safeguarding section of the website.
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What is the procedure for investigating welfare-related complaints or concerns?
The British Softball Federation and BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) are committed to promoting the welfare of all involved in baseball and softball. We aim to provide a process that will make it simple and straightforward for people to raise any concerns they may have.
We've outlined the procedure in the Safeguarding section which explains how to deal with a complaint by a parent, guardian or carer resulting from a safeguarding concern involving someone under the age of 18 or a vulnerable adult, or a complaint made by a young person or vulnerable adult directly.
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I’m a Club Safeguarding Officer. What does that mean?
Every baseball and softball club should have a Club Safeguarding (or Welfare) Officer who leads on ensuring that the club provides a safe environment for participants, especially young people and vulnerable adults. They also act as the contact point for club members with welfare concerns and represent the club if a welfare investigation is carried out by BaseballSoftballUK, the British Softball Federations or another safeguarding authority.
You can find out more about what is involved in the Safeguarding section.
It is important that Club Safeguarding Officers read the safeguarding-related policies and procedures that have been adopted by BaseballSoftballUK or the British Softball Federation. Leagues, clubs, teams, other affiliated organisations and individuals associated with baseball and softball are expected to follow these standards.
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I want to make a complaint. How do I do this?
Thankfully, this is not a frequently asked question but we thought we'd include it anyway! We are committed to improving the experience of everyone involved in baseball and softball. This includes dealing with any complaint you may have.
We've created a page in Policies and Procedures which will tell you who to contact and how the complaints procedure works.
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How do I become a coach?
Here at BSUK we're keen to boost the number of trained baseball and softball coaches in the UK. Check out the Coach section to find out about the programme and get on a coaching course.
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What are the dimensions of a baseball or softball field?
You can find field diagrams in the Facilities category of the Resources section.
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How are baseball and softball played?
You can find introductions to baseball and softball in the 'New to the sport' category in the Resources section.
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What is indoor softball?
Increasingly popular during the winter months, indoor softball is a version of slowpitch softball adjusted for playing in sports halls. You can find out more under the indoor softball category in the Resources section.
