The safety and well-being of all participants in the Little League® program is paramount. Little League promotes a playercentric program where young people grow up happy, healthy, and, above all, safe. Little League strives to create an environment that is as safe as possible both on and off the field.
Little League does not tolerate any type of abuse against a minor, including, but not limited to, sexual, physical, mental, and emotional (as well as any type of bullying, hazing, or harassment). Little League’s goal is to prevent child abuse from occurring through required screenings, training and education, awareness, and mandated reporting of abuse.
Local League and Child Protection Requirements
All chartered Little League programs must adhere to the following requirements to remain affiliated with Little League Baseball and Softball:
1) Complete Background Checks
Utilize the Little League volunteer application form to conduct annual background checks through J.D. Palatine (JDP) on volunteers and prohibit anyone with any offenses that would disqualify them as a participant in any Little League activity.
2) Mandatory Training & Continuing Education
Annually require all volunteers to complete the Little League Abuse Awareness Course.
3) Mandatory Reporting Requirements
Report Child Abuse, including sexual abuse involving a minor, to the proper authorities with 24 hours.
4) Non-Retaliation for Reporting
Adopt a policy that prohibits retaliation against “good faith” reports of child abuse.
5)Prohibit One-on-One Interactions
Adopt a policy that limits one-on-one contact with minors without being in an observable and interruptible distance from another adult.