At Little League®, we believe every child deserves a safe and supportive environment to learn, grow, and excel through the joy of sports. As the world’s largest youth sports organization, with more than one million dedicated volunteers spanning 80+ countries, we understand the tremendous responsibility we share in safeguarding the well-being of our players.
The Little League Child Protection Program reflects this commitment, offering a comprehensive approach to educate, prevent, and respond to abuse. Through mandatory background checks, required trainings as well as ongoing training opportunities, and a zero-tolerance policy for any type of misconduct, we ensure that our programs are not just fun and enriching, but safe for all participants.
How We Strive to Protect Our Players
To uphold this commitment, Little League mandates annual background checks for all adults with regular access to players. This includes Managers, Coaches, Board Members, and volunteers. These checks help identify individuals with disqualifying histories and underscore Little League’s dedication to creating a secure environment where children can thrive. Little League also mandates its annual Abuse Awareness Training to provide volunteers with the necessary tools to identify, prevent and report abuse.
Your Role as a Parent
Parents are our most vital partners in ensuring the safety of young athletes. While Little League has robust safeguards in place, your vigilance can make a critical difference.
Stay Informed and Report Concerns
Be observant of adult behavior around children and trust your instincts. If something seems off, report it immediately. Little League enforces a strict non-retaliation policy, protecting anyone who raises concerns in good faith. Your voice helps protect not just your child but every participant in the league.
Foster Open Communication
Create an environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their experiences. Encourage them to speak openly about their interactions with coaches, volunteers, or other adults. Remind them that their feelings are valid and that you’re always there to support them.
Best Practices for Safety
Both parents and local leagues can follow these essential guidelines to minimize risks and promote a secure atmosphere:
Limit One-on-One Interactions
One-on-one situations between adults and unrelated children should be avoided whenever possible. If such interactions are unavoidable, the interacations should always occur in open, observable, and interruptible settings.
Discourage Unwarranted Gifts and Attention
To foster a fair and team-centered environment, adults should avoid giving unnecessary gifts or singling out children for special attention.
Recognizing Grooming Behaviors
Abusers often use grooming tactics to build trust with a child and their family. By recognizing these behaviors early, you can intervene before harm occurs. It is important to watch for:
- Frequent, unwarranted gifts or excessive attention to a specific child.
- Seeking one-on-one interactions or spending disproportionate time with children.
- Arranging private outings or exclusive activities.
- Possessing items (toys, snacks, etc.) meant to appeal to children’s interests.
- Manipulating relationships to isolate a child or foster dependency.
When these behaviors occur in combination, they should raise red flags. Observe closely and report patterns that seem inappropriate.
Signs of Potential Child Abuse
Children often express distress through changes in behavior or emotions. Be attentive to signs such as:
- Sudden mood swings, excessive crying, or withdrawal.
- Fear or avoidance of specific people or locations.
- Regressive behaviors, such as bed-wetting or nightmares.
- Physical symptoms like unexplained pain, itching, or redness in private areas.
These signs may not always indicate abuse, but they warrant follow-up and attention, especially if they’re uncharacteristic for your child.
Accessing Training and Resources
Little League equips volunteers and parents with tools to recognize and prevent abuse. All volunteers must complete the Little League Abuse Awareness Training annually, which provides guidance on identifying and reporting misconduct. In addition to completing the Little League Abuse Awareness Training themselves, parents can also benefit from additional training through these trusted organizations.
- SafeSport: Comprehensive abuse awareness and prevention resources (safesport.org).
- USA Baseball’s Abuse Awareness for Minors: Training designed specifically for youth (usabaseball.com).
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Tools and resources to protect children (missingkids.org).
Reporting Suspected Abuse
If you suspect abuse, act quickly. Reports should be made to local authorities within 24 hours and shared with league officials to ensure immediate action. If there is imminent danger, call 911. Other reporting resources include:
- U.S. Center for SafeSport
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Little League’s non-retaliation policy guarantees that individuals who report concerns in good faith are protected, even if allegations are later unsubstantiated. By speaking up, you help create a safer community for all children.
Building a Culture of Trust
Your child’s safety depends on a strong partnership between parents, volunteers, and the league. By fostering open communication, staying informed, and recognizing warning signs, we can work together to ensure every Little Leaguer enjoys a positive and secure experience.
Talk, Listen, and Believe Your Kids
Your child’s comfort in talking to you about uncomfortable topics is vital. Encourage openness and let them know they will be supported and believed. If your child reports abuse, take them seriously, and follow the necessary reporting steps to protect them and prevent further harm.
For more information or questions about Little League’s Child Protection Program, please visit LittleLeague.org/ChildProtection or email [email protected]. Little League Baseball and Softball promotes inclusion and does not discriminate based on disability, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual preference, or religious preference.