Child Protection & Safety Policy
At Chico Softball Little League, the safety and well-being of every child is our highest priority. All league volunteers, coaches, board members, umpires, parents, and participants are expected to help maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all players.
This policy is intended to help protect children from abuse, misconduct, and unsafe situations while promoting accountability and transparency throughout the league.
1. Mandatory Reporting & Good Faith Reporting Protection
Any volunteer, coach, board member, or participant who suspects child abuse, neglect, inappropriate conduct, or unsafe behavior involving a minor should report the concern immediately.
Reports made in good faith will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.
Retaliation Prohibited
Chico Softball strictly prohibits retaliation against any person who makes a good faith report of suspected child abuse, misconduct, or policy violations.
No individual shall be intimidated, threatened, harassed, removed, or otherwise penalized for:
- Reporting concerns in good faith
- Cooperating with an investigation
- Providing truthful information regarding a concern or incident
Any retaliatory behavior may result in disciplinary action, suspension, or removal from league participation or volunteer roles.
2. Reporting Child Abuse or Safety Concerns
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
Report Suspected Child Abuse:
Local Law Enforcement:
- Butte County Sheriff’s Office:
League Contact:
Questions regarding this policy or league-related safety concerns may be directed to [email protected].
League officials should also be notified of any incident involving player safety or misconduct so appropriate league action can be taken.
3. Limitation on One-on-One Adult and Minor Interactions
To help protect players and volunteers, Chico Softball strongly discourages isolated one-on-one interactions between unrelated adults and minors whenever possible.
The Following Guidelines Apply:
- At least two adults should be present during practices, training sessions, meetings, or team activities whenever possible.
- One-on-one meetings between an adult volunteer and a minor should occur only in observable and interruptible settings.
- Private or secluded areas should be avoided.
- Electronic communications with minors should include a parent/guardian whenever practical.
- Adults should not transport unrelated minors alone unless:
- The parent/guardian has given permission, and
- No reasonable alternative exists.
- Overnight activities or lodging arrangements must include appropriate adult supervision and separation policies.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain involved and informed regarding all league activities.
4. Appropriate Conduct Expectations
All league participants and volunteers are expected to:
- Treat players with respect and dignity
- Use appropriate language and behavior at all times
- Avoid physical discipline, humiliation, bullying, or harassment
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with players
- Follow all league safety rules and league policies
Any behavior that places a child at risk may result in immediate removal from league activities pending review.
5. Volunteer Screening & Abuse Awareness Training
Consistent with Little League Baseball and Softball requirements, Chico Softball requires annual background checks and Abuse Awareness Training for all volunteers who interact with players.
All volunteers, including coaches and board members, must complete the required Abuse Awareness Training each year prior to participating in league activities.
Failure to complete required screening or training requirements may result in removal or ineligibility from volunteer participation.
6. Commitment to Player Safety
Chico Softball is committed to creating an environment where all children can participate safely, develop confidence, learn teamwork, and enjoy the game of softball free from abuse, intimidation, discrimination, or misconduct.
Player safety is a shared responsibility of coaches, volunteers, parents, board members, and the community.