British Softball Federation are rolling out new safeguarding processes for all people in positions of responsibility, at all levels of our sport. Over the last decade, safeguarding expectations across UK sport have moved on a lot; organisations have a duty to demonstrate that people in positions of responsibility are properly checked and trained. This enables us to protect players, volunteers and clubs, making sure everyone can enjoy softball in a safe, well-run environment. It also helps BSF/BSUK meet Sport England compliance requirements and enables us to more quickly and efficiently respond when issues arise.
BSF safeguarding
During 2026, anyone with responsibility for players or activities must have an up-to-date DBS check, safeguarding training, logged on their FREE SPORT:80 profile.
Although this will require some additional admin initially, it should be quicker to maintain year-to-year. BSF and BSUK are supporting this by offering free DBS checks and free safeguarding courses.
This applies to anyone who is in charge of people or activity in our sport, including:
- Captains
- Coaches
- Umpires
- League Safeguarding/Welfare Officers
- Anyone else who supervises players or activities (even informally)
If you think this may apply to you, but are unsure, please email BSF Safeguarding Officer Stella Ackrell: info@britishsoftball.org
BSUK DBS checking process
How it works:
1. Individuals apply for DBS checks directly through BSUK.
- A paper form is sent to the member. They must follow the instructions and complete this in full.
- Please use BSUK instructions to complete the DBS auto renewal, which will enable easy online renewal in the future.
- At the same time identification documents must be sent to BSUK to verify the members identification.
2. BSUK completes the verification process
- This enables the government to process the DBS check.
- Depending on the number of applications the government is processing, returned certificates can take around 14 days.
3. DBS certificates are issued
- Certificates are posted to the member from the government.
4. Certificates are uploaded to SPORT:80 by the member
- Members must photocopy both sides and upload to SPORT:80 (instructions to be shared by BSF/BSUK).
- If you applied for the auto renewal process, you must also upload the code to your SPORT:80 account.
If you do not already have a SPORT:80 account, you can create an account here.
Local Verifiers - Leagues
There is an option for leagues to use a local verifier for your DBS checking process:
- Leagues/Regions nominate one or more DBS Verifiers (often existing Safeguarding or Welfare Officers)
- Verifiers complete a short 15–20 minute online tutorial with BSUK
- BSUK provides DBS paper forms (free) to the verifier for local distribution
- Verifiers distribute forms to Captains and relevant participants, and check ID and paperwork locally
- Completed forms are returned for processing
- DBS certificates are issued and uploaded to SPORT:80
BSUK also run a free Safeguarding Online Course. If you want to read more about safeguarding courses run by BSUK please visit the BSUK website.