Bullying

Anti-bullying, abuse, & general safety

OYS ANTI-BULLYING POLICY AND REPORTING GUIDELINES


Policy Overview
 

PURPOSE

Oregon Youth Softball (OYS) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all participants can enjoy and excel in their chosen sports. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. This policy outlines our commitment to creating a culture to prevent and address bullying behavior, ensuring the safety and well-being of all athletes, coaches, staff, and volunteers.


SCOPE

This policy applies to all OYS participants: athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers, and staff members. It applies to all activities, events, or programs organized by OYS.


DEFINITION OF BULLYING

Bullying is any intentional behavior that causes harm, fear, or distress to another person or group. Bullying can be physical, verbal, psychological, or cyber. It can happen face-to-face, indirectly, or online. Examples of bullying include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical Bullying: Hitting, kicking, pushing, or any form of physical aggression.
  • Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, insults, teasing, or threats.
  • Psychological Bullying: Exclusion, spreading rumors, or manipulation.
  • Cyberbullying: Sending harmful messages, sharing inappropriate content, or posting offensive comments through digital platforms.


Policy Guidelines

 

PREVENTION AND EDUCATION

All OYS coaches and board members will receive annual training on the OYS Anti-Bullying Policy to ensure consistent understanding and application of the guidelines. 

As part of this training, coaches and staff will be equipped with knowledge on how to recognize signs of bullying and respond appropriately.


REPORTING PROCEDURES

Anyone who witnesses or experiences bullying must report the incident promptly to a designated representative (e.g., coach or board member).


Reports can be made in person, via email or text, or through the confidential reporting system on the OYS website. All links and contact information are as follows: 


OYS Bullying Incident Reporting Form

2025 Anti-Bullying Committee contact information: 

 

RESPONSE AND INVESTIGATION

All reports of bullying will be investigated promptly and thoroughly by members of the OYS anti-bullying committee.


The privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved will be respected at all times. Designated members of the OYS anti-bullying committee will follow up directly with affected parties to provide information on resolution and next steps whenever possible.


CONSEQUENCES FOR BULLYING

Consequences for bullying behavior will depend on the severity of the incident and may include: 

  • Verbal or written warnings
  • Temporary suspension from activities or games
  • Permanent removal from the organization for severe or repeated offenses
  • A report filed with local authorities


SUPPORT FOR AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS

Victims of bullying will be provided with appropriate support and every effort will be made to ensure they are given an opportunity to participate in a more welcoming environment.

Perpetrators of bullying may be offered guidance to address and change their behavior.


POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure it remains effective and continues to reflect the organization’s commitment to a safe and supportive environment for all participants.


CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions or concerns related to this policy, please contact the OYS Anti-Bullying Committee via the contact channels provided above.


IMPLIED ACCEPTANCE

All OYS participants agree to abide by the OYS Anti-Bullying Policy as a condition of their participation.



OYS SAFE SPORT ABUSE IDENTIFICATION, REPORTING, AND PREVENTION POLICY


Policy Overview

 

WHAT IS SAFE SPORT?

"Safe Sport" is the commonly used name for the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017. The Act requires all youth sports organizations to comply with a "standard of care" to ensure the safety of their athletes. As part of its obligations under the Act, OYS requires all participants to adhere to this policy. OYS also provides annual training on the topics of abuse prevention, recognition, and reporting.

 

Policy Guidelines

 

MANDATORY REPORTING

Safe Sport requires all adults authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes to report any suspected abuse to law enforcement. This includes OYS coaches, assistant coaches, board members, and other volunteers. 


CHILD ABUSE WARNING SIGNS

The perpetrators of child abuse are typically family members, and the vast majority of abuse goes unreported. Child care providers, teachers, mentors, and youth sports coaches are in a unique position to help recognize the symptoms of abuse and molestation.

There are numerous warning signs exhibited by children who have been abused or molested. Physical signs such as bruises, black eyes, or broken bones are rare, but if observed without a reasonable explanation, should be reported immediately. The following are some signs abused children may exhibit: 

  • Self-mutilation
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Distracted or distant at odd times
  • Sudden changes in eating habits
  • Sudden mood swings
  • Depicts frightening or sexual images
  • Exhibits adult-like sexual behavior


It's important to note that the presence of these signs does not necessarily mean the child has been abused, and may be attributed to another cause, such as divorce, death of a loved one, problems at school, and many more. Context matters, and coaches should keep an open line of communication with the player and parents or guardians at all times. All of these signs should be taken seriously and the child should be closely monitored. 


CHILD GROOMING WARNING SIGNS

"Grooming" is a common tool for those who sexually abuse children. Grooming is defined as manipulative behaviors that the abuser users to gain access to a potential victim, coerce them to agree to the abuse, and reduce the risk of being caught.

Grooming can take place online or in-person. It is usually employed by family members or someone else in the victim's circle of trust, such as a coach, teacher, youth group leader, or others who naturally have some interaction with the victim. 

Grooming often follows a similar pattern (from RAINN): 

  • Victim selection: Victims are often chosen based on ease of access or perceived vulnerability.
  • Gaining access and isolating the victim: Abusers will attempt to physically or emotionally separate a victim from those who would otherwise protect them. They often seek out positions in which they have contact with minors.
  • Developing trust and keeping secrets: Abusers will use gifts, attention, "secrets," and other means to make potential victims feel like they have a caring or "special" relationship, and to keep that relationship secret.
  • Desensitization to touch and discussion of sexual topics: Abusers will find excuses to touch victims in ways that appear harmless (hugging, wrestling, tickling), and later escalate to increasingly sexual contact. Abusers may also show the victim pornography or discuss sexual topics with them, to broach the idea of sexual contact. 
  • Attempt to make behaviors seem natural: Abusers will use mentally manipulative tactics such as gaslighting, influence, and control to push personal boundaries and act like grooming behaviors are normal interactions.


REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

It is important to act immediately if abuse is suspected. Remember that most children are unable to help themselves. Common areas of concern for individuals thinking about reporting abuse include: 

  • Unclear about whether observed signs are the result of abuse
  • Feat the accusations may lead to more harm for the child or retaliation against the reporter
  • Worries about falsely accusing a parent or caregiver
  • Concerns over lawsuits or legal ramifications
  • Afraid of being targeted themselves by the abuser


While these are all valid concerns, the consequences of saying nothing are far worse. OYS participants are expected to report suspected abuse through the following channels: 

  • Parents: As long as parents are not the suspected abusers, they should be contacted immediately.
  • Local Authorities: To report a suspicion of child abuse/neglect, call Dane County Health and Human Services at (608) 261-5437. If a child is in immediate danger, dial 911.
  • League Coordinator: Your league coordinator should be informed as soon as possible of any suspicion of abuse and/or any reporting actions taken.


OYS PREVENTION POLICIES

 

Appropriate Contact

Accusations of suspected child abuse can often be the result of people having different opinions about what is or is not appropriate contact. People (like teachers, counselors, and coaches) who are passionate about working with children may not think twice about physical contact such as hugs, pats on the back, and similar gestures. 

Physical contact with a child should only occur when that child welcomes the interaction. But even consensual interactions should stand up to any potential scrutiny. OYS participants should limit any physical contact to that which would not appear alarming or unusual to a reasonable bystander with no knowledge of the relationship between the child and the adult.

Limiting One-on-One Interactions

In many cases, for abuse to occur, predators and abusers require one-on-one access to children. It is OYS policy that no adult should be left alone with a child. OYS participants are encouraged to follow the "rule of three," meaning groups of at least two adults and one child, or two children and one adult are maintained at all times. 

OYS acknowledges that this standard may not always be feasible. Coaches sometimes give individual lessons to a child, parents do not always pick children up on time, and adults may need to be alone with a sick or injured child to provide aid. All adults are encouraged to limit these scenarios within reason. Any bystander witnessing a one-on-one interaction should remain attentive and aware of what is happening until more people arrive.



OYS SAFETY GUIDE FOR COACHES


Overview


The safety of our players, coaches, umpires, and spectators is OYS's #1 priority. We rely heavily on coaches, assistant coaches, and parents to help us create a safe environment at all times. No matter your role, we ask that you be vigilant and aware at all times and take immediate action to address any unsafe situations or scenarios.


WEATHER

OYS and the Village of Oregon will always err on the side of caution when it comes to safety, and cancellations will be communicated via our home page, social media, and app whenever possible. That said, coach's discretion also plays an important role in practice/scrimmage scenarios. These activities are prohibited within 30 minutes of a visible lightning strike or if a severe weather warning has been issued. 

Coaches should also be aware of the health concerns of playing or practicing in extreme heat. It is vitally important to ensure adequate breaks and hydration when the index is high. 


EQUIPMENT AND PLAYER EXPECTATIONS

Coaches are expected to regularly inspect equipment for defects and safety issues. The expectation should be set at the start of the season (and reinforced often) that safety is of the utmost priority during practices and before, during, and after games. This might include: 

  • Bat awareness (no swinging except in designated areas when there is even a chance of other players entering the area)
  • No throwing balls unless you are absolutely sure that your target is looking 
  • No standing near nets that balls are actively being thrown or hit into
  • Maintaining spacial and situational awareness at all times while on the field or in a practice environment


FIRST AID AND MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

All coaches should be aware of allergy and health concerns among their players throughout the season. They should also maintain easy access to emergency contact information. First aid kits are available in all equipment boxes and concession stands on OYS facilities. Minor cuts and abrasions should be addressed immediately with assistance from parents. Major injuries should be addressed to the extent possible until first responders arrive. 

If a coach suspects at any point that a child has suffered a concussion or other significant head injury, that child must be removed from the game or practice and monitored closely. Symptoms of a concussion include headache, confusion, temporary loss of consciousness, dizziness, or ringing in the ears. Coaches should notify parents immediately in the event of a head injury.


COACH'S SAFETY CHECKLIST

Coaches should reference this checklist before every practice or game to ensure they are prepared: 

  • If outdoors, the weather has been accounted for
  • Children have access to water and snacks as needed, especially in hot water
  • Parents and children are aware of what to do in case of emergency
  • Coaches have emergency contacts for all players and are aware of allergy/health concerns
  • All equipment is in good working order
  • All children have the required safety equipment
  • The environment has been inspected and is safe for play or practice
  • A first aid kit and AED are available

Children are led through appropriate warm-ups to reduce the risk of injury