At the Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club, our mission has always been to develop elite athletes and uplift lives through sport. Central to this promise is a more fundamental commitment: ensuring every child and young person in our program feels secure, respected, and safe.
Today, we are formalizing and strengthening that commitment through our comprehensive Club Safety Shield Initiative.
Why This Commitment Matters
The unfortunate reality is that abuse in sport is a global issue. A 2022 survey found that over 80% of respondents faced some form of abuse in community sports settings. At the Bohol Coconuts, we refuse to let these statistics define our community’s experience. Our duty of care means making sure children and young people are safe and their welfare is protected—this is both an ethical imperative and a legal responsibility.
Abuse can take many forms—physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and financial—and can occur between any individuals involved in sport. The profound impact of such environments affects not only the victims but the health of the entire sporting community. We are dedicated to being proactive in dismantling harmful cultural norms and creating a culture of respect, accountability, and support.
The Bohol Coconuts Safety Shield: A Multi-Layered Approach
Creating lasting safety is about more than just policies on paper; it requires addressing both the visible “tip of the iceberg” and the deeper cultural factors beneath the surface. Our Safety Shield initiative is built on four foundational pillars.
1. Robust Policies and a Clear Code of Conduct
Strong policies create the essential framework for a safe club. We are implementing:
- A clear Code of Conduct that establishes the standards of behavior expected from every participant—players, parents, coaches, and volunteers.
- A Member Protection Policy (MPP) that outlines everyone’s rights, prohibits discrimination and harassment, and spells out clear processes for handling concerns.
- Zero-tolerance stance on abuse, with consistent processes and consequences for any breaches of our codes.
2. Comprehensive Screening and Safe Recruitment
We are enhancing our processes to ensure that every adult in our club is trustworthy. This includes:
- Rigorous screening for all coaches and volunteers, including applications, interviews, and reference checks, going beyond basic background checks.
- Maintaining disciplinary registers to prevent repeat offenders from entering our organization.
3. Ongoing Education and Training for Everyone
Knowledge is our first line of defense. Our education strategy includes:
- Compulsory training modules for all participants—coaches, officials, parents, and older athletes—on recognizing, preventing, and responding to abuse.
- Regular communication through club channels about our safety policies and available resources.
- Age-appropriate workshops for our young members, empowering them to understand boundaries and speak up.
4. A Safe, Supportive, and Transparent Reporting Environment
We must create a culture where speaking up is encouraged and protected. To achieve this, we are:
- Establishing simple, confidential, and well-publicized reporting mechanisms.
- Prohibiting any retaliation against those who report concerns in good faith.
- Ensuring all reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly and compassionately by designated, trained personnel.
- Forming an Athlete Safety Committee to provide oversight and include athlete perspectives in our safety work.
From Risk Factors to Protective Shields: Our Daily Practice
The following table outlines how we translate common risk factors in youth sports into proactive, protective actions every day at our club.
Parents & Guardians: We encourage you to stay engaged, ask questions, and familiarize yourself with our policies. Your partnership is invaluable.
Coaches & Volunteers: You are the frontline. We commit to giving you the training and support needed to build positive, trusting relationships with athletes that respect boundaries.
Athletes: Your voice matters. We are committed to listening to your experiences to make our club better. You have the right to feel safe and to speak up without fear.
How to Report a Concern
The wellbeing of our members is our highest priority. If you have any concern about the safety or welfare of a child or young person in our club:
| Risk Factor in Youth Sports | Bohol Coconuts Protective Action |
|---|
| Power Dynamics & Isolated Access | Clear rules limiting one-on-one interactions; open observation of practices; parents always welcome. |
| Unmonitored Environments (e.g., locker rooms) | Implementing a “two-deep” leadership rule where possible; ensuring facilities are safe and supervised. |
| “Win-at-All-Costs” Pressure | Coaching philosophy focused on athlete-centered development, life skills, and a lifelong love of the game over pure results. |
| Inadequate Reporting Systems | Multiple, accessible reporting channels managed by our Designated Safeguarding Officer. |
| Normalized Harmful Behaviors | Trauma-informed coaching education; empowering everyone to challenge poor practice respectfully. |
In an emergency, always contact the local authorities first.
To report a safeguarding concern related to club activities, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officer. (Contact details will be prominently displayed at our facility, on our website, and provided to all members).
Reports can be made anonymously, and all information will be handled with sensitivity and discretion.
Building a Legacy of Trust
The Bohol Coconuts was built on the spirit of Bayanihan—community unity. This initiative strengthens that foundation. By working together, we can ensure that our club remains a place where young athletes are not only taught to be great on the field but are also empowered, protected, and believed in as they pursue their dreams.
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We invite all members of our community to join us in this essential work. For more information about our specific policies, training sessions, or to provide feedback, please reach out to our management team.
