Every Child Deserves an Abuse-Free Environment
Sports are an integral part of so many kids’ lives. Joining a youth league provides amazing opportunities for children to grow their confidence, learn the benefits of staying active and make friends. Kids learn how to be dependable teammates and how to depend on others. To win with grace and lose with dignity. These are invaluable life skills. Plus, playing sports is just plain fun. Indeed, around 60 million of our children ages 6 to 18 participate in youth sports in the United States every year.
Coaches have a unique role in fostering healthy development in kids. The best coaches become lifelong mentors and champions. However, what happens when these supposed leaders fail our children? The scary truth is that between 2 and 8% of youth athletes are victims of sexual abuse. This horrific fact was recently underscored by an independent investigation into the U.S. Soccer Federation, the National Women’s Soccer League, and individual coaches and owners.
The investigation confirmed that abuse of athletes often starts in youth leagues where coaches are allowed to blur boundaries with their players because the organizations that hire them do little to stop their predatory behavior. Abusive coaches are not just the ones who scream and belittle kids from the sidelines; they can also be the ones who appear kind, dedicated, and charming – earning the trust of parents and kids alike.
We have seen firsthand how youth organizations fail kids – refusing to even acknowledge they have a responsibility to protect them from predatory adults. These organizations must do more to screen and supervise coaches, educate families about grooming and other warning signs and establish a meaningful protocol for responding to suspected abuse.
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Team Members
Rebecca Roe
Thomas Breen
Lindsay Halm
Elizabeth Hanley
Julie Kline
Sergio A. Garcidueñas-Sease
Carson Phillips-Spotts
Chen-Chen Jiang
What we can do to help youth athletes stay safe:
Organizations like Safe4Athletes advocate for fostering a safe and positive environment free of abuse, bullying and harassment for our youth. Parents and other advocates can learn the warning signs of inappropriate behavior and grooming.Download Safe4Athlete’s guide to “What Every Parent Should Know About Athlete Safety.”
It’s also important for every athlete to understand what unacceptable behavior looks like and when they should reach out to an adult to ask for help. If it feels wrong, it is wrong.
Download Safe4Athlete’s guide to “What Every Athlete Should Know About Personal Safety.”
What we can do to help families affected by youth sports abuse:
At SGB, we believe every child deserves an abuse-free environment. If you or your child has been abused by a coach or another adult, please contact us. With decades of experience fighting for victims of sexual abuse and harassment, we will serve as your trusted advocate and advisor, acting as your champion every step of the way.
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