What You Need to Know – Coaching Abuse in Youth Sports
With an estimated 27.3 million children (ages 6-17) participating in sports, the opportunity for abuse is rampant. While many coaches act as mentors and take on an almost familial role with their youth athletes, there are some that use their position of trust to take advantage of vulnerable children.
It is important for parents and other coaches to be vigilant of warning signs of abuse. This will keep children a much safer environment while pursuing their passions.
If you believe that a coach is abusing a minor athlete, contact local authorities immediately. If these warning signs lead to uncovering sexual abuse, contact us to learn more about your legal options.
Types of Coaching Abuse in Sports
Abuse in athletics can take multiple forms, however the following forms are quite recognizable:
- Physical – Physical abuse in sports can be difficult to recognize sometimes. The most obvious form of physical abuse is beating, but pushing a child beyond their physical abilities intentionally or in a hostile manner can also have the same negative effect.
- Emotional – Emotional abuse in sports is an unnecessarily controversial topic. Some coaches have a ‘tough love’ approach, however when a coach verbally berates players continuously it crosses the line into abuse and can create negative, long-lasting effects on children.
- Sexual – Many people think sexual abuse in sports is a rare occurrence, however this is untrue. Regardless of the type of sport, coaches are still in a position of power and trust with the ability to groom or make sexual advances on children.
- Hazing – Hazing is a combination of physical and emotional abuse, with sexual abuse also taking place at times. Hazing occurs when members of an organization or team inflict trauma, often in the form of beating, manipulating, or humiliating new members or teammates. A common example of this is forcing new teammates to binge drink alcohol to “prove” their strength. This happens in many organizations, Mater Dei School and Ursuline College.
At times, a coach may also have a teaching position at the school they coach at. If a coach is exhibiting signs of abuse towards their athletes, it is possible that such abuse transfers to the classroom as well.
Coaching Abuse Data in Youth Sports
In the 2010s, one of the largest sports abuse cover-ups in history was uncovered as Olympic gymnasts, such as Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney and Rachel Denhollander, came forward with allegations of sexual abuse by former doctor Larry Nassar. Out of this scandal, as well as others like the Jerry Sandusky scandal involving young football players, came the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which monitors coaches across the country to protect children from abuse.
According to the Center for SafeSport annual report,
- Nearly half of underaged athletes (43%) experienced unwanted sexual behavior during their time in sports.
- Of those children that did experience such behavior, a staggering 89% didn’t report the sexual misconduct.
- 78% of students experienced ‘emotional harm’ during their sports involvement with 49% contemplating suicide due to it.
These numbers are not meant to turn children away from joining sports, but instead to prove that abuse is not an isolated problem and requires constant vigilance.
Children often become withdrawn, insecure, and could undergo major behavioral changes if they are experiencing abuse. You can read more about recognizing the effects of child abuse here.
How to Prevent Athlete Abuse
Prevention of coaching abuse of minor athletes begins with you. Understanding the warning signs of abuse and reporting any signs that you may see is the most important step to take in preventing trauma. This, along with discussing appropriate touch vs. inappropriate touch with your children will make it harder for the abuser to manipulate the child.
One of the most easily spotted warning signs of abuse in coaching is special treatment or one-on-one coaching practices. If this happens, insisting that another coach or adult be present is imperative to thwarting possible grooming techniques.
You can also support bills in your state that mandate abuse prevention training of coaches or create a database of credibly accused school employees to prevent abusers from being hired elsewhere.
You Are Not Alone. Jeff Anderson & Associates is Here to Help
If you have survived child sexual abuse at the hands of a coach or teacher, it is not your fault. Reach out to us for a compassionate conversation about your legal options.