There are many reasons to play sports, including a wide range of physical, emotional, and social benefits. But harassment and abuse, on any level and in any form, can not be part of the equation.
Harassment and abuse can be expressed in five forms which may occur in combination or in isolation. These include psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and neglect.
“It’s really important for organizations to have a singular vision, across the board, to safeguard athletes,” said Dr. Karen Sutton, chief medical officer for World Lacrosse and a member of the USA Lacrosse Sports Science & Safety Committee. “Having policies in place protects the integrity of the organization, protects those working within the sport, and protects the values of a safe sport.”
Sutton was one of four panelists who discussed the topic of athletic protection as part of the 2021 USA Lacrosse Sports Medicine Symposium, presented by MedStar Health.
“All policies should start at the local and club level in our sport,” she said.
Safety & Abuse Prevention in Sport
The panelists noted that experiences of harassment and abuse can have long-term negative consequences for athletes. Even one incident of harm can irreversibly change the course of a child’s life.
“Prevention and education is probably the most important thing we can do to protect our athletes,” said Ju’Riese Colon, chief executive officer for the U.S. Center for SafeSport, established in 2017. “We have to help people understand what abuse looks like and if they see it, how to report it.”
Trish Sylvia, founder of the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) spoke about utilizing a holistic approach to safety in youth sports. Background screenings for coaches is one element of that process, and NCSI serves as USA Lacrosse’s partner for those mandatory screenings.
“We firmly believe that there should be rigorous standards for people coming into youth sports, even within volunteer organizations,” Sylvia said. “Ultimately, we are striving for zero opportunity and zero tolerance for harm.”
