The Paris Games and Kids: Opportunities to Champion Respect and Safety
The Paris Games and Kids: Opportunities to Champion Respect and Safety Championing respect both on and off the field is critical for culture change in sport. As you watch coverage of the Games in Paris, here are some tangible actions you can take to open dialogue and reinforce respectful and safe sport environments with the young athletes in your life: …
From the Practice Fields in Your Town to the Podium in Paris, We Support Athletes
From the Practice Fields in Your Town to the Podium in Paris, We Support Athletes Everyone celebrates the moment an athlete is crowned on the podium with gold, silver, or bronze. But at the U.S. Center for SafeSport, we celebrate the practice, dedication, resilience, and passion it took to reach that point. We believe athletes are defined by their journey—not …
Awareness Is Key to Recognizing Signs of Grooming in Sport
Awareness Is Key to Recognizing Signs of Grooming in Sport For Parents How do you tell the difference between a caring adult and one grooming your child for abuse? Explore patterns and behaviors to be aware of. Is it okay for a coach to repeatedly work one-on-one with a child after practice? What if an assistant coach or older volunteer …
The Powerful Impact of Positive Coaching Techniques
The Powerful Impact of Positive Coaching Techniques As a coach, you want your athletes to learn, improve, and succeed. But for this to happen, they need to feel supported and encouraged. Whether your team wins the game or not, your athletes need to know that you’ll be there waiting for them with a high five on the sidelines. Incorporating positive …
3 Things to Do When You Notice Bullying
3 Things to Do When You Notice Bullying Playing sports and being part of a team is a valuable childhood experience. However, negative behaviors like bullying can shift the team dynamic and have serious, long-lasting consequences for the athlete being targeted. By understanding what bullying is—and what you can do when you notice it occur—you can help make sport settings …
A Swimmer’s Journey: Coaching the Next Generation
A Swimmer’s Journey: Coaching the Next Generation Is it possible to have a winning team and a positive sport culture? Dave Denniston, head coach of the University of Wyoming Swimming & Diving teams, believes the answer is yes. The U.S. Center for SafeSport provides diverse training, tools, and resources with the goal of creating sport settings free of abuse and …
The Critical Need for Locker Room Safety
The Critical Need for Locker Room Safety <p> Locker rooms can be ideal places for team bonding, building friendships, and camaraderie between athletes. But left unmonitored, these spaces can quickly turn dangerous. From negative “locker room talk” to silly behavior that sometimes becomes inappropriate, the locker room can foster actions that might appear harmless but can easily become abusive. So, …
Embracing Harmony & Safety in Performing Arts
Embracing Harmony & Safety in Performing Arts The U.S. Center for SafeSport provides diverse training, tools, and resources with the goal of empowering participants to grow and thrive in a setting that is free of abuse and misconduct. Question: What is the largest team on campus? Answer: The marching band. Drum Corps International (DCI), an elite marching ensemble, recognizes the …
What is the Right Age to Start Your Child in Sport?
What is the Right Age to Start Your Child in Sport? You’ve got a young child with energy to burn. They’re running in circles, using your couch like a trampoline, and begging to go outside. So, you might be thinking it’s time to get them into sports. But is this the right age? The short answer is kids are never …
5 Ways to Encourage Kids Love of Sport
5 Ways to Encourage Kids Love of Sport Playing sports is a great way to keep kids active, learn how to work as a team, and practice discipline. Some kids take to it easily – they ask to sign up for multiple sports, run out of the house when it’s time for practice, and start making friends immediately. Others are …