It might feel awkward, but ask these questions to ensure your athlete is safe!

Be prepared to discuss the following with your athlete’s coach and/or sport organization:

• What are the hiring procedures in this program?
• Do you offer abuse prevention training?
• Are appropriate conduct policies available?
• What are your communication guidelines?
• Do you have rules in place for coach-athlete contact?
• Are safe spaces available in the facilities you will be using?

Want More Information? Stopitnow.org American Academy of Pediatrics Preventing Abuse in Youth Sports and Organized Activities US Center for Safe Sport Council of Europe Start to Talk International Safeguards for children in sport Fifa Guardians - Up to Us CDC guidelines for preventing child sexual abuse Safetocompete.org

References: Mountjoy, M., Brackenridge, C., Arrington, M., Blauwet, C., Carska- Sheppard, A., Fasting, K., ... & Starr, K. (2016). International Olympic Committee consensus statement: harassment and abuse (nonaccidental violence) in sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(17), 1019-1029. Mountjoy, M., Vertommen, T., Burrows, K., & Greinig, S. (2020). # SafeSport: safeguarding initiatives at the Youth Olympic Games 2018. British journal of sports medicine, 54(3), 176-182.