These frightening figures indicate that individuals and organizations that cater to young athletes must have the prevention and elimination of child abuse as their top priority. This innovative program provides important information on the screening, training and evaluation of staff, policies and procedures on responding to abuse, how to safeguard organizations and participants, developing codes of conduct and how to stop problems before they begin, among many other important areas. Communities and organizations have a legal responsibility to eliminate abuse from their programs. The Child Abuse and Youth Sports Program assists organizations by providing resources and knowledge to comprehensively educate administrators, parents, coaches and young athletes. The three types of abuse that occur in youth sports are emotional, physical and sexual.
Emotional abuse is behavior that attacks a child's emotional development and sense of self-worth.
Examples include constant criticizing, belittling, insulting, rejection and providing no love, guidance or support. Physical abuse is non-accidental physical injury which includes slapping, grabbing, shoving or hitting a child as well as using excessive forms of exercise as punishment and depriving athletes of water. Sexual abuse is any form of sexual contact or implied sexual contact between an adult and a child. Often, the most difficult step is convincing people that implementing a child abuse program is worth the effort but an instance of abuse is much more expensive than a commitment of time and energy. Effective youth sports risk management includes protection, promotion and prevention and covers everything from awareness and screening policies to promoting the positive benefits of sports participation.