We believe everyone in sport has the right to learn, play and compete without fear of abuse.
Sport Integrity Australia has partnered with #WeRideTogether this National Child Protection Week to improve education around keeping young athletes safe from abuse.
#WeRideTogether is a non-profit organisation based in the United States that shines a light on the endemic issue of sexual abuse in youth and amateur sports.
The new resources, launched by SIA and #WeRideTogether, include information about identifying healthy and unhealthy relationships between coaches and athletes and encourage bystanders to respond to any poor behaviour they might see.
SIA's Director of Education, Alexis Cooper, said the partnership with #WeRideTogether was a natural fit with the shared mission to make youth and grassroots sport environments safer.
“The coach-athlete relationship can be such a valuable part of sport and is fundamental to building safe, fair and joyful sporting experiences,” Ms Cooper said.
“These new resources shine a spotlight on positive examples of healthy coach-athlete relationships as well as raising awareness of unhealthy behaviours that can cause harm.
“It's so important to help young athletes identify and speak up against poor behaviours so they're protected – and it's equally important to show young athletes what great sporting environments look and sound like too.
“That way, young athletes, and those around them like coaches and parents, know what they should expect and are more empowered to shape sporting environments that are safer, happier and more fulfilling.
“The resources also give practical tips on how to be an active bystander, so everyone can make a difference.”
#WeRideTogether Executive Director Michaela Callie reflected that protecting children and young people in sport from abuse crosses borders and jurisdictions.
“Expanding #WeRideTogether internationally isn't just growth – it's a commitment. Safe, healthy sport is a global pursuit, and every athlete has the right to practice and compete without fear of abuse,” Ms Callie said.
“When we safeguard athletes, we strengthen sport itself, across every border, field, rink, and arena. As #WeRideTogether expands globally, we're reminded that protecting athletes is protecting the heart of sport.
“It's not just a national priority; it's an international responsibility.”
The National Child Protection Week theme this year focuses on Shifting Conversation to Action.
“While dialogue is essential when it comes to raising awareness of abuse in sport, we can only turn those conversations into meaningful action by challenging harmful norms and sparking new ideas,” Ms Cooper said.
“We're excited to share this important work here in Australia.”
Read more about these important resources:
— Coach-athlete relationshipswebpage
— Identifying healthy and unhealthy relationships between coaches and athletes (PDF Fact Sheet)
— If you see something, say somethingwebpage
— Video: Power Imbalances in Coachinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDo51Xyo63k
— Video: Being an Active Bystanderhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km7urtMLvK0
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SOURCE WeRideTogether
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