How to Protect Young Athletes from Sexual Abuse

Why Protection Starts Long Before a Report Is Made

Young athletes are taught to trust their coaches, follow instructions, and give their all to the game. And most of the time, that trust is earned. But sometimes, it’s exploited. That’s why prevention can’t wait until after something happens. Protecting kids from sexual abuse in sports means creating safer environments from day one.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our youth sports sexual abuse attorneys have helped families throughout New York take legal action after devastating failures in youth sports programs. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that prevention works best when everyone gets involved early: parents, coaches, leagues, schools, and yes, even teammates.

Teach Kids What Healthy Boundaries Look Like

Kids don’t always know what “wrong” looks like, especially when it comes from an adult they admire. That’s why open, ongoing conversations matter.

Start with clear, age-appropriate language:

• “No one should touch your body in a way that feels uncomfortable or confusing.”
• “If someone tells you to keep a secret from us, even a coach, we want to know.”
• “You can always say no, even to an adult.”

Talk about physical touch, private areas, emotional manipulation, and pressure to be alone. These talks aren’t one-and-done. Keep the door open so kids know they can come to you if something feels off.

Make Sure You Know Who’s Around Your Child

Whether it’s a travel league, school team, or private trainer, ask questions. Find out who will be supervising, driving, and mentoring your child.

Before signing up for a program:

• Ask about background checks for all staff and volunteers
• Learn the policies on one-on-one interactions
• Look into the organization’s past history and reputation

Trust your gut. If something doesn’t sit right, even if you can’t explain why, listen to that instinct. We’ve seen too many cases where warning signs were brushed aside.

Ensure There Are Always Clear Supervision Rules

Abuse often happens in moments of isolation. A coach who finds ways to be alone with a child, during training, travel, or even just giving “extra help,” may be crossing a line.

Ask the program about:

• Open-door policies for locker rooms and training areas
• Rules around texts, calls, and DMs between staff and athletes
• Whether parents can observe practices or workouts

Coaches should never need to keep secrets, spend unmonitored time with a player, or communicate privately in ways that can’t be reviewed.

Build a Culture of Speaking Up

Kids are more likely to report concerns when they know it’s safe to do so. That means coaches and league leaders must actively encourage open communication.

Signs of a healthy culture include:

• Coaches who model respect and explain boundaries clearly
• Team meetings that include conversations about safety
• Zero-tolerance policies for retaliation when someone raises concerns

Survivors often say they stayed silent because they were afraid no one would believe them, or they’d lose their spot on the team. Let’s build environments where that fear doesn’t exist.

Know the Warning Signs of Grooming

Sexual abuse rarely begins with a single act. It often starts with grooming, when an adult slowly gains a child’s trust and breaks down their defenses over time.

Watch for behaviors like:

• A coach giving one child extra gifts, attention, or rides home
• Secrecy around conversations or meetings
• Excessive contact through social media or texts
• Undermining the child’s relationship with their parents

If something feels overly familiar or personal, speak up. You don’t need to wait for absolute proof. Early intervention can prevent long-term harm.

Advocate for Abuse Prevention Training in Every Program

Every coach, staff member, and volunteer should receive training on how to prevent, recognize, and report sexual abuse. This isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Ask your child’s league or school:

• Do you provide annual training?
• Are there clear procedures for reporting abuse?
• Who is the point person for child safety?

In New York, the Office of Children and Family Services offers guidance and tools for organizations that work with youth. Programs should be leaning on those resources to improve their policies and training.

Support State and National Safeguarding Policies

You don’t need to work in law or education to make a difference. Parents and advocates play a powerful role in pushing for change at the state and national level.

Consider supporting:

• Legislation that extends time limits for abuse lawsuits
• Mandatory reporting laws that protect whistleblowers
• Funding for education and prevention programs

The U.S. Center for SafeSport sets national standards for abuse prevention in Olympic and youth sports. Programs affiliated with national governing bodies are expected to meet these guidelines, and parents can report violations directly.

Know What to Do If Something Happens

Even with every safeguard, abuse can still happen. If your child shares something with you or if you suspect abuse, don’t ignore it.

Here’s what to do:

• Stay calm. Let them talk at their own pace.
• Don’t ask leading questions or make assumptions.
• Let them know they’re not in trouble, and they did the right thing.
• Document what they shared in their own words.
• Report immediately to the proper authorities.

In New York, the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment takes reports involving minors. You can also file with local law enforcement or reach out to an attorney for guidance.

Take Legal Action If a Program Failed to Protect Your Child

Sometimes, abuse happens because a school, team, or league failed to do its job. Maybe they skipped background checks. Maybe they ignored complaints. Maybe they gave the abuser chance after chance.

If that’s the case, you have the right to hold them accountable.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we help families:

• File civil lawsuits for compensation and justice
• Work with investigators and child advocacy agencies
• Protect their child’s identity throughout the legal process
• Push for policy changes that prevent future harm

We’ve stood beside parents and survivors through some of the hardest moments imaginable. And we’re ready to do the same for you.

You Don’t Need to Wait Until Something Goes Wrong

Protecting young athletes doesn’t start with a courtroom, it starts with conversation, attention, and action. It starts at home, in the gym, and during car rides after practice. And it doesn’t end until every athlete feels safe, respected, and empowered to speak up.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sexual abuse attorneys believe in prevention as much as we believe in justice. If you have questions, concerns, or simply want to understand your child’s rights in sports, we’re here to listen.

Because every athlete deserves a future built on trust, not trauma.