Recognizing Signs of Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports and Activities

Why This Conversation Matters More Than Ever

Youth sports and after-school programs are supposed to be safe spaces. For many kids, these activities offer confidence, structure, and a sense of belonging. But when that trust is broken, when a coach, instructor, or mentor uses their position to harm a child—the damage runs deep.

Sexual abuse in youth sports doesn’t always look the way people expect. It isn’t always violent. It isn’t always obvious. And often, children don’t know how to talk about what’s happening. That’s why it’s so important for parents, guardians, and even teammates to recognize the signs early and know how to respond with care.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sex abuse attorneys have worked with families across New York who never imagined this would happen to them. These are not stories from faraway places. They happen in our communities, on local fields, in gymnastics gyms, at dance studios, and in school-run programs. Awareness is protection. And knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

Understanding How Abuse Happens in Sports and Activities

In youth sports and extracurricular programs, adults often have unchecked access to kids. Practices run late. Travel is common. Physical contact can be part of training. These environments, while valuable, also create opportunities for abuse to go unnoticed.

Predators in these settings are rarely strangers. They are often trusted figures:

• A coach who gives a child extra attention or gifts
• An instructor who offers rides home or private training
• A team manager who singles out a player with emotional support

At first, these actions might seem caring or generous. But they can be part of a grooming process, a methodical way of breaking down boundaries to gain trust and silence.

Signs a Child May Be Experiencing Sexual Abuse

Children don’t always have the language to explain what’s happening to them. And in sports, the line between discipline and control, or between physicality and violation, can be confusing for them to navigate.

Here are some signs to pay attention to:

Behavioral changes:

• Sudden anxiety about attending practice or events
• Withdrawal from teammates or coaches
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Loss of interest in a sport they once loved

Physical indicators:

• Unexplained bruises or soreness
• Discomfort with being touched
• Avoiding changing clothes around others

Emotional red flags:

• Intense reactions to certain people or situations
• Regressive behavior (acting younger than their age)
• Frequent mood swings or outbursts

Concerning relationships:

• Secretive behavior involving a coach or staff member
• Unusual gifts, messages, or social media contact from an adult
• A child referring to an adult in overly affectionate or fearful terms

It’s important not to dismiss these signs, even if they seem small. Often, abuse starts subtly and builds over time.

What to Do If You Suspect Something Is Wrong

If your child, or another child in your community, shows signs that something might be wrong, trust your instincts. You don’t have to accuse anyone to start asking questions.

Start by creating a safe, non-judgmental space:

• Use open-ended questions like, “Has anything been bothering you at practice?”
• Avoid leading questions or language that could cause shame
• Let them know they won’t get in trouble, no matter what they share

If something concerning comes to light, document what they say, including dates, names, and specific language. Then reach out to an attorney, child protection agency, or the appropriate authorities.

In New York, the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment receives reports of suspected child abuse, including in youth programs. This registry connects families and investigators with the resources needed to intervene quickly.

Why Kids Might Stay Silent

Even when a child is being abused, they may not tell anyone. This isn’t because they’re okay with it, it’s because they’re scared.

They might:

• Feel ashamed or confused
• Believe no one will believe them
• Fear getting their coach or team in trouble
• Be threatened by the abuser to stay quiet

Some children also don’t fully understand that what’s happening is wrong. That’s especially true if the abuser makes them feel special or loved as part of the grooming process.

This is why adults need to stay alert, not just to what children say, but to what they don’t say. Silence is not the same as safety.

How Programs Can Do Better

Every organization that works with children has a responsibility to protect them. That means putting systems in place to prevent abuse, and acting quickly when concerns are raised.

Look for programs that:

• Conduct background checks on all adults
• Follow strict rules about one-on-one time
• Train coaches and staff in abuse prevention
• Create clear reporting procedures for parents and kids

If a program is vague about its policies or resists questions about safety, that’s a red flag.

In New York, the Office of Children and Family Services helps oversee and support child-serving agencies, including youth organizations. They offer resources for training, prevention, and response. If a program fails to act appropriately, this agency may also be involved in corrective action.

What Legal Support Can Do

If your child has been harmed in a sports or extracurricular setting, you are not alone, and you do not have to face this process on your own. A qualified attorney can help you:

• Report the abuse and protect your child’s identity
• Hold the individual and the institution accountable
• Navigate state investigations and civil claims
• Secure access to counseling or other support services

At Horn Wright, LLP, our attorneys don’t rush survivors or families. We listen first. Then we walk you through your options, explain what’s possible, and protect your child’s privacy and safety at every step.

Justice isn’t just about what happens in court. It’s about making sure your child knows they are believed, protected, and not defined by what someone else chose to do.

If Something Feels Off, Say Something

Sexual abuse in youth sports often hides behind smiles, trophies, and trusted names. But it’s there. And when we talk about it, when we recognize it, and when we act on even the smallest concerns, we break the silence that lets abuse continue.

Trust your gut. Ask questions. Stay involved. And if something feels wrong, speak up.

You don’t have to have proof. You just have to care enough to ask. We’ll help you with the rest.