Sexual Abuse by Athletic Trainers: Knowing Your Rights in New York State

Know the Signs, Know Your Rights

Athletic trainers work closely with athletes of all ages, from high school players to college stars. They tape ankles, stretch sore muscles, and often become part of the athlete's inner circle. But when that trust is violated, the emotional damage can last far longer than any injury. 

In recent years, New York has seen an increase in reports involving inappropriate behavior by trainers. When misconduct crosses into abuse, survivors deserve more than apologies. They have rights.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sports sex abuse attorneys represent clients across New York who have experienced sexual abuse in sports and training settings. We help survivors understand their legal options, take action against trainers or institutions, and move forward with strength. 

If you or your child has been harmed by someone in a position of trust, we are here to help you reclaim control.

Understanding the Role and Boundaries of Athletic Trainers

Athletic trainers play a vital role in athlete safety and recovery. They’re licensed healthcare professionals who evaluate injuries, design treatment plans, and work with coaches to get athletes back in the game. 

Many are employed by schools, colleges, or independent clinics. In New York, certified athletic trainers must register through the State Education Department and follow clear practice guidelines.

With that responsibility comes proximity. They may see athletes in locker rooms, therapy spaces, or training offices. Touch is often part of treatment, but there are clear boundaries. A trainer must:

• Explain the purpose of physical contact
• Maintain professional behavior at all times
• Never be alone in private with a minor without consent
• Avoid non-medical physical contact or lingering touches

When a trainer violates these expectations, whether through grooming, coercion, or inappropriate touching, it’s abuse. And it's illegal.

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse by a Trainer

Sexual abuse by an athletic trainer takes many forms. Some of it looks like "treatment." Some of it hides behind authority or comfort. But the core of it remains the same: the abuse of power and the crossing of boundaries.

Survivors in New York have reported experiences such as:

• Unwanted or prolonged touching during routine procedures
• Sexual comments disguised as "jokes"
• Being asked to remove clothing unnecessarily
• Private messaging on social media with suggestive content
• Being singled out for private treatment sessions without oversight

New York State law considers any sexual contact between a minor and an adult in authority as criminal. Even if the athlete is over 18, the presence of professional influence or manipulation may still qualify the act as abuse. Consent becomes murky when trust is violated.

Where Abuse by Trainers Commonly Occurs

Many abuse cases happen in places that seem safe on the surface. It’s not about where—it’s about isolation, secrecy, and trust. Across New York State, these environments often appear in:

• High school training rooms or locker areas
• College athletic departments, especially during early morning or late-night sessions
• Private sports rehabilitation clinics
• Club team practice spaces without adult oversight

In some cases, trainers gain unrestricted access to athletes during travel, competitions, or recovery. SUNY campuses, New York City high schools, and local club teams have all faced public scrutiny when oversight failed.

No athlete should be placed in a vulnerable position without protection. Institutions have a legal duty to create safe environments.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Abuse by a Trainer

If you or your child has experienced misconduct from a trainer, acting quickly can make a major difference. It’s painful to confront, but your safety comes first.

Here’s what to do:

1. Remove the athlete from the situation immediately.
2. Write down what happened, including dates, locations, and names.
3. Report the abuse to the athletic director, school principal, or league official.
4. Contact authorities:
   1. For child victims, call the New York State Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720
   2. You may also file a police report at your local precinct
5. Seek medical or psychological support from licensed professionals

If the trainer works in a public school or university, they may be considered a mandated reporter. That means someone in the chain of command should also notify law enforcement or child services. But don’t assume someone else already did.

Your Legal Rights as a Survivor in New York State

New York law gives survivors the right to seek justice both criminally and civilly. This means you can report the abuse to police, and you can also file a lawsuit against the abuser or any institution that allowed the harm to happen.

Depending on when the abuse occurred, state legislation may give you additional time to file. Under the Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA), New York temporarily extended the statute of limitations for victims of sexual abuse. These laws created special windows for survivors to come forward, even decades later.

Civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek compensation for:

• Emotional distress
• Therapy and treatment costs
• Lost educational or athletic opportunities
• Pain and suffering

These legal actions also help surface patterns of institutional failure and encourage systemic change.

Holding Institutions Accountable for Trainer Misconduct

Often, trainers don’t act alone. They work within larger systems—schools, colleges, clinics, and youth programs—that either failed to screen them, ignored complaints, or let misconduct slide.

Institutions may be held liable if they:

• Knew about past complaints but rehired or reassigned the trainer
• Allowed unsupervised sessions despite policies against it
• Lacked staff training or prevention protocols
• Failed to report abuse to authorities as required by law

In New York, this can include:

• Public school districts
• University athletic departments (such as those within CUNY or SUNY)
• Nonprofit sports foundations
• Private fitness and rehab centers

Lawsuits against institutions aren’t just about money. They help create pressure for change and raise awareness that systemic silence is unacceptable.

How an Attorney Can Help Survivors Seek Justice

These cases are complex. Survivors often face shame, doubt, or pressure to stay silent. That’s why working with the right attorney matters.

A skilled legal team can:

• Help you understand your rights and legal options
• Collect records, witness testimony, and internal documents
• File claims against trainers and institutions
• Negotiate a settlement or prepare for trial if needed

More importantly, an attorney should act with care. At Horn Wright, LLP, we take a trauma-informed approach. We explain each step before moving forward. We listen. And we give you control over the pace of your case.

If you decide to pursue a claim, we will advocate for full and fair compensation. We will also support you through the emotional weight of the legal process.

If You Need Legal Guidance, Horn Wright, LLP Is Here

No one should face the aftermath of abuse in silence. At Horn Wright, LLP, we help survivors of sexual abuse by athletic trainers hold those responsible accountable. We represent clients throughout New York State in civil cases against individuals and institutions that failed to protect them. If you or someone you love has been affected, reach out to our team. We’ll listen, guide you through your rights, and help you move forward with strength and clarity.