Tip Sheet: Safe Contact in Sports: Hands-On Adjustments

Sports are a big part of many young people’s lives. Over half of U.S. kids between 6 and 17 participate in sports—about 41 million youth [1]. Sports help kids build confidence, make friends, and learn important life skills. But not all experiences are positive. Studies show that nearly 5% of young athletes experience inappropriate sexual contact while participating in sports [1]. That’s about 2 million children who have been harmed while doing something they love.

Coaches and adults play a key role in keeping youth athletes safe. Kids trust their coaches to guide them, improve their skills, and help them succeed. But with that trust comes a power difference. Coaches must always be mindful of this and ensure their actions are safe, fair, and respectful.

Unfortunately, some people misuse trust to harm kids and keep it a secret. Young athletes might not realize when something is wrong or unsafe, and they may not know how to speak up. That’s why adults must set clear boundaries and safety rules to reduce the risk of harm.

Guidelines for Safe Contact In Sports

Hands-on adjustments are often needed in sports to help athletes improve their skills. Here’s how coaches and adults can ensure this contact is safe and appropriate:

1. Keep It Observable and Interruptible
   • Always make adjustments where others can see. If behind closed doors, keep the door unlocked, and ensure another adult is informed or present.
2. Focus on the Athlete’s Benefit
   • Touch should only be for helping the athlete with their skills. Any contact for an adult’s benefit is unacceptable.
3. Ask for Consent
   • Always explain what you’re doing and get the athlete’s permission before making contact.
     i.  Example: “I’m going to adjust your arm position to show you the correct form. Is that okay?”
4. Watch for Non-Verbal Cues
   • Pay attention to signs of discomfort and check in if the athlete seems uneasy.
5. Set Expectations Early
   • At the start of the season, explain what types of contact might happen and let athletes know they can speak up if they feel uncomfortable.
6. Avoid Private Areas
   • Never touch a youth’s private areas, including their chest, buttocks, or genitals.
7. Use Alternatives When Possible
   • Demonstrate or describe movements instead of using touch when practical.

Rethinking Horseplay and Physical Norms

While playful interactions are common in sports, they can send the wrong message to youth. Horseplay, like slapping a player’s buttocks or jokingly roughhousing, can blur boundaries and make kids more vulnerable to harm.

Coaches and adults should always model healthy and respectful interactions. Positive reinforcement can come in many forms, such as:

• Shoulder pats or side-hugs (with consent)
• Encouraging words and constructive feedback
• Team celebrations, like pizza parties or awards

Supporting Young Athletes

Sports should be a place where kids feel safe, supported, and confident. By creating clear boundaries, promoting healthy interactions, and proactively planning for safety, adults can help protect youth from harm and ensure their sports experience is positive.

Together, we can build environments where young athletes thrive and learn, both on and off the field. Thank you for doing your part to support their safety and success!
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References

[1] Kaufman, K. L., Lee, D. S., Milroy, J. J., & Raj, A. (2022). Introduction - The Prevention of Sexual Violence in Sport: A Real Game Changer. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(13-14). https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221095790

Kaufman, K. L., Lee, D. S., Milroy, J. J., Yore, J., Sitney, M., Lipman, A., Glace, A., Kyler-Yano, J., & Raj, A. (2022). The Role of Theory in the Prevention of Sexual Violence in Sport. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(13-14). https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221095787

Play by the Rules - Making Sport Inclusive, Safe and Fair. (n.d.). Physical Contact with Children. Play by the Rules - Making Sport Inclusive, Safe and Fair. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.playbytherules.net.au/got-an-issue/physical-contact-with-chi...

US Center for Safe Sport. (2022, August 15). Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). Safesport MAAPP. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://maapp.uscenterforsafesport.org/

US Center for Safe Sport. (n.d.). Parent Toolkit. US Center for Safe Sport. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://uscenterforsafesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Parent-Toolk...

USA Gymnastics. (2021, December). USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Policy. USA Gymnastics. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://usagym.org/PDFs/safesport/policy2021.pdf