Archive for the ‘Abuse/Molestation’ Category

Wrestling Safety Essentials for Teams, Clubs, Camps & Tournaments

A Gritty Sport—Where Preparation Meets Protection

Wrestling has always demanded toughness—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But as participation expands across youth programs, camps, and tournaments, it’s critical to recognize that toughness alone isn’t enough to keep athletes safe. The sport’s close-contact nature, weight management culture, and fast-paced action create a unique mix of risks that, without proper oversight, can lead to serious injury or liability.

Whether you’re running a wrestling club, league, camp, or hosting a tournament, adopting a solid risk management strategy is essential for protecting your athletes, volunteers, and organization.

Key Risks in Wrestling (and How to Manage Them)

1. Concussions: The Invisible Opponent

The Risk:
While wrestling isn’t typically associated with head injuries in the same way as football, concussions remain a major concern—often caused by accidental slams, takedowns, or head-to-mat contact.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Educate coaches on safe takedown and fall techniques.
  • Require concussion recognition and management training (e.g., CDC HEADS UP).
  • Enforce return-to-play protocols following any suspected head injury.
  • Encourage parents and athletes to report symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or memory loss.
  • Implement a written concussion risk management plan

2. Skin Infections: The Mat’s Hidden Hazard

The Risk:
Close skin-to-skin contact and shared mats make wrestling a high-risk sport for skin infections, including:

  • Ringworm
  • Impetigo
  • Herpes Gladiatorum
  • MRSA

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Sanitize mats before and after each practice or match using EPA-approved disinfectants.
  • Conduct daily skin checks by a qualified adult.
  • Prohibit participation until infections are fully cleared by a physician.
  • Educate athletes on personal hygiene: no sharing towels, daily showers, clean gear after each use.

3. Unsafe Weight Cutting: An Ongoing Crisis

The Risk:
Aggressive or unsafe weight loss practices—especially among high school athletes—can result in:

  • Dehydration
  • Fatigue
  • Heart complications
  • Eating disorders

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Follow NFHS or state weight management guidelines.
  • Discourage rapid weight loss via saunas, plastics, or extreme dieting.
  • Provide education for parents and athletes on safe nutrition.
  • Monitor hydration levels and weight changes throughout the season.

4. Overuse and Acute Injuries

The Risk:
Wrestlers are highly prone to injuries due to repetitive strain and the intense physical demands of training and competition. Common injuries include:

  • Shoulder and knee strains
  • Elbow hyperextensions
  • Finger dislocations
  • Cauliflower ear (auricular hematoma)

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Emphasize strength and conditioning programs to prevent muscle imbalances.
  • Allow time for adequate rest and recovery—especially between tournaments.
  • Use proper headgear and joint support when necessary.
  • Encourage reporting of early symptoms before injuries worsen.

5. Heat Illness: Cutting Weight + Intense Training = Risk

The Risk:
Wrestlers trying to “sweat out” pounds during warm-ups or outdoor summer camps can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Enforce hydration protocols before, during, and after practice.
  • Avoid outdoor training during peak heat (use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature to guide activity limits).
  • Educate coaches on signs of heat illness and have cold water immersion options available.
  • Discourage practices that combine dehydration with high-heat training.

Check out our Heat Illness Risk Management article.

6. Child Sexual Abuse: Prevention Starts with Policy

The Risk:
Like all youth sports, wrestling requires strong protections against abuse. The individual nature of coaching, travel, and locker room dynamics raises the risk of inappropriate conduct or grooming behavior.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Conduct third-party background checks for all adults interacting with minors.
  • Implement the “Rule of Two”—never allow one-on-one adult-to-minor interaction.
  • Provide abuse prevention training that complies with the Safe Sport Act.
  • Adopt written policies on locker room supervision, travel, and communication protocols.

Check out our written Child Abuse Risk Management plan.

7. Legal Liability: One Incident Can Change Everything

The Risk:
Whether it’s a concussion claim, an infection outbreak, or an abuse allegation, a single incident can lead to costly lawsuits that threaten your club or tournament’s future.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Carry General Liability and Participant Accident Insurance.
  • Use comprehensive waivers for all participants.
  • Train all staff on your written risk management plan and document their acknowledgment via electronic signature.
  • Regularly review and update safety policies based on current guidelines.

Why Insurance Matters for Wrestling Programs

Wrestling may not require pads or helmets, but your organization still needs protection. A single claim can result in tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, medical bills, or settlements. Sadler Sports Insurance provides insurance coverage designed for the unique risks in wrestling—from youth programs to travel teams and major tournaments.

We offer:

  • General Liability Insurance for lawsuits related to bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and advertising injury. Coverage options can be added for Sexual Abuse and Non-Owned and Hired Auto Liability.
  • Participant Accident Insurance to help cover medical bills for injured participants. Coverage is excess of any existing family health insurance.
  • Free Risk Management Tools like safety checklists, abuse prevention policies, and training guides. See our free Risk Management Content for the best in industry protection.

Protect Your Wrestling Program—Before the Whistle Blows

Whether you’re running a youth wrestling league, summer camp, tournament, or competitive travel team, your job is to protect more than just wins and losses. By prioritizing risk management, training, and insurance, you’re helping create a safe, structured space where young athletes can grow, compete, and succeed.

Don’t wait for an injury or lawsuit to take action. Click Get Quote now to access industry-best insurance programs backed by over 65 years of experience supporting amateur sports.

Sports Camps: Safety Checklist and Insurance Essentials

Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, youth athletes across the country are packing their gear for sports camps—perfecting their swing at baseball camp, mastering serves at volleyball camp, or attending multi-sport programs offered by recreation departments, schools, universities, or individual coaches. While most camps operate on a commuter basis, an increasing number of residential (overnight) programs bring added excitement—and higher risks.

No matter the sport—cheerleading, soccer, tennis, football, basketball, or emerging activities like pickleball—the reality remains the same: sports camps carry real liability exposures that demand careful planning and insurance coverage.

Below is a guide to help camp directors, coaches, and facility owners safeguard athletes and protect their organizations year-round.

Top Risk Areas for Youth Sports Camps

1. Injuries from Play and Training

The Risk: Repetitive drills, scrimmages, and contact sports can lead to sprains, fractures, concussions, and overuse injuries.

Prevention Strategies:
  • Require pre-camp health screenings and medical release forms
  • Maintain safe supervisor-to-participant ratios
  • Hire experienced, certified coaches
  • Implement daily warm-up, hydration, and cool-down routines
  • Monitor athletes for fatigue and encourage early injury reporting
  • Require concussion training for all administrators and coaches
  • Follow concussion protocols for identification, removal, medical evaluation, and return to play
  • Keep athletic trainers on-site with clear emergency procedures

2. Sexual Abuse & Molestation (SAM)

The Risk: Overnight stays, shared housing, and extended adult-minor interaction heighten SAM exposure—though day camps are also vulnerable.

Prevention Strategies:
  • Follow the federal Safe Sport Act with required training and written policies
  • Conduct background checks and abuse prevention training for all staff and volunteers
  • Enforce the “Rule of Two” to avoid one-on-one situations
  • Clearly define staff boundaries and supervision protocols
  • Secure SAM insurance coverage to meet facility requirements and protect against claims

3. Transportation & Auto Liability

The Risk: Camp transportation—whether for off-site games, trips, or airport pickups—poses liability risks, even if the camp does not own the vehicle.

Prevention Strategies:
  • Avoid 15-passenger vans due to rollover risk
  • Use school buses with CDL-licensed drivers
  • Contract reputable charter bus companies
  • Carry Non-Owned and Hired Auto Liability Insurance
  • Restrict personal vehicle use for official duties unless insured and approved
  • Screen drivers with acceptable MVRs and maintain trip records

4. Environmental Conditions & Health Risks

The Risk: Outdoor training can expose participants to heat-related illnesses in warm months or cold-weather dangers in winter sessions.

Prevention Strategies:
  • Use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) in warm weather to guide activity adjustments
  • Provide adequate rest, hydration, and shade in hot conditions
  • Offer warm-up breaks, layered clothing guidelines, and safe indoor alternatives in cold weather
  • Train staff to recognize early signs of heat illness or hypothermia
  • Keep emergency cooling/heating equipment available

5. Lightning & Severe Weather

The Risk: Outdoor sports are at risk from lightning, high winds, and severe storms at any time of year.

Prevention Strategies:
  • Use weather tracking tools and assign a safety officer
  • Follow the 30/30 rule for lightning safety
  • Have evacuation plans for fields, courts, and outdoor areas
  • Train staff on designated shelter locations

6. Aquatic & Off-Hours Recreational Hazards

The Risk: Pools, lakes, and waterparks—often used for recreation—carry drowning and injury risks, especially outside supervised hours.

Prevention Strategies:
  • Prohibit access to aquatic facilities without certified lifeguards
  • Enforce buddy systems and posted safety rules
  • Lock and secure pool gates when not in use

7. Facility & Equipment Safety

The Risk: Poorly maintained fields, unsafe surfaces, and defective sports equipment can cause serious injuries and legal claims.

Prevention Strategies:
  • Conduct pre-camp facility inspections and document findings
  • Repair hazards immediately or report them to facility management
  • Use only certified, up-to-date equipment
  • Inspect equipment before each use
  • Keep signed waivers and participation agreements on file

8. Contractual Protection & Insurance Coverage

The Risk: Even with strong safety measures, accidents can happen. Insurance and contractual safeguards are essential.

Protection Strategies:
  • Use waiver/release forms for all youth participants and adult staff
  • Review facility use agreements
  • Maintain high-limit coverage, including:
    • General Liability
    • Participant Accident Insurance
    • Sex Abuse & Molestation Coverage
    • Non-Owned and Hired Auto Liability

Why Insurance Is a Non-Negotiable

Facility owners—from schools to recreation centers—are increasingly strict about insurance requirements, and for good reason. One major claim can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars and jeopardize your program’s future.

Sadler Sports Insurance offers:

  • General Liability ($1M to $5M+ limits)
  • Participant Accident Insurance ($25K to $100K+ limits)
  • Sex Abuse & Molestation Coverage
  • Non-Owned and Hired Auto Liability
  • Instant online quotes, payment, and coverage documents
  • 24/7 certificate self-issuance in most cases
  • Industry-leading free risk management tools and templates

Protect Every Sport, Every Season

From football and basketball to gymnastics and emerging sports like ultimate frisbee, all sports carry risks—and all require protection.

With over 65 years of expertise, Sadler Sports Insurance helps camps nationwide implement proven safety protocols and secure affordable, tailored coverage. Make sure your camp is prepared before the first whistle blows—because one uncovered risk can undo an entire season of work.

Get your free quote from Sadler Sports Insurance today.
Protect your staff, participants, and organization—so you can focus on creating an unforgettable camp experience, year after year.

Disabled Sports: Pre-Season Checklist For Safety And Insurance

Disabled sports programs (AKA adaptive sports)—whether for youth or adults—play a vital role in promoting inclusion, fitness, and community. Sports like baseball, basketball, track and field, and swimming for athletes with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities are growing nationwide. However, along with these positive impacts come significant risk exposures that organizers must proactively manage.
Proper supervision, strong safety protocols, and comprehensive insurance are crucial to keeping athletes safe and protecting your program from devastating liability claims.

Top Risk Areas in Disabled Sports (and How to Manage Them)

1. Lack of Supervision: A Leading Cause of Injuries

The Risk:
Athletes with disabilities often require more individualized attention during practices and games to prevent falls, collisions, or improper equipment use. Unfortunately, many injuries arise from insufficient staff-to-participant ratios or poorly trained volunteers.
Mitigation Strategies:
  • Maintain an appropriate participant-to-coach ratio (e.g., 1:3 or 1:5 depending on severity of disabilities).
  • Train all volunteers on disability-specific safety needs, including mobility support and communication adaptations.
  • Assign specific supervisors to monitor high-risk areas like dugouts, equipment zones, or sidelines.
  • Use “buddy systems” pairing less experienced athletes with more capable peers or staff.

2. Sexual Abuse and Molestation (SAM) Exposure: The Hidden Threat

The Risk:
Disabled youth and adults are 3 times more likely to experience abuse compared to their non-disabled peers, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Sports programs create close-contact environments that, without strict safeguards, may expose participants to predatory behavior.
Mitigation Strategies:
  • Enforce mandatory background checks for all staff and volunteers.
  • Implement two-adult rule: no one-on-one situations between adults and participants unless visible to others.
  • Provide abuse prevention training for coaches and volunteers, emphasizing recognizing grooming behavior.
  • Educate parents and athletes about reporting mechanisms and enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy.

3. Adapted Equipment and Facility Risks

The Risk:
Adaptive equipment like modified wheelchairs, walkers, or prosthetics introduces new risks if not properly maintained or supervised. Similarly, fields and gyms not designed for accessibility can cause falls, collisions, or equipment malfunctions.
Mitigation Strategies:
  • Conduct pre-season safety audits of fields, gyms, and accessible facilities.
  • Inspect adaptive equipment before every use for signs of wear or malfunction.
  • Install accessible features like smooth pathways, ramps, and padded surfaces where needed.
  • Train coaches on safe handling of assistive devices.

4. Common Injuries in Disabled Sports

The Risk:
Despite adaptations, disabled athletes are still prone to sports injuries such as:
  • Shoulder dislocations (wheelchair sports)
  • Overuse injuries (track, basketball)
  • Fractures and bruises (baseball collisions)
  • Heat illness (athletes with impaired thermoregulation)
Mitigation Strategies:
  • Emphasize proper warm-ups, hydration, and rest periods.
  • Tailor training regimens to individual physical capacities.
  • Encourage prompt reporting of any pain, fatigue, or equipment issues.
  • Have trained first responders or medical volunteers at all events.

Why Insurance is Crucial for Disabled Sports Programs

Even the best-run program can face a lawsuit or major medical claim. A single incident—whether from a collision, unsupervised injury, or allegation of abuse—can devastate an organization’s finances and reputation.
Specialized coverage protects:
  • Coaches, volunteers, and administrators are protected from personal liability.
  • Athletes from uncovered medical costs through Participant Accident Coverage.
  • The program from reputational harm with Abuse and Molestation Liability Coverage.

Final Thoughts

Running a disabled sports program is incredibly rewarding—but also carries unique risks that must be managed with care. By strengthening supervision practices, implementing abuse prevention measures, maintaining facilities and equipment, and securing the right insurance coverage, you can provide a safer, inclusive environment where athletes thrive.
Don’t let a preventable accident or allegation jeopardize your mission.

Why Choose Sadler Insurance For Your Disabled Sports Program

  • We charge the same rates as for non disabled sports
  • One Stop Shop for all your policies
  • General Liability – (limits ranging from $1M to $5M) pays for lawsuits alleging bodily injury and property damage
  • Accident – (limits ranging from $25k to $100K) pays medical bills incurred by injured participants
  • D&O Liability – (limits of $1M or $2) pays for certain lawsuits alleging financial mismanagement, wrongful suspension or termination of league personnel, violation of rights under law, and failure to follow own rules and bylaws when making an administrative decision.
  • Equipment / Crime
  • Visit our Disabled Sports Webpage
  • Complete Our Simple Form To Get Your Quote Now or call 800-622-7370.

California Youth Sports Safety Laws: A Guide to Compliance

California enforces some of the strictest youth sports safety laws in the country, and for good reason: to protect the health, safety, and well-being of young athletes. These mandates cover areas such as concussion management, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) prevention, and child abuse training. While essential, they can be overwhelming for amateur sports administrators without clear guidance.
This guide breaks down the key legal requirements that affect youth sports organizations in California and provides actionable steps for compliance. It also highlights resources available exclusively through Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance, including our comprehensive Risk Management Plan.

California’s Key Youth Sports Safety Laws

The following legislation forms the backbone of California’s youth athlete protection framework:

AB 379: Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Compliance

1. Immediate Removal from Activity
  • Athletes showing signs of a concussion or who faint during play must be removed from the activity immediately for the rest of the day.
  • Return to play requires written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider.
  • If diagnosed with a concussion, the athlete must complete a minimum 7-day, supervised return-to-play protocol.
  • If a cardiac issue is suspected, the athlete must remain under medical care until cleared.
2. Parental Notification: If an athlete age 17 or under is removed for concussion or cardiac symptoms, the organization must notify the parent or guardian with:
  • Date and time of incident
  • Symptoms observed
  • Treatment or action taken
3. Annual Information Sheets
  • Organizations must distribute annual information sheets on concussion and SCA to parents and athletes.
  • These must be signed and returned before participation.
  • For children age 6 and under, only the parent or guardian’s signature is required
4. Staff Education and Training
  • Organizations must offer annual concussion and SCA education for coaches, administrators, and officials.
  • Training must be completed at least once—online or in person—before supervising athletes.
  • Approved resources include:
5. Compliance Procedures
  • Organizations must have written procedures to verify compliance with AB 379.
  • Keep records of:
    • Signed information sheets
    • Training completion certificates
    • Return-to-play clearances

AB 506: Mandatory Child Abuse Training and Background Checks

California’s AB 506 was enacted to prevent abuse in youth service organizations, including youth sports programs.
What Is a “Youth Service Organization”?
Defined by law as any organization that employs or uses volunteers aged 18 or older to work directly with children more than 16 hours/month or 32 hours/year.
Examples:
  • Youth sports leagues
  • Camps
  • After-school athletic programs
  • Church-based sports ministries
  • Any third-party contractors working with children
If your organization fits this profile, AB 506 applies to you.
Who Are “Mandated Reporters”?
Under Penal Code §11165.7, the following individuals are mandated reporters:
  • Coaches
  • Team administrators
  • Officials and referees
  • Volunteers and employees with direct contact and supervision of minors
They are legally required to:
  • Complete annual child abuse prevention training
  • Report suspected abuse within 24 hours to law enforcement or child protective services

Training Requirements

  • Must include instructions on:
    • Signs and symptoms of abuse
    • Prevention policies and procedures
    • Legal obligations to report
    • Proper procedures for documenting and filing reports
  • Organizations may use the free training at mandatedreporterca.com from the California Department of Social Services, but are not required to do so.
  • In my opinion, the suggested child abuse training course by the CA Dept of Social Services is not appropriate to prevent child abuse in a youth sports context. This training course goes way beyond sports, and the intent of the training is for volunteers to detect child abuse in all settings, but primarily in the family setting. With the emphasis on detecting child abuse that has already occurred, only a small amount of content is devoted to preventing child abuse. The Safe Sport Act is far superior in this regard.  The suggested CA online training course took me well over two hours to complete, and perhaps provides so many warning signs of child abuse that the average volunteer could have difficulty in telling the difference between what is and is not a sign of child abuse.
  • The training does not require a video.

Live Scan Background Checks

  • Employees and regular volunteers must undergo Live Scan fingerprinting through the California DOJ.
  • A “regular volunteer” is anyone working directly with children for more than 16 hours per month or 32 hours annually.

Written Child Abuse Prevention Policies

Organizations must:
  • Implement and distribute written policies outlining acceptable conduct
  • Define procedures for supervision, reporting, and responding to incidents
  • Review these policies annually

Federal Safe Sport Act: Nationwide Compliance

In addition to California’s laws, all youth sports organizations must also comply with the Federal Safe Sport Act, which mandates:
  • Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse within 24 hours not only to the organization, but also to law enforcement authorities, as prescribed by state and local law.
  • Prevention training for coaches, volunteers, and adults in supervisory roles
  • Policies to limit one-on-one interactions between minors and adults
  • Screening and monitoring of staff and volunteers
Even if you’re compliant with AB 506, you must also meet these federal requirements under the Safe Sport Act. See our blog, which summarizes the Safe Sport Act.

Additional Risk Management Best Practices

Even beyond what the law requires, your organization should adopt safety policies in these critical areas:
  • Heat Illness Prevention: Hydration, acclimatization, and symptom recognition
  • Lightning Safety: Suspend play when lightning is within 10 miles
  • Emergency Action Plans: AED access, emergency contacts, and response protocols
  • COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Protocols: Hygiene, sanitation, and exposure procedures

How Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance Can Help

Navigating California’s complex laws can be overwhelming. That’s where Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance comes in.
We specialize in insurance solutions for youth sports organizations and provide FREE risk management content for our clients.
Included For Current Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance Clients:
  • Training resources for concussions, sudden cardiac arrest, child abuse, heat illness, lightning, facilities, equipment, sports injury care, auto safety, and more
  • A customizable Risk Management Plan in a single document that:
    • Covers the majority of all legal requirements and important risk management topics
    • Serves as both educational awareness training and policies and procedures
    • Can be distributed to staff and volunteers with the required sign-off as evidence of compliance
    • Helps mitigate liability and reduce risk
    • Document-based training is more efficient than video-based training
Access to our free Risk Management Libary with tools, checklists, templates, articles, and best practices.

Final Thoughts

California’s youth sports safety laws are among the most comprehensive in the country. While these requirements may seem daunting, you must comply with the law to protect your organization from legal risk.
With the right tools, policies, and training, your league can meet these obligations confidently. And with Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance, you don’t have to do it alone.
Contact us if you are interested in learning more or if you are interested in an insurance quote for your sports organization.

Sports Organizations Must Comply With Safety Laws Or Face Consequences

The Legal Landscape of Amateur Sports Organizations in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

From the Federal Safe Sport Act to State Concussion Laws and Beyond
Operating an amateur sports organization is an exciting endeavor, but it also comes with a web of legal and regulatory obligations that can seem daunting. This article unpacks the most significant federal and state laws affecting amateur sports organizations, including the Federal Safe Sport Act, state concussion laws, sudden cardiac arrest laws, Coach Safely laws, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of why these laws matter, the penalties for failing to comply, and how to protect your organization from unnecessary legal exposure.

1. Federal Safe Sport Act: An Overview

The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017

Often referred to simply as the Federal Safe Sport Act, this law (full text of PL 115-126) expands the responsibility of athletic organizations to protect minors from sexual abuse. Under this act:
  • Mandatory Reporting: All adult members involved with youth athletes must report any suspicions of child abuse within 24 hours to law enforcement.
  • Training Requirements: Organizations should provide training to help staff and volunteers recognize and prevent child abuse.
  • Policies and Procedures: Organizations must have written policies and procedures to make an event less likely to occur.
This law applies broadly to many “amateur sports organizations,” especially those that fall under the umbrella of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and its National Governing Bodies. However, even smaller clubs and leagues, classified as “other amateur sports organizations” may be affected, particularly if they participate in interstate activities or are affiliated with a national sports program. Check out our blog on this topic: New Safe Sport Act Applies To Most Amateur Sports Organizations.
Why it matters: Failure to comply can result in federal investigations, civil lawsuits, and significant reputational damage.

2. State Concussion Laws

The Lystedt Legacy and Beyond

Washington’s Zackery Lystedt Law (RCW 28A.600.190) set the stage for concussion protocols nationwide. Today, all 50 states have some form of concussion law requiring:
  • Education: Coaches, parents, and athletes must be educated about concussion symptoms.
  • Removal from Play: Any athlete suspected of having a concussion must be removed from play.
  • Return to play protocols: Athletes must follow a gradual return to play protocol under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Medical Clearance: The athlete may return to play only with clearance from a licensed healthcare professional.
Who must comply? In many states, these laws apply strictly to scholastic (school-affiliated) sports. However, an increasing number of states have expanded or are expanding coverage to non-scholastic youth sports organizations, particularly those that use public facilities.
Penalties for non-compliance: Organizations risk civil liability if they fail to follow removal-from-play or return-to-play rules, potentially facing negligence claims if a head injury worsens due to inadequate protocols.

3. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Laws

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) laws aim to educate coaches, athletes, and parents about the risks of cardiac conditions and to ensure quick intervention when an athlete collapses. Many states require:
  • Annual training for coaches on recognizing and responding to SCA.
  • Signed acknowledgment forms from parents indicating they are aware of SCA risks.
  • Immediate removal from play if an athlete exhibits signs of cardiac distress.
Example: In Pennsylvania, Act 59 of 2012 outlines the state’s requirements for coaches and parents. See our blog on Sudden Cardiac Arrest Risk Management.

4. The Coach Safely Laws in Alabama and Arkansas

Alabama’s Coach Safely Act

Alabama’s Coach Safely Act (ACT 2018-496) mandates youth athletic associations require coaches (of children under age 14) to complete an injury-recognition course focusing on concussions, heat-related illnesses, and sudden cardiac arrest among other potential injuries.

Arkansas’s Coach Safely Legislation

Arkansas followed suit with similar requirements, reflecting a growing nationwide trend: if you’re coaching minors, the state wants you to be trained. While each state’s statute has its nuances, they commonly include:
  • Mandatory education and certification for coaches.
  • Documented proof of completed training programs.
Failing to comply: Not only can coaches face liability, but the organization can also be named in lawsuits for negligent training or failure to enforce state laws.

5. Mandatory Coach Certification

Many states require coaches to have certifications in areas like first aid, CPR, and injury prevention—especially if the sports activities occur on public property. For instance, California’s Education Code (EC Section 35179.1) specifies certain training requirements for high school coaches, and local governments can extend these requirements to non-scholastic leagues using school or municipal facilities.
Tip: Check with your local parks and recreation department to see if they require non-scholastic leagues to follow the same guidelines as high school programs.

6. Florida’s New Fingerprint Background Check Law

Florida recently enhanced its background check regulations for coaches and volunteers working with youth sports. Under Senate Bill 298, amateur sports organizations may be required to:
  1. Submit coaches’ fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
  2. Ensure periodic re-screening.
This law is designed to prevent individuals with serious criminal backgrounds from supervising or coaching minors. Non-compliance can result in penalties, including potential loss of access to public facilities and fines. Check out our recent blog on this topic: New FL Background Check Law Requires Fingerprint Background Checks For Youth Sports Coaches.

7. Mandatory AED Laws

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can be lifesavers in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Although requirements vary, many states now have mandatory AED laws for sports facilities—including some that cover non-scholastic youth sports programs.
  • Illinois requires an AED in schools and encourages AED placement in other youth sports contexts.
  • New York requires public schools and some other publicly funded sports programs to have immediate AED access during athletic events.
Risk: Without an AED on-site, organizations face heightened liability if an athlete suffers a cardiac event and no immediate means of defibrillation is available.

8. High School vs. Non-Scholastic Sports

Different Rules or the Same?

In most states, high school sports are governed by a state interscholastic athletic association with well-defined rules. Non-scholastic or club sports, on the other hand, often have more variance in regulations. However, some states have begun aligning requirements for non-scholastic programs, especially those:
  • Using public school or municipal fields and gyms
  • Receiving public funding or grants
This alignment means that if you’re a private club using a high school’s facilities, you might need to follow the same concussion, cardiac arrest, or coaching certification requirements that apply to the school itself.

9. Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance

Negligence and Civil Liability

If an athlete is harmed due to an organization’s failure to follow legally mandated protocols (e.g., not removing a concussed player from a game), negligence lawsuits are likely. The plaintiff would argue that your organization owed a duty of care and breached that duty by ignoring the law. Even if the law does not specifically apply to non scholastic amateur sports, the plaintiff’s afforney will argue that the same standards of care apply anyway.

Statutory Penalties and Fines

Certain laws impose fines or even criminal penalties for egregious violations. For instance:
  • Failure to Report Abuse: Under the Federal Safe Sport Act, neglecting to report suspected child abuse can result in federal charges.
  • Failure to Obtain Required Certifications: States can revoke or deny facility use permits, impose fines, or even ban organizations from operating.

High-Profile Court Cases

While explicit high-court rulings on youth sports laws are limited, there are numerous settlements and lower-court decisions highlighting liability. Cases involving unresolved head injuries or sexual abuse allegations have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and, in some instances, the dismantling of entire youth leagues.

10. Staying Compliant—And Why It’s Worth It

Complying with these federal and state laws is about more than just avoiding litigation:
  • Protecting Athletes: Your top priority should be the safety and well-being of young athletes.
  • Maintaining Reputation: A compliant organization is a trustworthy organization; parents want to place their kids in safe hands.
  • Cost Savings: Lawsuits and penalties can be financially devastating. Investing in compliance measures often costs less in the long run.

11. Partnering with Sadler Sports Insurance

At the end of the day, navigating this legal maze can be challenging. That’s where Sadler Sports Insurance comes in. We offer insurance solutions designed specifically for amateur sports organizations, helping you mitigate risks that arise from potential lawsuits and compliance oversights.

Free Risk Management Library

Need guidance on concussion protocols or how to comply with the new Florida fingerprint requirement? Explore our free risk management library. We’ve put together comprehensive resources that address many of these compliance concerns, including:
  • Sample Waivers and Releases
  • Concussion and SCA Best Practices
  • Background Check Procedures
  • Abuse Prevention Training
Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for your organization to stay compliant, reduce liability, and, most importantly, keep young athletes safe.
Takeaway: Whether you’re a volunteer coach, a board member of a local league, or an organization president, understanding and adhering to these legal requirements is crucial. From the Federal Safe Sport Act to state-specific concussion, cardiac arrest, and background check laws, staying informed and proactive can save not only your organization’s reputation but possibly an athlete’s life. And if you ever find yourself overwhelmed, remember that Sadler Sports Insurance and our risk management resources are here to help.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For specific guidance on how these laws apply to your organization, consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.

Revised FL Law Requires Fingerprint Background Checks For Youth Coaches

Revised Florida Law: What It Means for Your Youth Sports Organization

(Revised as of February 5, 2026)
As of July 1, 2026, Florida law will require Independent Sanctioning Authorities (“ISAs”) in the state to ensure that most youth athletic coaches complete and pass a Level 2 background screening, including fingerprinting, before they are authorized to work with minors. This change is intended to increase safety in youth sports programs by standardizing how organizations screen adults who have direct contact with children. This law was originally go into effect on January 1, 2025, but the deadline to comply was extended to July 1, 2026.
While this may appear to be a positive step toward protecting minors, the law creates significant administrative burdens and costs for many youth sports organizations and relies heavily on background screening as a substitute for more comprehensive risk‑management practices.

Key Requirements of the Law

Under Florida Statute 943.0438, Independent Sanctioning Authorities are required to ensure that a Level 2 background screening is conducted for each current and prospective athletic coach and other individuals authorized to work with youth athletes who have direct contact with minors. This requirement applies to both paid and volunteer coaches.
A Level 2 background screening is a fingerprint‑based criminal history check conducted pursuant to Florida Statute 435.04 and includes submission of fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the FBI for a national criminal history search. The ISA may not authorize any person to act as an athletic coach if the individual’s Level 2 background screening results in disqualification, and the responsibility to comply remains with the ISA rather than individual teams.

Who Is Covered

An Independent Sanctioning Authority is a private, nongovernmental entity that organizes, operates, or coordinates a youth athletic team in Florida that includes one or more minors, and the definition includes organizations headquartered outside Florida that operate youth teams within the state. Many club, travel, and tournament‑organizing bodies fall within this definition if they exercise authority over youth athletic teams or events involving minors.
An athletic coach includes any individual authorized by an ISA to serve as a coach, assistant coach, manager, or referee who has direct contact with minors. The statutory definition focuses on the fact of authorization and direct contact with children, rather than requiring a minimum number of hours worked or a specific employment classification.

Disqualifying Offenses

Florida Statute 435.04 lists the disqualifying offenses that prevent an individual from serving as an athletic coach following a Level 2 background screening. These offenses include, among others:
  • Sexual offenses.
  • Child abuse or neglect.
  • Violent felony offenses.
  • Certain domestic violence and child‑related crimes.
An individual who has been convicted or found guilty of a disqualifying offense, regardless of adjudication, may not be authorized to work with youth athletes unless they first obtain an exemption from disqualification under applicable law.

Exemptions From Disqualification

Florida law allows for limited exemptions from disqualification under Florida Statute 435.07, but the exemption process is narrow and discretionary. To qualify for an exemption, an applicant must typically show that a specified period of time has passed since completion of their sentence and must provide clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation, including factors such as work history, references, and circumstances of the offense.
Exemptions are generally unavailable for the most serious offenses, particularly those involving minors or serious violence, and different agencies may apply additional limits in their own programs. The decision to grant an exemption rests with the reviewing authority and requires careful evaluation of the risk posed to children, so organizations should not assume that a disqualifying history can be easily overcome.

VECHS Participation

To comply with these requirements after July 1, 2026, ISAs will operate within the framework of the Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System (VECHS), which is administered by FDLE. VECHS is the mechanism that allows qualifying organizations to obtain state and national criminal history information for volunteers and employees who work with vulnerable populations.
VECHS participation generally involves designation of a Local Agency Security Officer (LASO), adherence to FDLE security and confidentiality requirements, and ongoing record‑keeping and oversight obligations. For ISAs, VECHS participation is effectively a prerequisite to submitting fingerprints for Level 2 screening and accessing the results needed to make eligibility decisions about athletic coaches.

Role of the AHCA Background Screening Clearinghouse

Beginning July 1, 2026, Level 2 background screenings for athletic coaches associated with ISAs will be processed through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Background Screening Clearinghouse as part of the implementation of the new law. The Clearinghouse is a centralized system Florida uses in several regulated sectors to share and reuse screening results across participating agencies and programs.
For youth sports organizations covered by the ISA definition, this means that fingerprint‑based Level 2 screenings for coaches will be entered and maintained in the Clearinghouse, rather than being handled as one‑off checks with no central record. Organizations should plan for the administrative work of registering with the Clearinghouse, understanding its workflows, and aligning their internal processes with how eligibility decisions are tracked.

Participation in the AFRNP Program

The Applicant Fingerprint Retention and Notification Program (AFRNP) allows FDLE to retain fingerprints and provide notifications of subsequent arrest activity involving individuals who have already been screened. For VECHS entities, including ISAs, AFRNP offers a way to move beyond one‑time screening and receive alerts when there is new criminal history information.
Participation in AFRNP remains an available option for entities that qualify under VECHS and can provide ongoing visibility into post‑screening criminal activity that might affect an individual’s eligibility to serve as an athletic coach. While not a substitute for good supervision and reporting mechanisms, this type of continuous monitoring can be a useful supplement to the baseline Level 2 screening requirement.

Advantages of AFRNP

AFRNP offers several advantages for organizations that choose to participate:
  • Notification of new arrest activity after the initial screening, which can trigger a timely review of a coach’s continued eligibility.
  • Reduced need to re‑fingerprint individuals who remain continuously affiliated with the organization, because retained prints can be used for ongoing checks as allowed by program rules.
These features provide additional oversight beyond a single background check conducted at the time of onboarding. For youth sports organizations with large or frequently changing coaching staffs, AFRNP can be an important tool in maintaining continuous awareness of relevant criminal history.

Ongoing Responsibilities of VECHS Entities

Organizations participating in VECHS must maintain appropriate records, manage user access, ensure proper handling and storage of screening results, and comply with FDLE audit and retention requirements. These responsibilities continue regardless of whether the AHCA Clearinghouse is used for the actual screening transactions or renewal cycles.
Background screening is not a one‑time administrative task, and compliance requires ongoing attention and internal controls within the ISA’s operations. Policies, training, and internal oversight should reflect the fact that mismanaging background‑screening information can itself create legal and reputational risk.

Costs and Budget Considerations After July 1, 2026

Beginning in 2026, Level 2 background screenings for athletic coaches covered by the law will be initiated and managed through the AHCA Background Screening Clearinghouse, rather than as isolated VECHS transactions. State‑level fees for Clearinghouse screenings are higher than traditional name‑based background checks and may also be higher than what some youth sports organizations have paid under prior screening models.
Actual costs to organizations will include:
  • The state and federal fees associated with a Level 2 background screening processed through the Clearinghouse.
  • Any additional charges from LiveScan fingerprinting vendors or third‑party service providers used to capture and submit fingerprints.
Because fee amounts and components can change over time, organizations should confirm current Clearinghouse pricing and related costs directly from AHCA and FDLE resources when planning their 2026 budgets, instead of relying on older figures that may no longer apply.

Concussion Risk Management

In addition to background screening, Florida—and many national governing bodies for youth sports—have adopted concussion‑management requirements that typically include coach education, parental consent, and removal‑from‑play protocols for suspected head injuries. These requirements may come from state law, athletic associations, school districts, or sanctioning bodies, and they continue to evolve as medical guidance changes.
While background screening focuses on past criminal history, concussion risk management addresses a different, and often more immediate, category of risk inherent in youth sports. Youth sports organizations should review both Florida‑specific concussion rules and the policies of their sanctioning bodies to ensure that their own concussion protocols, forms, and training materials are current.
For additional resources and guidance on developing or reviewing your concussion-management program, see our Concussion Awareness & Risk Management

Final Thoughts

Fingerprint‑based background screening may identify some individuals who should not be working with youth athletes, but it does not prevent first‑time offenders and does not replace comprehensive risk‑management practices. Education, supervision, reporting mechanisms, and well‑implemented safety policies remain critical components of protecting young athletes, especially where adults have ongoing access and authority.
Background checks are best understood as one tool within a broader youth‑protection program, not as a stand‑alone solution that can substitute for thoughtful program design and day‑to‑day vigilance. For further guidance on developing or strengthening a comprehensive misconduct and risk-management strategy, see our SafeSport & Misconduct Risk Management resource.

Sources:

NMAA New Bylaws Levy Sanctions For Bad Fan Behavior In High School Sports

High schools under the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) recently took a significant step towards curbing unsportsmanlike conduct in sports. Nearly 80% of the membership approved an update to Bylaw 7.7.4 that governs Crowd Control & Unsportsmanlike Conduct. But what exactly does this mean, and will the new regulations make a difference? Let’s break it down.

The Revamped Rules: A Snapshot

Starting from the 2023-2024 school year, the modified bylaw now presents the following changes:

For Team Members: Should any team participant (including coaches) engage in an “egregious act of unsportsmanlike conduct” twice or more in the same season, at the same school, and in the same activity, the team will be suspended from that activity for the rest of the season.

For Spectators: A non-team participant who exhibits unsportsmanlike behavior twice or more in the same conditions as above will result in the suspension of all spectators for that activity for the remainder of the season.

Defining Unsportsmanlike Conduct: The NMAA Handbook now defines unsportsmanlike behavior as not just a violation of specific sport rules but also as actions that don’t align with the “Compete with Class” initiative and broader educational objectives.

Consequences Extend to the Next Season: If the second violation occurs at the end of the season, penalties could spill over into the next season for that same activity.

The bylaw also lists examples of what constitutes egregious unsportsmanlike conduct. This includes fans engaging in violent acts, verbal abuse against officials, and more. For those interested in further details, here’s a link to the NMAA Handbook.

The Real Problem: Is Legislation the Answer?

While the efforts of NMAA are praiseworthy, one cannot help but wonder if merely changing bylaws will change people’s behavior. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has already tried to discourage unruly fan behavior by imposing fines. But has it worked? Data suggests that it has not significantly reduced incidents and as a result the SEC is upping the penalties.

Digging Deeper: The Root Causes

It’s essential to examine the underlying reasons for such conduct. Is it the hyper-competitive nature of sports? Is it parents pushing their children to win at all costs? Could it be symptomatic of a more violent society at large? The reality is, many stadiums and arenas already have fan codes of conduct prominently displayed. Despite this, disruptive behavior persists. To truly effect change, we need to investigate the root causes.

Legal Complexities: The Devil Is in the Details

Moreover, the bylaw opens a can of legal worms. Questions about what counts as an “egregious act,” what happens in the case of false claims, or how this affects sponsorship deals and similar contracts are bound to arise. If such rules are to be effective, they will need to be scrutinized for every possible interpretation and loophole.

Conclusion: The Jury’s Still Out

In conclusion, NMAA’s newly revised bylaw is a significant step in attempting to manage unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the efficacy of such a rule change remains to be seen. While the bylaw is ambitious, it raises numerous questions that need to be addressed for it to be truly effective. For now, it seems the journey to civil sportsmanship is still fraught with challenges that extend beyond mere rule-setting.

In My Opinion

The new bylaw may not have gone far enough to control parental bad fan behavior in high school sports. One additional idea is to punish the player with practice and game suspension for their parent’s bad behavior. Knowing that their child will face consequences for their bad behavior is likely to be a powerful positive motivator for parents. For other ideas on controlling sports violence, see my blog entitled Sports Anti-Violence Risk Management For Amateur Sports Associations.

Acknowledgments

This article was inspired by the original work of Gil Fried and published in Sports Facilities and the Law, a free-subscription publication for industry professionals. To read more from the publication, visit Sports Facilities and the Law.

Youth Sports Misconduct Extends To Social Media

The Digital Extension of Unsportsmanlike Conduct

As the new school year kicks off, excitement builds around youth sports and extracurricular activities. But alongside the spirit of teamwork and competition, coaches and administrators must also be alert to rising concerns—particularly bullying and cyberbullying.

What many may not realize is that sportsmanship now extends beyond the playing field. In today’s digital age, misconduct can occur through smartphones and social media platforms, exposing athletes, coaches, and organizations to serious risks.

Cyberbullying: A Modern Form of Sports Misconduct

Traditionally, sportsmanship focused on in-game behavior—respect for teammates, opponents, and officials. Today, misconduct can happen online, and it’s just as damaging.

Cyberbullying in youth sports includes the use of digital communication to:

  • Harass
  • Frighten
  • Intimidate
  • Humiliate
  • Threaten
  • Exclude or socially isolate

It also includes actions intended to diminish another participant physically, emotionally, or sexually. These behaviors violate Safe Sport risk management policies, especially when a staff member is aware (or should be aware) and fails to intervene.

Where Cyberbullying Typically Happens

According to StopBullying.gov, common platforms where cyberbullying takes place include:

  • Social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X 

  • Text messaging and mobile apps

  • Online chat and direct messaging services

  • Forums and message boards such as Reddit

  • Email

  • Online multiplayer gaming platforms

Legal Considerations: What You Need to Know

Although no federal law directly targets cyberbullying, state laws vary in how they address the issue.
➡️ Check here to see your state’s cyberbullying laws.

It’s also important to understand that cyberbullying isn’t limited to athletes. Parents, guardians, or other individuals may also be responsible for harmful online behavior.

Organizations must draw a clear line: while building team unity and encouraging performance is acceptable, any action that crosses into bullying or abuse must be addressed immediately.

Consequences for Cyberbullying

Anyone—whether a participant or guardian—found engaging in bullying behavior should face appropriate disciplinary measures, which may include:

  • Suspension
  • Permanent ban from the organization
  • Referral to law enforcement

Lawsuits Related to Cyberbullying in Youth Sports

With digital communication so widespread, a single inappropriate message or post can trigger serious legal and reputational damage. Common allegations tied to online misconduct may include:

  • Negligence
  • Abuse or harassment
  • Emotional distress
  • Personal injury
  • Violation of organizational policies or bylaws

Organizations that ignore cyberbullying complaints risk lawsuits and liability claims—especially if proper prevention and response protocols aren’t in place.

How to Protect Your Organization

To minimize risk and ensure safety, every youth sports organization should take the following steps:

  1. Implement a comprehensive Child Abuse Protection Plan

  2. Provide staff training to recognize, report, and prevent bullying and cyberbullying.

  3. Secure appropriate insurance coverage, including:

To learn more, contact Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance at (800) 622-7370 or click “Get Quote” in the top navigation bar on our website.

Protect Yourself

In youth sports, sportsmanship doesn’t stop at the whistle. It extends into every interaction—both on and off the field, and now, online. By staying informed and proactive, leaders can foster a positive environment while reducing the risk of misconduct and liability.

$300M Locker Room Peeping Lawsuit Alleges Child Abuse / Privacy Issues

Lessons to be learned about managing locker rooms to prevent child abuse and invasion of privacy

The class-action lawsuit filed in S.C. State Court alleges that Bishop England High School in Charleston, South Carolina knowingly allowed windows for staff viewing of students inside the boy’s and girls’ gym locker rooms. The windows were apparently installed in 1998 when Bishop England opened their new campus. After 21 years, an undisclosed number of former and some current students spoke out against the school, which is under the oversight of the Diocese Of Charleston. The list of defendants includes not only Bishop England and the Diocese of Charleston but also Bishop Robert Guglielmone. Bishop Guglielmone recently retired in May of 2019 at the age of 75.

This case is illustrative for the youth sports clients of Sadler Sports Insurance that have locker rooms and changing rooms either on owned or leased premises or at other premises. Note that the definition of child abuse includes non-touching offenses such as voyeurism and the photographing of minors for sexual purposes when they have an expectation of privacy. There can be a fine line between the duty to monitor and prevent bullying and hazing versus sexual misconduct. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has published guidelines for locker rooms and changing areas which maximizes privacy and child abuse protection for athletes by not allowing a continuous presence by staff inside of locker rooms. Instead, staff should be located directly outside of locker rooms and should be on call if a problem arises but periodic sweeps are encouraged.

Public knowledge emerges from voyeurism charge against school employee with window overlooking locker rooms

Public knowledge first emerged in 2019 when the school’s sports information director, Jeffrey Alan Scofield, was arrested for voyeurism. The employee told detectives that his office window overlooked the boys’ locker room, and he set up his phone between the windows and blinds for video recording. He then downloaded the videos onto a school computer. The employee was subsequently fired, convicted of voyeurism, and sentenced to time served plus 18 months probation along with being listed under the state’s sexual offender registry with a requirement to seek mental health counseling.

Defendants sued for $300 million for invasion of privacy and sexually abusive actions

The lawsuit alleges that Bishop England engaged in “dishonest, deceptive and sexually abusive actions” when it failed to protect students. The charges include invasion of privacy, various acts of negligence, breach of warranty, and unjust enrichment. The Diocese publicly denounced the accusation as having absolutely no merit stating thehigh school sued for $300 million for viewing windows in locker room windows were in place merely to supervise students to prevent smoking, bullying, fighting, and other improper behavior. The plaintiffs are asking for $300 million in damages. Larry Richter, a previous graduate of the high school in the 1960s, is the attorney handling the case on behalf of the plaintiffs. Richter enacted a previous class-action case against the Diocese of Charleston. He won a $12 million settlement on the grounds of child sexual abuse.

Since 1998, students undressed in front of coaches who had access to the windows. Richter claims the school did nothing for years to get rid of the windows. He further questions why they were ever installed in the first place.

Since the filing of the lawsuit, Bishop England has subsequently boarded over the windows and replaced them with a brick wall.

Trainings and procedures to protect students from child sexual abuse

Bishop England firmly states that they have all the proper procedures and screenings in place for new employees. The school requires all new staff to:

  • Pass a background check
  • Attend child abuse prevention training
  • Attend student boundary training
  • Sign a code of conduct overseeing how they interact with minors

Huge number of potential sex abuse victims from locker room setting

But despite these requirements and trainings, child abuse allegedly still occurred. With 687 students in the student-body, Bishop Englandsexually abusive locker room windows, high school sued High School is the largest Catholic high school in the state. Over the course of 21 years, the number of students victim to peering is theoretically in the thousands. The number gets even larger. Richter states that visiting athletes from other schools shared the locker rooms as well.

How this case applies to youth sports organizations that use locker rooms and changing areas

While this lawsuit’s subject matter occurred in the school setting, youth sports participants are subject to the same types of invasion of privacy and sexual abuse. Child abuse is not limited to just inappropriate touching. The definition of illegal child abuse is quite broad and includes voyeurism and inappropriately videotaping youth in various states of undress.

In the past, youth sports administrators keyed in solely on criminal background checks to protect their youth from predators. The problem with putting all the eggs in the background check basket is that the vast majority of predators don’t have a detectable criminal background. 

Therefore, merely running background checks is not enough to protect youth. The Safe Sport Act requires sports organizations at a minimum to provide:

  • Mandatory educational training of adult staff and volunteers with access to youth. This should include defining the various forms of child abuse including no touching offenses such as voyeurism and how to handle locker room and changing room settings.
  • Offer minor training at the discretion of the parent/guardian
  • Implement policies and procedures to reduce the chances of an incident
  • Report suspicions to local law enforcement within 24 hours
  • Prohibit retaliation for whistleblowers

Sadler Sports Insurance offers free child abuse risk management content

Be sure to check out our free child abuse/molestation risk management content which includes the industry-leading blog on the Safe Sport Act, child abuse risk management templates, types of criminal background checks, and sources of criminal background checks. The document entitled Sadler Safe Sport Child Abuse and Other Misconduct Risk Management Plan includes a section on how to manage locker rooms and changing areas.

Sources:

Caitlin Byrd. SC’s largest Catholic high school sued for $300M for invasive locker room windows. The State. February 4, 2021.

Drew Tripp. Bishop England, Diocese of Charleston sued for $300M over student exploitation claims. ABC News 4. February 4, 2021.

Catherine Kohn and Kenna Coe. $300 million lawsuit filed against Bishop England High School. Moultrie News. February 4, 2021.

 

Protecting Against Sexual Abuse and Molestation in Youth Sports

Preventing Grooming is the Key

Do parents who send their children to ball practice ever think that they might be handing them over to a sexual predator?  That’s probably the last thing that crosses their mind. They assume that they can trust the coaches, volunteers and league administrators who come in contact with their children.

Child sexual predators fall into one of two categories: “grabbers” and “groomers.” Most sexual misconduct involves grooming, which can easily be confused with innocent behavior. The best way to protect children against sexual grooming, and thus sexual misconduct, is to protect them against inappropriate boundary invasions.

Sexual grooming by adults involves a process with the following elements:

  • Finding a vulnerable child lacking self-confidence, low self- esteem, or parental attention.
  • Involving the child in peer-like activities such as hanging out away from the ballpark.
  • Desensitizing the child to touch such by tickling, patting, stroking, or wrestling.
  • Isolating by spending a significant amount of time alone with the child and urging them to keep secrets.
  • Making the child feel responsible for the sexual misconduct that has occurred.
  • Inappropriate boundary invasions involve the adult invading the child’s personal life or personal space by the following actions:
  • Showing undue interest in a child
  • Giving gifts
  • Granting special privileges
  • Discussing adult matters
  • Keeping secrets
  • Protecting youth athletesBeing alone with, attending outings with, transporting to school and events
  • Telling sexual jokes, showing pornography, asking sexual questions
  • Hugging, kissing, physical contact

The following steps help prevent inappropriate boundary invasions:

  • Educate administrators, employees, and volunteers on the definition of and associated behaviors of inappropriate boundary invasions, sexual grooming, and sex abuse/molestation.
  • Expressly prohibit inappropriate boundary invasions.
  • Require all employees, and volunteers to report all inappropriate boundary invasions to administration.
  • Correct and discipline offenders and those who fail to report.

Also, we strongly recommended that the General Liability policy covering the league should be endorsed to include a specific coverage limit for sex abuse and molestation.

Deterring Child Predators in Youth Sports

Protecting kids is a group effort

League administrators are responsible for doing everything in their power to protect children. It is unfortunate that not everyone is aware of the dangers that sexual predators pose or are how this battle to protect our children can be fought.  

The September 1999, Sports Illustrated article “Every Parent’s Nightmare”  is still relevant.  It’s an in-depth, in-your-face report about abuse in youth sports. The article takes readers inside the heads of  the average sexual predator. It delves deep into the thought process of predators who found their victims on ballfields. Those highlighted in the story made a combined effort to let readers know HOW they got to the children and signs for which parents and other adults need to be on the lookout.

Coach abuse in youth sports

It’s much broader than just sex abuse/molestation

Sex abuse and molestation by coaches tends to get the most attention in the media and cause a lot of outrage, but there are many other forms of coach abuse. Sports administrators and parents can protect youth by being aware of physical, emotional, and/or verbal abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, and hazing or initiation rituals. Such behaviors have resulted in many lawsuits against coaches and administrators.

A quality risk management plan that deals with sex abuse and molestation will also incorporate these other types of abuse. We offer many articles on abuse in youth sports, which we encourage you to read. We recommend reading this excellent article that provides a full definition and examples of each of these types of abuse.

The Rate of Abuse and Molestation in Youth Sports

How prevalent is it?

The media makes sure we know when allegations and indictments of sexual abuse take place in our communities. This is true particularly when children are the victims. Schools, religious and recreational youth organizations are ripe for the picking by such predators.

But a study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that instances of all types of abuse within youth organizations are actually quite rare. The researchers surveyed more than 13,000 children, including infants and children to age 17. The results show that less than 1 percent reported any type of abuse. And of that percentage, only 6.4 percent reported some type of sexual abuse.

The bad news

As encouraging as that is, it still means the up to 100,000 children may be subjected to sexual abuse while participating in youth-oriented activities.

The study results raise another point for concern. Of the children surveyed who reported abuse, 64 percent said the abuse was emotional or verbal, specifically saying they had felt scared or bad because an adult “called you names, said mean things to you, or said they didn’t want you.” That puts estimates at 1 million children being subjected to abuse of a non-physical nature. That is 10 times the number of those being sexually abused.

Defining abuse

It’s important to note that the statistics of abuse are never exact. This is due in part to underreporting of incidents, but also because of the different definitions of the word abuse. Government agencies use a legal definition, while JAMA Pediatrics’ criteria is whether the child feels he or she has been abused. In fact, the final conclusion of the study is that abuse in youth organizations is relatively rare and dwarfed by abuse perpetrated by family members and other adults.

Preventing and combating abuse

Nonetheless, parents need to be aware of their child’s youth organization’s policies and procedures regarding screening and training of staff and volunteers. And parents should work together to make sure at least one parent is at every event, practice and game and tasked with monitoring the behavior of staff and volunteers.

We know that abuse and molestation incidents, while rare, result in very costly claims and demand serious risk management attention. Our risk management page has a section with resources devoted to abuse and molestation prevention.

What if the sex offender is a parent or spectator?

Most national organizations require criminal background checks of coaches, which includes at a Coach abuseminimum, national database checks and sexual offender registry checks. Throughout our risk management materials you will find that even if it’s not required by law, these screenings are highly recommended.

But what should a league do when the registered sex offender is a parent or a spectator?

The first step is consulting your local attorney since he/she would be familiar with the particular state laws. Also, make sure that the organization is following its own policies and bylaws. The General Liability policies that we write for national organizations may require that volunteers be screened, but not parents who aren’t volunteers. This is because, as a general rule, only a volunteer who has repeated access to youth is in a position to groom them for molestation.

Whether background checks are required or not, a lot can be accomplished by educating the team/league, volunteers, and parents on inappropriate boundary invasions.  

Why organizations hide sexual abuse incidents

What drives organizations to conceal such vile behavior?

News of yet another sex abuse scandal in the Catholic church sparked fresh outrage. The abuse itself is enough to make your blood boil. But it boggles the mind knowing so many were in the know and helped cover up the scandal over the course of 70+ years.

To think that maintaining the church’s reputation and finances outweigh the wellbeing of more than 1000 children.

Of course, religious institutions (Catholic and Protestant) aren’t the only organizations that cover up such crimes. Sex abuse within USA Gymnastics was horribly widespread. Unbelievably, the investigation uncovered that the team physician, who should have been the most trusted adult in organization, was a pedophile of the worst ilk. Longstanding shameful behaviors and crimes among celebrities and business executives are also being exposed through the #MeToo movement.

Who and what are being protected

These scandals are covered up because too often the perpetrators or those enabling the predators are a substantial source of income or influence. Their high value to the organization translates to greed, which unfortunately overrides any moral obligation to the victims.

They frequently move around within the organization or the spotlight on them is lowered to reduce the risk of discovery. The culture within the organization breeds silence. Victims quit talking since they aren’t believed. Witnesses fear retaliation for speaking up, including losing their jobs, and therefore turn a blind eye.

For years, complaints about Olympics gymnastics physician Larry Nassar fell on deaf ears. Joe Paterno and others at Penn State were aware of Jerry Sandusky’s suspected activities long before the story broke in 2011. Football and the legendary Paterno, who coached there for 45 years, reigned supreme: total revenue from the football program in 2010 was $70.2 million.

When silence isn’t golden

It’s all about protecting the money and preserving the brand, never about the victims. Ironically, these institutions are actually hurting the people positioned to grow the organization. Sports organizations need athletes, churches need parishioners, and Hollywood needs actresses. Go figure.

In the end, it all comes down to the organization’s powerful word against the victim’s weak voice. Who’s going to believe a kid making accusations about their coach or a starlet’s claims against a director? This is what results from the predator’s grooming process and the code of silence within the organization.

It’s shocking to learn that complaints about the abuse in the Pennsylvania dioceses were locked in a secret archive. Maintaining this archive is actually required by their Code of Canon Law  – and only a bishop holds the key to it.  

The bottom line and the Safe Sport Act

There will always be sexual deviants in society. Some organizations attract them in greater numbers than others because of the populations they serve. Children are always an easy target, as are vulnerable women.

It’s important to identify the problem and then manage it. Setting the right tone and establishing policies and procedures is the responsibility of those at the top.

The new Safe Sport Act was signed into law in February of 2018. It applies to most youth sports organizations. The Safe Sport Act directly targets those organizations that want to handle matters internally. It requires any adult with access to youth to report a suspicion of child abuse directly to law enforcement within 24 hours.

We offer more information on mandatory reporting requirements and the latest in child abuse education and prevention in our Safe Sport Child Abuse And Other Misconduct Risk Management Program For Non NGG Organizations program.

Who gets sued and the delayed nature of lawsuits

It is also interesting to note that litigation for sex abuse and molestation can occur decades after the incidents. This is because there is no statute of limitations on this type of behavior.

The alleged abuser, the legal entity, and respective directors and officers will all be sued for failure to screen, failure to respond to an allegation, or failure to implement policies and procedures to prevent occurrences. It is critical for organizations to keep all General Liability policies on hand indefinitely in the event of future litigation. In addition, the past administration will be held accountable for their lack of oversight based on today’s standards instead of past standards, which were much more relaxed.

The delayed-reaction nature of litigation for sexual abuse and molestation means a claims-made policy form is inferior to the occurrence policy form under a General Liability policy. Please read “Occurrence vs Claims Insurance Made For Sports Organizations” for more detailed information. In addition, it is strongly recommended that the General Liability policy covering the sports organization should be endorsed to include specific coverage for sex abuse and molestation.

Please contact us if you have any questions about risk management to reduce the chances of child abuse and other misconduct or need an insurance quote for your sports organization.

Sources: