In December 2015, retired NHL hockey

A parent who consistently shows disgust, disapproval or worse, can interfere with a child’s positive development, psyche and self-concept.

player Patrick O’Sullivan shared his tragic story of abuse in Te Player’s Tribune, an online platform that allows athletes to connect directly with their fans, in their own words. Growing up as an athlete, O’Sullivan, as young as age 5, suffered horrific physical and emotional abuse by his father, which continued through most of his young hockey career. “As strange as it might sound, the routine physical abuse was something I learned to endure,” he wrote. “A good day for me was when he beat me like normal. I could prepare myself for that. A bad day was when things got unpredictable.” Abuse happens in all communities and

sports, occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, and honors no boundaries. It can happen at the hands of parents, coaches, friends, family members, teachers, and even by older youth. What is most important is our awareness of the issues and our willingness to step up and help children when they need us.

Policies to Protect

Over the past several years, there have been significant improvements to policies, procedures and operations within athletic associations and organizations to educate coaches and staff and protect youth in sports. Child abuse and neglect prevention and education information and policy must be in place and in practice for facility and coaching staffs, parents and athletes. Te United States Olympic Committee put forth guidelines and information through SafeSport, to help keep kids safe, and adapted the program for many areas, including figure skating and hockey, to address specific needs in individual areas of sport. Leading national non-profit

organization, Childhelp, has been dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect since 1959. Teir prevention education program, Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe For Athletes, educates coaches, parents and community members about the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. It also provides a roadmap

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ISI EDGE SUMMER 2016