for action to quickly help children in their care if they do suspect abuse and need to report. Tis program has also developed a child-friendly presentation to empower kids, teaching them safety rules and how to speak up and seek help if necessary. Te need for programs is evident as studies indicate 40 to 50 percent of athletes have experienced anything from mild harassment to severe abuse. Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe for Athletes has been reviewed and overwhelmingly supported by sports psychologists and Olympic consultants at the Foundation for Global Sports Development, as well as several Olympic medalists and colleagues in the field.

Defining Abuse – What to Watch for

Childhelp defines child abuse as neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and spiritual abuse. Most of the time the abuser is someone the child knows and trusts, like a parent, family member, friend, teacher, coach, or possibly

an older child. Tere are not always outward physical or behavioral signs of abuse. Coaches and parents should be familiar with some of the following, which are common. Physical abuse can include non-accidental injuries resulting in physical harm to a child. Injuries can be caused by punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, whipping, breaking bones, and hair pulling. Failure to seek medical attention for injuries is also a form of abuse. Physical of abuse in sport may include scenarios in which a coach or parent compromises a child’s safety or health by forcing or suggesting he or she play injured or forces exercise as a form of punishment. Emotional abuse can sometimes

be hard to identify but can be just as damaging and have life-long effects. Emotional abuse can be described as causing severe adverse effects on a child’s emotional development and well-being. Tis can be done by using language or actions that are derogatory, degrading, humiliating, belittling, isolating, or call the child out as inadequate. Emotional

As a sports community, we share a role in protecting and serving our young athletes. Te key is prevention and education to help maintain a culture of awareness and security. Building strong pillars involving staff, coaches, parents and educated children, will engage our athletic community to work together as a safety net for young athletes.

abuse can also be when the adult withholds emotion, attention, love, value and support from the child. A parent who consistently shows disgust, disapproval or worse, can interfere with a child’s positive development, psyche and self-concept.

ISI EDGE SUMMER 2016

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