Chapter 46 - Bullying, harassment and abuse in sport

Abstract

Although sports participation is usually considered protective against victimization, providers who care for child and adolescent athletes need to be aware of the risk, scope, and presentation of abuse and maltreatment in youth sports. Maltreatment can be overt or subtle, intentional, or accidental and includes psychological, physical and sexual abuse, as well as bullying, hazing, and neglect. Psychological maltreatment is the most common and underpins all other forms of nonaccidental violence. Physical and sexual violence maltreatment includes a spectrum of contact and noncontact behaviors. Teammates or peers are the most common perpetrators of sexual violence, hazing, and bullying. Providers need to be aware of populations at higher risk for abuse and should consider the sports setting any time abuse is considered in young patients. When sport-related abuse is suspected, providers need to contact local child protection and law enforcement, as well as the U.S. Center for Safe Sport or other appropriate authorities that oversee the involved program. Prevention is key. Families can be counseled on how to minimize the risk of nonaccidental violence in sports by addressing factors that elevate the risk for the individual athlete, and by advocating for changes in sports programs to ensure coaches are educated and policies enacted to safeguard young athletes.