The Future of Safety
Hear experts from USA Lacrosse, USA Artistic Swimming, and the U.S. Center for SafeSport discuss the future of youth athlete safety and how all of us can make a difference.
The National Center for Safety Initiatives and SportsEngine celebrated National Youth Sports Week from October 24th through the 29th. We celebrated athletes and leaders who make youth sports happen and started discussions about the future of safety in youth sports.
As part of National Youth Sports Week, the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) celebrated Safety Day with a webinar focused on the future of youth sports safety and how we can all make a difference.
Trish Sylvia, the founder of NCSI and Vice President of Advocacy and Engagement with NBC Sports Next led the discussion panel of experts from USA Lacrosse, USA Artistic Swimming, and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The discussion yielded valuable insights for sports organizations who want to facilitate safe play as well as parents who are seeking out the right program for their kids.
Hannah Hinton, Vice President of Audit and Compliance for the U.S. Center for SafeSport, called out a core resource in creating safe environments in sports is the Minor Athlete Abuse prevention policies (MAAPP). They’re important for everyone who touches youth sports to know, because more knowledge starts to create change in the culture of youth sports.
Ann Kitt Carpenetti, the Vice President of National Teams and Safety at USA Lacrosse, addressed parents. It's important to get involved and evaluate the program before enrolling. Ultimately, parents know what’s best for their kids and leaders in youth sports should make sure parents have access to the information they need in order to make those important decisions.
Finally, Adam Andrasko, CEO of USA Artistic Swimming provided an inspirational rally cry to all. “This work is the most important work in the history of sport... we are providing a place for our kids to learn and grow and become better human beings while being safe.” Whether at a leadership level or a coach or parent, we all play a part.
Watch the full webinar for much more. The future of safety involves all of us and it’s important to stay educated and informed.
Learn more about the resources mentioned in the webinar here:
National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) background checks
USA Lacrosse Athlete Protection
