Keeping Our Children Safe From Abuse Requires Vigilance

In February at our Annual General Meeting, I spoke to the leadership of soccer in our state on a number of topics, most of which were focused on the future of our sport. The theme was “grow the game.” Our goal is to be more inclusive and create opportunities for all children to participate and have the resources they need to enjoy soccer and thrive. We need to provide the same for coaches, administrators, and referees. We need to look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played in our backyard for the first time ever and utilize this once in a lifetime opportunity in multiple ways. But I also spoke about another way for us to grow is to provide safe spaces for kids to play. Safe spaces mean two things; locations with new and improved fields that are free of violence or crime and safe environments free of discrimination, abuse, and negativity.

Chris Branscome Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

In March at the US Soccer Annual General Meeting, similar discussions were being held regarding “safe soccer,” the Yates Report and what we all must do to eliminate these negative aspects of the game. Youth, professionals, and amateurs were involved in the discussions, and we all are experiencing it in varying degrees. This is a national concern, and we need to work harder and smarter to address it. From my own experiences in Eastern Pennsylvania and throughout these national or regional discussions, one of the pressing issues is the emotional abuse of youth players. As the US Center for SafeSport defines it, emotional abuse is behaviors and actions that cause emotional harm to another person. It ranges from verbal acts, physical acts, acts denying attention or support and stalking.

My focus here is on emotional misconduct from coaches towards players. At our level, our players are children. Children should not be subject to emotional misconduct. When you see an adult screaming at or berating a child or using tactics to isolate or exclude them from practice, adults need to intervene. Adults need to be advocates for the children. Ultimately, it should be reported.

SafeSport gives an additional example of the difference between emotional misconduct and tough coaching. “Tough coaches combine high expectations with positive motivation, respect, and care. Coaches who engage in emotional misconduct use fear, intimidation, and punishment.” We don’t need this kind of coach and we don’t need our children to be anxious about practice. I don’t see this behavior from the best in any sport. Jim Curtin, Jay Wright, Nick Sirianni don’t act this way, so who are abusive coaches modeling themselves after?

As we require all coaches and club board members to take SafeSport training annually, we should also be responsible for educating players and parents. A coach can take the course and still not recognize their own bad behavior. They may view themselves as being tough or motivational when, in reality, they are not. Our children may not recognize this and may think that’s the way it is. But children aren’t equipped yet to defend themselves against the adult, against the authority figure holding the key to their playing time and hopefully, fun time. Be an advocate for your child.

Parents, I invite you to learn more about SafeSport. Club boards, I invite you to stay vigilant and be visible. Coaches, I ask you to look out for all kids, not just the ones you coach. If we want to grow the game and have a bright future, we need to ensure kids can thrive when they’re on the fields. More kids will play and remain in the game when they feel respected and safe. Our players want to learn and get better. Let’s help them do that. Let’s continue this conversation and let’s make the game better.