Types of Abuse and Neglect

Abuse can occur in several forms and is centered on power, especially the power of the coach over the athlete. The following information should help you identify abuse or neglect, though it is not a complete list of behaviors that are considered abuse and neglect:

Emotional Abuse

• Name calling, insulting, shouting, belittling, threatening, humiliating, scapegoating, ignoring, rejecting, bullying, taunting, shunning, isolating, denying

Physical Abuse

Federal law defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation to a child, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.

In the context of youth sports, child abuse can take many, and perhaps, to some, surprising forms:  

Emotional abuse

Is a verbal attack on a child's self esteem by a person in a position of power, authority, or trust such as a parent or coach, and occurs even if the attack is intended as a form of discipline or is not intended by the adult to cause harm

Can take many forms, including any of the following: