An Even Playing Field Paying and supporting youth coaches recognizes the time, responsibility, and life lessons they provide alongside classroom teachers. This article is for Members only
False Security Background checks are essential but must be paired with screening, training, supervision, policies, and reporting to protect young athletes. This article is for Members only
Sore Losers Rules that punish teams for winning by large margins confuse sportsmanship with avoiding competition and deny children valuable lessons. This article is for Members only
Stand Up Youth-sports leaders must confront abusive spectators, enforce conduct standards, and protect coaches, officials, and children. This article is for Members only
Take A Stand A family’s struggle after a youth baseball injury challenges leagues, coaches, and parents to protect children and confront harmful conduct. This article is for Members only
Heads Up Youth-sports programs need concussion education, recognition protocols, medical clearance, and a safety-first culture to protect young athletes. This article is for Members only
Parental Timeouts Youth-sports programs can protect children and officials by setting clear fan-conduct rules and removing parents who repeatedly behave abusively. This article is for Members only
Dissecting Drafts Youth-sports evaluations can create balanced teams without humiliating children when coaches emphasize encouragement, fairness, and development. This article is for Members only
Sizing Up Scoring Youth-sports programs should match scorekeeping and competition to children’s age, development, enjoyment, and readiness for winning and losing. This article is for Members only
The Mercy Rule Mercy rules can prevent humiliation but may also remove opportunities to teach resilience, effort, and respectful competition. This article is for Members only
Stepping Up With Safer Programs Safer youth-sports programs require background checks, trained volunteers, clear policies, emergency planning, and consistent supervision. This article is for Members only
Wanted: Youth Sports Specialists Youth-sports administrators need specialized knowledge, training, and professional support to protect children and deliver quality programs. This article is for Members only
