Fall sports are kicking off, which means youth sports teams across the country are looking for parents to volunteer and take the lead. If you find yourself suddenly stepping up to coach your child’s youth sports team, you probably have some questions: How can I be an effective coach? Should I focus on skills, teamwork, having fun, or all of the above? How can I encourage my own child while avoiding favoritism?

Youth sports offer kids the chance to grow and learn. But sports can also be a place where abuse can thrive. As a new coach, it’s important to understand your role in keeping youth athletes safe from misconduct and abuse. Below, we explore actions you can take—such as practicing open and transparent communication and following abuse prevention policies—to protect athletes and prioritize safety on your team.

What Kind of Coach Do You Want to Be?

You have the power to choose the type of coach you want to be—and create an environment where athletes can thrive and succeed. But thriving athletes need to first be safe athletes. By fostering safety and well-being on your team, you’ll set athletes up for a healthy sport experience free from misconduct or abuse.

Before heading into the season, take a moment to reflect on what you can do to create a culture of safety. Explore actions that will protect your athletes and understand what actions might put them at risk of abuse.

Here are three actions you can take to prioritize safety: