Guide to Keep Kids Safe On and Off the Field

Hockey players congratulating each other

In a high velocity, contact sport such as ice hockey, injuries are bound to occur. Follow these steps to minimize the occurrence of on-ice injuries.

Background Screening - Your First Line of Defense

April 13, 2023

Of the 60 million youth athletes throughout the United States, up to an estimated 4.8 million may be victims of sexual abuse…
Football Player Safety Rises to the Forefront

June 02, 2023

Player safety is becoming an increasingly vital aspect of youth sports.
Background Checks Are a Buyer-Beware Proposition

by Trish Sylvia

March 16, 2018

Discounted screenings often ignore local databases that can be costly to mine for information

Sport injury and prevention guides

The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) seeks to train and educate coaches, educators and family members to ensure that young people participate in a safe environment so they get all of the benefits associated with youth sports. Read more by NCYS

Football Sports Tips Hero Image from PDF

Regardless of position, football players should consider have their technique examined sports medicine professional.

Lacrosse Sports Tips Hero Image from PDF

Regardless of position, lacrosse players should consider have their technique examined sports medicine professional.

Regardless of position, ice hockey players should consider have their technique examined sports medicine professional.

Regardless of position, soccer players should consider have their technique examined sports medicine professional.

Softball Sports Tips Hero Image from PDF

Regardless of position, softball players should consider have their technique examined sports medicine professional.

Volleyball Sports Tips Hero Image from PDF

Regardless of position, volleyball players should consider have their technique examined sports medicine professional.

Basketball Sports Tips Hero Image from PDF

Regardless of position, basketball players should consider have their technique examined sports medicine professional.

Baseball Sports Tips Hero Image from PDF

Regardless of position, baseball players should consider have their technique examined sports medicine professional.

Building a safer future for youth sports

Promote abuse-free sport settings with these resources and articles for parents and athletes from the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

How do you tell the difference between a caring adult and one grooming your child for abuse? Explore patterns and behaviors to be aware of.

The Powerful Impact of Positive Coaching Techniques

Whether your team wins the game or not, your athletes need to know that you’ll be there waiting for them with a high five on the sidelines.

To Assess Camp Safety This Summer, Ask the Right Questions

Is Your Child’s Camp Safety-Ready? These 8 questions can help you gauge whether your child’s summer activity provider is well prepared to prevent and address abuse and misconduct .

As School Starts, Parents Can Pave the Way for Hard but Honest Discussions

As school begins and teams form, these 5 tips will help parents be prepared to talk with their child about abuse in and around sport.

Athletes Come First at Chaparral Wrestling Club

Watch this short story for a firsthand account of how the U.S. Center for SafeSport has supported Chaparral Wrestling Club in fostering a positive environment for anyone who gets on the mat.

5 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Their Child Joins a Sport

These 5 tips help parents set their child up for a safe, fun, and successful first experience in sport

Coaches: to Build Team Trust, Tune in to Your Athletes’ Moods

Coaches: Caretakers of Character Do sports build character in young athletes, or simply reveal it? Learn how our latest podcast can help you assess.

Can you tell judo from taekwondo? Test your savvy with these 9 questions about Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Image of young man and his son playing basketball

Listen to the 'Champion in Every Corner' podcast to learn how parents can stay informed and protect their children from abuse and neglect in sports.

Three ways coaches and parents can bring age-appropriate mental health dialogue to the field of play.

April Holmes overcame a tragic accident to win Paralympic gold. Her journey and safe sport ideals inspire young athletes every day.

Girl wearing blue soccer pinny after practice and looking down at her phone

The U.S. Center for SafeSport guides parents and coaches across America on diverse athlete safety topics—like how to respond if your child discloses abuse.

Get the Gold Standard of Background Checks

Protect your athletes, families, and organization with industry-leading background checks from the National Center for Safety Initiatives

Protect your athletes

Concussion care and prevention

A concussed soccer player seeks help at the doctors office

What actions can an organization take to reduce their liability?

All time ready to run. Runner sleep in comfort run shoes

Getting a good night's sleep after a sports-related concussion might lead to a shorter recovery time in adolescents

Portrait of senior chiropractor consult sports athlete's neck injury.

Coaches should also give information to the parents regarding the signs and symptoms of concussion so they can monitor their child at home.

Kids Don't Know About Concussion thumbnail

Study shows about 300,000 youth athletes suffer concussions each year

What is Post Concussion Syndrome thumbnail

After so many years of high profile news around concussions it is encouraging to see scientific evidence about reducing the risk of head impacts in ice hockey.

Returning to Learning After a Concussion thumbnail

Why is Rest Important After a Concussion thumbnail

A hockey player may have a concussion after a check from an opposing player.

To reduce the likelihood of players lying so they can stay in the game, be sure to emphasize the importance of honesty and how the number one priority is their long-term safety.

Child at pediatricians office holding ice pack on his head with mother and doctor in room. Little boy using cold compress in medical exam room receiving first aid

As a coach or parent, do you know the signs that indicate that a player has been concussed?

More Safety Articles

Teenage boy holding a basketball on the court

Learn how NCYS is bringing together best-in-class resources needed to keep our children safe so they can get active and stay healthy and safe.

SafeSport We Are All Champions video thumbnail

You may have heard of SafeSport's Olympic Movement efforts—or maybe not much at all about America’s safe sport nonprofit turning 5 in March. Learn the basics.

From the brakes to the handle bars, we have everything you need to know to do a proper safety check on your family's mountain bikes.

Abuse Prevention Training has resulted in increased safety and participation for young athletes.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport guides parents and coaches across America on diverse athlete safety topics—like how to respond if your child discloses abuse.

Gun violence has club owners and directors devising new ways to keep kids safe

Abstract view from the goal of a girls lacrosse game as the goalie prepares to pass the ball to one of her team mates.

Keeping its athletes safe when not supervised by their parents or guardians is a top priority for US Lacrosse

How Can Coaches Help Make a Safe and Inclusive Playing Environment for Players?

Get advice from youth sports coaches on how to make your organization a more safe and inclusive place for youth athletes.

Young coach teaching kids on football field.

Here are 9 simple tips for ensuring that your players are emotionally and physically safe in their sport.

Cheerful rugby players doing a fist bump

Do Your Part to Help Keep Children Safe - Understanding the Importance of Background Checks

Is Your Child’s Camp Safety-Ready? These 8 questions can help you gauge whether your child’s summer activity provider is well prepared to prevent and address abuse and misconduct .

Hockey team is shown skating past their bench high-fiving in celebration

Tournament or showcase play can take a major toll on an athlete’s mind and body. Don’t just show up to a tournament or showcase - show up with a plan that will allow you to play at your best.

Continued wave of school shootings have club operators exploring ways to keep their facilities safe

Player safety is becoming an increasingly vital aspect of youth sports.

A checklist for parents to prepare kids before they go anywhere without adult protection

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Presented by

Common Hockey Injuries and How to Prevent Them

March 01, 2021

Background Screening - Your First Line of Defense

April 13, 2023

Football Player Safety Rises to the Forefront

June 02, 2023

Background Checks Are a Buyer-Beware Proposition

by Trish Sylvia

March 16, 2018

Sport injury and prevention guides

Football Injuries and Prevention

April 14, 2022

Lacrosse Injuries and Prevention

April 14, 2022

Hockey Injuries and Prevention

April 14, 2022

Soccer Injuries and Prevention

April 14, 2022

Softball Injuries and Prevention

April 14, 2022

Volleyball Injuries and Prevention

April 14, 2022

Basketball Injuries and Prevention

April 14, 2022

Baseball Injuries and Prevention

March 28, 2022

Building a safer future for youth sports

Awareness is Key to Recognizing Signs of Grooming in Sport

April 24, 2024

The Powerful Impact of Positive Coaching Techniques

April 01, 2024

To Assess Camp Safety This Summer, Ask the Right Questions

March 04, 2024

As School Starts, Parents Can Pave the Way for Hard but Honest Discussions

March 04, 2024

Athletes Come First at Chaparral Wrestling Club

January 19, 2023

5 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Their Child Joins a Sport

December 20, 2022

To Build Team Trust, Tune in to Your Athletes’ Moods

September 01, 2022

Go for Gold—and Name That Sport!

May 26, 2022

Tips for Parents on Keeping Children Safe in Sport

April 26, 2022

Mental Health: How To Be A Team Player

April 20, 2022

Inspiring Women in Sport: A Paralympian’s Story

January 26, 2022

Tools to Help Parents and Coaches Keep Young Athletes Safe

December 02, 2021

Get the Gold Standard of Background Checks

Concussion care and prevention

Reducing Liability for Concussion-Related Lawsuits: Document Your Training and Education

October 08, 2020

Good Sleep Quality Helps Youth Concussion Recovery

November 05, 2018

Returning to Play After a Concussion

May 10, 2019

Kids Don't Know About Concussion

December 08, 2020

Heads Up: Concussion Stats Reveal Surprising Numbers

August 03, 2018

What is Post Concussion Syndrome?

December 08, 2020

Cognitive Training Could Prevent Concussions

March 29, 2018

Returning to Learning After a Concussion