Anyone can experience any type of misconduct or abuse in sports, at any age, any level of play, and in any sport. The only person accountable for the abuse is the perpetrator, and experiencing abuse is never the victim's fault.
Often in sports, abuse and misconduct overlap and intersect, and are rooted in the power imbalance at play. Research has found that athletes in particular, “may present symptoms of abuse differently than non-athletes due to sports cultures’ encouragement of obedience and the suppression of emotions” (Gattis & Moore, 2022).
Additionally, athletes may be conditioned to forms of misconduct or abuse they are experiencing, or may not recognize they are experiencing misconduct or abuse until they have had distance and time, reached a critical threshold, or have heard other abuse stories (Kuhlin & Barker-Ruchti, 2024). These factors can make warning signs and symptoms difficult to spot and address.
Whether we are looking out for our teammates or a friend, child, or someone in our sporting environment, we may want to know what to look for if we suspect someone is experiencing abuse or misconduct.
The reality is that everyone has their own unique responses to experiencing stress, misconduct, abuse, or trauma. We all react to things differently, and we may never know the full picture of what someone has going on in their life. Therefore, it is critical that we do not make assumptions or jump to conclusions if we notice the following warning signs, but that we also keep a keen eye out for one another.
While this list is not exhaustive, someone experiencing abuse and misconduct in sport may exhibit:
- Changes in mood
- Depression, anxiety, agitation, intensity, tearfulness, anger, aggression, fear, frustration, overcompliance, defensiveness
- Depression, anxiety, agitation, intensity, tearfulness, anger, aggression, fear, frustration, overcompliance, defensiveness
- Changes in behaviors
- Increased or decreased socialization, sleeping, eating, and engagement in activities
- Avoidance of particular people or places
- Drastic changes in style and appearance
- Decreased self-esteem
- Suicidality or self-harm
- Trouble sleeping
- Performance declines in school, sport, or work
- Decreased or increased personal hygiene
- Increased or decreased sexuality
- Sexual knowledge that is not age-appropriate
- Changes in finances or control over personal finances or documents
- Neglecting activities for daily living
- Increased secrecy
- Substance use
- Changes in motivation
- Hyperperformance
- Not wanting to go to practice or play anymore
- Wanting to change teams or sports
- Changes in health
- Unexplained/uncommon injuries
- Pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Stress-related symptoms - (i.e., ulcers, headaches, G.I issues, increased illnesses)
- Untreated medical problems
- Disordered eating
Remember, changes in someone's behaviors, attitudes, and demeanor may be attributed to something else going on in their life. It is important to trust your gut – if something feels off, it probably is.
So, if you are concerned about someone who may be demonstrating the warning signs listed above, start with:
- Gently checking in
- This looks like talking with the person in an appropriate time and place privately, and asking them, “Hey, I have noticed ______, and just wanted to see if you are okay. I am here if you want to talk about anything or need anything. I care about you.”
- This action step can be repeated several times if warning signs increase or continue.
- Maintaining boundaries
- This looks like following the person’s lead. If they do not want to share or explain, or talk about what you have observed, respect their boundaries. It is ok to remind them that you are there if they change their mind and want to talk. Otherwise, keep the status quo and remain a positive, safe connection for them. Often, that is more helpful than we realize, just being a safe harbor.
- Sometimes, it can take time for someone to disclose or report experiencing abuse. This is called delayed disclosure. It is not ok, and can be harmful to force disclosure when someone is not ready.
- Offering supportive resources
- This looks like saying, “No worries if you don’t want to talk to me about it, or are not ready to. I just want you to know that there are resources available if you want.” Then you can direct them to the link above or another appropriate resource.
- If you need help finding a specific resource, please reach out at info@weridetogether.today, and we can help direct you.
- Being ready
- If the person you are worried about does disclose that they are experiencing abuse or misconduct, be prepared with how to best approach this conversation by learning what to say vs. not to say. Additionally, review what you can do to support survivors in the short term and long term.
- If the person you are worried about does disclose that they are experiencing abuse or misconduct, be prepared with how to best approach this conversation by learning what to say vs. not to say. Additionally, review what you can do to support survivors in the short term and long term.
- Getting help
- If you are concerned that someone is experiencing abuse or misconduct in sports or want additional guidance in supporting someone, reach out to the Courage First Athlete Helpline at 1-888-279-1026. As always, you can also make a report of suspected, disclosed, or observed abuse and misconduct. For minors, follow mandatory reporting guidelines in your jurisdiction as well as your organization's reporting procedures. For adults, it is best practice to follow their lead and empower and support their preferred action steps, and follow your organization's reporting procedures if applicable. Click here for more information on reporting and crisis resources.
Kathryn McClain, MSW, MBA
Program and Partnerships Director at #WeRideTogether
kmcclain@weridetogether.today
References
- Childhelp. (2021). Recognizing signs of child abuse: Full set [PDF]. Childhelp. https://www.childhelp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Childhelp-Signs-of-Abuse-Full-Set.pdf
- Gattis, C., & Moore, M. (2022). A conceptual analysis of maltreatment in sports: A sport social work perspective. Frontiers in sports and active living, 4, 1017308. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.1017308
- Kuhlin, F., & Barker-Ruchti, N. (2025). The abuse narrative in sport: the findings of a framework synthesis literature review. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 17(5), 382–400. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2025.2487700
- Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). (n.d.). Types and indicators of abuse: Safeguarding adults [Web page/PDF]. https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/#download
- U.S. Center for SafeSport. (2025, August). Mandatory reporting: How to recognize abuse — Signs and symptoms [PDF]. U.S. Center for SafeSport. https://uscenterforsafesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mandatory-Reporting_How-to-Recognize-Abuse-Signs-and-Symptoms_071725_v7.2-1-FINAL-ua.pdf
