10/9/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Basketball.
Hustling up and down the court takes heart, stamina, and agility. Whether you are playing a game of pickup or competing in March Madness, all basketball players seek those splashes and bank shots from inside the paint or when shooting threes. Everyone, from the point guard to the players helping from the bench, rallies and engages in that full-court press. The moment made even more thrilling by the crowds roaring for the game-winning, buzzer-beater basket. When we protect our basketball players, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Basketball Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Basketball has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Physical aggression can be common in basketball, and unchecked aggression on and off the court can lead to violence and/or abuse.
- Basketball often requires frequent travel, and a variety of venues are used for practice and competition. It can be difficult to identify isolated and other high-risk areas at variable and unfamiliar locations.
- Team environments can be potential havens for peer-on-peer abuse, hazing, and bullying. These behaviors are often encouraged, minimized, or normalized rather than taken seriously.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
10/7/2026
Former Livingston Parish coach accused of multiple sex crimes involving juveniles
10/1/2026
Former Castle HS coach jailed for sexual misconduct with student, officials say
10/1/2026
Ex-Okemos teacher, coach accused of sexually assaulting student
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
Basketball Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Governing Bodies, and Coaching within Basketball.
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7 Steps to Teaching Youth Athletes To Respect Umpires and Referees
Coaching
Gain an understanding of the importance of respecting umpires and referees.
Basketball Active & Safe
Physical Safety
Learn to identify common basketball injuries and practice injury prevention.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
Preventing Basketball Injuries
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of injury prevention in basketball.
Stretching Tips: Keys to a Proper Warm-Up
Physical Safety
Learn about the importance of warm-ups and stretching for injury prevention.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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