6/22/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Color Guard.
Color Guard performers synthesize athleticism and artistry across every field. Each step, toss, and catch relies on timing, awareness, and stamina under pressure and scrutiny. These athletes showcase their talents and commitment to honor, grace, and precision through their deliberate movement and teamwork. When we protect color guard performers, 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 Color Guard Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Color Guard has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- High levels of involvement in color guard often require time spent away from family at camps or competitions. Since practices, performances, and competitions are held at a variety of venues, it can be hard to identify isolated and other high-risk areas when locations vary and are unfamiliar.
- Color guard competition often involves subjective scoring, deducting from a baseline “perfect” score. Pressure and scrutiny to avoid point deductions can negatively impact self-esteem and confidence, and leave athletes emotionally vulnerable.
- Color guard requires specific equipment. If athletes are not taught how to use this equipment correctly, they may risk injury to themselves and others.
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.
11/16/2025
Color guard instructor accused of sending nude photos to student on Snapchat, police say
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
9/30/2026
Longtime Hastings sports figure charged with 13 felonies
9/24/2026
Ex-NC State sports medicine director indicted on sexual abuse charges involving student-athletes
Color Guard Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Mental Health, and Reporting within Color Guard.
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Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
F.E.A.S.T.
Mental Health
Find support, resources, or connections for families affected by eating disorders.
How to Avoid Injuries in Color Guard: A comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Physical Safety
Learn about the importance of injury prevention in Ccolor guard.
Participant Protection Reporting Form
Reporting
Learn about WGI expectations for the conduct and compliance for everyone associated with any WGI-sanctioned event.
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of REDs, symptoms and causes of REDs, and prevention.
The Impact of Eating Disorders on Athletic Performance
Mental Health
Develop an understanding of the impact that disordered eating has on athletic performance.
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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