9/5/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Shooting.
Whether you are shooting at a target or moving clays, it's you and your firearm. Shooting requires proper body positioning, a strong upper body, motor skills, balance, and acute attunement with your breath and concentration. For shooters to demonstrate proficiency with their pistol or rifle, they must know their firearm confidently, from practicing firearm safety to firearm cleaning, maintenance, and donning the proper ear and eye protection. When we protect our shooters, 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 Shooting Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Shooting has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Shooting is a technical sport that requires specialized coaching. Coaches may have a high level of power over athletes, and many coaches with high reputations may go unquestioned, despite authoritarian coaching styles.
- Shooting athletes may place a high level of trust in their coaches. This could lead to psychological dependence, blurred boundaries, and/or grooming in the coach-athlete relationship.
- Shooting requires specific equipment, and if not properly maintained or used, it could cause injury and harm to athletes. Injured athletes may be especially vulnerable to abuse or exploitation when dependent on those in power to make treatment and return-to-sport decisions. Inadequate injury prevention and treatment protocols may be signs of neglect in the sporting environment.
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.
1/12/2026
Shooting coach suspended over allegations of sexual assault, NRAI president remains silent
6/7/2025
8th FIR filed against Indore shooting coach on charges of sexual harassment
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
Shooting Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Environmental Safety, and Safeguarding within Shooting.
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Shoot more, shoot better - Fit to Play
Physical Safety
Exercises to prevent shooting injuries.
Shooting Sport Injuries in Youth and Junior Athletes
Safeguarding
Read about the possible shooting sport injuries in youth and junior athletes.
Six Keys to Proper Etiquette at the Range
Environmental Safety
Learn about shooting range etiquette and safety.
What Do Olympic Shooters Think about Physical Training Factors and Their Performance?
Safeguarding
Read about fitness training and its connection to shooting performance and mental state.
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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