10/11/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Skydiving.
Skydivers are one with the air, training at heights that others dare not, relying on focus, control, instinct, and trust. With the need to commune with the sky and enjoy finding zen at terminal velocity, skydivers are boosted by the camaraderie of the skydiving community, who know the sky demands respect. Set your plan, triple-check your gear, and jump–these athletes know the sky is not the limit. When we protect skydivers, we keep the sky 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 Skydiving Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Skydiving has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Skydiving is an extreme sport and has a high risk and rate of injuries. 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.
- Skydivers 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.
- Skydiving, especially at lower levels, often involves tandem jumping, which requires close physical contact between the athlete and the coach/instructor. There is a risk of abuse occurring in these situations, especially if the athlete is led to believe that the behavior is considered “normal.”
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.
10/6/2026
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
9/24/2026
Former Johnstown teacher, coach, councilman sentenced to probation after texting teen
9/23/2026
Lawsuit alleges former Sunrise Academy coach sexually abused 8-year-old
Skydiving Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Mental Health, Environmental Safety, and Reporting within Skydiving.
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Basic Safety Requirements (USPA SIM)
Physical Safety
Learn the rules of skydiving and the importance of skydiving safety.
Report and Browse Incidents
Reporting
USPA members can submit a report when an incident occurs or when noticing a safety concern.
The Skydiving Gear Check: What To Know
Physical Safety
Learn about the importance of properly checking your gear before each jump.
USPA Using Your Fear
Mental Health
Gain an understanding of fear in skydiving and how to cope with it.
Weather Resources
Environmental Safety
Learn more about conditions that affect jump operations and the resources to predict the weather.
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.
View Crisis Resources
