10/29/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Softball.
Batters load while the pitcher winds up. Fielders ready themselves to respond to the ball, and with eyes on the bases, prepare to provide backup. Between all the pop flys, bunts, and power hitters, softball demands players with fast instincts, focused strategy, and constant awareness. Whether they are striving toward more season put-outs or improving their batting average, softball players work hard on their technique. And all of it is driven by tenacity and love of the game. When we protect our softball 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 Softball Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Softball has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Softball practices and competitions often take place in a variety of venues, and often require a frequent amount of travel. It can be difficult to discern isolated and/or other high-risk areas when locations are unfamiliar.
- Softball is a team sport, and 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.
- If an athlete or coach causes harm, sports organizations may move them to different teams, instead of enforcing consequences.
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.
10/28/2026
UPDATED: Athletics Mercado Teams Leave Organization Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
10/20/2026
Loganville Christian Academy teacher accused of grooming 15-year-old she coached on travel softball team
10/18/2026
Breaking: LCA teacher and softball coach arrested on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor
10/29/2026
NCAA takes aim at online abusers threatening student-athletes through newly established Bad Actor Program
10/29/2026
Former McKinney ISD athletic trainer sentenced to 5 years for sexually assaulting student, prosecutors say
10/28/2026
Coach sentenced to 26 years for sexual assault of 12-year-old
10/22/2026
Athletic director arrested on alleged child sexual abuse charges, officers say
Softball Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Governing Bodies within Softball.
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Common Baseball and Softball Injuries – And How to Prevent Them
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of treatment and prevention for common baseball/softball injuries.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
Get a Heads Up On Catcher’s Helmet Safety
Physical Safety
Learn about proper helmet fitting and catcher safety.
How to Establish Healthy Team Rituals In Sport
Governing Bodies
Learn how to build healthy team dynamics in softball.
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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