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Business Wire
a day ago
- Sport
- Business Wire
U.S. Center for SafeSport Releases 2024 Annual Report
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center) today released its 2024 Annual Report, which provides an overview of activities, milestones, and data for the Center's eighth year of operations. "Robust engagement with stakeholders and a deep commitment to continuous evolution are fundamental to the Center's work to advance athlete safety." - Paralympian April Holmes, interim CEO, U.S. Center for SafeSport Share New to the report is a more detailed breakdown of data related to case outcomes. The report also includes a preliminary update on the implementation of process improvements that were announced in April 2024 as part of the Center's efforts to collect and incorporate stakeholder feedback. 'Robust engagement with stakeholders and a deep commitment to continuous evolution are fundamental to the Center's work to advance athlete safety,' said Paralympian April Holmes, interim Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Center for SafeSport. 'Shifting sport culture is about more than catalyzing change, it's about building a community that makes change inevitable.' From January 1 through December 31, 2024, the Center: Fielded nearly 8,100 reports of abuse and misconduct Implemented changes to the SafeSport Code and Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies that came into effect on July 1, 2024 and January 1, 2025, respectively Expanded platforms for abuse prevention education, including the launch of the SafeSport Ready™ mobile app, the creation of an athlete-focused Instagram channel, and delivery of a full year of quarterly prevention education-focused issues of the Center's Gameplan newsletter Audited every National Governing Body (NGB) to ensure compliance with policies, focusing on the sub-national level for the first time The release of this report coincides with an ongoing community outreach campaign focused on gaining insight directly from athletes, survivors, sport governing bodies, and other key stakeholders. These meetings have taken place virtually as well as in-person at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic training center in Colorado Springs, CO, and the Elite Athlete Training Center Chula Vista, CA. Designed to open new channels of communication and solicit additional feedback, this engagement comes at a pivotal time in the Center's evolution as the organization looks for new leadership and continues to forge the path ahead. Additional data from the 2024 Annual Report includes: 2,224 individuals restricted or banned from sport listed on the Centralized Disciplinary Database (CDD) 52 audits of NGBs, including 49 event audits that took place at regional and local levels for the first time 7.5% increase in reports of abuse and misconduct from 2023 to 2024, and an increase of more than 2,780% since 2017 'Any effort worth pursuing isn't going to be easy, and we cannot do it alone,' said Holmes. 'Our work is both a marathon and a sprint. Making strides to improve safety for athletes today and generations to come is the commitment that unites us and spurs us to evolve.' In providing a more detailed breakdown of case outcomes, the Center was able to share aggregated data across subcategories within Administrative Holds and Administrative Closures to improve transparency. Under Administrative Holds subcategories include Insufficient Information, Claimant Declined, Non-Responsive Claimant, and Unidentified Claimant. Under Administrative Closures subcategories include Admonishment, Letter of Concern (for Minor Respondents), No Applicable Policy, Previously Adjudicated, Respondent Deceased, and Unsupported Allegations. Need for Abuse Prevention in Sport The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation's only independent organization dedicated to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. The Center emerged in response to high profile cases of sexual abuse of minor athletes within Olympic and Paralympic sport in the mid-2010s. With the mission of making athlete well-being the centerpiece of the nation's sport culture, the Center has since been setting safety policies, and receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints of abuse and misconduct. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues. With the goal of ensuring athletes within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement are safe, supported, and strengthened, the Center: Establishes safety policies, including the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). Investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct and levies sanctions, including temporary and permanent bans from sport. Delivers comprehensive abuse prevention education within and outside of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. About the U.S. Center for SafeSport The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 codified the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center), as the nation's safe sport organization. It furthered the Center's independence while underscoring its authority to hold individuals accountable. It also charged the Center with developing policies, procedures, and training to prevent abuse and misconduct in sport. In October of 2020, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020 became law, even further strengthening the Center's independence and oversight functions while mandating minimum funding requirements for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. The Center opened its doors in March of 2017. Report here to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if you have experienced abuse or misconduct—or if you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or misconduct—inflicted by someone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. You can also leave a message by calling the Center at: 833-587-7233. RAINN's 24/7 online hotline is available for crisis intervention, referrals, or emotional support at any time. You can also call RAINN at: 800-656-HOPE (4673). The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support at or by calling 988.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
ASEAN boosts women's leadership & coaching in sports
ASEAN countries must establish structured, time-bound strategies to enhance gender equity in sports, particularly in leadership and coaching positions, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference on Gender Equity in Sports 2025, Yeoh highlighted that women hold less than 20 per cent of accredited coaching roles in the region. 'Coaching remains male-dominated due to unconscious bias and a shortage of female role models,' she noted. To address this, Yeoh proposed a national registry for women coaches and targeted support programs to elevate qualified candidates. 'We must transition from intention to action with measurable goals,' she emphasized. Malaysia has taken proactive steps, including the Safe Sport Code (2023) and National Sports Vision 2030 (VSN 2030), ensuring safe, inclusive sports environments. Over 1,180 organizations have pledged adherence to the Safe Sport Code, while 3,769 personnel have completed related training. The ministry also enforces mandatory background checks for National Sports Council-appointed coaches, with plans to extend this to all licensed coaches.
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
ASEAN Urged To Strengthen Women's Leadership, Coaching Roles In Sports
GEORGE TOWN, June 24 (Bernama) -- ASEAN member countries must develop clear, time-bound plans to advance gender equity in sports, particularly in leadership and coaching roles. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said many national sports bodies across Southeast Asia struggle to meet the 30 per cent target for women's representation in leadership. "Data shows that women represent less than 20 per cent of accredited coaches in ASEAN. Coaching remains male-dominated, often excluding women due to unconscious bias and the lack of role models. bootstrap slideshow "We need a clear, time-bound plan to move from intention to action," she said when delivering her keynote address at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Conference on Gender Equity in Sports 2025 here today. She pointed out that if the lack of quality women coaches is a concern, it may be time to introduce measures such as having a national registry of women coaches, together with targeted assistance to ensure continuous improvements for those who are qualified. Hannah said that each country's National Action Plan must also include robust media strategies to highlight women's contributions and address essential issues such as Safe Sport and mental health. "Malaysia has already laid this foundation through the Safe Sport Code, launched in 2023, which promotes dignity, respect and protection from harassment and abuse in all sporting environments. "Malaysia is also guided by our National Sports Vision 2030 (VSN 2030), a long-term framework aimed at building a competitive, inclusive, safe and progressive sports ecosystem," she said. In Malaysia, she said that 1,187 organisations (government agencies, sports bodies, and NGOs) have signed their commitment to the Safe Sports Code and 3,769 staff, coaches and athletes have to date completed the Safe Sport Course under the National Coaching Academy.
Sinar Daily
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
Experts urge stronger laws to protect Malaysian athletes as Safe Sport Code falls short
A dedicated Safe Sport Act, similar to laws enacted in US is urgently needed to address systemic failures and provide athletes with the protection they deserved. Photo for illustration purposes only. SHAH ALAM - Malaysia's Safe Sport Code, implemented two years ago, has proven inadequate in safeguarding athletes, as it lacks enforcement and legal safeguards to protect those who report abuse. Former national gymnast and Safe Sport Malaysia founder Sarina Sundarah Rajah said a dedicated Safe Sport Act, similar to laws enacted in the United States (US) was urgently needed to address systemic failures and provide athletes with the protection they deserved. "I've been advocating for the Safe Sport Act since 2015. Although Malaysia implemented it two years ago, it's still not enough because it's just a diagram and it doesn't come with legal enforcement," she said during the "Breaking the Silence: Exploring the Impact of Sexual Harassment in Sports and Beyond" forum. Sarina, who has spent over 30 years in the gymnastics industry, shared her extensive experience handling abuse cases. She stressed on the limitations of the current code, calling for an independent body to oversee safeguarding measures and enforce mandatory reporting. She added that numerous cases of abuse reported by survivors were often ignored, dismissed or mishandled by the very institutions meant to protect them. "Having a Safe Sport Act means to protect athletes, establish an independent commission, mandate safeguarding education, enforce mandatory reporting and ensure physical protection," she said. Photo for illustration purposes only. Drawing comparisons to the US, Sarina noted the impact of the Safe Sport Act introduced in 2018 following the USA Gymnastics abuse scandal. "The US legislation not only addressed systemic failures but also led to the Athlete Protection Law in 2020, which built upon the Safe Sport Act to ensure stricter enforcement and accountability," she said. Meanwhile, National U19 Women's Football player Lauren Hoh Ruyi echoed Sarina's concerns, sharing her experiences of fear and silence within the sporting community. "Growing up in the Malaysian sports scene, I've seen that silence isn't always neutral. Speaking up often comes at a cost and fear keeps many athletes, especially women, silent. "Over the past couple of years, I've seen cases where my friends and I would discuss our frustrations, but whenever I brought up the issue to a coach or staff member, they would often say they didn't want to risk anything, risk a spot on the team and that it wouldn't be worth it. "I think that those kind of moments really stuck with me because it made me realise what kind of culture we are embracing and where self-preservation comes at a cost of not speaking your mind and the fear that holds you back," she said. Therefore, she urged the need for open communication channels for athletes to voice their concerns without fear. "I think it's really important to start creating channels where young athletes can speak freely, have the right tools and guidance and most importantly, someone to talk to about these sorts of things," she said. More Like This
Malay Mail
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Behave yourselves, Hannah Yeoh tells rowdy football fans after clashes mar Malaysia Cup finale
KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — A small group of football fans who attend matches with the intention of causing trouble must change their behaviour, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. Commenting on the commotion before the kick-off of the Malaysia Cup final yesterday, she expressed concern that such incidents could deter other supporters, particularly families, from attending sporting events. 'When incidents like this happen, they tarnish the atmosphere and may make some feel unsafe about going to stadiums. The Safe Sport Code is not only meant for athletes and coaches, but also applies to supporters to ensure everyone's safety. 'So I urge those who come just to cause chaos to change their attitude, because it is detrimental to football. What we want is positive reporting, so that whole families can enjoy sport and recreation peacefully, as a form of stress relief,' she told reporters after officiating the Closing Ceremony of the Rakan Muda Convention 2025 here today. At the same time, she noted the encouraging trend of many supporters bringing their children to watch the final between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Sri Pahang FC at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night. In last night's action, JDT defeated Sri Pahang 2-1 to clinch the 2024/2025 Malaysia Cup, creating history by winning all four major Malaysian football titles – the Super League, FA Cup, Malaysia Cup and Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Cup (Charity Shield) – for the third consecutive time. Meanwhile, Hannah also congratulated former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, who was elected as a Council Member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for the 2025-2029 term in Xiamen, China, yesterday. 'This proves that his leadership is recognised by BWF. I wish him all the best and hope he continues to bring honour to Malaysia on the international stage, as it reflects his leadership qualities,' she said. — Bernama
