PROTECTING OUR GIRLS FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN SPORT

Sexual harassment, including unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and other forms of inappropriate conduct, is a significant issue in sports. It can occur as a separate act or be part of a broader pattern of abuse. Romantic or sexual relationships between coaches and athletes are considered a breach of professional ethics, status, and power dynamics. Sexual harassment in sports not only discourages girls and women from participating but also hinders their development as athletes.

At ACYSD, we recognize that sexual harassment exists in the world of sports, and we are committed to preventing its occurrence through the establishment of a comprehensive policy and position statement. Our stance on sexual harassment and relationships between coaches and athletes is as follows:

• Sexual harassment and sexual relationships between coaches and athletes undermine the mission of sports organizations and educational institutions, which is to provide leadership and resources to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all females involved in sports and fitness activities.

• Sexual harassment diminishes the self-esteem of women and girls and limits their ability to reach their full potential in sports. It impairs their future opportunities for athletic participation and their pursuit of employment and leadership roles within the field. This not only affects the individuals involved but also deprives society as a whole of the contributions and achievements of these women.

• Consensual or sexual relationships between coaches and athletes erode the professionalism of coaches, disrupt the atmosphere of trust and respect between coach and athlete, and hinder the overall educational mission of athletics. ACYSD firmly believes that engaging in such relationships, even if seemingly consensual, is unethical for coaches who have authority over athletes under their supervision.

We acknowledge that sexual harassment occurs in sports, as it does in other institutional contexts such as government, religious organizations, or the workplace. To effectively address cases of sexual harassment in sports and prevent future abuse of women athletes by coaches, we have developed policy guidelines and procedures. These include regular training and distribution of the policy, ongoing evaluation of its effectiveness, and prompt and appropriate responses to incidents of sexual harassment.

At ACYSD, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all athletes, particularly girls, by taking a strong stand against sexual harassment. Through our policies and ongoing efforts, we aim to protect the well-being, dignity, and rights of female athletes and ensure that they can fully enjoy their athletic pursuits without fear of harassment or abuse.