Youth Sports in Washington: Let Everybody Compete, Safe from Abuse
At the King County Play Equity Coalition, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play and compete in a safe and inclusive environment. In our recent op-ed published in The Seattle Times, we are calling for urgent reforms in youth sports to ensure that no young athlete is subjected to the risk of abuse or harm while participating.
As part of our mission to create safe and equitable spaces for youth, we shed light on the alarming issue of abuse within youth sports and the lack of accountability and protections in place. Our coalition is advocating for systemic changes to protect athletes, with a focus on preventing abuse, fostering a culture of safety and care, and ensuring all children have the resources they need to thrive in sports—regardless of their background, ability, or identity.
We know that youth sports can be an incredible tool for building leadership, teamwork, and resilience. However, these opportunities can only be fully realized when the environment is safe and supportive. In our op-ed, we discuss practical solutions that could make a significant difference, such as stronger policies, training for coaches, and greater transparency and accountability from sports organizations.
We invite you to read our full op-ed in The Seattle Times, where we dive deeper into these issues and call for a united effort to make youth sports a place where every young person can compete safely and with dignity.
