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Answers to Questions About Youth Sports Coach's Behavior May Point To Sexual Abuse

Experts say that if the answer to any of the following questions is "yes," a coach may be sexually abusing a player.

  • Does your child's coach make her feel like she needs him in order to succeed?
  • Does your child's coach spend time with you in an attempt to win your trust or try to be a surrogate parent?
  • Does your child's coach act differently with her when in front of others?
  • Does your child's coach try to control her (even off the field)?
  • Does your child's coach try to separate her from her teammates or other sources of support, like you or her friends?
  • Does your child's coach spend a lot more time with her than with other athletes?
  • Does your child's coach try to be alone with her?
  • Does your child's coach give her gifts?
  • Does your child's coach tell her not to talk about personal encounters the two of them have had?