8/14/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Bowling.
Whether a novice or professional, bowlers want a clean and, ultimately, perfect game. Once they’ve mastered their approach and delivering the ball down the lane, bowlers must learn to avoid crossing the foul line, keep the ball out of the channel, and steer clear of cleaning up a split. It’s time to grab your bowling ball and shoes, assess the lane conditions, and show off your hook shot. When we protect our bowlers, 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 Bowling Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Bowling has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Bowling is a technical sport. There is both internal and external pressure of perfectionism and criticism, which can lead to emotional abuse. Criticism is linked to negative mental health symptoms and low self-esteem.
- Close relationships can develop between athletes and coaches, and competitions can lead to increased one-on-one interactions. These relationships can develop while the athlete is still young because of early sport specialization, and boundaries can be blurred.
- Bowling can include frequent travel, and a variety of venues are used for practice and competition. It can be difficult to identify isolated and other high-risk areas at variable and unfamiliar locations.
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.
4/11/2026
Former bowling coach pleads guilty to child sexual abuse, sentenced to more than 20 years
1/24/2025
Elkhart Bowling Coach Confesses to Years-Long Sexual Abuse of Teenage Girl
1/21/2025
Former bowling coach faces sexual misconduct charges; Police say victim was 13-years-old
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
Bowling Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Coaching within Bowling.
Filter by…
No resources under that filter for Bowling yet.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
USBC Coaching Tips
Coaching
Learn from top USBC coaches at the International Training at Research Center (ITRC).
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.
View Crisis Resources
