7/10/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Lacrosse.
Whether you are a middle or a lax goalie rat, during a long, hot tournament you want your gear dialed in and your head on a swivel. From finessing your backhand to throwing that rip shot, mastering the basic skills of cradling and scooping will set you apart during competition. Protect your stick, avoid the penalty box, and keep up your strength and endurance to beat your opponent. When we protect our lacrosse players, 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 Lacrosse Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Lacrosse has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Lacrosse practices and competitions often take place in a variety of venues and often require frequent travel. It can be difficult to discern isolated and/or other high-risk areas when locations are unfamiliar.
- Lacrosse is a team sport, and team environments can be potential havens for peer-on-peer abuse, hazing, and bullying. These behaviors are often encouraged, minimized, or normalized rather than taken seriously.
- If an athlete or coach causes harm, sports organizations may move them to different teams, instead of enforcing consequences.
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.
4/19/2026
Former Joliet middle school teacher, Hinsdale Central lacrosse coach charged after allegations of improper conduct with students
3/19/2026
Assistant coach at Amsterdam CSD on leave after arrest
3/16/2026
Bullying, sexual misconduct allegations between players behind UMBC lacrosse coach’s leave
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
Lacrosse Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Mental Health, Safeguarding, and Governing Bodies within Lacrosse.
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Concussion Policy: Identification, Treatment, and Management - World Lacrosse
Governing Bodies
Gain an understanding of concussion protocol and prevention in lacrosse.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
Health and Safety
Safeguarding
Access resources and research about athletic development and safety.
Regulating Anger On and Off the Field
Mental Health
Learn about the importance of regulating anger in lacrosse.
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
