The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University has issued a statement about the importance of knowing — and screening, training and more closely observing — the thousands of athletic coaches interacting with children across the country.

Written by four national coaching experts and supported by six others, the statement gives parents and administrators specific recommendations and resources while asking them to contemplate three questions:

• Do we know who is coaching our children?
• What should we expect from those that coach our children?
• What can be done to help ensure children participate in a safe and healthy environment?

Recent news has brought extra attention to the topic. They write, “The recent charges of sexual abuse against a long-time Penn State University football coach should give every parent and those responsible for children pause as they ponder their own child’s sport participation.”

Read the full statement.

For more information, contact Larry Lauer, director of coaching education and development, at lauerl@msu.edu or (517) 353-5395. He is available for interviews.

Tags: coaching, Dan Gould, Kinesiology, Larry Lauer, Sports