A joint investigation by ProPublica and The Washington Post revealed that the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), one of the largest youth sports organizations in the U.S., has failed to implement promised safety reforms after a 2011 abuse scandal involving its leadership. Despite assurances that coaches would be vetted and trained, the organization does not verify whether coaches complete mandatory child abuse prevention courses, leaving children at risk.
Worse yet, the AAU has allowed coaches previously disciplined or banned by other youth sports organizations to continue working with children. This lapses in accountability directly contradict the AAU’s public commitments to athlete safety, creating an environment where abusers can evade consequences.
The AAU has become a haven for coaches suspected of abuse, sidestepping disciplinary actions from other organizations.
Why This Matters
Youth sports organizations play a critical role in shaping children’s physical and emotional well-being. When these institutions fail to prevent or respond to abuse, victims can suffer long-term trauma, and trust in organized sports erodes. Many families rely on these programs to provide safe, structured environments—so transparency and accountability in safeguarding policies are essential.
Beyond individual harm, systemic failures enable repeat offenders to continue working with minors. Without consistent enforcement of background checks, training, and misconduct reporting, young athletes remain vulnerable across multiple sports and regions.
What You Can Do
Parents and guardians should research sports organizations thoroughly before enrolling their children. Ask about background check policies, abuse prevention training, and how misconduct allegations are handled. Look for programs affiliated with the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which sets standards for abuse prevention in youth athletics.
If an organization lacks clear safety policies—or fails to enforce them—advocate for change or consider alternative programs. Reporting concerns to state licensing boards or legal authorities can also help hold organizations accountable and push for systemic improvements in youth sports safety.
