Congress session: What happens when abuse happens in youth sports

7/12/2018

Horrific incidents of child abuse and misconduct have tarnished many youth sports programs nationwide and ruined countless young lives in the process, making it more important than ever for recreation professionals to be proactive in protecting their participants.

At this year’s upcoming Youth Sports Congress, set for Nov. 7-10 in New Orleans, Michelle Peterson will present a session entitled What happens when abuse happens in youth sports.

The session will provide a proactive approach for giving youth sports administrators information and tools to address sexual, physical and emotional abuse in youth sports. Peterson will cover how to recognize an offender, how to train parents and athletes and share best practice policies and procedures. A variety of case examples will also be analyzed to provide guidance and support around implementation and prevention.

Peterson is a leading expert on these issues and is passionate about the advocacy of victims of child abuse, the prosecution of perpetrators, the on-going protection of children and overall justice in the world of child abuse.

She provides training for professionals in child abuse investigations; she is involved in the development of policies and procedures in the prevention of child abuse; she provides expert witness testimony; consults in criminal and civil cases involving child abuse; does child forensic interviewing; and does Safe Sport consulting.

Attendees to her session will learn how to:

Understand the best practices in abuse prevention policy and procedures

Review how and when to report concerns and suspicions

Summarize what steps are crucial for an organization to take before, during and after an incident

This year’s Congress kicks off with a motivational keynote by Judson Laipply titled Don’t Change – Evolve. Laipply has appeared on The Today Show, Ellen, Good Morning America and Oprah, among others. His dynamic session will help attendees understand the difference between managing change and leading evolution, as well as gain a new perspective toward struggling and appreciate the role it plays in growing and evolving.

Other sessions that will be presented by leading experts include: Effective Efficiency: Increase your efficiency without lowering your effectiveness; Inclusion: It's the right thing in youth sports; Pack your programs with people: How to draw more volunteers and participants; Recommendations for Communities: Update 2018; Common struggles in youth sports: Evaluating participants and securing officials; and Focus on QUALITY: A roundtable on youth sports.

Significant savings are available now through early bird registration that is under way.

This incredible training enables Certified Youth Sports Administrators to maintain their prestigious CYSA credential by earning continuing education; while others can take advantage to complete the Academy for Youth Sports Administrators to earn their CYSA designation.

Also included in the General Registration fee for those attendees who have yet to earn their CYSA credential is an opportunity to participate in the special Onsite Academy for Youth Sports Administrators, simultaneously scheduled so participants can attend both the Congress and Academy during their time in New Orleans.

CYSA candidates participate in the Academy, which provides a foundation of essential information, as well as resources and wonderful networking opportunities. After the event, CYSA candidates will be provided access to the Online Academy to complete the certification process.

Attendees also have access to two outstanding Athletic Business keynote addresses, the Expo and welcome reception. The first keynote will be presented by Randy Hetrick, who will share the 10 most important leadership lessons he learned as a Navy SEAL; and Ryan Holiday – a well-known columnist, author and motivational speaker – will share how to overcome frustrations and turn adversity into advantage during his keynote. 

The Expo features more than 250 exhibitors, where you'll meet product experts displaying every component for any of your needs. NAYS sponsors have their own pavilion where you can meet great supporters of NAYS programs.

The always fun Athletic Business welcome reception will feature live music and great food, and is the perfect place to connect with AB Show conference attendees, exhibitors and speakers, as well as those attending the Youth Sports Congress.

Reserve your spot now to be a part of this incredible event! Questions? Email yscongress@nays.org or visit Youth Sports Congress.

Search