Child Athlete Bill of Rights

Athlete Bill of Rights

All athletes have the right to be S.A.F.E.

• SAY “NO”: You have the right to say “no” in uncomfortable or unsafe situations.
• ACT: You have the right to disclose and take action when something does not feel right.
• FEEL: You have the right to express your emotions and be supported.
• EDUCATE: You have the right to learn about abuse and how to report it

At The Assist, we believe every athlete, whether they are a child or adult, has the right to be SAFE. These four pillars, SAY, ACT, FEEL, EDUCATE, are essential for creating a sports environment where every athlete is heard, valued, and protected. This is not just a philosophy, it is a call to action for athletes, parents/guardians/caregivers, and institutions to recognize and uphold these rights. Explore our resources to learn how you can advocate for SAFE environments.

Children’s Bill of Rights in Sport

Children specifically need age-appropriate protections and considerations outlined in the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sport.

All children in sport have:

• The right to play sports in inclusive, welcoming environments.
• The right to safe, abuse-free and healthy settings.
• The right to trained, qualified program leaders and coaches.
• The right to developmentally appropriate play and competition.
• The right to be heard in activity planning and decision-making.
• The right to equal opportunities regardless of background.
• The right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• The right to enjoy themselves and form meaningful friendships.

Developed by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sport emphasizes the essential human rights that every young athlete should have when participating in sports. From safe environments to developmentally appropriate training, these eight rights are designed to serve as “guardrails” for sports programs to prioritize well-being over winning. Institutions, coaches, and families must commit to honoring these rights in every program, policy, and interaction.

Human Rights in Sport

• Children’s rights to health, safety, and education must be upheld in all sport settings.
• Survivors’ voices must guide reforms and accountability efforts.
• All athletes have a right to report abuse in sport and seek healing. This includes access to grievance mechanisms and reporting options.
• All athletes should be free from retaliation for reporting abuse.
• All athletes should have access to support services and resources.
• Sports institutions are responsible for ensuring these rights are protected.

Sports should be a space where all athletes, and especially children, grow, learn, and thrive, not a place where their basic human rights are neglected. Every sport governing body and institution must guarantee an athlete’s right to safety, well-being, and education.

If these rights are violated, systems must enact immediate and comprehensive reforms. Survivor voices and lived experiences are central to these conversations and making meaningful changes in sport culture.