U.S. Figure Skating and the SkateSafe® team are proud to announce the release of the Parent and Guardian Guide to Athlete Safety, now available on our website here. This essential resource is designed to educate, empower and equip parents and guardians with the knowledge and tools they need to help create safer, healthier environments for their athletes at every level of the sport.
Why This Guide Matters
Parents and guardians are a critical part of the athlete safety network. Whether your skater is just starting out or is competing at a high level, you play an essential role in identifying concerns, setting healthy boundaries and supporting your child’s physical and emotional well-being.
This handbook aims to:
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Raise awareness of the warning signs of grooming, abuse and bullying.
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Promote understanding of the difference between constructive coaching and abusive behavior.
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Encourage open communication between families, skaters, coaches and clubs.
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Support families in making informed decisions around coaching relationships and training environments.
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Provide actionable guidance on how and when to report concerns safely and appropriately.
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Build confidence in navigating challenging situations and advocating for your athlete.
What’s Inside the Guide
The handbook covers a variety of key topics, including:
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Abuse prevention and education
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The grooming process
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Boundaries: set, relay, enforce
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Tough versus abusive coaching
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Bullying prevention
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Athlete autonomy and voice
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SkateSafe® policies and resources
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How to respond and report concerns
This guide provides more than just information, it serves as a practical tool to reference throughout the skating season and beyond.
Empowering a Safer Skating Community
U.S. Figure Skating is committed to fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for every skater. The Parent and Guardian Guide to Athlete Safety is one more step toward equipping our community with the tools needed to protect athletes and build trust throughout the sport.
We’re excited to offer this important resource and encourage every parent and guardian to take time to read it, share it and use it as a guide to help your athlete thrive.
Questions about the Parent and Guardian Guide to Athlete Safety should be directed to skatesafe@usfigureskating.org
