The Power of Consent in Sport

40-50% of young athletes have been subjected to some kind of sexual mistreatment, ranging from harassment to abuse.

Sports can change lives. Growing up in a family of dedicated athletes, I have been immersed in team sports my entire life. These experiences have been instrumental in forging life-long friendships, establishing robust support systems, and fostering the development of my self-esteem and essential life skills.

However, the inclusive nature of sports, which introduces us to diverse experiences and individuals, also exposes us to vulnerabilities. We bring our entire selves—our bodies, emotions, and pride—to our teams, training, and competitions, subjecting ourselves to physical demands and potential criticism.

Unfortunately, in the world of sports, sexual violence is commonplace. An estimated 40-50% of young athletes have been subjected to some kind of sexual mistreatment, ranging from harassment to abuse. Now more than ever, we are hearing stories from high-profile, professional athletes disclosing years of sexual abuse that they’ve endured from highly respected and powerful staff, coaches, trainers, and peers. Their stories are often shared after years of suffering in silence from fear of being judged, retaliated against, blamed, or not believed.

These stories of sexual violence are not only found in the elite, professional levels of sport. Athletes participating in community, school, and recreational leagues, regardless of age, gender, athletic ability, or background, are susceptible to the profound and life-altering impacts of sexual harassment and abuse within their sport.

Consent in Sport was intentionally crafted to address the unique vulnerabilities young athletes face while simultaneously highlighting the power and influence they possess to transform current sports culture. This training, designed for athletes over the age of 13 playing any sport at all levels, provides teams with a comprehensive consent education. Topics include the impact of entitlement in sports culture, information about power and exploitation, types of sexual violence involving athletes, consent and boundary education, and resources for those who have experienced harm.

Our goal is to leave all athletes with a message of empowerment, reminding them of their right to safety and comfort in their sport and of their responsibility to foster a culture of consent, free from sexual violence, in sports.  

Saffron is proud to be launching Consent in Sport, and would like to thank the Sherwood Park Crusaders and the Sherwood Park Kings Athletic Club for their participation in the development of this project.

To book Consent in Sport for your organization, please phone Saffron at 780-449-0900 or email hannam@saffroncentre.com.