Unveiling Tennis’ Silent Crisis: The Urgent Call for Safer Sporting Environments

In a recent report, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted a staggering statistic – approximately 1 billion children aged 2–17 years globally have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year, significantly impacting their lifelong health and well-being.

Regrettably, the harrowing experiences of players like Adrienne Jensen, Fiona Ferro, and Maximilian Abel serve as stark reminders that our sport is far from safe. No one is immune to its risks.

The concept of safe sports has gained traction in recent years, encompassing three core components: anti-doping, anti-corruption, and safeguarding. Today, we hone in on safeguarding, an essential aspect highlighted by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), which asserts that “everyone has the right to enjoy tennis in safe and inclusive environments, free from all forms of harassment, abuse, exploitation and poor practice. Everyone must be vigilant and report any concerns to ensure that children and adults at risk of harm receive effective protection.”

The crux of the issue lies in the paradox that while everyone is theoretically responsible for safeguarding, in practice, this responsibility often goes unfulfilled—a phenomenon known as the bystander effect. The tragic case of Kitty Genovese exemplifies the repercussions of bystander inaction, serving as a sobering lesson for us all.

Currently, the LTA stands out as a trailblazer in taking concrete steps towards addressing this issue, mandating the presence of a Welfare Officer and Welfare Ambassador—an example from which we can all learn.

Moreover, despite the existence of well-crafted policies, procedures, and educational resources by governing bodies such as the ITF and USTA, they often languish unnoticed within the depths of their websites. Furthermore, the absence of mandatory “Safeguard certification” for those working in tennis underscores the sluggish pace of change. My research shows that the ITF, USPTA and PTR are offering some solutions. Tennis Europe has a mandatory one-time course on safeguarding for traveling coaches. The USTA has a “Get approved” program which is also a start.

Transparency remains another critical challenge, as the true extent of safeguarding efforts and their efficacy often elude scrutiny. However, there are glimmers of progress, such as the USTA’s collaboration with Debevoise & Plimpton LLP to review and enhance its protocols for preventing and addressing abuse.

The complexity and legal ramifications surrounding safeguarding further compound the issue, leaving many unsure of where to begin or how to proceed. Yet, despite these obstacles, the imperative to create safe environments for our players remains undiminished.

Education, prevention, and reporting emerge as the primary pillars of action. Let us start with education.

So, what is safeguarding?

Safeguarding, in essence, is the proactive action taken to promote the welfare of athletes and protect them from harm. This multifaceted issue requires a nuanced approach to comprehend and, more importantly, act upon it effectively.

The principles on how to navigate this space will apply to different situations. We need to start by asking better questions, and understanding the answers.

What is happening? What kind of harm is it?

To address safeguarding concerns, it is crucial to recognize the various forms of harm that can affect people. These include harassment, abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual), neglect, discrimination, hazing, grooming and bystander inaction. Importantly, these issues are applicable across different situations, emphasizing the universality of safeguarding principles.

Who is causing it?

Harm can be inflicted through power relationships (e.g., coach-to-athlete, parent-to-athlete) or peer-to-peer interactions (e.g., teammate-to-teammate).

Where is it taking place?

These incidents may occur both online and offline, necessitating a comprehensive approach to monitoring in both contexts.

How can I help?

If a person is in harm, contact the authorities right away. You can also report to the governing body. If it’s an issue like bullying or discrimination, report within your organization. Have safeguarding policies publicly displayed, and ensure they are known by everyone.

In forthcoming discussions, we’ll delve into the global landscape of safeguarding, best practices for communities, and actionable steps to protect athletes and staff alike. Additionally, we’ll share valuable resources to empower you in this endeavor.

In conclusion, by prioritizing safety and demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding, we not only distinguish ourselves as responsible entities but also set the standard for professionalism in our sport. I urge you to share this article within your community, sparking conversations and collective action towards safer sports for all.