Athletes: You Deserve to Feel Safe
This page is for you. Whether you're being bullied, you've seen it happen to someone else, or you're not sure what's going on — you're in the right place. Coach Winn has a message for you.
"I have coached thousands of young athletes over 44 years. And I want to tell you something directly: if someone is making you feel small, unwanted, or afraid to come to practice — that is not okay. That is not what sports is supposed to be. You deserve a coach who sees you, teammates who respect you, and a game that makes you feel alive. Don't let anyone take that from you."
What Counts as Bullying?
Bullying in sports can look different from what you see in movies. Here are the four types:
Hitting, pushing, tripping, taking or damaging equipment
Name-calling, insults, trash talk meant to hurt, put-downs about your body or skill
Leaving you out on purpose, spreading rumors, turning teammates against you
Mean texts or DMs, posting embarrassing photos, group chats that exclude or mock you
What is NOT bullying (but might still need to be addressed):
If It's Happening to You
You are not the problem
Bullying is never your fault. It does not mean you are weak, bad at the sport, or don't belong on the team. It means someone else is making a bad choice.
Tell a trusted adult
Tell your coach, a parent, a school counselor, or another adult you trust. You do not have to handle this alone. Telling is not snitching — it is protecting yourself.
Stay with your people
Bullying is harder when you're not isolated. Stay around teammates, friends, and adults. Avoid being alone with someone who has been bullying you.
Document it
If you can, write down what happened, when, and who was there. Save screenshots of any online bullying. This helps adults take action.
Keep playing
Don't let a bully take your sport from you. Your love of the game is yours. If you need a break to feel safe, that's okay — but don't quit because of someone else's behavior.
If You See It Happening to Someone Else
Being a bystander who does nothing is not neutral — it gives the bully power. Here's what you can do:
Don't laugh or join in — even if you feel pressure to
Check on the person being bullied afterward: 'Hey, are you okay?'
Tell a coach or trusted adult what you saw
Invite the person being bullied to sit with you, warm up with you, or be part of your group
Speak up if it's safe to do so: 'That's not cool. Leave them alone.'
Remember This
You belong on this team.
Your value is not your stats.
Being kind is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You have the right to feel safe at practice.
Asking for help is what champions do.
Need to Talk to Someone?
If you're not ready to talk to a coach or parent yet, these resources are here for you — free, confidential, and available 24/7.