We tell our kids about stranger danger, to buckle up in the car, wear a helmet when they ride bikes and look both ways before they cross the street, but only 30% of parents have talked with their kids about the danger of sex abuse.  The devastating reality is that one in four girls and one in six boys will be victims of a sex abuse crime.

Research shows that most child sexual abusers are people who are not strangers to the victims, rather they have formed trusted relationships and have groomed them over time.  The allegations at Penn State University are such an example and have brought this conversation to the fore in sports circles. 

Shadow adopted KidSafe risk management guidelines set forth by US Youth Soccer three years ago.  In light of today’s headlines, Shadow wants to take a moment to reflect on and share the ways we are committed to providing a safe environment:

1.  Coaches are carefully screened and undergo a thorough hiring and review process.  We look beyond licensing and playing experience, knowing that reputation, accountability and honesty are vital traits for our coaches.
2.  Players undergo an annual tryout process for all team rosters.
3.  Coaches have limited tenures with each team.
4.  Players, parents and coaches agree to follow our Club Expectations and Club Policies each year during registration.
5.  All coaches and team managers must clear an annual background check. 
6.  Limited personal information about Shadow players is present on our website and in club publicity.
7.  Practices are held with more than one adult present. 
8.  Coaches comply with strict guidelines about on and off the field behavior.
9.  Shadow will follow proper protocol and will alert authorities if allegations of improper behavior are made by players, parents or coaches.
10.  If a team elects to give a year-end gift to a coach, participation by players and families is optional and minimal; the dollar amount held to between $5-7 per player.


Spokane is fortunate to have social service organizations committed to healing children and families rocked by child sexual abuse.  Many of them are facing severe budget cuts in this economy.  Partners With Families & Children: Spokane is one example.  Partners’ is an accredited Children’s Advocacy Center, which coordinates investigations and interventions with medical, mental health, judicial, law enforcement and social welfare experts to assist families dealing with child sexual abuse.  Their funding from DSHS is proposed to be severely cut by the state legislature. 

Shadow will forego its annual fund campaign this year.  Instead, we encourage all families to make a year-end charitable donation to Partners With Children & Families: Spokane’s From Adversity to Stability Campaign.  Financial support is needed to ensure that this community support continues for vulnerable children and families where justice is sought for perpetrators.

While Shadow cannot control the behavior of parents and children, we encourage open and honest conversations.  Children who have been abused exhibit behavior changes, make unusual comments and will likely tell their parents what is happening in bits and pieces.  Please have frank conversations with them.  Contact us if you have any concerns or questions.