Written by: Dan Lovero

In light of a lawsuit filed against a school in South Carolina over Child Abuse and Privacy, we thought it would be helpful to take a moment to talk about creating a safe space in a locker room. After all, the locker room is meant to be a safe space to prepare and unwind mentally after a game or practice. So how can we create a safer space for athletes?

Mobile Phones and Social Media:
Be mindful of pictures being taken in the locker room. When taking a selfie in a mirror, you may be fully dressed however your teammates may still be getting dressed in the background of the picture. It is best to not use your phones when others are still getting dressed. Second, be careful what you post on social media. That same image in the mirror could be great for the athlete’s social media, but embarrass the teammate who isn’t dressed. 

Be mindful of others:
Be sure your words and actions aren’t putting others in a harmful position. For instance, because you feel comfortable with something doesn’t mean someone else will. Communicate with your coaches and teammates so everyone can be clear and on the same page. The same way you work together on the field, you should work together off the field. 

Ensure you feel comfortable:
If you feel uncomfortable in any way, talk to a coach, parent or administrator with your program. It is best to have a conversation if you feel uncomfortable or unsure of a situation. In this example, there were windows for coaches to see into the locker room. An athlete could have reported that to someone to let them know they were uncomfortable with it. This went on for 21 years! 

We all need to do our part to create a safe environment for everyone. You have a chance to be a part of the solution. If you see something, report it. Don’t worry about the outcome whether it turns out to be nothing or if it gets someone in trouble. It is always better to talk openly about it rather than to hold back the feeling or information.