USA Volleyball believes that volleyball has many positive things to offer those who participate. First, and most importantly, whether one is a gifted athlete or a recreational player, volleyball is FUN! It is a lifetime sport enjoyed by players from 8 to 80. Participation in volleyball is not only good exercise, but also involves team cooperation and spirit. Athletes enjoy a wide range of physical, emotional and social benefits. Sports develop general physical fitness, and physical exertion has a documented positive mental effect. Athletes have a greater sense of self-worth, demonstrate better collaboration skills, and maintain healthier peer relationships.
Unfortunately, sports, including volleyball, can also be a high-risk environment for misconduct, including physical and sexual abuse. All forms of misconduct are intolerable and in direct conflict with the values of USA Volleyball.
Misconduct may damage an athlete’s psychological well-being. Athletes who have been mistreated may experience social embarrassment, emotional turmoil, psychological scars, loss of self-esteem and negative impacts on their relationships with family, friends and the sport. Misconduct often hurts an athlete’s competitive performance and may cause enough harm for them to drop out of our sport entirely.
REPORT A CONCERN TO KRVA
Contact Michelle Carlton at commissioner@krva.org or 610-737-6944.
If you are aware of any inappropriate behavior or suspect misconduct of a sexual or abusive nature, you MUST report it. Please do not hesitate. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep our athletes safe!