Cathy McMorris Rodgers - the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) emphasized the importance of athlete safety at a recent subcommittee hearing on ensuring athletes are protected from abuse.
Griffith highlighted the significance of organized athletics in the country, stating, “Sport is instrumental in helping to teach young people the values of teamwork and self-esteem.” He noted that millions of children participate in youth sports leagues, dedicating countless hours to mastering their chosen sports.
Referencing the establishment of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, Griffith stressed the need to provide a safe environment for athletes, especially in light of past instances of abuse within sports organizations. He acknowledged the challenges faced by SafeSport in its mission to protect athletes and called for transparency and effectiveness in its operations.
Griffith expressed concerns about criticisms and loopholes within the SafeSport system, including reports of youth sports leagues disaffiliating to avoid safety requirements. He urged for legislative changes and emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the safety of young athletes.
The oversight hearing served as an opportunity for bipartisan discussions on improving athlete safety and addressing the shortcomings of the current system. Griffith reiterated the importance of prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of youth athletes, stating, “Everyone in this room is in agreement-- the physical and mental health of our youth athletes is paramount. We owe them that.”
The hearing concluded with a call for further collaboration and action to enhance the protection of athletes and strengthen the effectiveness of SafeSport in safeguarding against abuse.
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