Safety First, Always: Varsity Brands’ Commitment to Protecting Young Athletes
November is National Child Safety and Protection Month, a time to focus on the essential role we each play in safeguarding young people in our communities. Whether it's within families, schools, clubs, or sports organizations, protecting the well-being of our youth is not just a responsibility – it’s a collective commitment and an enduring responsibility. This priority is woven into everything we do at Varsity Brands.
Our mission is to create environments where young people can thrive – physically, emotionally, and mentally. But for us, safety isn’t a focus just once a year; it’s an enduring core principle, reflected in the policies and protocols we adopt and the investments we make to care for youth.
Varsity Spirit, a part of the Varsity Brands family of companies, has long set the pace for safety in cheer and dance. From pioneering the first risk management manual to earning accreditation from the nation’s leading authority on abuse risk management, Varsity Spirit’s dedication is unmatched. These efforts have had a meaningful impact. The cumulative effects of Varsity Spirit’s actions, partnerships, and investments have resulted in a significant decline in injuries over time. Our approach on and off the field, has made Varsity Spirit a leader in national conversations about youth sports safety.
At Varsity Brands, we understand that building a culture of safety and well-being takes more than policies—it takes care, trust, and a sense of shared responsibility. That’s why we invest in programs, tools, and resources that empower everyone in our ecosystem. From coaches to athletes, our resources are designed to boost awareness and vigilance around safety while supporting the mental and emotional well-being of youth. Programs like SURGE and Believe in You reflect our commitment to youth beyond physical safety.
National Child Safety and Protection Month reminds us of the part we all play in protecting young people. Varsity Brands is steadfast in creating safe, supportive spaces, and we invite our community—families, schools, coaches, and partners—to join us in fostering a culture of care and vigilance.
This month, I encourage you to learn more about youth safety practices and get involved in local safety initiatives. Together, we’re ensuring a brighter, safer future for young athletes and generations to come. Thank you for your role in this important mission.
Explore our resources to help build safer environments:
- Varsity University
- BSN SPORTS Coaches Toolkit blog and webinars
- Varsity Spirit Safety Education & Resources