The realm of sports encompasses a variety of stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and officials, all of whom should operate in environments free from maltreatment. Recent research illuminates a concerning rise in all forms of maltreatment within sports ranging from physical, psychological to cyber harassment. Particularly, individuals from underrepresented groups suffer disproportionately, highlighting the systemic nature of these issues. Global initiatives are struggling to foster significant improvements in sporting environments, urging an intensified focus on empirical strategies that can drive effective preventative measures.

This Research Topic seeks to bridge the gap between understanding maltreatment and fostering wellness in sports. By examining both the negative impacts of unsafe sporting practices and the benefits of cultivating a safe sports culture, we aim to provide a comprehensive view that supports the positive development of sports environments. Our objective is to publish robust empirical research that can substantiate actionable strategies for safeguarding underrepresented or vulnerable populations in sports.

We aim to deepen understanding and amplify discussions on maltreatment in sports. Our focus will extend to:

• Defining the boundaries of safe versus unsafe sporting practices.
• Highlighting effective models of intervention and prevention.

To gather further insights into these boundaries, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Maltreatment experiences among various populations including disabled individuals and LGBTQI+ athletes.
• Effective prevention strategies for coaches and sports officials.
• Wellness programs that enhance safety for older adults and ethnic minorities in sports.
• Perspectives on safeguarding talented and young athletes.
• Inclusion strategies for military veterans and indigenous populations in sports settings

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Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

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Impact